Question 1

What exactly is a vehicle appraisal and what is the document needed for?

Accepted Answer

A vehicle appraisal is a detailed and legally binding valuation of a vehicle, prepared by a qualified and independent expert. The damage report precisely establishes the current condition, the value (e.g., replacement value and residual value), and all damage incurred by the vehicle. A professional vehicle appraisal is frequently required for: Claims settlement for accident damage (insurance cases). Determining the mercantile depreciation (diminished value) after an accident. Vehicle valuation before buying or selling. Securing evidence for presentation in court. Kfz-Sachverständigenbüro Alkan prepares your report transparently and professionally.

Question 2

How long does it take to prepare a vehicle appraisal and when will it be finished?

Accepted Answer

The duration for preparing a vehicle appraisal can vary, but we always strive for maximum speed. Usually, the damage report is completed and ready for dispatch within one to three working days after the inspection. The exact duration depends on the complexity of the accident damage and the availability of the vehicle for damage assessment. As your vehicle expert Alkan, we prioritize swift processing so that your claims settlement can begin as soon as possible.

Question 3

What costs should I expect for a vehicle appraisal?

Accepted Answer

The costs for a vehicle appraisal vary depending on the type of appraisal (e.g., damage report or valuation), the complexity of the damage, and the vehicle type. It is always advisable to obtain a transparent quote from the vehicle expert beforehand. Important: If you are involved in a no-fault accident, you usually incur no costs! The opposing liability insurance is legally obliged to cover the entire cost of the appraiser. As your vehicle expert Alkan, we settle the costs directly with the opposing insurance company in such cases.

Question 4

What happens if I disagree with the results of the vehicle appraisal or the damage assessment?

Accepted Answer

If you do not agree with the results of a vehicle appraisal – especially a report from the opposing insurance company or another appraiser – you have the right to obtain a second opinion. As Kfz-Gutachter Alkan, we act as an independent party and are happy to review third-party reports. We analyze the damage assessment and recalculate all your claims. In a no-fault accident, it is crucial that you commission an independent expert who guarantees a fair and precise damage determination. We are happy to assist you with this review and consultation.

Question 5

Do I have to be present during the vehicle inspection or damage assessment by the appraiser?

Accepted Answer

It is not strictly necessary for you to be present during the vehicle inspection. Since we at Kfz-Gutachter Alkan offer a flexible on-site service in Hamburg and the surrounding area, we are happy to come to the location of your choice for the damage assessment. This can be your home, your workshop, or your workplace to allow for maximum flexibility. However, your presence can be useful to provide important additional information about the accident sequence, which is relevant for the final vehicle appraisal. We are happy to clarify this with you individually.

Question 6

What exactly is the replacement value of a vehicle after an accident?

Accepted Answer

The replacement value corresponds to the amount you would currently have to invest with a reputable car dealer to purchase an equivalent replacement vehicle. To precisely determine this value in the vehicle appraisal, we take into account all value-determining factors of your damaged vehicle – including age, condition, equipment, and mileage. The determined replacement value thus reflects the actual market value your vehicle had immediately before the accident and is decisive for the claims settlement with the insurance company.

Question 7

What is the residual value of an accident vehicle and how is it determined in the appraisal?

Accepted Answer

The residual value defines the maximum amount that can still be obtained when selling the unrepaired accident vehicle on the general used car market. The correct determination of the residual value is crucial for claims settlement in the event of an economic total loss. An independent vehicle appraisal ensures that the residual value is set realistically and in line with the market, so that you receive the maximum difference to the replacement value from the opposing insurance company.

Question 8

What is an economic total loss and how is the claim settled by the insurance company?

Accepted Answer

An economic total loss occurs when the expected repair costs for your vehicle exceed the replacement value (the value of the vehicle immediately before the accident). In this case, the claim is settled by the opposing insurance company on the basis of a total loss. The insurance then pays the difference between the replacement value determined in the vehicle appraisal and the residual value of the damaged vehicle. An independent vehicle appraisal is essential to determine these values (repair costs, replacement value, and residual value) precisely and in your favor.

Question 9

What is the mercantile depreciation (diminished value) of the vehicle and how is it calculated in the damage report?

Accepted Answer

Mercantile depreciation (or diminished value) describes the loss of market value that your vehicle suffers due to accident damage. Although the vehicle has been professionally repaired, it is considered an 'accident vehicle' on the market and therefore achieves a lower sales value than a comparable, accident-free model. This theoretical loss of value arises when the vehicle is sold later and thus represents a compensable loss. The independent vehicle appraisal quantifies this depreciation precisely to ensure that you are fully reimbursed for this claim by the opposing insurance company.

Question 10

According to which factors and formulas is the mercantile depreciation calculated?

Accepted Answer

Mercantile depreciation is a central component of the damage report and is precisely calculated by an independent vehicle expert. The calculation takes into account several important value-determining factors to determine the actual loss of market value: Age of the vehicle: Younger vehicles generally suffer a higher depreciation than older models. Mileage: Higher mileage can reduce depreciation as the loss of value is already advanced. Extent and type of damage: The severity of the accident damage and the type of parts affected (e.g., frame damage) significantly influence the amount of depreciation. Pre-accident condition: The general condition and marketability of the vehicle before the accident are used to establish the original market value. The vehicle expert thus determines the theoretical loss of value that arises because the repaired accident vehicle achieves a lower sales price on the used car market.

