Why this site exists
For 20+ years, insurance carriers have used a 2001 administrative shortcut to lowball Georgia diminished value claims. This site explains that shortcut — and what to do about it.
The mission
17cformula.com exists to do three things:
- Explain what the 17c formula actually is — its origin in State Farm v. Mabry, what the court intended, and what insurance carriers have done with it since.
- Demonstrate why the formula is mathematically and conceptually flawed — point by point, with the math shown.
- Equip consumers with a free rebuttal letter and a clear next step toward a fair settlement.
This isn't legal advice. It's an educational resource backed by 15+ years of licensed appraisal work, and it's free because most of the 17c rebuttal information online is either buried in legal databases or behind paywalls.
About the author
Tony (Antoine) Rached is a licensed auto appraiser specializing in diminished value assessments. He runs Diminished Value of Georgia (Georgia DV claims) and Appraisal Engine (nationwide, all appraisal types).
The two ebooks on the 17c formula — written in 2014 and updated in 2018 — form the foundation of the content on this site.
The two appraisal businesses
Diminished Value of Georgia
Specialized in Georgia diminished value claims. If your accident happened in Georgia, your vehicle is 10 years old or newer, and you're trying to recover the loss in market value caused by the accident — this is the right service.
- Field appraisal: $425
- Desk appraisal: $275
Visit Diminished Value of Georgia →
Appraisal Engine
Everything else: total loss disputes, repair audits, pre-purchase inspections, classic / specialty vehicles, out-of-state diminished value, and any appraisal scenario that needs a licensed expert.
Contact
Phone: (877) 667-2326
For appraisal requests, please use the contact forms on the appropriate site (DVGA or Appraisal Engine). For general questions about the 17c formula or rebuttal letter, use the rebuttal letter form.