Contents Show
Based on the experience of the experts at Expert mix After an accident that was caused by someone else, it is better to hire an independent expert instead of trusting the insurance expert. This saves you a lot of time, hassle and money. In addition to the advantages mentioned, all it takes is a phone call and the accident expert will inspect the vehicle on site.
In summary, you are on the safe side by quantifying the damage through an accident report. Be sure to hire the vehicle expert yourself. If you are involved in a vehicle accident through no fault of your own, the question arises as to how best to proceed. As the injured party, you must inform the opposing insurance company of your claims. Without the appropriate specialist knowledge, this is almost impossible. It is therefore advisable to have the damage to your vehicle quantified by an independent vehicle appraiser.
How is the process and who bears the costs for the report?
As the injured party, you have the right to an independent accident expert of your choice. Independence is only given if you commission it yourself. The professionals at Gutachterix will inform you about the process.
If the damage is above the minor threshold, currently around 750 euros, you can order the report. If the damage is minor, you can order a so-called short report.
How do I recognize minor damage?
It is almost impossible for a layperson to recognize the threshold from minor damage to major damage. Often the damage is hidden under the bumper or paneling. In this case, an inexpensive brief report is the best choice.
Are there deadlines to be observed and how long does it take to settle the claim?
It is best to report the damage to the opposing insurance company immediately. Each insurer can set its own deadlines for this. You are on the safe side if you report the damage within a week.
Claims settlement can take between two and eight weeks. Depending on how complex the matter is and whether documents still have to be requested, this can take longer in individual cases.
Don't forget to sign a declaration of assignment. Only then can your vehicle appraiser settle the accounts directly with the insurance company.
What are the advantages of an accident report over a cost estimate?
In addition to quantifying the damage and detailed documentation of the damage in words and pictures, an expert report also contains information on depreciation, repair costs and loss of use. The expert takes a very close look at the vehicle and also checks it for hidden damage caused by the accident. If the damage is so great that a repair is not profitable, the accident assessor determines the residual value and the replacement value.
Further advantages of an expert opinion are that you comply with your duty to minimize damage and only claim the actual costs. These reports are also accepted in court.
A cost estimate - usually from a workshop - only quantifies the expected material and repair costs. In order to be able to present the damage to the insurance company in detail, however, it usually requires more than just the pure repair costs.
The insurance company wants to keep the costs as low as possible, so you should not be satisfied with the accident assessor suggested by the insurance company, but hire them yourself. This is the only way to guarantee that your damage will be regulated in the best possible way