{"title":"Accident Damage Appraisals","description":"\u003cp\u003eAccident damage appraisals from an independent certified appraiser – for every vehicle class. After a not-at-fault accident, the other party's insurer bears the cost.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"kfz-unfallgutachten","title":"Car Accident Damage Appraisal","description":"\u003cp\u003eA passenger car is a unitary body with defined crumple zones, and spread across the front half of the vehicle today sits a network of cameras, radar sensors and crash sensors. After an accident, it is therefore not the visible sheet metal damage that determines the size of your claim, but what lies behind the bumper cover, the fender and the windshield. We appraise compact cars, sedans, station wagons, SUVs and vans and hand you a signed appraisal report with which you can quantify your claim against the at-fault party's liability insurer in full and line by line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat the appraisal report covers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody and structure:\u003c\/strong\u003e bolt-on panels, frame rails, strut towers, rocker panels, wheel houses and cross members. With unitary construction the impact travels on through the structure, so the load path is traced to the last deformed seam.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrame and wheel alignment measurement:\u003c\/strong\u003e electronic measurement of the mounting points and of the wheel geometry as soon as the impact has reached the front end, the rear end or the suspension. Only the measured values show whether a part can be straightened or has to be replaced.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAirbags and restraint systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e deployed front, side and curtain airbags, belt tensioners, belt force limiters, crash sensors in the door area and in the front end, and the airbag control unit, whose stored crash record forces replacement rather than repair.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDriver assistance systems and calibration:\u003c\/strong\u003e the front camera behind the windshield, radar sensors in the front and rear bumpers, ultrasonic sensors, lane cameras and surround-view cameras. Every one of these sensors has to be recalibrated after replacement or removal, either statically using a calibration target or dynamically over a defined stretch of road. On modern passenger cars this is a cost item in its own right, often in the four-figure range, and one that insurers are fond of overlooking or cutting across the board when they review the claim.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrior damage:\u003c\/strong\u003e separating the current damage from older damage by means of paint thickness measurement, panel gaps, traces of previous repairs and the vehicle history, so that the insurer cannot cut your claim down by pointing to an earlier incident.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiminished value:\u003c\/strong\u003e the market-based diminished value on the basis of age, mileage, market segment and extent of damage. On a passenger car, documented accident damage weighs particularly heavily on resale, because the used car market pays noticeably more for accident-free vehicles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDowntime and values:\u003c\/strong\u003e a realistic repair duration including parts availability and the calibration appointment, classification into the loss-of-use compensation group according to vehicle class and age, plus the replacement value and the salvage value in the event of a constructive total loss.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow it works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppointment:\u003c\/strong\u003e you report the damage and we inspect the vehicle at your home, at your workplace, at the repair shop or at the towing company, depending on whether the car is still driveable and roadworthy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInspection:\u003c\/strong\u003e recording of all damage with photo documentation, reading out the fault memory, checking the restraint systems and sensors, measuring paint thickness and comparing the findings with any identifiable prior damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalculation:\u003c\/strong\u003e the repair route in line with the manufacturer's specifications, that is, using the joining and repair procedures the manufacturer has approved for high-strength steels and aluminum, supplemented by calibration work, diminished value, downtime and vehicle values.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e you receive the appraisal report digitally, as a rule on the same business day once it is complete. On request, a copy goes directly to the insurer, your attorney and the repair shop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#e8f0fd;color:#132038;border-left:4px solid #1565d8;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 20px;margin:22px 0\"\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"color:#132038;margin:0\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color:#0d3e8f\"\u003eOn the cost:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    After a not-at-fault accident, the cost of the appraisal report is\n    generally borne by the liability insurer of the other party. On request\n    we bill that insurer directly, so that you do not have to pay up front.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is the calibration of the assistance systems listed as a separate item?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause it is work in its own right. If a windshield is replaced or a bumper removed, the front camera and the radar lose their alignment and have to be measured in again. Without this item in the appraisal report, the insurer will not pay for it later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo deployed airbags and the control unit have to be replaced?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a rule, yes. Pyrotechnic units are single-use components, and the airbag control unit stores the crash permanently. We record every deployed component, belt tensioners included, individually, because together they account for a considerable share of the repair costs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe car already had prior damage. Does that make an appraisal report pointless?