The phrase encompasses tools designed to estimate the loss in a vehicle’s market worth following damage and subsequent repair. This loss occurs even after a vehicle has been restored to its pre-accident condition, due to the stigma associated with having been in an accident. For example, two vehicles, identical in make, model, year, and condition, may have different values if one has a documented accident history while the other does not.
These evaluation tools are significant because they assist vehicle owners in quantifying the financial impact of an accident, beyond the cost of repairs. They provide a basis for negotiating claims with insurance companies to recover the financial devaluation incurred. The need for such calculations arose as vehicles became more complex and expensive to repair, highlighting the difference between repair costs and the ultimate impact on resale value.