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What is vehicle depreciation, and when does it come up?

Vehicle depreciation refers to the drop in a car’s used-car market value after a traffic accident and repair process. Even if the vehicle is repaired, it may no longer retain its previous market value in buyers’ eyes because of an accident record, part replacements or paintwork.

For that reason, in some accidents the vehicle owner may request depreciation compensation to cover the financial loss. However, it cannot be said that every damage file will automatically result in payment; fault ratio, the nature of the damage, the vehicle’s history and technical assessment are all taken into account together.

What are the application requirements and required documents?

After a traffic accident, the most important issue in a depreciation claim is the fault status of the applicant and whether the damage to the vehicle has been officially recorded. In practice, documents related to the accident report, repair records and technical inspection paperwork are important for building a strong file.

Basic documents that may be requested in the file

  • Accident report or official records related to the incident
  • Vehicle registration and identification details
  • Damage photos and service repair documents
  • Expert inspection or assessment reports
  • Insurance policy and claim file information

When reviewing the application requirements, the vehicle’s age, mileage, whether it has a previous serious damage history, and which parts were repaired can also matter. In particular, records relating to bodywork, chassis, mechanical components or replaced parts are considered when assessing the size of the depreciation.

How does the insurance process work, and what happens if there is an objection?

The insurance process in most files begins with a written application. The claim is usually assessed under the other party’s compulsory motor insurance policy; during the review, the fault ratio, the extent of the damage and the vehicle’s market impact are considered together. Missing documents at this stage may delay the process.

Points to watch during the application

  • All documents should be added to the file clearly and consistently
  • Repair invoices and expert inspection records should support each other
  • If there is an objection to the fault ratio, it should be stated separately
  • The claim should be submitted in writing and kept on record

If the application does not produce the expected result, alternative application and objection routes may come into play. Depending on the specifics of the case, bodies handling insurance disputes or legal procedures may be considered. For that reason, especially in high-damage cases, seeking expert advice before applying can help the process move forward more smoothly.

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