{"title":"Cars","description":"\u003cp\u003eEvery appraisal and report for passenger cars – from accident damage appraisals through condition reports to vehicle valuations.\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":"kfz-zustandsbericht","title":"Car Condition Report","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe condition report records what state a passenger car was actually in at a given point in time – inspected, measured and documented in photographs throughout. It is used when buying and selling privately, but above all before a lease return, where the assessment would otherwise be made solely by the party taking the vehicle back. You receive a signed report with a photo series, measured values and a clear classification of every single finding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt a lease return, the dispute over what counts as normal wear and tear and what counts as chargeable damage is by far the most common reason for additional charges. Anyone who first learns of the objections after handing the vehicle over has no record of their own and little to set against the invoice. A report drawn up before the handover shifts the evidential position: the condition is then documented by an independent party before the vehicle leaves the lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat the report covers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePaint thickness measurement:\u003c\/strong\u003e measurements on every body panel, door by door, fender by fender. Deviations from the factory values reveal repainted or filled areas, even where the surface looks flawless.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRepainted and replaced parts:\u003c\/strong\u003e assessment of color transitions, overspray, panel gaps, seals and fasteners, in order to establish whether a bolt-on part has been off the car before or has been replaced.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWear and tear item by item:\u003c\/strong\u003e every dent, every scratch, every stone chip with its position, size and photograph. Plus the classification of whether it constitutes normal wear for the mileage or chargeable damage – precisely the distinction on which the return turns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWheels and tires:\u003c\/strong\u003e curb damage to the rim flanges, tread depth for each tire, tire age, matching tires on each axle and the presence of the second set of wheels. Curb contact and mismatched tires are standard items on every return invoice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGlazing and interior:\u003c\/strong\u003e stone chips and cracks in the windshield, condition of the seats, trim, steering wheel, pedals and cargo area, burn and moisture marks, odor, and the operation of the controls.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanics and electronics:\u003c\/strong\u003e reading out the fault memory, visual inspection of brakes, exhaust system, leaks and underbody, checking of service intervals and the service record book.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVehicle identity:\u003c\/strong\u003e comparison of the vehicle identification number, documents, number of keys, equipment level and indicated mileage against the overall impression the vehicle gives.\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 tell us the reason – purchase, sale or lease return – and where you would like the inspection. Before a return we schedule the appointment so that there is still time between the report and the handover for detailing or smart repair.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInspection:\u003c\/strong\u003e a walk-around in suitable light, paint thickness measurement, recording of all marks with a scale, inspection of the interior, wheels, glazing and underbody, and reading out the vehicle electronics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReport:\u003c\/strong\u003e all findings are brought together with photographs, measured values and classification, supplemented by an assessment of which items experience shows are treated as damage at a return and which are not.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e you receive the report digitally, as a rule on the same business day once it is complete, and can present it to a buyer, a seller or the leasing company straight away.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe condition report is prepared for a fixed price. There is no additional billing by time spent, and we agree the travel arrangements with you in advance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen should the report be prepared before a lease return?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoughly two to four weeks beforehand. That leaves time to have inexpensive items such as scratches, wheel damage or a stone chip put right yourself, instead of having them billed later at return rates. On the day of the return itself, the report is only a piece of evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat counts as normal wear and tear and what does not?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe age and mileage of the vehicle are decisive. Fine wash marks, slight polish on the steering wheel or minimal stone chips at the front are normal; scratches through the paint, dents that break the finish, wheel damage and tears in upholstery generally are not. We classify each item individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes paint thickness measurement detect every previous repair?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt reliably detects filler and repainting. A bolt-on part that has been properly replaced and painted at the factory, on the other hand, shows unremarkable values, which is why we additionally check panel gaps, fasteners, seals and traces of adhesive in the mounting area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I also use the report for a private purchase?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, it is equally intended for that. As a buyer you know what you are getting before you sign. As a seller you document the condition in writing and remove the basis for later claims about concealed defects.\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\/gutachten-oder-kostenvoranschlag\"\u003eAppraisal report or repair estimate\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PKW GUTACHTER","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53451423088906,"sku":"GUT-KFZ-ZUS","price":180.