IOWA DIMINISHED VALUE CLAIMS
Your Car Was Repaired.Who Pays for Its Lost Value?
Even after professional repairs, an accident can substantially reduce your vehicle’s resale value. Let’s put my experience representing insurance companies to work for you.
Free initial case review • No recovery, no attorney’s fee.
Paul F. Tomkins · Forrest Tomkins PLLC · Ankeny, Iowa
UNDERSTANDING DIMINISHED VALUE
Repairs Fix the Damage. They Don’t Erase the Accident History.
Buyers and dealers may pay less for a car with an accident history than for a comparable car that has never been damaged. The difference in market value is called diminished value.
START WITH A FREE CASE REVIEW
Let's Take a Closer Look.
A few details about your vehicle and repairs are all we need to begin. We'll review your information and may contact you about next steps.
Free initial review, with no obligation
No documents or lengthy explanations needed
Your inquiry stays private
Please do not send confidential information at this stage. Submitting an inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship or mean your claim has been accepted.
MEET PAUL F. TOMKINS
Experience Representing Insurers. Now Working for You.
Paul F. Tomkins
Iowa-licensed attorney
Forrest Tomkins PLLC · Ankeny, Iowa
Earlier in my career, I represented major insurance companies and self-insured businesses in automobile accident, property damage, and personal injury matters. That work taught me how insurers evaluate claims, approach negotiations, and make settlement decisions.
Since then, I have represented individuals in disputes with insurance companies and litigated complex cases in state and federal courts.
My goal is to pursue a fair resolution efficiently. When a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, I bring substantial litigation experience and a willingness to take appropriate claims to court.
Today, I draw on that background to help Iowa vehicle owners pursue compensation for the value their cars have lost after an accident.
Prior outcomes do not guarantee future results. Each matter is evaluated individually.
A PRACTICAL PATH FORWARD
We Handle the Claims Process. You Get Back to Your Life.
Tell Us About Your Vehicle
Complete our brief questionnaire with some basic information about your vehicle and the accident. We'll review the information to determine whether your claim may warrant further evaluation.
Document the Loss
If we accept your matter, we'll work with an independent vehicle valuation professional, when appropriate, to evaluate and document any diminished value. A professional appraisal can provide important evidence to support your claim.
Pursue Compensation
We'll present and negotiate your claim with the responsible insurance company, supported by the available evidence. Most claims can be pursued without litigation, but when necessary and economically justified, we're prepared to consider taking the matter to court.
Prepared to Negotiate.
Willing to Litigate.
Litigation is not always necessary or cost-effective. My goal is to resolve your diminished value claim fairly and efficiently. When a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, I bring substantial litigation experience and a willingness to take appropriate claims to court.
No Recovery, No Attorney's Fee.
For accepted cases handled on a contingency basis, you don't owe an attorney's fee unless we obtain a recovery. We'll review your circumstances and explain the proposed fee arrangement before you decide whether to proceed.
Clear terms before you proceed.
Independent appraisal charges, litigation expenses, and other costs are separate from attorney's fees. Your written engagement agreement will explain who is responsible for these expenses, including if there is no recovery. Expenses are not automatically waived.
Request a Free Case ReviewCommon Questions
Eligibility, deadlines, recoverability, and available remedies depend on the facts and applicable Iowa law.