I got rear-ended this evening, and I’m not sure yet of the full cost, but my bumper and rear lift gate are pretty damaged. Also, my backup sensors and radars might be affected, though I’m not certain.
Is a diminished value claim worth looking into? My car is a 2024 with only 5,500 miles, so I’m just trying to avoid a resale hit in the future, not aiming for a payday or anything.
Questions:
How do I go about filing a diminished value claim?
Who should I file it with?
Is there anything I should do right now to start the process?
Also, anyone else gone through this with a new car? Last time it happened to me (with my old 2015 Mazda), the blind spot system was never the same and always showed a car in my blind spot. Do body shops handle these advanced driver assistance systems well? Should I be extra careful to make sure they don’t take shortcuts? Really worried my car might not be the same after this.
I’m dealing with a similar situation now! Your insurance should help you file for the diminished value claim. Some people go the legal route, but I didn’t feel like doing that myself. Try searching “diminished value claim + your state” to see if there are specific rules or limits based on your location. The claim amount can vary a lot depending on things like damage severity, mileage, etc. My guess is you might get a few thousand dollars.
Oh, another question… does this forum have any thoughts on “Hyundai Certified Collision Repair” centers? I’ve got a local body shop near my house with great reviews, but they aren’t officially certified. My dashboard is already warning me about driver assistance system issues, so it’s clear that sensors need fixing. Should I stick with a certified shop to be safe? Does that certification really matter? Will a certified shop ensure everything is calibrated with Hyundai? Can I insist on using original parts? Just worried about these advanced systems and the beeping that’s already stopped working.
To prevent serious injury:
• Never mess with the radar assembly or hit it.
• Even a small impact near the radar could misalign it, possibly without showing a warning.
• If the radar is repaired or replaced, Hyundai recommends getting it checked by an authorized dealer.
• Only use genuine Hyundai parts to repair areas with radars.
• The Driver Assistance system might not work if the bumper or radar areas are damaged or repainted.
• Having a trailer or hitch-mounted carrier could mess with radar performance or even stop it from working properly.
I hope you’re alright. Keep an eye on yourself for any injuries, even minor ones that could show up later. While I don’t have all the answers for you, your insurance and maybe even your dealership should be able to guide you on where to get it repaired. Since it’s a new model, I’d feel more comfortable with a Hyundai-certified shop, especially if I didn’t already have a preferred repair shop. Plus, there may be issues with OEM parts availability for third parties.
Try not to let your past experience with repairs stress you out too much—technology has come a long way in the last 10 years! Hope everything goes smoothly.
About the diminished value claim… YES, this is something to look into! There are firms that specialize in helping with these claims. You could search for “diminished value claim” to see if there are local firms. They may need to inspect your car, but in many cases, they just rely on photos and repair details. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you’re probably entitled to compensation, and it could be a decent amount. The only downside is that because this is a newer model, the firms might not have much data on a 2024 Santa Fe. Also, in some states, the cost of a diminished value assessment could be recovered from the at-fault party.
If I were you, I’d call a few of these firms and ask about their process. No need to commit to anything yet, but you can get an idea of what’s involved. Usually, the diminished value claim is handled after repairs are completed.
True said: @Blair
Thanks! Quick question… is this something I can handle on my own, or do I actually need to hire a firm?
You can totally do it yourself! Just let your insurance company know you want to file a diminished value claim, or if you’re dealing with the other driver’s insurance, tell them directly. Normally, you can only file the claim once your repairs are done and you have proof that the car lost value.