Maine Diminished Value Claims
What Maine Drivers Need to Know
Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, or a stretch of coastal Route 1 — no matter where the crash happens in Maine, a repaired vehicle still carries its accident history into the resale market, and that history costs the owner real money. Maine's courts settled this question back in the 1930s, holding that the loss in value is measured directly, not simply assumed away by a repair invoice. When another driver caused the accident, that loss is recoverable from their insurer, and Maine gives you an unusually generous six years from the accident date to bring the claim.
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01
Six-Year Filing Window
Maine allows six years from the date of the accident to pursue a diminished value claim.
02
Filing Against the At-Fault Driver
Diminished value claims can be pursued against the at fault driver’s liability insurance when another driver caused the accident.
03
Your Own Policy Typically Won't Help
Most first party policies in Maine do not cover diminished value, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage generally does not apply to diminished value claims.
04
Maine Small Claims Cap: $6,000
Maine small claims court allows diminished value claims up to $6,000.
How Maine Courts Have Ruled on Diminished Value
Maine's approach to this issue dates back nearly a century, and the underlying logic hasn't changed: a repair bill doesn't automatically equal a full recovery.
Collins v. Kelley, 133 Me. 410 (1935)
The Supreme Judicial Court of Maine held that in cases involving vehicle damage, the proper measure of damages is the difference between the vehicle's value before the accident and its value after. The court made clear that repair costs matter as evidence, but aren't controlling where credible evidence shows the vehicle remains worth less even after repair.
Maine Diminished Value: Common Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Maine diminished value claims, including how claims work, time limits, and how loss in market value is calculated after an accident.
Can Maine drivers file a diminished value claim?
Yes. Maine allows third party diminished value claims when another driver is responsible for the accident.
What happens if I wasn't the one at fault?
The at-fault driver's insurer may owe you for the loss in market value in addition to covering repair costs.
Is there a way to claim this under my own policy?
Generally not, unless it's specifically written into your coverage.
How do you put a dollar figure on the loss?
There's no mandated formula in Maine. A market comparison of similar vehicles — with and without accident history — is the usual approach.
What's the time limit to file a claim?
Maine generally allows six years for property damage claims, longer than most states.
Do insurance companies pay these out readily?
Yes, but they typically want clear evidence of measurable market loss before writing a check.
Still have a question?
Our Maine Diminished Value Guide offers a closer look at diminished value claims and the considerations that may affect your claim.
Drivers in northern New England may want to review how diminished value claims are handled in nearby states such as New Hampshire and Vermont.