A damage report (Schadengutachten) records the extent of damage, the damage pattern and the values. It is the basis for claim settlement (Regulierung) by the other party's insurer. As independent vehicle experts, we document your damage with photos, measurements and a repair cost calculation. This way, every item of damage on the car is backed up with evidence.
Maximilian Fromm
Founder and Mechatronics Engineer (B.Sc.)
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We come to you: to the repair shop or to the place where the car is parked. We work in all of Erlangen, Nuremberg, Fürth and our other service areas
Usually the day after the inspection
We remain your contact person for technical questions
Here are three typical reasons why a report is the basis for claim settlement. For smaller damage, a Repair estimate is often the right choice.
If the damage is clearly above about €750, a report can document the amount and extent of the damage clearly. There is no fixed limit. What matters is your assessment of the damage when you place the order.
A report documents impact height, contact marks and damage pattern with photos and measurements. It stays technically easy to follow, even if questions come up later.
Only the report states the replacement value (Wiederbeschaffungswert), the residual value (Restwert) and the diminished value. A repair estimate has none of these values.
A report is not just a list of costs. It describes the damage so that it stays clear later.
What happened and what it costs
What is otherwise missing in the settlement
A nice photo is not what counts. What counts is a clear link between mark, height and extent.
We inspect everything that has a license plate, and some vehicles that do not.
From small cars to large vans like the Sprinter. This includes vehicles with optional equipment and modifications.
Motorcycles, scooters and quads. Here it is especially important to separate damage from the vehicle falling over from damage caused by the accident.
Commercial vehicles, semi-trailers and special vehicle bodies. For business use, downtime and the cost of keeping a replacement vehicle ready also matter.
This includes leak testing with moisture measurement, where the damage requires it.
Tractors, attachments and construction vehicles. We value them by operating hours instead of mileage.
We pay close attention to the high-voltage system and the battery. An impact to the underbody needs special attention here.
The other driver's liability insurance pays the report costs. You then pay nothing. Our guide explains how long it takes until the insurer pays.
Then the costs are reimbursed in proportion to the liability share (Haftungsquote). The guide Accident with shared fault shows how the liability share splits the report costs.
Below the limit for minor damage, a full report is often not reimbursed. Then a Repair estimate is often the right choice.
For hail, wild animals, marten bites or storms, your own insurer usually sends its own expert. If you want to hire us yourself, please first ask your insurer to confirm that the costs will be covered. Our accident guide summarizes what else applies after you hire us.
Usually within 24 hours. The on-site inspection takes 30 to 45 minutes for typical damage. The finished report is usually ready within 24 hours after the inspection. Our article explains what the duration of a vehicle report depends on.
Your vehicle registration certificate (Fahrzeugschein), your contact details and, if you have one, the file number of the insurer or the police. We clarify everything else on site.
Usually not. If we can access the car and we have the documents, a short call is enough.
After an accident that was not your fault, you choose the expert yourself. Repair shops or the other party's insurer often suggest an expert. These are suggestions, not requirements. For a claim under your own vehicle insurance (Kaskoschaden), the terms of your own insurance apply. Our article How to choose a vehicle expert explains what to look for.
This happens. Contact us before you agree to an appointment. We attend the second inspection and explain what is discussed there.
After an accident that was not your fault, the other party's liability insurance usually pays the costs. With shared fault (Teilschuld), the costs are reimbursed in proportion. Our article Vehicle report costs explains the details.
No, not after every accident. A report usually makes sense if the damage is clearly above about €750, if diminished value is possible or if a total loss is possible. There is no fixed limit. What matters is your assessment of the damage when you place the order. For smaller damage, a repair estimate is often the right choice.
Important: Have the car repaired only after the inspection. After the repair, the extent of the damage can no longer be proven.
You reach the independent vehicle expert directly, with no call center. The free initial assessment comes with no obligation.
