Diminished Value & Loss of Use: Protecting Your Investment with Steve Calamusa
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proper insurance
Insurance isn’t just about paying to fix the car. The episode is saying the right coverage can also help protect what your Porsche is worth afterward.
diminished value
Even if your Porsche gets fixed after an accident, it can still be worth less than a similar car with no accident history. “Diminished value” is the amount of that extra loss in resale value.
VIN
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique 17-character code used to identify a specific car. In insurance and vehicle history contexts, the VIN is commonly used to pull accurate records and ensure the correct vehicle is being evaluated.
Supercar Claims
“Supercar Claims” sounds like a specialized way of handling claims for very expensive cars. The hosts mention it right before they talk about diminished value, so it’s likely part of the episode’s main explanation.
PCA
PCA typically refers to Porsche Club of America, a large Porsche enthusiast organization with regional chapters and events. In this segment, the guest’s PCA membership and regional involvement provide context for their ownership perspective and community network.
Gold Coast region
This refers to a local Porsche club chapter area. The guest is explaining which part of the Porsche Club of America they joined first.
Gulf Stream region
This is another local Porsche club chapter within PCA. The guest says they helped start it and now lead a charity role.
Porsche 911 (991)
Porsche uses generation codes for the 911. The “991” is one specific era of the 911, and it’s the one the guest moved into before later switching again.
stick shift
A “stick shift” is a manual gear lever you move yourself to change gears. Here, the guest is describing how the shifter position and feel matched what they wanted.
loss of use
Loss of use is about what it costs you when your car is in the shop and you can’t drive it. Sometimes that means paying for a rental, or it can mean a daily amount for the time you’re without your car. It’s separate from the repair bill.
clutch pedal
The clutch pedal is what you press to change gears in a manual car. If it feels “right,” it usually means the pedal response and engagement are smooth and predictable. Here it’s being used to describe how good the car feels to drive.
Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is a type of SUV made to handle rough roads and off-road trails. People bring it up because it’s a well-known vehicle, especially if they’ve owned one in the past. It’s often used as an example of an older, more basic driving experience.
insurance claims for accident damage
Sometimes insurance pays to fix the car, but it doesn’t make up for the fact that the car is worth less afterward. Even if the repairs are good, buyers may still pay less. This is the situation Steve is talking about.
original paint car
An “original paint” car is one whose exterior finish has not been repainted since it left the factory. In collector-car contexts, original paint is often a major value driver, so repainting or bodywork after an accident can create a larger diminished-value argument.
quarter panel
The quarter panel is part of the car’s outer body on the rear corner. If it gets replaced after an accident, buyers may assume the car was damaged, which can reduce resale value.
OEM parts
OEM parts are the same type of parts the car maker would install at the factory. Using them can help ensure the repair matches the original quality and can support your case when dealing with insurance.
loss of potential value if you go to resell it
The idea is that even if your car is fixed, it may still be worth less when you sell it later. Cars that people collect or really care about can lose value more than you’d expect.
OEM paint
OEM paint means the original factory paint system used when the car was built. If repairs use non-OEM paint or don’t match perfectly, it can be a visible and measurable deviation that hurts buyer confidence and resale value.
Ford F150
They mention the Ford F-150 to show a difference in buyer expectations. Trucks like the F-150 are often used hard, so some damage history is more acceptable than it would be for a Porsche.
crash history
Crash history means the car has been in an accident before. Even if it’s repaired, many buyers see that record and assume it’s not as desirable, so the price drops.
clean car fax
“Clean Carfax” refers to a vehicle history report showing no reported accidents or damage events. In practice, buyers use it as a quick proxy for risk and resale value—cars without accident records tend to command higher prices.
dirty car fax
A “dirty” Carfax usually means the report shows an accident or damage. That can make people offer less money because they assume the car may have hidden issues or repairs.
Ferrari
They’re using Ferrari as an example of a luxury brand where an accident record can make the car worth less.
