Glossary

What Is Demand Letter?

A formal written request to an insurer stating your claim, evidence, and the amount you are seeking.

Definition

A demand letter is the written document you send to an insurance adjuster to formally claim diminished value or dispute an ACV settlement. It summarizes the accident, your damages, supporting evidence, and a specific dollar amount you are requesting.

Why it matters for your claim

Verbal conversations with adjusters are hard to prove. A clear demand letter creates a paper trail, shows you are serious, and gives the insurer a structured package to evaluate.

Include claim number, vehicle details, and a specific demand amount.
Attach market comparables, repair invoices, and photos as exhibits.
Reference applicable state law when filing a third-party DV claim.
Send via email with read receipt or certified mail for documentation.

Common questions

What should a diminished value demand letter include?

At minimum: your contact info, claim number, vehicle identification, accident summary, repair documentation, comparable sales evidence, your calculated DV amount, and a deadline for response.

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