Glossary

What Is First-Party Claim?

A claim filed with your own insurance company under your policy coverage.

Definition

A first-party claim is a claim you file with your own insurer — for example, under collision coverage after an accident regardless of fault. For diminished value, first-party recovery is often limited because many policies explicitly exclude DV payments.

Why it matters for your claim

Before filing a DV claim with your own carrier, read your policy's exclusions. In many states, third-party claims against the at-fault driver are more viable than first-party DV claims.

Policy language often excludes diminished value for first-party claims.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may have separate rules.
First-party ACV disputes on total loss claims are more common than first-party DV.
Always review declarations pages and endorsements before filing.

Common questions

Can I claim diminished value from my own insurance?

Sometimes, but many policies exclude it. Availability depends on your state, policy language, and whether you purchased specific coverage. Third-party claims are often the better path after a not-at-fault accident.