Many people do not know the different levels of diminished value in California which insurance companies use to determine the value paid. True pre-loss condition is just what is says. The repairs to your vehicle will be made in order to restore it to the condition it was in prior to the accident. This must be completed in all areas that are related to the function of the vehicle, appearance, safety and for matters of warranty preservation. As the owner, you are entitled to be compensated for the loss of retail value in your vehicle, regardless of the extent of the repairs. If you tried to sell your car, you would not receive the full value because it was in an accident.