California car-damage guides

Plain-English guides for California drivers after a crash, with links to the official sources.

• What diminished value is and when CA drivers can claim it

  Your car was fixed but is worth less. Who pays the lost value, how to prove it, and the 3-year deadline.

• The 17c formula and why it isn't California law

  Where the insurer shortcut formula came from (Georgia), how it shrinks offers, and what California uses instead.

• California diminished-value demand letter template

  A free fill-in letter for the at-fault driver's insurer, plus what to attach and what to do if they say no.