Ihr Fall. Immer in der Tasche.
Status checken — beim Kaffee, im Stau, um 3 Uhr morgens. Ein Tab in Ihrem Handy. Alles drin.
DAT-Sachverständigen-Netzwerk · nationwide coverage
Not your fault in the crash?
We've got you covered.
We coordinate the expert, lawyer, and repair shop — and the partner law firm leads the negotiation with the opposing insurance. For you: €0 (§249 BGB). 32 days avg. payout instead of the industry average of 4–6 months.
- Your case. Always in your pocket.
- One advisor. One number. Always the same.
- You see every letter, every call, every cent.
- 32 days instead of 4 months. On average.
- €0 for you. (§249 BGB).
Anonymous consultation · No commitment · GDPR-compliant
- 2,000+claims handled
- €8M+compensation enforced
- 32 daysavg. time to payout
- < 15 minto first callback
Aggregated analysis of all cases referred through the Claimondo partner network since inception. As of 14.05.2026. Detailed methodology available on request.
Real Google reviews
22 Google reviews
„Ich bin sehr positiv überrascht gewesen wie unkompliziert und schnell der Service durch Claimondo erfolgte. Als ich Opfer eines Parkremplers wurde wusste ich erstmal auch nicht was ich machen sollte um richtig vorzugehen. Zum Glück wurde mir Claimondo angezeigt, die mir schnell einen Gutachtertermin organisierten und mich in der Abwicklung von A bis Z unterstützten!"
V. R. · in der letzten Woche
„Unerwartet schnelle Bearbeitung. Besonders freundlicher Kontakt! Kann nur empfehlen!"
Lyubomir Bodurov · in der letzten Woche
„Schaden wurde gut betreut und vor allem wurde sich um Mietwagen und Kommunikation mit den Rechtsanwälten gekümmert. Kann ich nur empfehlen."
Jan · vor einer Woche
§249 BGB — Your statutory entitlement
Four conversations — our partner law firm conducts them, not you.
Four damage positions — four conversations with the opposing insurance. Our partner law firm conducts them all. BGH-compliant.
Repair costs or replacement value
Our partner law firm negotiates full reimbursement incl. UPE surcharges, transport, and adjacent-panel refinishing with the insurance. BGH VI ZR 65/18 + VI ZR 174/24.
Claim in detailDiminished Value
Our partner law firm enforces diminished value claims using the Sanden/Danner formula — even when the insurance offers "adequate" compensation. BGH VI ZR 357/03.
Claim in detailRental Car or Loss of Use
Our partner law firm negotiates a rental car for the full repair period or a loss-of-use flat rate of €23–175/day based on the Sanden/Danner class.
Claim in detailExpert & Legal Costs
The partner law firm recovers expert and legal costs from the opposing liability insurer — §249 BGB. You pay €0.
Claim in detail
When Things Get Difficult
When the insurer writes "We'll take care of it." What that actually means.
Opposing insurers delay, send their own assessment services, or reduce payouts. Three typical situations — and what actually applies under BGH case law.
The Insurance Won't Pay
Default under §286 BGB, the 4-week settlement deadline, default interest, and leverage — when the opposing party is in default.
Rights in Case of Late PaymentThe Insurance Sends Their Own Expert
Your independent expert is what counts — free choice of appraiser under §249 BGB. The opposing party's assessment services systematically reduce claims.
Free Choice of ExpertNot At Fault — What Am I Entitled To?
Eight claims plus free choice of repair shop and expert (BGH VI ZR 53/09) — the complete overview for injured parties.
All Rights at a GlanceThe first 48 hours matter
7 mistakes to avoid after an accident
What happens in the first days after an accident determines the value of your claim. These seven mistakes cost money in practice most often — all avoidable with the right sequence of steps.
- 1
Engaging with the opposing party's claims management
Why: "We'll take care of everything" means: claims steering to a partner workshop, no independent expert, no diminished value — typically 30–40% less in entitlements due to audit-service reductions (NDR investigative report 2022, Verbraucherzentrale, BGH VI ZR 38/22 ff.).
Better: Do not speak to the opposing insurance by phone. Report your claim with Claimondo — we handle all communication.