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the contrary, that is when it matters most. We separate the new damage from the old one using paint thickness, panel gaps and traces of previous repairs, and we document that separation. Without it, experience shows the prior damage will be used against your entire claim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs an appraisal report worthwhile for minor sheet metal damage as well?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBelow the minor-damage threshold, a repair estimate is usually enough. Above it, an appraisal report is almost always worthwhile, because only the report captures diminished value, downtime and hidden damage. On modern vehicles that threshold is quickly exceeded by the sensors in the bumper alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"border-top:1px solid #dfe6f0;padding-top:14px;margin-top:24px\"\u003e\n  More on this in our guide:\n  \u003ca href=\"\/en\/blogs\/ratgeber\/wer-zahlt-unfallgutachten\"\u003eWho pays for the accident damage appraisal?\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PKW GUTACHTER","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53451423023370,"sku":"GUT-KFZ-UNF","price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0958\/2732\/9290\/files\/image-4d367cba-a976-4885-a77a-327c9ecfc5e2.png?v=1786477614"},{"product_id":"sportwagen-unfallgutachten","title":"Sports Car Accident Damage Appraisal","description":"\u003cp\u003eOn a sports car it is the construction that determines the size of the loss: an aluminum spaceframe made of extruded sections and cast nodes, carbon fiber components, joints that are bonded and riveted rather than welded. Anyone calculating here on the basis of experience from ordinary sheet metal work will be off by a wide margin. We appraise sports cars, coupés in the upper classes, limited-series cars and collector vehicles, and hand you a signed appraisal report that quantifies the manufacturer-compliant repair route, the shop that is actually qualified to carry it out, and the loss in value at a level that genuinely matches the class of the vehicle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat the appraisal report covers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials and joining technology:\u003c\/strong\u003e for every affected component we establish whether it is steel, aluminum or fiber composite, and how it is attached. A bonded and riveted joint cannot be touched up locally; it can only be separated and rejoined to the manufacturer's specification – a different time allowance, different tooling, different costs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCarbon fiber components:\u003c\/strong\u003e exposed carbon, structural parts and monocoque attachments are checked for delamination, fiber fracture and cracking beneath the clear coat. A damaged carbon component is, as a rule, not repaired but replaced. That is exactly where the calculation jumps, and exactly where insurers most often apply their cuts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApproved repair facility:\u003c\/strong\u003e not every shop is permitted to work on aluminum structures and fiber composites. We state which certification the shop carrying out the work needs and why a manufacturer-affiliated facility is mandatory for this vehicle – the basis on which that shop's labor rates can actually be enforced.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePaint and color match:\u003c\/strong\u003e recording of special paint finishes from the manufacturers' individualization programs and of multi-layer and effect paints. Such colors are difficult to match when a panel is repainted; any remaining deviation is assessed as an item in its own right rather than quietly accepted.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMarket-based diminished value:\u003c\/strong\u003e diminished value is measured against the value of the vehicle and is therefore considerably higher in absolute terms than on an everyday car. On a collector vehicle it can exceed the repair figure, because the market draws a sharp line between accident-free and repaired.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and originality:\u003c\/strong\u003e service record book, invoices, second key, original wheels, factory-ordered optional equipment and documented previous owners all feed into the assessment. A gap in the documentation costs more at resale than a scratch, which is why we record what is present before the repair begins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDowntime and values:\u003c\/strong\u003e parts availability for limited-series cars, realistic waiting times for body and carbon parts, and the workload of the few approved facilities. The result is a downtime well above the usual – together with the replacement value and the salvage value in the event of a constructive total loss.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow it works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppointment:\u003c\/strong\u003e you report the damage. We come to the vehicle – to the garage, the collection storage or the shop that has taken it in. A car that is not driveable or is lowered is not moved to us.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInspection:\u003c\/strong\u003e examination under suitable light, checking of structural and bonded joints, paint thickness measurement compared against the paint code, reading out the control units, and review of the document folder, keys and equipment records.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalculation:\u003c\/strong\u003e the repair route strictly to the manufacturer's specification, using the approved procedures for aluminum and fiber composite, the labor rates of the approved facility, the paint work required for the special color, diminished value and downtime.