The following applies after road accidents: without an exact assessment of the damage, there can be no proper settlement and reimbursement. A motor vehicle expert examines and assesses the damage to the vehicle caused by an accident and documents the situation in an expert report. In our guide, we explain when you need an expert opinion and what else you need to know.
- An independent motor vehicle appraisal helps to quantify the specific claims following the accident.
- In contrast to the cost estimate from the garage, damage items such as depreciation are also listed.
- As the injured party, you have the right to your own independent expert. You should not accept an expert sent by the opposing insurance company.
- The costs of the accident report are borne by the insurance company liable to pay compensation.
- We will be happy to help you commission a competent and independent expert.
When do I need an expert opinion after an accident?
After a road accident, the question always arises as to how much damage has actually been caused. This is best answered by a professionally correct damage appraisal. This is where a motor vehicle expert can help. He prepares the expert report and documents the damage in pictures, technical facts and the resulting amounts of money for the restoration.
What does the report say?
The amount and cause of the damage is determined in the expert report. It also serves as evidence. This is important for you, because in around 5% of accidents, a judge will ultimately want to see evidence.
What are the advantages of the expert opinion?
When the report is drawn up, the recognisable damage is compared with the accident description and inconsistencies can be uncovered in good time. Another significant advantage of the expert report compared to the simple Cost estimate is to document the reduction in value. Otherwise, this type of claim quickly falls by the wayside and you miss out on a valuable reimbursement.
Do I have to use the expert sent to me by the opposing insurance company or am I entitled to my own expert?
Insurance companies like to use their own experts. They draw up expert reports that may determine an amount of damage that is too low so that the insurance company incurs fewer costs. As the injured party, you should realise that having your own expert is the better solution. Especially if the amount of damage is particularly high, as the insurance company wants to keep its expenses low. The costs for an independent (second) valuer must be borne by the opposing insurance company even if they send you their own valuer.
Is the expert liable for his statement?
As the injured party, you can rely on the expert's expertise and insurers who do not agree with the calculated repair costs do not have you, but the expert as their liable contact person. The expert opinion is therefore a valuable and indispensable tool for asserting your claims against the insurance company in several respects.
When is it not advisable to prepare an expert opinion?
If the damage costs are less than €750, this is referred to as minor damage. In this area, there may be subsequent discussions about the necessity of the expert opinion and the resulting expert invoice. In the case of minor damage, we advise you to obtain an expert opinion on the repair costs. Cost estimate to be drawn up. However, this only serves to determine the repair costs. You do not have a function of preserving evidence here.
Can I choose an independent expert myself?
As the injured party, you are not obliged to accept the expert brought in by the opposing insurance company. On the contrary! You can and should choose and commission an independent expert yourself. This has the advantage that you do not have to rely on the expert provided by the insurance company. Appraisals that are primarily designed with the insurance company's interests in mind will quickly show damage amounts that are too low. As the injured party, an independent expert opinion is usually the better choice. The costs incurred for the expert opinion must be borne by the opposing insurance company.
Who commissions the expert after the road accident?
You have various options for obtaining an expert opinion.
Option 1: Expert is recommended by the dealership
Garages regularly recommend proven experts from their network. You can often commission these experts directly at the dealership or the dealership will call them for you. This approach protects you as far as possible from unpleasant surprises in the person of the expert, as car dealerships prefer customer-orientated experts.
Option 2: Insurance company liable to pay sends you an expert - NOT RECOMMENDED!
The preparation of an expert opinion can also be initiated by the insurance company liable to pay. The insurance industry also has its own experts to assess accident damage. However, you should be aware that in this case, experts act in the interests of the insurance company. We therefore strongly advise against this option.
Option 3: Own research & commissioning
If you still want to do your own search, you can find a wide-ranging appraiser market on the Internet via the usual search engines. Look out for reputable providers, good training certificates and, ideally, credible customer reviews.
Option 4: We send you a top-rated independent valuer - OUR RECOMMENDATION
In order to achieve the best possible regulation for our customers, we have built up a nationwide network of above-average appraisers. Our innovative portal allows us to measure response times and service levels.
This gives you the unique advantage of having an expert with a proven track record.
As a special service, the experts from our network will come to your home or workplace. This saves you valuable time.
Who pays the costs of the motor vehicle appraisal?
In the event of an accident that was not your own fault, the liability insurance will apply. All costs incurred - including the costs of the expert opinion - must be borne by the opposing insurance company.
If an accident is wholly or partly self-inflicted, comprehensive insurance will cover the costs in full or in part. In this case, the assumption of the expert's costs is regulated individually via the conditions set out in the insurance contract. An accident report regularly costs between €500 and €800.
What is the easiest way to obtain an independent expert opinion?
Have you been involved in an accident through no fault of your own and need an independent motor vehicle valuer after the accident? Then play it safe and contact us directly:
- Our competent team of experts will discuss the right next steps with you.
- If required, we can organise a certified surveyor to come to your home. He will prepare the important independent expert opinion
- Your full claims are calculated by specialised teams of lawyers using our software
- Your optimised claims are asserted with the insurance companies liable to pay benefits and paid out for you
- If required, our network of tested, reliable specialist workshops and replacement vehicles will support you
- You will be kept up to date on all regulatory progress via our innovative HIS (customer information system).
Unfortunately, we cannot undo your accident. But we will make the best of it for you, we promise!
