MONTANA — 2-YEAR DEADLINE TO FILE YOUR CLAIM
Diminished Value & Total Loss Appraisals in Montana
The Insurance Company Already Made Their Offer. Now It's Your Turn.
Whether your car lost value after an accident or the insurance company is lowballing your total loss — you don't have to accept their number. We build IACP-certified, USPAP-compliant appraisals for Montana vehicle owners that give you the leverage to fight back.
“The insurance company's total loss offer on my pickup was embarrassingly low for what similar trucks were selling for in Billings. CCA's appraisal gave me the leverage I needed and…”
— Craig S. , Billings, MT | Recovered: $3,900
Sound Familiar?
If any of these describe your situation, you likely have a claim worth pursuing.
Diminished Value — Your repaired car is worth less now
Even after a perfect repair, your vehicle's accident history follows it. Buyers pay less for accident-damaged vehicles — and the at-fault driver's insurer owes you the difference. That's diminished value, and most people never file for it.
Total Loss — Their offer doesn't match what your car was worth
Insurance companies use automated valuation tools that routinely undervalue totaled vehicles. A certified independent appraisal documents the real market value — and gives you the evidence to demand what you're actually owed.
Not sure which applies to you?
That's exactly what the free claim check is for. Answer a few questions, and in 60 seconds you'll know whether you have a viable claim and what type of appraisal you need — before you spend a dime.
Three Steps. No Attorney. No Upfront Cost.
We've handled this hundreds of times. Here's exactly what happens.
Check Your Claim (Free)
Answer a few questions. In 60 seconds you'll know if you have a viable claim and what it could be worth.
We Build Your Appraisal
Our IACP-certified appraisers produce a USPAP-compliant report with market evidence the insurer can't ignore.
Collect What You're Owed
Present your certified appraisal to the insurer. Most claims settle without a lawsuit.
What We Handle in Montana
Every type of auto appraisal claim — one firm, one certified standard.
Diminished Value Appraisal
Recover the value your vehicle lost because of its accident history — even after a perfect repair.
Learn more →Total Loss Disputes
Challenge a lowball total loss offer with a certified market-based valuation.
Learn more →Right to Appraisal / Claim Disputes
Your policy may include an appraisal clause — a powerful tool to resolve value disputes without court.
Learn more →Post-Repair Inspection
Verify your vehicle was repaired correctly and safely before you accept it.
Learn more →IRS Form 8283 IACP Appraisal
Get a qualified appraisal for charitable vehicle donations and tax deductions.
Learn more →Loss of Use Appraisal
Document what you're owed for every day you're without your vehicle.
Learn more →Montana Vehicle Owners Who Fought Back — and Won
Diminished value and total loss claims. They were in the same situation you're in right now.
“The insurance company's total loss offer on my pickup was embarrassingly low for what similar trucks were selling for in Billings. CCA's appraisal gave me the leverage I needed and I recovered an additional $3,900.”
Craig S. — Billings, MT
Recovered: $3,900
“CCA helped me file a diminished value claim after my car was repaired following a collision. The at-fault insurer initially refused but paid once they received the certified report. Very grateful.”
Lori B. — Missoula, MT
Recovered: $2,400
“I wasn't sure I had a case, but CCA reviewed everything and confirmed I had real money on the table. Their process was smooth and their team was easy to work with throughout.”
Nathan K. — Great Falls, MT
Know Your Rights in Montana
The insurance company hopes you don't read this.
Montana at a Glance
- Statute of limitations: 2 years from the date of the accident for property damage claims.
- Third-party claims: Diminished value is a tort claim filed against the at-fault driver's insurer.
- Consumer protection: Unfair Trade Practices in Insurance (Mont. Code § 33-18-201) protects you against unfair claims handling practices.
- Regulator: Montana Office of the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance — file a complaint if your insurer is acting in bad faith.
Diminished Value in Montana
Learn how Montana law supports your right to recover lost vehicle value after an accident.
Learn more →Total Loss Disputes in Montana
Your insurer's first offer is almost never the full value. Learn how to challenge it.
Learn more →The Appraisal Clause
Your auto policy may include a provision most drivers never use — and it can be one of the most powerful tools you have.
Learn more →Montana Dept. of Insurance
Montana Office of the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance — file a complaint, check your insurer's record, or learn about Montana's insurance regulations.
Visit Montana Office of the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance →Why Certified Matters
Similar to our expectation that the men and women of the collision industry operate at a high level of professionalism and integrity, we expect the same from our staff and network of appraisers here at Collision Claims Advisors. All appraisers contracted through Collision Claims Advisors are required to be IACP certified through the Bureau of Certified Auto Appraisers. This requirement not only separates us from our competition, but it allows us to follow and maintain a uniform standardized practice, better known as the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
The Bureau of Certified Auto Appraisers (www.BOCAA.org) is a National Professional Appraisal Credentialing Organization (NPACO) as recognized by the IRS & US Department of Treasury for the qualification of IACP Certified Auto Appraisers Worldwide.
The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), developed in 1986-87 and copyrighted by The Appraisal Foundation, is the gold standard for appraisers across the United States. Endorsed by Congress, it serves as the definitive source for appraisal standards and appraiser qualifications. When an appraisal aligns with USPAP standards, it's more than just an opinion; it's considered solid evidence.
or call (877) 587-3040