PROPERTY DAMAGE: How is the actual fair market value of a vehicle determined under California law?

A: Under California law, the actual value of a car is the amount that the car was worth at the time that it was damaged or destroyed. The amount of the car value is known as it's fair market value.

Unless the car is brand new or a collector's item, this value is usually less than the replacement value -- that is, what it would cost to repair damages to the vehicle with materials of similar kind and quality.

You can find the actual value of your car by going to a library or bookstore and referring to a Kelley Blue Book. Or, you can find similar vehicles that are being sold in your area (within 50 miles of your zip code) with local auto trade magazines, or online.  You can also find the value online at the Kelley website at www.kbb.com.

More Legal Questions About San Diego California Car Accidents?

Do you have more legal questions about San Diego California Car Accident Cases?  Return to the Auto, Motorcycle & Truck Accidents in California Frequently Asked Questions page. 
 

The Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC

GOLDEN EAGLE PLAZA

525 B Street, 15th Floor

Toll Free:  (888) 845-6269

Direct:  (619) 813-7955
The San Diego Car Accident Attorney that offers FREE books like our Drunk Driving Car or Motorcycle Accident Book, or our 10 Secrets About Your Injury Case to anyone BEFORE they speak to a Lawyer, Claims Adjuster, or have to sign any Legal Forms; also we represent clients across Southern California including the following areas: 

Alpine, Bonita, Camp Pendleton, Cardiff by the Sea, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, Downtown San Diego, El Cajon, El Centro, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, Julian, La Jolla, Lakeside, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Ocean Beach, Oceanside, Pacific Beach, Poway, Ramona, Rancho Bernardo,San Marcos, Santee, Rancho Bernardo, Ramona, San Diego, Solana Beach, Spring Valley, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, San Ysidro, Julian,Lakeside, Vista and all other areas in San Diego County. We also proudly serve the following Southern California areas of: Imperial,Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Kern Counties.