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e you receive the appraisal report digitally, as a rule on the same business day once it is complete. On request, a copy goes directly to the insurer, your attorney and the repair facility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#e8f0fd;color:#132038;border-left:4px solid #1565d8;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 20px;margin:22px 0\"\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"color:#132038;margin:0\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color:#0d3e8f\"\u003eOn the cost:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    After a not-at-fault accident, the cost of the appraisal report is\n    generally borne by the liability insurer of the other party. On request\n    we bill that insurer directly, so that you do not have to pay up front.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is a carbon part replaced rather than repaired?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause fiber composite draws its strength from an uninterrupted fiber path. Once the fiber is broken or the layer delaminated, no amount of filler or laminate build-up restores the original structure. Manufacturers therefore specify replacement for structural and exposed carbon parts almost without exception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe insurer is directing me to an independent shop. Do I have to accept that?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat depends on the individual case and is a legal question. On the technical side, we set out in the appraisal report which certification is required for aluminum structures and fiber composites. If the shop named does not hold it, it is simply not suited to this repair – a solid basis for your attorney.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is the diminished value on my vehicle so high?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause it is based on the value of the vehicle, not on the sheet metal damage. Buyers in this segment pay a marked premium for an accident-free history. On a collector or limited-series car, the market-based diminished value can therefore exceed the repair costs alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe car has a special paint finish. Does that matter in the appraisal report?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, in two ways. The paint work is more involved, because multi-layer and effect finishes have to be built up in more stages. And if the color cannot be matched exactly despite careful work, we assess the remaining deviation separately rather than dismissing it as a detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"border-top:1px solid #dfe6f0;padding-top:14px;margin-top:24px\"\u003e\n  More on this in our guide:\n  \u003ca href=\"\/en\/blogs\/ratgeber\/wertminderung-nach-unfall\"\u003eDiminished value after an accident\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PKW GUTACHTER","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53451423252746,"sku":"GUT-SPO-UNF","price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0958\/2732\/9290\/files\/image-9c8cae5f-9b90-43b8-8f39-45a1c56b9a2f.png?v=1786477670"},{"product_id":"zweirad-unfallgutachten","title":"Motorcycle Accident Damage Appraisal","description":"\u003cp\u003eA fall often leaves less visible damage than a dent on a car and still costs many times as much. The decisive question after an impact is whether the frame and the forks have taken something, and nobody can tell that standing next to a scuffed fairing. We appraise motorcycles, scooters, light motorcycles and two-wheelers of every displacement class, and hand you a signed appraisal report that quantifies not only the machine but also your protective clothing and the accessories fitted to it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat the appraisal report covers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrame and steering head:\u003c\/strong\u003e measurement of the frame at its reference points, inspection of the steering head, main frame, subframe and engine mounts. On most machines a distorted frame cannot be straightened economically and, as a rule, means a constructive total loss. That is why this measurement comes at the beginning of the appraisal and not at the end.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eForks and chassis:\u003c\/strong\u003e stanchions and fork legs checked for distortion, triple clamps, steering head bearings, swingarm, shock absorber and wheel bearings. Bent stanchions do not announce themselves with a dent but with binding under compression, uneven stanchion protrusion, and handlebars that no longer sit centered.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTypical impact points:\u003c\/strong\u003e fairing and fairing brackets, bar ends, brake and clutch levers, footrest assembly, gear and brake linkages, mirrors, tank and exhaust system. Much of this looks like a scratch and is safety-relevant: a cracked lever breaks at the next hard pull, and a crushed header tears further along the seam.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe rider's protective clothing:\u003c\/strong\u003e helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves, boots and armor are recorded and assessed individually. A helmet that has taken an impact is unusable even if the shell shows nothing, and both leather and textile lose their protective function at the abraded area. This item is regularly forgotten in the settlement if it is not in the appraisal report.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories and add-on parts:\u003c\/strong\u003e exhaust system, luggage and top case systems, crash bars and frame sliders, navigation mount, screen, seat, suspension components and steering damper. On a two-wheeler, accessories quickly account for a considerable share of the vehicle's value and are passed over in the settlement without individual proof.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeason and downtime:\u003c\/strong\u003e repair duration with an eye on parts availability, plus classification into the loss-of-use compensation groups for motorcycles. If the machine runs on seasonal registration, damage in April weighs differently from damage in November, because the time lost falls in the middle of the period of use. We therefore give separate reasons for the downtime.