Won $4,800 in diminished value from the at-fault driver's insurer - here's exactly what I did

Posting this because when I got rear-ended last December I had no idea diminished value was even a thing, and the at-fault driver's insurer (Progressive) made zero mention of it during the repair process. I learned about it from this forum, filed a third-party DV claim, and after about two months I got a check for $4,800. Sharing the steps in case it helps anyone.

The car: a 2022 Toyota Highlander, 31,000 miles. Pre-accident clean Carfax. The repair came in at $9,200 - frame was straight but the rear quarter panel, bumper assembly, and hatch all needed replacement. Repaired by a manufacturer-certified shop. Looked perfect when I got it back. But it's now a vehicle with a documented accident on Carfax and that affects resale.

What I did: First, I waited until the repairs were fully complete. Second, I got a written diminished value appraisal from an independent licensed appraiser - not a body shop estimate, an actual DV-specific appraisal. Cost me $295. The appraisal calculated DV at $5,200 using the standard methodology (pre-accident value vs. post-accident retail value with documented damage history). Third, I sent a formal demand letter to Progressive with the appraisal attached, citing my state's law on third-party DV claims (which are recognized in most states for at-fault accidents). They came back at $2,800 first, then $3,900, then settled at $4,800. Total time from demand to check: about 8 weeks.

Things I'd do differently: I would have started the DV process immediately after the repairs were authorized instead of waiting. And I would have known going in that the first offer is always lowball - just be patient and don't sign anything that releases your DV rights when you sign for the property damage payment.