Prior damage deductions

Some valuations deduct an amount for damage that existed before the loss — labeled for example prior damage or unrelated prior damage. The deduction should be documented and should not repeat a condition deduction. Here is what to check and what to ask for.

What it isDouble-countingDocumentation to ask for

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What to check

Was the damage actually there before this loss?
How the dollar amount was determined — an estimate, photos, a flat figure?
Whether the same damage also lowered a condition rating (counted twice).

What you can ask for

The photos and estimate supporting the prior-damage amount.
Confirmation that the same damage is not also reflected in the condition ratings.

What you can provide

Dated photos from before the loss.
Repair receipts if the earlier damage had been fixed.

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Frequently asked questions

What if the damage had already been repaired?

Send the repair receipts and any photos, and ask the insurer to remove or recalculate the deduction.

Is a prior damage deduction the same as a condition adjustment?

No. A condition adjustment rates components against a typical vehicle; a prior-damage deduction subtracts for specific damage. Check that the same damage isn't counted in both.

What this is — and isn’t

FairTotalLoss is a self-help information tool. We are not a public adjuster, appraiser, or law firm; we do not represent you, contact your insurer, or negotiate your claim, and we do not advise on insurance coverage. Our reports describe what your valuation report shows and questions you may choose to ask; they are not an appraisal and not a substitute for advice from a licensed public adjuster or attorney. Fixed price, unrelated to any settlement outcome.