Lamborghini
They’re saying that for cars like Lamborghini, an accident history can hurt resale value a lot.
first-party coverage
First-party coverage means the insurance policy you purchased for your own car. It’s the coverage that gets used when your car is damaged in a crash.
third-party coverage
Third-party coverage is the insurance of the driver who hit you. If they caused the crash, their insurance is often the one that should pay for the damage.
first-party carrier
Your first-party carrier is your own insurance company. They’re the ones paying your claim and then sometimes trying to recover money from the other driver’s insurance.
made-whole doctor
This is a rule-of-thumb idea: you should be fully paid for your losses before the insurance company tries to take money back from the other side. The speaker is saying the injured owner should get diminished value and loss of use first.
specialty policy
A specialty policy is a special kind of insurance plan, often for collector cars. It can include extra coverage that regular auto insurance might not offer, like diminished value.
UMPD
UMPD is insurance that helps pay for damage to your car if the other driver can’t. It’s especially important for property damage, like repairs to your Porsche after a crash.
uninsured motorists
Uninsured motorist coverage helps you when the other driver doesn’t have insurance. The hosts are saying many people focus on injuries, but you should also make sure your car’s damage is covered.
frame machine
A frame machine is a tool body shops use to straighten the car’s structure after a crash. If your car needed that kind of work, buyers may assume it was more seriously damaged.
fish eye in the paint
“Fish eye” is a paint defect where the finish forms small craters or circular imperfections, usually caused by contamination or improper surface preparation. It’s a sign the repair process may not have been done correctly, which can reduce resale value.
orange peel in the paint
Orange peel means the paint dries with a bumpy, uneven texture. It’s usually a sign the painting wasn’t done with the right conditions or technique.
overspray
Overspray is when paint gets on parts that should have been protected. If you can see it, it suggests the repair job wasn’t done carefully.
Porsche certified body shop
This means the repair shop is approved by Porsche and is supposed to meet Porsche’s repair standards. But even if the work looks right, the car can still be worth less because buyers know it was repaired after a crash.
insurance total loss decision
When an accident happens, insurance has rules for deciding whether to repair or total the car. They look at the repair work needed and compare it to the car’s value to decide what costs less.
repair cost vs vehicle value ratio
Insurance often uses a simple comparison: what it costs to repair the car versus what the car was worth before the accident. That comparison helps them decide whether to total it.
car being torn down
Before insurance decides what to do, they may take the car apart to find any hidden damage. If they find more damage than expected, the repair cost can go up.
total loss threshold
Insurance companies compare the repair cost to what the car was worth before the accident. If the repairs are too expensive relative to the car’s value, they may declare it a total loss.
statute of limitations
Laws usually set a time limit for when you can file a claim. This time limit depends on where you live, so the window for bringing a diminished value claim can be shorter or longer.
DMV
DMV is your state’s vehicle office. It’s where you can often find official information or links related to vehicle records and requirements.
subrogation
Subrogation is basically your insurance company trying to get reimbursed by the person who caused the crash. If they already took money from the other side, the question becomes whether they can undo that step. That can change how your claim is handled and what you can recover.
property damage coverage
Property damage coverage is the part of insurance that pays to fix damage to cars or other property. If the at-fault driver only has a limited amount, there’s a cap on how much can be paid out. That’s why the speaker keeps coming back to how much property damage coverage is available.
bodily injury coverage
Bodily injury coverage is what insurance uses to pay for injuries to people after a crash. It’s different from the coverage used to fix damage to your car. So if you’re talking about car value or repair-related losses, you usually have to look at the property damage side.
comp and collision
“Comp and collision” are two parts of auto insurance that help pay for damage to your own car. Comprehensive is usually for non-crash events, and collision is for crash damage. The speaker is saying these are separate from the third-party injury coverage rules.
comprehensive and collision coverage
These are two parts of car insurance that help pay to repair your car. Collision is for crash damage, and comprehensive is for things like theft or storm damage—so if something covered happens, your policy can pay for repairs.
mitigate our losses
This phrase means “try to reduce the damage financially.” In insurance terms, it’s about recovering money or limiting what the insurer has to lose.
subrogate
Subrogation is when the insurance company tries to get its money back from the person who caused the crash. They pay first, then go after the other side to recover what they spent.
insurance company
Your insurance company is the insurer that pays for covered repairs. They may also try to get their money back from the other driver’s insurance.