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0958\/2732\/9290\/files\/t-e-x-t_-t-o_-i-m-a-g-e-7ac925d1-9012-45eb-8831-c33699fef2a6.png?v=1786477629"},{"product_id":"kfz-fahrzeugbewertung","title":"Car Valuation Report","description":"\u003cp\u003eA vehicle valuation report states what a passenger car is actually worth on the market today – not what a database calculates as the average for a vehicle of that type. It is needed for a sale, for a trade-in, in the division of an estate, in the equalization of accrued gains during a divorce, for the tax office when a vehicle is withdrawn from business assets, and in dealings with insurers. You receive a signed valuation report with a derivation that can be followed step by step and that you can present to third parties and public authorities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA valuation system on its own is not enough for that. It knows the model, the year of manufacture and the mileage, but not the vehicle: not the optional equipment ordered from the factory, which depending on the model either contributes considerably to the price or nothing at all; not the actual standard of care; not repaired prior damage; and not the regional state of the market. Whether an all-wheel-drive station wagon is offered in the Alpine foothills or a convertible in November shifts the achievable price against the system value noticeably. We therefore compare the system value with real asking and sale prices for comparable vehicles and give reasons for every deviation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat the valuation report covers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVehicle identity and history:\u003c\/strong\u003e vehicle identification number, date of first registration, number of previous owners, indicated mileage, service record book, service intervals, roadworthiness inspection and number of keys.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEquipment item by item:\u003c\/strong\u003e the factory equipment is resolved from the vehicle data, because on a passenger car the trim line, together with the transmission, drive type, assistance packages and paint finish, has a strong bearing on resale – some options barely register, while others are a precondition for selling the car at all on the used market.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e body, paint including thickness measurement, interior, tires, brakes, underbody and fault memory. On electric and hybrid vehicles, additionally the condition of the traction battery, because it determines the value more strongly than mileage alone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrior damage and diminished value:\u003c\/strong\u003e identifiable repairs, the quality of the work and its effect on price. A documented accident in a vehicle's life lowers the achievable price permanently, even where the repair was carried out properly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMarket comparison:\u003c\/strong\u003e evaluation of actual offers for comparable vehicles by model, engine, equipment and mileage, supplemented by regional demand and the season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eValue bases:\u003c\/strong\u003e depending on the purpose, dealer purchase value, dealer sale value, replacement value or market value – each clearly named, because the same figure does not serve both a trade-in and the tax office.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassic and youngtimer vehicles:\u003c\/strong\u003e a system of their own, with condition grades from 1 to 5, separate assessment of mechanics, paint, chrome, interior and underbody, and an evaluation of originality, restoration quality and documentation. Used car databases do not capture value here; what counts is the collector market, the rarity of the model and whether the vehicle qualifies for German historic-vehicle registration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow it works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClarify the purpose:\u003c\/strong\u003e you tell us what the valuation is needed for – sale, estate, divorce, tax office, insurance or trade-in. The purpose determines which value basis applies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInspection:\u003c\/strong\u003e recording of condition, equipment and history on site, with paint thickness measurement, photo documentation, reading out the vehicle electronics and, where required, a test drive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eValuation:\u003c\/strong\u003e determination of the system value, comparison with real market prices for comparable vehicles, additions and deductions for equipment, condition, prior damage and regional demand, with every step set out in writing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e you receive the valuation report digitally, as a rule on the same business day once it is complete, and on request additionally as a signed copy for a court, a notary or the tax office.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe valuation is prepared for a fixed price. There is no additional billing by time spent, and we agree the travel arrangements with you in advance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy does the value differ from the online valuation?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause online calculators work with average figures. They know neither the actual equipment nor the standard of care, repaired prior damage or demand in your region. We value the specific vehicle and set out openly what each addition or deduction is based on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs a classic car valued differently from a used car?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, under a system of its own. Instead of mileage and a residual value curve, what counts is the condition grade, originality, the quality of earlier restoration work, the documentation and the standing of the vehicle in the collector market. A youngtimer is assessed on the threshold between the two systems, depending on rarity and collector interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the report accepted by the tax office or in court?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA valuation report from an independent appraiser with a derivation that can be followed step by step is the customary basis for withdrawals from business assets, estates and the equalization of accrued gains. We state the purpose of the valuation, the value basis chosen and the effective date explicitly, so that the figure matches the use it is put to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much value does prior damage cost?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat depends on the extent, the age and the workmanship. A properly repaired scrape has a different effect from structural damage to the front end. We quantify the deduction case by case and keep it separate from the rest of the valuation.\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":53451423154442,"sku":"GUT-KFZ-WER","price":190.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0958\/2732\/9290\/files\/t-e-x-t_-t-o_-i-m-a-g-e-8f8e88fb-c495-4b36-b04a-fd1d35cfb2f4.png?v=1786477640"}],"url":"https:\/\/pkwgutachter.de\/en\/collections\/cars.oembed","provider":"PKW Gutachter","version":"1.0","type":"link"}