Effective August 31, 2026. This version replaces the policy dated February 22, 2025.

We Stand Behind Our Appraisals With a 100% Money Back Guarantee

At Diminished Value of Georgia, we are committed to helping you maximize your claim and get the settlement you deserve. We are so confident in our appraisals that we offer a 100% refund of the appraisal fee if your settlement increase does not at least cover the cost of the appraisal.

Download the Money Back Guarantee Policy (PDF)

How the Guarantee Works

Your Guarantee Threshold is the insurer’s last written diminished value offer at the time you order, plus the appraisal fee. If your claim finally settles at or below that threshold, we refund the full appraisal fee.

When You Qualify for a Refund

• Settlement guarantee: if your final increase in settlement is less than the appraisal fee, we refund 100% of your appraisal cost.
• Missed deadline: if we fail to deliver your appraisal within 7 business days of payment.
• Wrong vehicle: if the appraisal report contains incorrect vehicle information and we do not correct it promptly after you notify us.
• Conflict of interest: if a conflict of interest on our side is discovered.

What You Must Do

The settlement guarantee is conditioned on you working the claim:

• Submit our report and demand letter to the insurer within 15 days of delivery, unaltered.
• Follow the demand letter instructions and the follow up steps we give you.
• Forward the carrier’s written responses to us within 5 business days.
• Do not settle or sign a release at or below your threshold before giving us the opportunity to review and advise.

When Refunds Are Not Available

To maintain fairness and integrity, refunds do not apply in the following situations:

• You did not disclose prior accidents or damage on your vehicle.
• Your claim goes to trial and you request our expert testimony.
• You are an attorney representing a client.
• Your insurance carrier has already reimbursed you for the appraisal.
• You signed a release of liability before hiring us and this was not disclosed.
• You did not follow the demand letter instructions or follow up steps.
• You did not submit our appraisal report to the insurer.
• You edited, altered, or modified our appraisal in any way.
• You canceled an inspection request without providing at least 72 hours’ notice.
• You settled, abandoned the claim, or went silent for more than 30 days without giving us the opportunity to review and advise.

How to Request Your Refund

Reply to your guarantee confirmation email within 30 days of your final settlement with the insurer’s settlement letter or check and your correspondence with the adjuster. We review within 10 business days and refund approved requests to your original payment method within 10 business days of approval. Full details, definitions, and exclusions are in the Money Back Guarantee Policy (PDF), which controls in case of any difference with this page.

Claim Management Services

If you paid us a separate fee to negotiate and settle your claim, we guarantee results. If a settlement is not reached within 30 days of payment, you receive a full refund of the claim management fee.

Diminished Value of Georgia Claim Management Services

Tax Deduction Benefit

Diminished value is recognized by the IRS as a valid loss, meaning you may be eligible for a tax deduction. Use IRS Form 4684 to claim uncompensated losses: Download Form 4684.

⚠️ We are auto appraisers, not attorneys or accountants, and we do not offer legal or tax advice. Please consult your CPA.