direct settlement with the at-fault party
Instead of going through your own insurance, you deal directly with the driver who caused the crash to get your car fixed. That can sometimes reduce the back-and-forth with insurers.
liability decision
Liability is basically “who caused it.” Insurance companies usually have to decide that before they’ll pay, so if nobody agrees yet, you can end up waiting.
car's incapacitated
“Incapacitated” just means the car can’t be used because it’s not in a drivable/safe condition. If insurance takes a while to approve the claim, you may be stuck without the car longer.
raise my premiums
Premiums are what you pay for insurance. Some people worry that filing a claim (or involving their insurer) could make their future insurance more expensive.
prejudiced
“Prejudiced” basically means “hurt” or “put at a disadvantage.” The insurer is claiming that because you waited, they couldn’t properly check what happened.
notify us within X amount of days
Insurance companies often require you to report a claim quickly. If you wait too long, they may say they couldn’t investigate properly and refuse to pay.
deductible
A deductible is the part of the repair bill you pay first. After that, insurance pays the remaining cost.
third party company
They’re talking about an outside company that helps with the claim. Instead of everything happening directly through your insurer, you may have to contact this other company, and it can take a long time to get paid.
database where all of this gets reported
They’re talking about systems that keep track of accident and claim history. Insurers can look it up later, which is why renewal forms ask about crashes.
renewing your policy
When you renew your insurance, they check your past claims and accidents. That history can change your price and what coverage you can get.
timely notify us
Insurance policies often require you to report a claim quickly. If you wait too long, the insurer may deny or reduce coverage because they couldn’t check the damage properly at the time.
Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze is a common compact car. They’re using it as an example to show that these insurance issues can happen to regular, non-luxury vehicles as well.
recovery
“Recovery” just means the final payout you receive from the insurance claim. The speaker is saying they want the client to keep as much of that payout as possible.
Porsche Career Gt
They’re talking about a Porsche GT—basically a Porsche that’s meant to be more performance/track-oriented. The question is: if you wreck your own Porsche because you were at fault, do you still try to claim diminished value?
insurance policy
Your insurance policy is the document that spells out what your insurer will pay for. If you’re dealing with damage to a car, the policy language can decide whether you’re covered.
calipers painted
Brake calipers are the parts that squeeze the brake pads. Some people paint them for looks, and if they get damaged or need repainting, it can complicate an insurance claim.
jack stands
Jack stands are safety supports used to hold a car in the air while work is performed underneath. They’re critical for preventing falls, but accidents can still happen if a vehicle is knocked or improperly positioned.
undercarriage
The undercarriage is the bottom of the car—where things like the exhaust and suspension parts live. If it gets hit, it can cause problems that aren’t always visible from the outside.
paint sample car
A paint sample car is basically a car used to show or test paint colors. If it gets hit, it can still need repairs and can affect what the owner can claim.
detailing the paint
Paint detailing is the process of cleaning and restoring a car’s finish—often including washing, polishing, and applying protective products. Damage during detailing can affect the finish and may require additional correction work beyond basic repair.
paint meter
A paint meter is a tool that checks how thick the paint is on different parts of the car. If the numbers don’t match what factory paint usually looks like, it can mean the car was repainted, which can hurt resale value.
wheels were stolen
If someone steals your wheels, you often have to replace them with something else. Replacement wheels may not match the original ones, and that can make the car harder to sell for the same price.
numbers matching wheels
“Numbers matching” here means the wheels are the original-style ones with the right identifying markings. If those wheels are gone and replaced, the car may not feel as “original,” which can reduce what people are willing to pay.
Civic
They’re talking about a Honda Civic as an example. The point is that if you lose original parts (like matching wheels), it can make the car harder to value or harder to sell for top money.
PPF
PPF is a clear film you put on your car’s paint to help protect it from scratches and rock chips. It’s one of the ways people try to keep the car looking new.
ceramic coatings
A ceramic coating is a protective layer on top of the paint. It helps repel water and dirt, so the car stays cleaner and the finish is easier to maintain.
