Accelerated Depreciation Report in BC

A vehicle that has been in a crash and repaired is usually worth less than the same vehicle with no accident history, even when the repairs are good. That loss in market value is called accelerated depreciation (also called diminished value). An accelerated depreciation report documents and quantifies it.

We compare the vehicle’s value with no accident history against its value as repaired, using its damage and repair records, condition and the market for comparable vehicles. Our report is an independent, unbiased expert opinion of that loss in value. We don’t act for either side, and we don’t promise any outcome.

Who we help

When a business damages your vehicle

A common situation is a vehicle damaged while it was in someone else’s care: a repair shop, a dealership service department, a valet or parking operator, a detailer, or a transport or towing company. Even after the business pays for repairs, the vehicle may be worth less because of its new damage history. Owners in that position often seek the lost market value from the business or its insurer, for example through the Civil Resolution Tribunal for small claims up to $5,000, or in Provincial Court. The same applies to rental or loaner damage disputes, private claims and out-of-province claims. Our report documents the loss in value; whether and how you can claim it is a question for your lawyer.

Accelerated depreciation in BC: what to know

For crashes in BC since May 1, 2021, ICBC states that accelerated depreciation is not covered under Basic Vehicle Damage coverage or any other ICBC coverage, and that the limit on suing for vehicle damage includes it. It may still be claimable in other situations, such as a crash outside BC, under some optional insurance products, or in other disputes. Whether you can recover it depends on your situation, so check with your lawyer or insurer before you book. We provide the valuation; we don’t give legal advice.

How we measure the loss

We establish the vehicle’s pre-accident fair market value, review the damage and repair records (estimates, invoices, photos and any history report), inspect the repaired vehicle, and look at how the market prices comparable vehicles with similar accident and repair histories. The report sets out both values and the difference.

What’s in the report

A written, dated report with the vehicle’s identification and specifications, the damage and repairs reviewed, a condition assessment, photos, market comparables, the pre-accident and post-repair values, and the loss in value with the reasoning behind it. See a sample report (PDF).

How it works

1. Free consultation. Tell us about the vehicle and what the value is for.
2. Inspection. Remote anywhere in BC using photos, video and documents. In-person inspections are available in Greater Vancouver.
3. Your report. Typically within 2–3 business days once we have everything.

Pricing

Accelerated depreciation report: custom quote based on the vehicle, + GST. We quote each job individually in the free consultation. Payment is made upfront, before we start work. Law firms can be invoiced.

Related appraisals

Commercial vehicle or fleet unit? See our commercial and fleet appraisal page. Vehicle written off rather than repaired? See our ICBC dispute appraisal page. Classic or custom vehicle? See classic and collector appraisals. Also see estate and divorce and legal appraisals.

Frequently asked questions