Georgia consumers can collect more money from their auto insurers because the state is one of a handful that recognizes diminished car value after an accident.

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In fact, Georgia is the only state where recognition of diminished value has been upheld in a court case.

Diminished value is based on the assumption that a wrecked car, no matter how expertly repaired, is inherently less valuable than the same vehicle that hasn't been in an accident. Advocates say that consumers faced with two identical cars with identical price tags will consistently choose the car that hasn't been previously damaged.

Many states, however, have adopted language that allows insurers to exclude diminished value coverage. The National Association of Independent Insurers says that if a car is repaired properly, there is no diminished value.

Diminished value has been particularly important in cases of "total loss" vehicles, where diminished value can raise the overall settlement offer.