How to avoid this mistake →Mehr erfahren - 2
Accept the insurance company's appraiser
Why: "Who pays the piper calls the tune." — Insurance appraisers systematically underestimate damage. Examples: €2,000 instead of €9,000 after dismantling.
Better: You have a statutory right to an independent expert of your choice — at no cost if the accident was not your fault.
How to avoid this mistake →Mehr erfahren - 3
Sign a settlement declaration prematurely
Why: Settlement declarations waive all future claims — including late-onset injuries or hidden vehicle defects.
Better: Never sign without a lawyer. If the accident was not your fault, the opposing party covers 100% of legal fees.
How to avoid this mistake →Mehr erfahren - 4
Trust a police officer's assessment of "Nothing to it"
Why: Police officers are not automotive technicians. Hidden damage to chassis rails, control units, or the battery (EVs) goes undetected.
Better: Always commission an independent damage report — even for seemingly minor accidents.
How to avoid this mistake →Mehr erfahren - 5
Repair without an expert report
Why: Without an expert report you forfeit diminished value (in year 2, approx. 20% of repair costs) and have no evidence in later disputes.
Better: Expert report first, then repair. Diminished value is your right regardless of whether you choose to repair.
How to avoid this mistake →Mehr erfahren - 6
File a notional claim without securing evidence
Why: In a subsequent second accident at the same location, without proof of repair the insurer can refuse settlement entirely (HIS file).
Better: Two-photo rule: photograph the vehicle after repair with a dated newspaper in the frame. One wide shot and one close-up of the repaired area.
How to avoid this mistake →Mehr erfahren - 7
Fail to secure video evidence immediately
Why: Security cameras at petrol stations, car parks, and shops typically overwrite recordings after 3–4 weeks. Request too late and the evidence is gone.
Better: Request video footage within 48 hours. We coordinate the request through our partner law firm for traffic law where legal evidence preservation is required.
How to avoid this mistake →Mehr erfahren
Sources: ADAC, Verbraucherzentrale, RA Günter Fenderl (specialist lawyer, traffic law), Bernd Hertfelder (publicly appointed and sworn automotive expert), Knowledge Base Initial Consultation May 2026
Special case: electric vehicles
Tesla, Polestar, Lucid?
We know the pitfalls.
DAT and Audatex often have no correct repair times on record for US vehicles. Real example: standard expert report €22,000 → with Tesla OEM data €48,000.
Rocker panel repairs on electric vehicles can destroy the control units beneath them months later. Any damage in the battery area requires a specialist expert — otherwise a hidden total loss is at risk.
Source: Bernd Hertfelder (publicly appointed automotive expert, HWK Stuttgart)
How it works
You talk to no one.
We talk to everyone.
One contact coordinates the assessor, the repair shop and our partner law firm — you don't have to negotiate with anyone. Your damage is inspected on site by an independent expert, not by an insurer's online desk-check.
Service-Realität
Ihr Fall. Immer in der Tasche.
Persönliche Begleitung, live verfolgbar, ohne Papierkram — so fühlt sich Schadensregulierung mit Claimondo an.
Wir melden uns. Sie müssen nicht nachfragen.
Push: „Gutachter unterwegs." Push: „Anwalt hat geantwortet." Push: „Geld ist da." Sie checken nicht — wir benachrichtigen.
Ein Berater. Eine Nummer. Immer dieselbe.
Ihren Ansprechpartner haben Sie mit Foto, Direktwahl und Sprechzeiten. Kein Call-Center-Roulette.
Sie wissen vor der Versicherung, was los ist.
Wenn die Versicherung kürzt, sehen Sie es am selben Tag. Der Anwalt schreibt zurück, bevor Sie „Wartezeit" tippen können.
Kein Aktendeckel. Alles digital.
Null Papier. Für uns nicht, für Sie nicht. Was anderswo ein Briefumschlag ist, ist bei uns ein Tap.
32 Tage statt 4 Monate.
Branchen-Durchschnitt: 4–6 Monate. Bei uns: 32 Tage. Weil disponiert statt vermittelt — und alles digital.