Question 11

Vehicle appraisal or cost estimate?

Accepted Answer

In the event of a no-fault accident, a professional vehicle appraisal is recommended, especially if the damage amount is expected to be above the so-called minor damage threshold (€750-€1,000). A damage report makes sense in the following cases: High repair costs: To transparently determine the exact extent of damage and repair costs if the damage is significant. Complex damage: For extensive or structural accident damage, a vehicle appraisal is indispensable. Mercantile depreciation: Only a vehicle appraisal can quantify the expected depreciation of the vehicle and thus secure your full compensation. Total loss calculation: A vehicle appraisal determines the residual value and the replacement value for a comparable vehicle, which is crucial for claims settlement. Evidence: In case of expected disputes with the opposing insurance company, the professional report serves as important evidence. A cost estimate is usually only sufficient for minor damage below the mentioned limit, as it can be prepared faster and more cheaply.

Question 12

Do I have to accept the appraiser from the opposing insurance company in a no-fault accident?

Accepted Answer

No, in a no-fault accident you do not have to accept the vehicle appraiser of the opposing liability insurance. You have the right to appoint an independent vehicle appraiser of your choice. We strongly recommend that you exercise this right, as insurance appraisers often act in the interest of the paying insurance company and try to calculate the damage to the vehicle as low as possible. It is advisable to consult an independent and competent expert like Kfz-Gutachter Alkan. Only in this way can you ensure that the actual extent of damage, depreciation, and all your claims are precisely and fully taken into account in the damage report. The costs for the appraiser are usually covered by the opposing insurance company in the event of a no-fault accident.

Question 13

Which documents does the vehicle appraiser need to prepare the report?

Accepted Answer

For the swift and professional preparation of your vehicle damage report, the vehicle expert usually requires the following documents: Accident report or police file number (if the police recorded the accident). Contact and insurance details of the opposing party (liability insurance). Vehicle registration certificate (Part I) or vehicle title (Part II). Detailed information on the course of the accident (location, time, possibly a sketch). Proof of previous damage and repairs carried out. Service booklet or digital maintenance records for correct vehicle valuation. If available: Contact details of your traffic lawyer and your legal protection insurance (for immediate claims settlement). Complete documents enable us to process your order quickly and precisely.

Question 14

Does vehicle appraiser Alkan come to me? (Mobile on-site service in Hamburg and the surrounding area)

Accepted Answer

Yes, as your vehicle appraiser Alkan, we naturally offer a free and flexible on-site service! We are not only on the road throughout Hamburg for damage assessment but also cover the entire surrounding region. We even travel up to 150 km out of Hamburg to prepare your vehicle appraisal quickly and easily at your desired location – be it at home, in the workshop, or at your workplace. We thus guarantee swift processing of your accident claim throughout Northern Germany.

Question 15

What do I need to consider for minor damage (Bagatellschaden)?

Accepted Answer

Minor damage (Bagatellschaden) usually exists when the repair costs for the accident damage are below the limit of about €750 to €1,000. Even if the damage appears minor, you should not forego documentation, as even small damage results in mercantile depreciation. For minor damage, a comprehensive vehicle appraisal is usually not required; a so-called short report or a detailed repair confirmation is often sufficient here. We recommend that you contact us without obligation. We will quickly check the extent of the damage and clarify whether a short report or a cost estimate is sufficient for claims settlement with the opposing insurance company. This ensures that your claims are fully taken into account.

Question 16

Am I entitled to a rental car or loss of use compensation in the event of an accident?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in a no-fault accident, you are generally entitled to compensation for the downtime of your vehicle. You can choose between: Rental car: The costs for a rental car during the repair period or the replacement period (in case of total loss) are covered by the opposing insurance company. Loss of use compensation: If you forgo a rental car and bridge the time otherwise, you will receive a daily loss of use compensation instead. This is calculated based on the vehicle type in the vehicle appraisal. Your independent vehicle appraiser determines the exact duration of the loss of use and the amount of compensation and ensures that this claim is asserted as part of the claims settlement.

Question 17

What is the difference between a liability claim and a comprehensive insurance claim on the vehicle?

Accepted Answer

The distinction is crucial for claims settlement and the choice of appraiser: Liability claim (Third-party fault): A liability claim exists if you are involved in an accident that was not your fault. The opposing liability insurance is responsible for the damage. Here you have the full right to appoint an independent vehicle appraiser of your choice. The opposing insurance bears the costs for the damage report. Comprehensive claim (Own fault/Elemental damage): A comprehensive claim exists if you caused the accident yourself (Full comprehensive/Vollkasko) or if the damage was caused by external influences such as storm, theft, or game (Partial comprehensive/Teilkasko). In this case, you settle the damage via your own comprehensive insurance. The insurance usually determines the appraiser. As an independent vehicle appraisal office, we support you with liability claims and are happy to advise you on the best steps for comprehensive claims as well.

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