For drivers
What is diminished value?
The value your car lost because it was wrecked. Once an accident is on the record, buyers pay less, even after a perfect repair. North Carolina lets you claim that loss from the other driver's insurer.
Do I qualify?
If the other driver was at fault, the wreck was in North Carolina within the last three years, and you have not signed a release, you likely do. The estimate step asks four questions that decide it.
How long do I have?
Three years from the wreck, under North Carolina law. Don't wait on it: the estimate tells you where you stand the moment you pick the month.
What is free?
The estimate, and applying to a firm. If a firm takes your claim, you never get a bill: its fee and the appraisal come out of what the insurer pays, and only if it pays.
What does the appraisal cost?
On your own, $500, flat, charged when the signed report is delivered. Flat means the appraiser has no stake in the number. With a firm, the firm orders it and it comes out of the settlement.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. You can order the appraisal and send it yourself. Or pick a participating North Carolina law firm, no fee unless your claim is paid. Questions about fault, a release you signed, or your rights need a lawyer.
Will my own insurance go up?
North Carolina law adds accident points and surcharges to your insurance only when you caused the accident. This is a claim on the other driver's insurance, not a claim on yours.
Will this put something on my Carfax?
No new accident on your Carfax. Carfax reports accidents, damage and repairs. A diminished-value claim isn't any of those, and Carfax's own guide tells owners how to file one against the other driver's insurer.
How long does it take?
Two minutes to the estimate. A participating firm answers your application by the end of the next business day. The signed appraisal is written within 24 hours of the appraiser accepting the order. The insurer's part varies.
For law firms
How does a firm get listed?
Any North Carolina firm that meets the published listing requirements is listed free, in random order on equal cards, and receives applications directly. Contingency only.
What does it cost a firm?
Nothing to be listed and nothing per case. The case software is a fixed services fee, invoiced monthly, never a share of fees, and buying it never affects listing. Terms pending the services agreement and counsel review.
Who is in control?
Your lawyers. The software drafts; only a lawyer sends, agrees a figure, files or advises, and each decision is recorded under their name. No throughput metrics, no firm dropped for declining.
Where does client data live?
Originals sit in a restricted store with per-matter access and no model access; redacted working copies drive the drafting. Your firm's matters are visible to your firm alone. The appraisal company sees only the orders you place.