DO YOU KNOW HOW TO ASSESS DAMAGE TO VEHICLES?

18.08.2020

When it comes to a car accident, you know for sure that there are a number of rules that need to be followed. After reporting the damage, its assessment is done. In the text that follows, we bring you useful information related to a given topic.

WHO DOES THE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT?

At the level of insurance companies, the damage assessment is performed by an assessor, l.e. an expert who inspects the damage caused to the vehicle during the harmful event, respecting the principles of assessment. Damage assessment can be done whether the vehicle is in running or stationary condition. If the vehicle is not in running order, when reporting the damage, this information should be stated, and the time of arrival to the damaged vehicle and taking photos should be agreed with the expert.

HOW IS THE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE?

Once you have gathered all the necessary documentation and reported the damage, the next step is to assess it. The assessor comes to the damaged vehicle (in case the vehicle is in running condition, bring it for assessment) photographs and makes a list of damage. First, the vehicle is photographed from four angles with the obligatory photographing of the chassis number, and then footage of the damage is taken. We advise you not to suggest to the assessor the damage caused to the vehicle before, because in case you use deception, you can create a problem for yourself, prolong the speed of making a decision and its correctness, and ultimately be legally punished. After all, honest behavior in front of an appraiser is in your favor.

VEHICLE DAMAGE RECORD

After the photographing, the assessor will make a list of damages, l.e. all those parts that need to be repaired or replaced and which will be recorded in the Vehicle Damage Record. The mentioned document consists of information related to the damaged vehicle, the date of the harmful event, the condition of the vehicle, etc. By signing the Record, you give your consent for its contents.

TECHNICAL DEPRECIATION

This procedure is usually applied to vehicles older than four years and older. We’re sure you’re familiar with the fact that the whole story of damages basically boils down to the question of how much something was worth at the time of the accident. Therefore, when it comes to technical depreciation, it is applied if the original and new part is installed on the vehicle, and then the appraiser takes into account your participation in the new part. In the case of the installation of a used part or a copy, technical depreciation does not apply.

DAMAGED VEHICLE REPAIR SERVICE

It is up to you to choose the service in which the damage to the vehicle will be repaired. It can be a personal choice, and you can also consult with an appraiser who will, depending on the condition of the vehicle, recommend quality service. In any case, you should bring the Record of approved works and parts, because the insurance company is obliged to reimburse only what is contained in the Records.