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eValues and diminished value:\u003c\/strong\u003e replacement value, salvage value and market-based diminished value. The used two-wheeler market reacts sensitively to a documented history of falls; well-kept machines without impact marks fetch noticeably higher prices than repaired ones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow it works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppointment:\u003c\/strong\u003e you report the damage and we come to wherever the machine ended up after the fall, whether that is a repair shop, a garage or a parking area. We record two-wheelers that are not driveable on site. Please have the protective clothing you were wearing ready.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInspection:\u003c\/strong\u003e photo documentation, frame and fork measurement, inspection of the steering head bearings, levers, footrests and exhaust system, recording of accessories and protective clothing, and reading out the fault memory on machines with ABS and traction control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalculation:\u003c\/strong\u003e the repair route in line with the manufacturer's specification, supplemented by protective clothing, accessories, diminished value and downtime. Where frame or fork distortion is suspected, we set repair and replacement side by side.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e you receive the appraisal report digitally, as a rule on the same business day once it is complete. On request, a copy goes directly to the insurer, your attorney and the repair shop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#e8f0fd;color:#132038;border-left:4px solid #1565d8;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 20px;margin:22px 0\"\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"color:#132038;margin:0\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color:#0d3e8f\"\u003eOn the cost:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    After a not-at-fault accident, the cost of the appraisal report is\n    generally borne by the liability insurer of the other party. On request\n    we bill that insurer directly, so that you do not have to pay up front.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe frame looks undamaged. Does it still have to be measured?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Distortion at the steering head is often a matter of millimeters and cannot be seen with the naked eye, but it changes the handling and the load on the forks. Only the measurement separates repairable impact damage from a constructive total loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill my protective clothing be reimbursed even though nothing shows on it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA helmet that has struck something has absorbed that energy and will not protect a second time, even without a visible mark. We record helmet, suit, gloves and boots individually with their age and current value, so that the item remains verifiable in the settlement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMy machine runs on seasonal registration. Does that affect the downtime?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, and in both directions. If the repair falls in the middle of the registered season, the downtime is felt in full. If it falls outside, it has to be assessed differently. We record the registration period and the actual time off the road in the appraisal report.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo retrofitted accessories count?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly if they are documented. An exhaust system, luggage system, crash bars or suspension noticeably raise the replacement value. We record them with the manufacturer, the condition and, where required, the entry in the vehicle documents. Receipts or invoices at the appointment help.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"border-top:1px solid #dfe6f0;padding-top:14px;margin-top:24px\"\u003e\n  More on this in our guide:\n  \u003ca href=\"\/en\/blogs\/ratgeber\/checkliste-nach-unfall\"\u003eThe checklist for the accident scene\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PKW GUTACHTER","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53451423482122,"sku":"GUT-ZWE-UNF","price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0958\/2732\/9290\/files\/image-30426f67-afa6-4a7a-9081-960145ed7ef6.png?v=1786477650"},{"product_id":"wohnmobil-unfallgutachten","title":"Motorhome \u0026 Travel Trailer Accident Damage Appraisal","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn a damage claim, a motorhome is two vehicles at once: underneath, a base vehicle with a chassis, drivetrain and sheet metal body; above it, a habitation structure of bonded sandwich panels with a complete living interior. The two follow entirely different construction methods, different repair logic and different price lists. Anyone who lumps them together will regularly underestimate the loss. We appraise motorhomes, camper vans, over-cab models, A-class motorhomes and travel trailers after an accident, drawing a clean line between chassis damage and habitation damage. You receive a signed appraisal report with which you can quantify your claims against the at-fault party's liability insurer in full – from the sheet metal damage through the destroyed interior fittings to the travel time lost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat the appraisal report covers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBase vehicle:\u003c\/strong\u003e damage to the chassis, axles, steering, suspension and sheet metal parts, plus a measurement where the impact has reached the load-bearing structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabitation structure:\u003c\/strong\u003e wall, roof and floor elements in sandwich construction, GRP outer skin, delamination, cracked bonded seams and distorted frame sections – recorded separately from the body damage and calculated separately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMoisture:\u003c\/strong\u003e measurement at wall joints, seams, roof vents, windows, service hatches and floor edges, because an impact can open a seal without anything being visible from the outside.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFittings and onboard systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e kitchen unit, washroom, seating group, beds, gas system, water installation, leisure battery, solar system and awning. The fittings have a value of their own and are often the more expensive part of the calculation after an impact, because distorted furniture assemblies and displaced lines can rarely be put right individually.