Are you the victim of a road accident? Then you have the right to be reimbursed for your damage. This includes not only the repair of your car, but also the reduction in value. You can find out how to calculate the loss in value of the car involved in the accident here.
The car is repaired 1A and still loses value
An accident - whether just a small scratch or major damage - leads to a reduction in the value of your vehicle. Even if your accident-damaged vehicle has been completely repaired to a first-class standard, it still loses value. This is because your car is now an "accident car" and will realise a lower value at the time of sale. To compensate for this reduction in value, you are entitled to compensation for the loss in value. This compensation must be paid by the party responsible for the accident or their liability insurance. The lawyers refer to this as Reduced valueor quite correctly from mercantile depreciation.
In these cases, a claim to compensation for the reduction in value may be excluded:
- for minor damage
- if your car is older than 5 years
- if your vehicle has a mileage of more than 100,000 km
You don't know whether you are entitled to compensation for depreciation after an accident? That's no problem at all: we have put together a network of specialised legal experts for you in this case. Our experienced specialists will examine your claims for compensation after a road accident competently and free of charge.
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How is the depreciation of your car calculated after an accident?
There are various methods for calculating the reduction in value. There is no generally binding basis for calculation. Courts often refer to the Ruhkopf and Sahm depreciation table.
Here are examples of other depreciation calculators for the mercantile reduction in value:
- Hamburg model
- Bremen formula
- Calculation method half-wax
- Recommendation of the 13th Traffic Court Conference
According to Ruhkopf and Sam, the following parameters are used as the basis for calculation: Repair costs and replacement value of the car.
In order to be able to calculate the depreciation of your accident-damaged car, it is necessary to have the factors "repair costs" and "replacement value" determined. To do this, go to an expert.
The valuer estimates these values, records them in the expert report and determines a loss in value for the car. You can find further information on the appraisal here.
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A percentage of the damage is calculated from the two values. This expresses the percentage of damage to your vehicle. The percentage is divided into 3 categories:
- 10 to 30 % of the replacement value
- 30 to 60 % of the replacement value
- 60 to 90 % of the replacement value
These categories can be used to determine the impairment factor according to Ruhkopf and Sahm:
| 10 to 30 % ** | 30 to 60 % ** | 60 to 90 % ** | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1* | 5 % | 6 % | 7 % |
| Year 2* | 4 % | 5 % | 6 % |
| 3rd and 4th year* | 3 % | 4 % | 5 % |
* Authorisation period
** Percentage of damage depending on repair costs and replacement value
These formulae are then necessary for calculating the reduction in value according to Ruhkopf and Sahm: Repair ratio = repair costs / replacement value of the car * 100 Reduced value = (replacement value + repair costs) * depreciation factor
Example of "Calculating impairment according to Ruhkopf and Sahm"
To better explain how you can calculate the depreciation, we have attached an example. Our depreciation after accident calculator will help you to determine the potential depreciation yourself.
In this example, the following vehicle is involved:
- Repair costs according to expert opinion: €3,500
- Replacement value according to expert opinion: € 35,000
- the vehicle is in its 2nd year of registration
Step 1
Calculate the repair ratio.
Repair ratio = repair costs / replacement value of the car * 100
In the example:
3,500 € / 35,000 € * 100 = 10 % of the replacement value
Step 2
Now use the result from step 1 to read off the depreciation factor according to the table.
In the example:
| 10 to 30 % ** | 30 to 60 % ** | 60 to 90 % ** | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1* | 5 % | 6 % | 7 % |
| Year 2* | 4 % | 5 % | 6 % |
| 3rd and 4th year* | 3 % | 4 % | 5 % |
* Authorisation period
** Percentage of damage depending on repair costs and replacement value
Step 3
The last step is to calculate the depreciation.
Reduced value = (replacement value + repair costs) * depreciation factor
In the example:
(35.000 € + 3.500 €) * 4 % = 1.540 €
In this case, the reduction in value amounts to €1,540. The injured party is entitled to this amount as compensation. As there is no automatic depreciation calculator for motor vehicles, you will unfortunately usually have to carry out the calculations in this way.
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FAQ on calculating depreciation
What is a reduction in value after an accident?
After an accident - regardless of whether it was your fault or not - the value of your vehicle decreases. Even if you have the repairs carried out to the highest quality standards. The depreciation can be calculated so that you know how high the loss in value is.
Is there a vehicle depreciation calculator?
There is no automatic calculator. This is because there are different approaches to calculating the reduction in value after an accident. In this article, we have presented an example based on the Ruhkopf and Sahm method, which you can use as a guide. If you are unsure, we will be happy to help you with the calculation and the enforcement of your rights. Just get in touch with us.
When does a noticeable reduction in value occur?
The mercantile depreciation is nothing other than the loss in value that a vehicle suffers after an accident or damage. The mercantile depreciation is the loss in value that must be compensated by the party responsible for the accident.
Who pays for depreciation after accident leasing?
That depends on who is at fault for the accident. If the accident was not your fault, the insurance company of the person responsible for the accident will pay the reduction in value. If you yourself are at fault for the reduction in value, the payment may be at your expense. However, in the event of an accident that was not your fault, the payment is not due to you, but to the owner of the vehicle. In the case of leased vehicles, this is usually the lessor.
How high is the reduction in value after an accident?
This depends on various factors. For example, the repair costs and the replacement value. From this, the depreciation can be calculated using a formula, for example according to the Ruhkopf and Sahm method. You can find an example of this in the article. We will also be happy to help you determine and assert your claims. Just get in touch with us.
Who pays for depreciation after an accident?
The reduction in value after an accident is usually borne by the party responsible for the accident or paid by their insurance company.
Who gets the depreciation after an accident with financing?
The reduction in value is credited to the owner of the vehicle. In the case of financed vehicles, this is usually the bank. However, this reduction is then offset against the remaining financing amount, so that you also benefit from it.
