From the 130 per cent rule to the transport manager: 95 terms from appraisal work, claim settlement and fleet management, explained briefly and plainly. The headwords stay in German – that is how they appear in your report.
95 terms
Where the repair costs exceed the replacement value but by no more than 30 per cent, the vehicle may as a rule still be repaired properly. The usual condition is that you go on using it afterwards.
Computer-aided measurement of the axle geometry in three planes, with a documented measurement protocol. It provides robust evidence of suspension and frame misalignment after a collision.
An examination of a vehicle's exhaust emissions, usually carried out together with the main roadworthiness test.
The cost of recovering and transporting a vehicle that is no longer driveable. Where the collision was not your fault, they are among the recoverable items.
A measured check of the wheel positions. After a collision it shows whether the suspension or the body is distorted.
The central electronics that trigger the restraint systems and store crash data. Once deployed, replacement is normally required.
Earlier damage that was not repaired, or only partly repaired. It has to be clearly separated in the report from the current claim.
Where the collision was not your fault, the other party's liability insurer as a rule also bears the cost of your solicitor.
A calculation system that works out repair methods and labour times by manufacturer. It underlies many damage calculations.
Very small damage, usually in the order of under €700 to €1,000. Here the insurer frequently does not cover the appraisal fee; a repair estimate is often enough.
Painting the adjoining panels as well so that the colour matches seamlessly. With effect paints this is technically necessary and recoverable.
The structured selection and acquisition of company vehicles – from establishing the requirement through comparing offers to a documented handover.
A report documenting condition and damage before the traces are lost – before a repair, for instance, or where liability is disputed.
Market observation for classic vehicles, whose data is drawn on when valuing classic cars.
A provider of valuation and calculation data. Its systems supply reference figures for replacement and residual values.
An area of the body designed to yield in a controlled way on impact and absorb the energy of the collision.
A professional association for examined and certified appraisers. Membership says something about evidence of qualification, but does not replace checking the individual case.
A form of taxation in the vehicle trade under which only the trading margin is taxed. It affects how the VAT element in the replacement value has to be stated.
Handling the claim through your own insurer, which then recovers from the other driver. Convenient, but it can shorten your entitlements.
An addendum to an existing report – where further damage becomes visible during dismantling, for instance.
A marking in the calculation: the component is replaced rather than repaired.
Electronic aids such as emergency braking or lane-keeping assistants. After work on sensors or the windscreen, calibration is usually required.
An annual, documented briefing of drivers on their duties and the safe handling of the vehicle – part of the keeper's obligations.
Settlement on the basis of the report without an actual repair. The net repair costs are paid out; the VAT follows only once a repair is evidenced.
A condition grading system used internationally for historic vehicles.
In German usage largely synonymous with Fleet management. The term is a rendering of the English fleet management.
As the injured party you choose the appraiser yourself. You do not have to accept the appraiser sent by the other party's insurer.
A recurring check that a driving entitlement is valid. On permanently assigned company cars as a rule every six months, on pool vehicles before every journey.
The person in a business responsible for the company vehicles. In smaller companies the role is frequently filled alongside other duties.
The organisation of every task around a business's company vehicles: procurement, cost control, deadlines, damage handling and the keeper's duties.
The appraiser's fee. Where the collision was not your fault it forms part of your claim for damages and is borne by the other party's liability insurer.
A registration for vehicles at least 30 years old in good, largely original condition. It requires a report under § 23 StVZO.
Damage caused by a third party and settled by their motor liability insurer.
The percentage division of responsibility where both parties to a collision bear a share.
The vehicle keeper's responsibility for the condition and use of their vehicles – regardless of who is at the wheel.
The recurring statutory examination of a vehicle's roadworthiness.
The electrical system of an electric or hybrid vehicle, operating at voltages far above the usual on-board level. Work on it requires a particular qualification.
Corrosion protection in body areas that cannot be inspected. It has to be reapplied after repairs in those areas.
Repairing a damaged component rather than replacing it – usually marked „I“ in the calculation.
Resetting the sensors and cameras of the assistance systems after a repair or a windscreen replacement. Without it, the systems can work incorrectly.
Damage handled through your own partial or fully comprehensive cover – after a collision you caused yourself, or an animal collision, for instance.
The continuous recording and checking of every fleet cost per vehicle – from the leasing instalment through fuel to servicing and insurance.
Previous damage in an area that is being renewed in any case, so that it does not increase the current repair costs.
A workshop's cost estimate and nothing more. It does not replace an appraisal, because diminished value, loss of use and residual value are missing from it.
A simplified report of reduced scope for smaller damage.