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTravel trailers in particular:\u003c\/strong\u003e drawbar, overrun brake, corner steadies, coupling and chassis frame as separate inspection points, since there is no drivetrain here but the towing connection does lie in the load path.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiminished value and values:\u003c\/strong\u003e replacement value and salvage value on the basis of the motorhome market, including the layout variant and optional equipment, plus the market-based diminished value.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDowntime:\u003c\/strong\u003e a realistic repair duration taking account of appointments at specialist habitation workshops and parts availability, plus the classification of the season as a basis for loss-of-use compensation or a replacement motorhome.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow it works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppointment:\u003c\/strong\u003e you report the damage and we agree an inspection location – at the storage pitch, at the campsite, in winter storage or at the workshop, depending on whether the vehicle is still driveable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInspection:\u003c\/strong\u003e recording of chassis, habitation structure and interior, moisture measurement on the wall elements, photo documentation, and inspection of the fittings for function, mounting and hidden consequential damage behind panels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalculation:\u003c\/strong\u003e repair route and costs separated by base vehicle and habitation structure, because an automotive workshop and a habitation workshop apply different rates and different work steps, supplemented by values, diminished value and downtime.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e you receive the appraisal report digitally, as a rule on the same business day once it is complete. On request, a copy goes directly to the insurer and your attorney.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#e8f0fd;color:#132038;border-left:4px solid #1565d8;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 20px;margin:22px 0\"\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"color:#132038;margin:0\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color:#0d3e8f\"\u003eOn the cost:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    After a not-at-fault accident, the cost of the appraisal report is\n    generally borne by the liability insurer of the other party. On request\n    we bill that insurer directly, so that you do not have to pay up front.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are the chassis and the habitation structure assessed separately?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause they have nothing to do with one another. Body damage to the base vehicle runs on automotive flat rates and sheet metal work; the habitation structure runs on the wall, bonding and sealing work of a specialist workshop. Only a separate calculation lets the loss be justified to the insurer in a way that holds up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs moisture checked even when nothing is visible from the outside?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, measuring the wall elements is standard practice for us. An impact can make a seam, a window or a roof vent leak without leaving a visible trace. Otherwise the consequential damage only shows months later, once the file has been closed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes downtime in the travel season count differently?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is considered separately. A motorhome sitting in a workshop in July costs its owner a planned trip. We document the repair duration and the point in the season as a basis for loss-of-use compensation or for hiring a replacement motorhome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the appraisal report also apply to travel trailers with no drivetrain?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. On a travel trailer the drivetrain is absent, but we check the drawbar, overrun brake, coupling, corner steadies and chassis frame as separate points, since they lie in the load path of the impact. The habitation structure, moisture and fittings are recorded exactly as they are on a motorized vehicle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"border-top:1px solid #dfe6f0;padding-top:14px;margin-top:24px\"\u003e\n  More on this in our guide:\n  \u003ca href=\"\/en\/blogs\/ratgeber\/wer-zahlt-unfallgutachten\"\u003eWho pays for the accident damage appraisal?\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PKW GUTACHTER","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53451423580426,"sku":"GUT-WOM-UNF","price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0958\/2732\/9290\/files\/image-b8a0774b-204e-4d0e-be1c-b9092cee2be2.png?v=1786477696"},{"product_id":"nutzfahrzeug-unfallgutachten","title":"Commercial Vehicle Accident Damage Appraisal","description":"\u003cp\u003eA commercial vehicle is not a means of transport but a means of production. When the van stands still, runs are cancelled, delivery dates collapse and, at worst, contractual penalties from the framework agreement kick in – and the damage to the bodywork is often the smaller part of it. We appraise vans, trucks, trailers and semi-trailers after an accident and quantify chassis, body and downtime separately, so that you can substantiate to the at-fault party's liability insurer not only the repair but also what standing still is costing you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat the appraisal report covers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChassis and cab:\u003c\/strong\u003e ladder frame and frame rails, cab mounts and tilt mechanism, axles, steering, air suspension and the compressed-air and braking system including EBS. On a ladder frame the load path runs differently than on a unitary body, so the frame is measured as soon as the impact has reached it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe body as an item in its own right:\u003c\/strong\u003e box body, tarpaulin and bows, tail lift, refrigeration unit, false floors, roller tracks