Accident Appraiser After a Collision: When and Why?

If you are not responsible for the accident, you are generally entitled to have the damage assessed by an independent appraiser. In most cases, the costs are covered by the opposing party's insurance.

An appraisal provides a reliable basis for:

• the exact repair costs
• possible diminished value of the vehicle
• loss of use compensation
• further claims

Without proper documentation, you risk receiving less compensation than you are entitled to.

An appraiser is usually recommended if:

• the damage is more than superficial
• repair costs are unclear
• the insurance company requests its own assessment
• there may be a diminished value

Especially after a rear-end collision, early documentation is important to preserve evidence and avoid disputes later.

In cases of minor damage ("Bagatellschaden"), a full appraisal may not be required.

As a general guideline:

• damage below approx. €750 may be considered minor

However, this threshold is not always clear in practice.

Important: Do not assume minor damage too quickly. Hidden damage is common, and misclassification can lead to financial disadvantages.

If the other side is at fault, the opposing party's insurance typically covers:

• the appraiser's fee
• legal costs (if necessary)

You are generally free to choose your own independent appraiser. You do not have to rely on an appraiser suggested by the insurance company.

Without an independent appraisal:

• damage may be underestimated
• important claims (e.g. diminished value) may be missed
• the insurance company may reduce payouts

In practice, this often leads to significantly lower compensation.

1. Arrange an appointment with an appraiser as soon as possible.
2. Document the damage with photos.
3. Collect all relevant information:

• accident details
• participant information
• police file reference (if available)

4. Keep all documents organized for further claim enforcement.

Avoid continued use of the vehicle before the damage is properly documented.

In many cases, it makes sense to clarify early:

• whether an appraisal is necessary
• which claims you can assert
• how to deal with the insurance company

For cost coverage details, see Legal fee coverage after a collision.

This helps avoid mistakes and ensures your claim is handled correctly from the beginning.