The deletion or reduction of individual items by the insurer. Labour rates, transfer costs and parts surcharges are frequently affected.
Measuring the paint coating thickness in order to identify earlier respraying and thus previous damage.
The duty to secure a load so that it does not shift even under emergency braking. Part of the keeper's responsibility in a fleet.
Handing the vehicle back at the end of the contract term. The documented condition decides what is charged afterwards.
Taking over a running lease contract, and the vehicle with it, from a previous holder.
The loss in value that remains because the vehicle counts as one with accident history – even after a flawless repair.
The cost of a replacement vehicle for the duration of the repair or the replacement period. Recoverable where there is an actual need for a vehicle.
The deduction a lessor applies for damage going beyond ordinary signs of use.
A flat compensation for the time without a vehicle where no hire car is taken. The amount follows the vehicle class and the length of the outage.
Reading the fault memory through the diagnostic interface. It reveals collision-related faults in the vehicle electronics.
A vehicle with no fixed user, driven by changing employees. It calls for tighter checking intervals.
A rule that allows the injured party, where liability is split, to satisfy uncovered items first out of the comprehensive insurance payment.
A measured check of the load-bearing body structure for distortion – a precondition for a safe repair.
The person instructed by the insurer to inspect the damage on site. They act on the insurer's instructions, not on yours.
Late payment by the insurer. After a reasonable period for examination, default interest and further claims can arise.
A short certificate that a repair was actually carried out and carried out properly. It is required for loss of use compensation or a VAT refund, for instance.
The total of parts, labour, paintwork and incidental costs for a complete repair.
The value of the unrepaired vehicle in its damaged condition. In a total loss it is deducted from the replacement value.
A jig on which a distorted body is pulled back into shape under constant measurement control.
A business in which appraisers produce reports – independently of insurers, workshops and manufacturers.
A professionally qualified person who establishes vehicle damage and values neutrally and documents them so they can be followed.
The discount level in motor insurance. Where the collision was not your fault and is settled through the other party's liability insurer, it is unaffected.
The combined handling of damage to company vehicles: recording, workshop coordination, appraisal, insurer and invoice checking.
The insurer's reference for the matter. It should be quoted in all correspondence.
The insurer's attempt to direct injured parties to partner workshops and its own appraisers. You are not bound by it.
A market data reference for vehicle values and hire car prices, used as a benchmark.
Calculation and valuation software from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand.
The gaps between body panels. Uneven gaps point to distortion or an untidy repair.
A small-area paint repair covering only the damaged spot.
The state of a traction battery relative to its capacity when new. A central figure in valuing electric vehicles.
The appraiser's professional statement on a disputed point – after a reduction by the insurer, for instance.
A load-bearing body component, decisive for stiffness and crash behaviour.
The hourly labour cost for mechanical work, bodywork and paint. Whether main dealer rates may be applied is a frequent point of dispute.
The total cost of a vehicle across its whole period of use – from acquisition and depreciation through operation to disposal.
The vehicle can no longer be properly repaired from a technical point of view.
The repair would cost more than the replacement value less the residual value – so it makes no commercial sense.
The first record of how the collision happened, with those involved, witnesses and the visible damage.
A complete damage report with the repair method, costs, diminished value, replacement and residual values and the length of the outage.
A technical reconstruction of how the collision unfolded – usually where liability is disputed or accounts conflict.
A flat allowance for incidental costs such as telephone and postage, reimbursed without itemised proof.
Surcharges on the recommended retail prices for parts, reflecting the procurement costs customary in the region.
The recurring inspection of company vehicles under the German accident prevention regulations – as a rule annually.
The cost of transport between the workshop and the paint shop where the two are not in the same business.
The period within which claims must be asserted. For damages arising from road traffic collisions a three-year period from the end of the year in question regularly applies.
The professionally competent person who genuinely and continuously directs the transport activity in licensed road haulage. Competence is evidenced by a Chamber of Commerce examination; an external transport manager may look after at most four undertakings with 50 vehicles between them.
Earlier damage to the vehicle – whether repaired or not. It has to be disclosed and separated out in the report.
A report establishing value, for a purchase, a sale, an inheritance or insurance, for instance.
The time it realistically takes to obtain an equivalent vehicle. The basis for loss of use compensation in a total loss.
The amount an equivalent vehicle would cost on the regional market.
A grading scale from 1 (flawless) to 5 (in need of restoration), used above all for classic cars.
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Please note: these explanations offer a first orientation and are no substitute for legal advice. In an individual case different rules may apply.
Head office in Schramberg-Sulgen, branch office in Rottweil. For the damage inspection we come to you in any case – on site, at the workshop or at your home.
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