and the racking system in a tradesman's vehicle are each recorded and calculated individually. A bent tail lift takes the vehicle out of service even when the cab is untouched – and without its own item in the appraisal report, that damage simply does not appear in the settlement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrailers, semi-trailers and coupling equipment:\u003c\/strong\u003e semi-trailer frame, fifth wheel plate and kingpin with wear measurement, drawbar, drawbar eye, turntable and landing legs. After an impact to a coupled combination, both units are inspected, because distortion in the trailer often only shows once it is coupled up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCargo and load securing:\u003c\/strong\u003e damage to the cargo itself, and the question of whether the securing contributed to how the loss unfolded. We record lashing points, blocking bars, lashing equipment and the load distribution as a separate inspection point, because the answer bears directly on liability and insurance cover.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDowntime and lost profit:\u003c\/strong\u003e lost profit is a head of damage in its own right and is not estimated but evidenced. We record the repair duration, parts availability and the cost of hiring a replacement, and quantify the downtime using figures from your own operation – run schedules, freight orders, utilization.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVAT and input tax deduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e for owners entitled to deduct input tax, settlement is on a net basis. The appraisal report states the amounts cleanly separated, so that the insurer does not make cuts on the wrong basis and your accounting can take the items over directly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInspection intervals:\u003c\/strong\u003e the German roadworthiness inspection and safety inspection, the recurring workplace-safety inspection of the tail lift and crane, and the refrigeration system check. A vehicle that stands for weeks after a loss runs past its due dates – the report states which of them fall within the downtime.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow it works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppointment:\u003c\/strong\u003e you report the damage and we come to the vehicle – to the depot, the haulier, the commercial vehicle workshop or the recovery yard.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInspection:\u003c\/strong\u003e recording of chassis and body, functional testing of the tail lift and refrigeration unit, review of the cargo and load securing, photo documentation and reading out the fault memories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalculation:\u003c\/strong\u003e repair route separated by commercial vehicle workshop and body manufacturer, net or gross depending on input tax status, plus the downtime, replacement hire and the basis for the lost profit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e you receive the appraisal report digitally, as a rule on the same business day once it is complete. On request, a copy goes directly to the insurer, your attorney and your fleet management.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#e8f0fd;color:#132038;border-left:4px solid #1565d8;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 20px;margin:22px 0\"\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"color:#132038;margin:0\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color:#0d3e8f\"\u003eOn the cost:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    After a not-at-fault accident, the cost of the appraisal report is\n    generally borne by the liability insurer of the other party. On request\n    we bill that insurer directly, so that you do not have to pay up front.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow is lost profit evidenced?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith figures from the business, not with a flat rate. The basis is run schedules, freight orders, utilization and the management accounts. We document the downtime and the cost of hiring a replacement; the commercial derivation is agreed with your accounting department or your tax adviser.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe cab is fine, only the tail lift is hanging crooked. Is a repair estimate enough?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsually not. Tail lifts are inspected work equipment, distortion in the lifting arms or hydraulics takes the vehicle out of service, and the repair runs through the body manufacturer. The downtime here regularly weighs more heavily than the repair itself and therefore belongs in the appraisal report.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWho bears damage to the cargo?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat depends on how the accident unfolded and on whether the load securing was proper. We document the loading condition, the lashing equipment used and the load distribution as a separate finding. That finding is the basis for the later clarification between the transport, liability and goods insurers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs a company vehicle calculated net or gross?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNet for owners entitled to deduct input tax, because the VAT flows back through the input tax deduction. The appraisal report states both figures separately. Owners not entitled to deduct input tax, such as small businesses or associations, settle on a gross basis – we note that classification expressly in the report.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"border-top:1px solid #dfe6f0;padding-top:14px;margin-top:24px\"\u003e\n  More on this in our guide:\n  \u003ca href=\"\/en\/blogs\/ratgeber\/nutzungsausfall-mietwagen\"\u003eLoss-of-use compensation or a rental vehicle\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PKW GUTACHTER","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53451423711498,"sku":"GUT-NUT-UNF","price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0958\/2732\/9290\/files\/image-d92bb7a7-4400-4bfe-aa02-ea19e64b79dc.png?v=1786477716"}],"url":"https:\/\/pkwgutachter.de\/en\/collections\/accident-damage-appraisals.oembed","provider":"PKW Gutachter","version":"1.0","type":"link"}