Supply and demand (used to explain car appreciation)
Car prices don’t just depend on condition—they also depend on how many are available and how many people want them. If a car becomes more popular, it can be worth more, so damage can hurt the resale price more.
rear-ended
A “rear-ended” crash is when someone hits you from behind. Even if the damage is fixed, the accident can still reduce what the car is worth when you sell it.
appreciated
“Appreciated” means the car got more valuable over time. If the market is pushing prices up, it can change how much damage affects what the car is worth.
appraisal
An appraisal is a written estimate from a qualified person that supports your claim. Here, it’s used to show how much value the car lost after the damage, not just what it cost to repair.
touring paint sample
This sounds like a description of the car’s paint—possibly a special or higher-end finish. When a car gets repainted after an accident, buyers may value it less, even if the work looks good.
damage history
Damage history is basically proof that the car was in an accident and got repaired. Many buyers treat that as a negative, so the car sells for less.
demand (insurance/claim settlement demand)
A demand is the amount someone asks for to settle a dispute. If the other side’s offer doesn’t match the evidence (like appraisals), the demand can be withdrawn or adjusted.
appraisers
Appraisers are people who figure out what a car is worth. In accident cases, they may also estimate how much value the car lost because of the damage and repairs.
vehicle in the shop for months waiting for parts
If a car can’t be repaired quickly because parts are missing, it can sit in the shop for a long time. That long delay can make it easier to argue that the owner lost the ability to use the car.
PTS Blue
“PTS” is Porsche’s personalization option for things like paint. “PTS Blue” means the car was ordered with a special custom blue color, not just a basic factory color.
Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
They’re saying their Porsche 911 GT3 Touring isn’t available to drive, even though they still have to keep paying for it. The point is that you may still owe insurance and loan payments while the car is tied up, so there should be compensation for that lost ability to use the vehicle.
garnishing wages
Garnishing wages means money gets taken directly out of your paycheck by court order. The question here is whether someone could end up owing money beyond what insurance pays.
Bring a Trailer
Bring a Trailer is a website where car enthusiasts buy and sell cars. The host is using those auction results to show that a bad vehicle history report can lower what people are willing to pay.
no stories
“No stories” basically means the car has a clean past with no accidents or insurance claims. Buyers like that because it makes the car feel safer and easier to trust.
OEM new parts
OEM parts are the same brand/spec parts the car was originally built with. The big question for insurance is whether your policy promises OEM parts or allows cheaper replacement parts.
aftermarket used but newly in part
Aftermarket parts aren’t made by the same company that built your car. If your insurance allows aftermarket or non-new parts, the repair may not match what you expected.
Porsche Cayman
They’re talking about their Porsche Cayman. It’s the car they’re using as an example for how insurance and damage claims can be affected by what’s been changed on the car.
monoblock brembo
“Monoblock Brembo” is a type of brake caliper. It’s a higher-end brake part than the factory one, and changing brakes can affect how an insurance claim is handled.
modifications
The speaker asks how modifications—both aftermarket and other changes—interact with insurance and diminished value claims. This matters because insurers may treat modified parts differently when assessing coverage, repair costs, and whether the vehicle’s value was impacted.
third party claim
A third-party claim is when you’re dealing with the other driver’s insurance. The way they handle the claim can affect whether you can recover money for things like diminished value.
insurance carrier
Your insurance carrier is your insurance company. If you’ve changed your car, you usually need to tell them so they know what they’re covering and how repairs should be handled.
four-liter motor
A “four-liter motor” means the engine is about 4.0 liters in size. That can matter because different engines use different parts and repairs can cost different amounts.
carbon ceramic brakes
Carbon ceramic brakes are special brakes with very hard, heat-resistant rotors. They usually cost a lot more than regular brakes, so insurance and repair decisions can get complicated after an accident.
deer on notice
“On notice” means you tell your insurance company what’s different about your car. If you don’t, they may say they can’t pay for certain damage because they weren’t told ahead of time.
insurance companies ask you to update your records
Insurers often request updated records (like modifications, maintenance, and valuation documentation) because it affects how they assess diminished value and loss of use. Keeping documentation current helps support claims and reduces the chance of coverage disputes after an accident.
stated value
Stated value means you tell insurance what you think the car is worth. Depending on the policy, insurance may still check that number and could adjust the payout.
