A ruling from the Franklin County Court of Appeals states, at least in the case of Cheryl and Duke Rakich, their insurance company had to pay not only for the repairs, but the value lost because the vehicle had been in an accident.

The Dublin couple had their Yukon GMC only five months before it was hit broadside on Sawmill Road in April 2004.

The Yukon had $8,000 in repairs but Mr. Rakich said the vehicle still had problems and he wanted to sell it. Nationwide refused to pay for more than just repairs, but also the “diminished value” of the vehicle, according to court records.

The Rakich's attorney, Scott Smith, said he believes the ruling has statewide implications, meaning insurance companies will have to do the same with other accident victims.

jandes@dispatch.com