Frequently Asked Questions Answered Clearly
We answer the most common questions about accident claims, vehicle reports, and services, providing clients with clarity, guidance, and trusted support.
1. Why should I choose an independent vehicle appraiser?
An independent appraiser ensures unbiased, accurate vehicle evaluations, helping accident victims receive fair insurance settlements without pressure from opposing insurance companies.
2. How much does your service cost accident victims?
Our service is completely free for accident victims. Costs are directly billed to the insurance company, so you don’t pay any advance or hidden charges.
3. How quickly can I get a vehicle report?
We offer fast processing, usually within 24–48 hours after inspection, ensuring you have a professional and reliable report for insurance or legal purposes quickly.
4. Do I need a lawyer for my accident claim?
Not always, but having one can help. Through our 360° accident service, we connect you with experienced lawyers to support your claim process if necessary.
5. What’s the difference between an E-Bike, E-Roller, and Motorroller?
We appraise all types of vehicles including cars, motorcycles, vans, vintage cars, and commercial vehicles, delivering precise valuation and damage reports tailored to each vehicle type.
6. Can you help me with used car checks?
Yes, our experts provide professional used car checks, identifying hidden damages, ensuring transparency, and helping buyers make informed, safe, and confident purchase decisions.
7. When will I get my money?
This varies from case to case. In some cases, the injured party receives the money after just three days. Typically, the payout is made after four weeks. However, with foreign insurance companies, it can take two to three months.
8. Muss ich meine Versicherung informieren?
No. As an accident victim, you do not have to inform your insurance company. However, if you caused the accident, you do.
9. Does the insurance company deduct VAT from the damage costs? Is this legal?
Yes, in the case of a fictitious settlement, only the net amount of the appraisal for your vehicle plus the depreciation in value will be paid out.
10. Why does the appraiser want a declaration of subrogation? Is it safe to sign?
Yes, because we at Kfz-Sachverstand want to help you immediately realize your claims for damages. By signing a declaration of subrogation (Section 398, Sentence 1 of the German Civil Code), you authorize us to act on your behalf without you having to pay the appraiser’s fee in advance.
You also authorize the appraiser to claim his fees from the opposing insurance company on your behalf. Nothing more, nothing less. The payments to you remain unaffected.
11. Can the insurance company reduce the cost if my car isn't serviced according to the service history?
Your appraiser calculates the cost of repairing your vehicle based on the current hourly rates at an authorized repair shop. However, to save costs, you have had your inspections performed regularly at an independent workshop. This means that your car isn’t serviced according to the service history for the insurance company, and the amount calculated by the appraiser will be reduced by the insurance company.
A vehicle is only serviced according to the service history if it is guaranteed that all inspections prescribed by the manufacturer were performed by a specialized workshop and documented accordingly. Going to an independent and therefore cheaper auto repair shop and then demanding the prices of a specialized workshop later will be rejected by the insurance company.
12. Can I rent a car while my car is being repaired?
If you are involved in a car accident through no fault of your own, you can rent a car for the duration of the repairs and claim reimbursement from the party responsible.
Alternatively, you can also claim what is known as loss of use compensation.
This means you forgo the rental car and take the cash instead. The amount of compensation is usually calculated based on the value of your car and ranges between €23 and €175 per day.
Compensation is a better option if the question of fault in the accident is unclear. Otherwise, you run the risk of having to partially cover the rental car costs yourself later on.