car is totaled
A “totaled” car is one insurance decides it’s not worth repairing. When that happens, the settlement amount matters a lot—and that’s when people start talking about agreed value, stated value, and diminished value.
reviewing your policy with your insurance agent
Insurance claims can turn on the exact wording in your policy. Talking with your agent ahead of time helps you know what you’ll be able to claim if something happens.
agreed value
Agreed value means your insurance company and you agree on a set payout amount ahead of time. If the car is totaled, the payout is based on that agreed number instead of arguing about the value later.
read your policy carefully
The host is saying you should read the insurance policy closely because the wording controls how they pay you. Talking with your agent helps you confirm what you’ll get if the car is written off.
actual cash value
Actual cash value is what the insurance company thinks your car is worth right now, after depreciation. So even if you paid more for the car, the payout may be lower because it’s based on today’s value.
market value
Market value is the price similar cars sell for right now. If demand changes or your car’s condition is different from other listings, the insurance estimate can change too.
six speed manual
A “six speed manual” is a stick shift with six gears. Some buyers prefer manuals, which can make the car worth more than an automatic.
coolant lines pinned
This sounds like a repair to the car’s coolant hoses/lines so the engine stays properly cooled. Repairs like this are important because they show the car was maintained and fixed correctly.
market comps
Market comps are examples of similar cars that have actually sold. You use them to prove to the insurance company what your car is really worth.
Tech Tactics Live
Tech Tactics Live sounds like an event or show where they go deeper into technical and practical topics. They’re recommending it as a way to learn more about what to do in situations like claims.
testing in Sweden
Testing in Sweden usually means the car is being tried in cold, winter-like conditions. That helps engineers see how the car behaves when it’s really chilly.
off-roader
An “off-roader” is a car meant to handle rough roads and trails. It’s built for dirt, gravel, and uneven terrain rather than just smooth pavement.
off-road overlanding
“Overlanding” is like road-tripping, but farther and more self-sufficient—often with camping gear and driving on rougher routes. “Off-road overlanding” means the vehicle is picked because it can handle those tougher roads.
niche car
A “niche car” is a model aimed at a narrower group of buyers with specific tastes or use cases. In this context, the hosts are questioning whether off-road-focused demand will support continued production or if it’s a limited trend.
What's next / next big thing
They’re basically asking what the next big trend or development will be. It’s not really about one specific car detail here—more about what might happen next.
mindset of people who buy those cars
They’re talking about how some car owners don’t worry about keeping the car spotless. Instead, they like using the car and don’t mind dirt or rough conditions.
Aspen in the wintertime
Aspen is used here as shorthand for harsh winter conditions—cold temperatures, snow, and road grime—that can make driving a sports car less convenient. It’s an example of how “loss of use” and practical ownership concerns can show up when travel plans change.
Thunderwunch
Thunderwunch sounds like a specific special Porsche-related car/build they’re talking about. They explain that it has a themed look and that it’s based on a Porsche 911 ST.
special graphics
Special graphics are custom paint/decals that change how the car looks. If the car is meant to match a certain style, replacing or restoring them can be part of making it “right” again after damage.
rear wheel disc
This sounds like they’re talking about the look of the rear wheels. Wheel design is part of the car’s overall style, and if you replace wheels after damage, matching the look can matter.
multi-wheels
They’re likely talking about wheels with lots of spokes (a “multi-spoke” look). That style can make the car look more performance-oriented, and it can also be chosen to fit the brakes.
Porsche Man Porsche
The Porsche Macan is a compact SUV made by Porsche. It’s designed to be practical for daily driving while still feeling sporty to drive. It’s mentioned in the context of Porsche events, where many different Porsche models show up.
Porsche Parade
Porsche Parade is a big Porsche club event. Here they explain that registration happens in phases, and phase two is when you choose what activities/classes you want to join.
registering for class and college
They’re comparing event sign-up to picking classes in school. The idea is that you should decide what you want early, because the best options may go quickly when registration opens.
Las Vegas parade
They’re just describing how big events can feel exhausting if you try to do everything. It’s an analogy to explain why people might not want to keep doing the tours.
