When do I need an appraisal?
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An appraisal is needed after a traffic accident or vehicle damage to determine exactly what damage your car has sustained. It documents the damage, any pre-existing damage, repair costs, and diminished value — and serves as evidence with insurers, attorneys, and courts.
Who pays for the appraisal?
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In accidents that are not your fault, the at-fault driver's liability insurer pays for both the appraiser and the appraisal report. As the injured party, you have the right to choose your own independent appraiser — the cost is fully borne by the opposing insurer.
Do I need an attorney?
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Recommended, yes. Insurers often reduce line items in appraisals or delay payouts. A traffic-law attorney enforces your claims — and again, the opposing insurer pays the attorney's fees when the accident is not your fault. I'm happy to refer you to attorneys I've worked with successfully for years.
What if the accident was my fault?
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If you're at fault, your liability insurance covers damage to the other party's vehicle. Damage to your own vehicle is only covered by comprehensive (Kasko) insurance. In this case the insurer usually appoints their own appraiser — you should NOT hire your own, because the insurer wouldn't cover the cost.
Cost estimate or appraisal — which is better?
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For damage over €750, an appraisal is the only sensible choice. A workshop cost estimate has no evidentiary value, doesn't account for diminished value, and doesn't document pre-existing damage. If the damage amount is disputed, the cost estimate carries practically no weight in court. Only for very minor damage up to €750 does a brief appraisal suffice.
Full explanation with comparison table →
Why not use the insurer's appraiser?
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Because the insurer's interest is in keeping costs as low as possible. An appraiser hired by the insurer works in the insurer's interest, not yours. As an independent appraiser I work neutrally — my duty is to the truth, not to optimising costs for the other side.
Can I get the damage paid out without repairing the car?
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Yes. As the injured party, you decide whether to have the car repaired or to receive the repair costs as a cash settlement (known as "fiktive Abrechnung" in Germany). In both cases, settlement is based on the appraisal. With a cash settlement, however, the insurer may reduce VAT portions — here too, the appraisal serves as the basis for negotiation.