[Ray paulsen]

Your mistake is having an Insurance policy that don't cover deminished value, but then again over 90% don't have this coverage , here is a copy/paste from my website about deminished

If value after repairs is less than the value before the damage"

Would you be willing to pay the same amount for a car that has been repaired?

You just finished cleaning and polish your pride and joy on a sunday afternoon and taking it for a spin when someone from out of nowhere hits you, your not at fault and the other party's insurance company gets the body shop of your choice with all original parts being replaced along with a rental while your car is being fixed.

Your car is returned looking and driving like before and you will most likely be satisfied driving the vehicle as long as you dont try to sell it as history will report accident and your now faced with 20% to 25% less re-sale value subject to type of damage should buyer check history service.

SUMMARY
An accident can happen anytime and if your plans are to keep your vehicle for resale getting fair market value, find out from your insurance co where your stand regarding DEMINISHED VALUE it could lead you to shop around for a policy that fits your needs