Car-sharing: What parents need to know – Part I: You as the driver
Whether it’s the daily journey to school or the lift to the sports club: the „parent taxi“ is part of everyday life for many families. Organised car-sharing schemes save time, help protect the environment and ease the strain on rush-hour traffic. But what happens if there’s a collision on the way to school? Who covers the medical treatment costs for the children in the car? And in which cases does the […]
Rear-end collisions on the motorway: Who is liable, what should you do, and what claims are you entitled to?
An accident on the motorway is one of the most stressful situations a driver can face on the road. Given the speeds involved, there is no time for hesitation in an emergency. Whether you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision with a stationary vehicle or a rear-end collision following an unexpected emergency stop: your own safety and the correct handling of the claim must be your top priority. In this guide […]
Rear-end collision – Who is to blame?
A quick glance at your mobile, failing to notice the green traffic light in time, or the car in front suddenly slamming on the brakes: a rear-end collision usually happens in a fraction of a second. Almost everyone knows the rule of thumb: „The driver who crashes into the car in front is always at fault.“ Legally speaking, this statement isn’t entirely accurate. What really applies, what you need to look out for at the scene of the accident, and what claims you’re entitled to if you […]
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 [...]