Keith Smith Appraiser Background:
Diminished Value Method, LLC was formed in 2010 by Adjuster Keith A. Smith due to an observation 🤔 that diminished value claims in Louisiana were rarely being effectively pursued, and the methods being used by insurance companies to evaluate the losses were unfair and flawed.
Since our inception, our goal has always been to offer quality diminished value appraisals in a timely manner at an affordable price. By focusing on the Louisiana, and now Alabama, and Mississippi diminished value appraisal market, and utilizing professionalism combined with standardized appraisal principals, we have developed a method that is widely accepted by insurance professionals and courts alike.⚖️
From Asphalt to Auctions: The Early Years of Keith A. Smith🏎️
Keith’s passion for valuing vehicles began in his teens. His dad was a race car driver, but his mom wouldn’t allow him to follow in those footsteps so Keith’s dad began a career flipping cars. At 13, Keith could tell his dad the value of a vehicle as it was driven to the auction block. Keith helped his dad rebuild and modify a long list of rare and impressive vehicles, but he was a defiant youth and became a competitive Los Angeles street racer during his late high school and early college days.
Keith A. Smith: Building Expertise from Classroom to Courtroom 📚
Keith began studying real property valuation during his college years, earning a B.A. in Insurance and Real Estate from Morehouse College in 1988. With over 21 years of experience in insurance claims, he started as an auto claims adjuster for USAgencies in 1995 and rose to become a Litigation Specialist . In this role, he led litigation strategies and oversaw the work of insurance defense attorneys. Keith is a licensed Louisiana Adjuster (Lic. No. 470196) and an IACP Certified Auto Appraiser. He’s a recognized authority in the field, often referred to as “Mr. Diminished Value” by all the auto sales managers and body shops . For a more detailed look at his credentials, you can view his current adjuster license here or download his CV here. 📥
Keith’s Insurance Journey Before Becoming “Mr. Diminished Value”:
Before diving into the specialized world of diminished value, Keith wore multiple hats in the insurance sector. His experience is rich and diverse, laying the foundation for the expert he is today.
📆 Aug 2008 to Aug 2009 – Multi-Line Adjuster at Trinity Insurance Services, Inc., Mandeville, LA
📌 Keith honed his skills in multiple areas of adjusting, including Auto Liability, Commercial GL, and Medical Malpractice claims.
📆 Aug 2004 to Jul 2007 – Adjuster for Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc., New Orleans, LA
📌 Here, Keith further developed his understanding of complex claim scenarios, handling workers compensation and managing liability claims for large self insured entities.
📆 Nov 2002 to Aug 2004 – Adjuster for AIG Claim Services, Inc., New Orleans, LA
📌 Became company software trainer for the region assisting with rollout of new paperless claims system.
📆 Mar 2001 to Apr 2002 – Adjuster for Cunningham Lindsey U.S., Inc., Metairie, LA
📌 Handled commercial liabilty claims and individual complex investigations on an as needed basis.
📆 Nov 1996 to Jan 2000 – Automobile Liability Litigation Specialist for USAgencies Casualty Insurance Company, Inc., Baton Rouge, LA
📌 Here, Keith rised up the ranks to Litigation Specialist, not only managing claims but also orchestrating litigation strategies and directing defense attorneys.
📆 Mar 1992 to Nov 1996 – Adjuster for Risk Management, Inc., Baton Rouge, LA
📌 Where it all began—Keith’s introduction to the insurance industry, learning the ropes of risk and claim management.
Keith has prepared thousands of automobile appraisals and has extensive knowledge of diminution in value claims nationwide. He is respected in the industry and works for plaintiffs AND insurance companies alike. He has the experience to consider the specific details of your case, and to adequately evaluate your loss.
At the current time we are handling Alabama diminished value appraisals, Mississippi diminished value appraisals, and in the state of Louisiana. Our territory is expanding so feel free to call.