Bolton Board
They mention a place (a board) where people can sell tickets for tours if they can’t go. It’s a way to get a better deal or avoid wasting money.
Treffenet Sea cruise
They’re talking about a club cruise/drive. It starts in Vancouver and goes down to San Francisco, and it’s meant for members to enjoy the cars together.
Ferrari 458 Italia
The Ferrari 458 Italia is a famous Ferrari supercar. It’s known for a naturally aspirated V8 engine and a very sporty, high-rev feel.
Ferrari 458
The Ferrari 458 is a famous supercar from Ferrari. People love it because it’s fast and feels really exciting to drive, not just because it looks good.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a special, more track-oriented version of the 911. It’s the kind of car people buy when they want a supercar experience but also want to join events and drive with other enthusiasts.
community value of ownership
They’re talking about the extra value you get from owning a car, like joining a club and meeting other owners. Even if you’re thinking about investment value, the community can make the ownership experience better.
tech tactics at Eastern Pennsylvania
They’re mentioning a specific event where someone gave a presentation. Think of it like a “chapter” in the episode for the tire-tech portion.
tire tech
“Tire tech” refers to the engineering and development work behind tire performance—things like compound design, construction, and how tires behave under different loads and conditions. The hosts highlight that modern tire development relies heavily on data and iterative research with manufacturers.
Pirelli
Pirelli is a company that makes tires. They spend a lot of time testing and using data to develop tires, often working with car makers to match what the cars need.
tire compounds
A tire isn’t just one kind of rubber. Manufacturers mix different rubber “recipes” (compounds) and can put them in different areas of the tire. That helps the tire grip better in wet, dry, or cold weather without giving up everything else.
tread patterns
Tread patterns are the shapes of the grooves and blocks on a tire’s surface. They influence how water is channeled away (wet grip), how the tire contacts the road (dry grip), and how it performs in snow or on loose surfaces. Changing the tread pattern is one of the main ways tire makers tune traction for different conditions.
wet vs dry grip tradeoff
For a long time, tire makers had to choose what the tire was best at. If you made it great for dry roads, it might not do as well in rain or snow. Newer tire technology helps reduce that “either/or” problem.
designation on the tire
Tires have codes printed on the sidewall. Those codes tell you things like the tire size and how fast/load it’s rated for. Knowing them helps you buy the right tire instead of guessing.
Porsche GT3
A Porsche GT3 is a performance Porsche that’s meant to be driven hard. The tires chosen for it are tuned for how the car behaves, so using the wrong tire can hurt grip and how the car feels.
tire compound and tread pattern differences
Even if two tires are the same size, they can use different rubber and tread designs. Those differences change how much grip you get and how the tire works when it gets hot.
N-spec tires
Some tires are made to match a specific car’s needs. “N-spec” means the tire is chosen to fit and perform the way Porsche intended, not just any tire that looks similar.
StarSpec BMW tire
BMW also has its own approved tire setups for how the car is supposed to drive. “StarSpec” is basically BMW’s way of saying “this tire is the right match” for that car.
special exhaust
An aftermarket exhaust is a replacement exhaust system you buy to change how the car sounds. Sometimes it can help performance, but sometimes it’s mostly for noise.
PS4Ss
PS4Ss is a brand/model of performance tire (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S). It’s designed for sporty handling, but there can be different versions depending on the car it’s meant for.
qualifying the customer
Qualifying the customer means asking how you’ll use something before recommending it. In this case, they’re saying your driving style should determine whether you need expensive performance tires.
Sport Cup 2
Sport Cup 2 is a type of high-performance tire. It’s made to grip the road better, so it works well when you drive more enthusiastically—not just casually around town.
Ling Longs
“Ling Longs” is a nickname for lower-cost tires, used here to contrast with premium performance tires like the Sport Cup 2. The speaker’s point is that cheaper tires may not deliver the same grip, consistency, or overall experience—especially on a Porsche.
900 treadwear
Treadwear is a number printed on some tires that estimates how long the tire should last. Higher usually means the tire lasts longer, but it doesn’t tell you everything about how well it grips.
proper tires
Using the right tires matters because tires control how the car grips the road. The wrong tires can make the car feel less stable and can reduce braking and cornering performance.
