Who can help following a road traffic accident? An overview of who to contact, who is responsible and the costs involved
Following a road traffic accident, you find yourself surrounded by people who are involved in dealing with your claim – but each of them works for a different client. The police take a statement but do not decide on your compensation. The other party’s insurance company pays out, but has a contractual relationship with the person who caused the accident, not with you. Anyone who, after an accident, wants to find the right […]
Car crashes into the side of a house – what should you do and who pays?
If a car crashes into the wall of a house, the person responsible for the accident – or their motor vehicle liability insurance – is generally liable for the damage caused to the building. It is important to document the damage immediately, secure the scene of the accident and have any potential structural damage professionally assessed. An accident of this kind can have significant consequences: in addition to visible damage to the façade, […]
Accident involving the garage door: Who pays if the door is dented or the car is damaged?
A moment’s inattention whilst reversing out of a parking space, an electric door closing, or the parcel delivery driver misjudging the driveway: an accident involving a garage door can happen faster than you think. The key point to note straight away: if a third party (such as a parcel delivery driver or neighbour) collides with your garage door, their motor vehicle liability insurance will cover the full cost of repairs or replacement. If an electric garage door falls onto your car […]
Accidental damage to a convertible. What does the insurance company pay?
Summertime is convertible time. The time of year when the seasonal licence plates are screwed on and driving pleasure of a special kind is enjoyed. It is not without reason that the elaborately restored collector's items in particular are the dream of every car enthusiast: a well-maintained fabric roof, polished paintwork and the unique feeling of the wind blowing through your hair. But what happens when the pleasure is spoilt by damage to the [...]
Expert opinion or cost estimate - €750 makes all the difference
After a road traffic accident, you as the injured party may generally commission an independent motor vehicle expert if the expert opinion is required to determine the damage. The costs of a necessary expert opinion are regularly part of the compensable damage according to § 249 BGB and must be borne by the liability insurance of the person responsible for the accident. In the case of purely minor damage, however, a cost estimate from the garage is often sufficient. A fixed [...]
Child seat broken after accident - does the insurance pay?
Regardless of whether you are travelling by car or in a private car, the use of a child seat is strongly recommended for children up to the age of 12. But what happens to a child seat after an accident? The seat should be replaced urgently after every road accident. As the victim of an accident, you may be entitled to reimbursement of the costs by the insurance company of the person responsible for the accident. Should [...]
Repair costs after an accident - tips on reimbursement
After a road accident, the question quickly arises: Who actually pays the repair costs - and how do you get your money reimbursed in full? Basically, if you are not at fault for the accident, the liability insurance of the person responsible will cover the costs. However, it is crucial that the damage is correctly assessed and that your claims are properly asserted. In this article [...]
The person who caused the accident makes false statements. What to do?
Anyone who has caused an accident must pay for the damage. However, it is not uncommon for the person who caused the accident not to admit fault or even to make false statements. In this case, you should document the accident as well as possible and secure evidence. Call the police at the scene of the accident if there is disagreement about who is at fault. Crucial: [...]
Driving without glasses - these are the penalties
If you need visual aids, you must not do without them in road traffic - otherwise it can quickly become expensive and dangerous. Driving without glasses is not a minor offence, but an infringement of the conditions of your driving licence. Even if you don't have an accident, you could be fined, but if you do have an accident, the consequences can be much more serious - up to and including criminal prosecution [...]
Towing costs after an accident - who pays and why?
After a road accident, the vehicle is often no longer roadworthy - a towing service is then unavoidable and quickly associated with high costs. The good news is that in most cases you do not have to bear these costs yourself. If the other party is at fault, their liability insurance will usually cover the towing costs. Only if you are at fault is it [...]