Warum wir schneller sind
Das Uber-Prinzip für Schadensgutachten — so funktioniert es.
Hinter unseren 32 Tagen steckt eine Plattform-Mechanik, die Gutachter, Anwalt und Versicherung in einem Workflow zusammenführt.
- Schritt 1
Disponiert
Nächster freier Gutachter — nicht der, der in drei Wochen Zeit hat. Wie Uber, aber für Schadensgutachten.
- Schritt 2
In der Tasche
Sachverständiger hat alle Daten mobile, sieht alles live, kann sofort zurückpingen. Kein Papierkram, keine Aktenlieferung.
- Schritt 3
Kürzungs-Alarm
Wenn die Versicherung kürzen will, schreibt unser Anwalt zurück — bevor Sie „Wartezeit" tippen können.
Branchen-Durchschnitt: 4–6 Monate
Claimondo: 32 Tage Ø
Payment in 32 Days
From Accident to Payout — in 5 Steps
- Step 1
We record your claim
3 fields, no registration — done in 60 seconds.
View details - Step 2
We dispatch the expert
Next available appraiser — not the one free in three weeks. On-site in under 48 h.
View details - Step 3
We coordinate workshop + lawyer
Partner law firm for traffic law handles all correspondence. Workshop operates on BGH-compliant rates.
View details - Step 4
We put the insurance in default
4-week deadline under §286 BGB. If they attempt a reduction: our lawyer responds the same day.
View details - Step 5
We pay you out
Ø 32 days from claim submission to payout. Trackable live in the portal.
View details
On site, not at a desk
Assessed on site. Not cut at a desk.
Insurers route claims to online desk-check services that value your car without ever seeing it. An independent expert on site spots what they make disappear.
How we assess
Independent expert — on site
- Independent assessor, right at the vehicle
- Paint, structure, underbody and tech documented item by item
- Diminished value, OEM surcharges and transfer costs fully captured
- Court-proof report under § 249 German Civil Code
How the insurer "checks"
The insurer's online desk-check
- Online desk service (ControlExpert, K-Expert) at a desk
- Valued from the file, without ever seeing the car
- Diminished value dropped, items cut across the board
- Typically 30–40 % below the real damage
Typical reduction by insurer desk-check services: 30–40 % (NDR report 2022, consumer association, German Federal Court VI ZR 38/22 ff.).
Der BGH stützt Sie
8 BGH-Urteile, die Ihre Ansprüche absichern
Höchstrichterliche Rechtsprechung von 1992 bis 2025 — Werkstattrisiko, UPE, Beilackierung, Wertminderung und 130%-Regel sind seit Jahren BGH-fest. Versicherer kürzen trotzdem. Wir holen es zurück.
BGH VI ZR 38/22 ff.BGH VI ZR 67/91 BGH VI ZR 280/22
Werkstattrisiko 2024
5 Leitentscheidungen 16.01.2024: Werkstattrisiko trägt die Versicherung.
Im Cluster ansehen →BGH VI ZR 65/18UPE-Aufschläge
UPE-Aufschläge auch bei fiktiver Abrechnung erstattungsfähig.
Im Cluster ansehen →BGH VI ZR 174/24Beilackierung 2025
Beilackierungskosten sind erstattungsfähiger Teil des Schadens.
Im Cluster ansehen →BGH VI ZR 53/09Markenwerkstatt-Sätze
Unter 3 Jahren oder Scheckheft → Stundenverrechnung Markenwerkstatt.
Im Cluster ansehen →BGH VI ZR 119/04Restwert regional
Restwertbörsen überregional irrelevant — regionaler Markt zählt.
Im Cluster ansehen →BGH VI ZR 357/03Wertminderung
Merkantile Wertminderung auch bei älteren Fahrzeugen.
Im Cluster ansehen →130%-Regel
Reparatur bis 130 % des Wiederbeschaffungswertes zulässig.
SV-Honorar-Risiko
Auch überhöhte SV-Honorare gehen zu Lasten der Versicherung.
Im Cluster ansehen →Quelle: juris.bundesgerichtshof.de — Volltexte über Aktenzeichen abrufbar
What many people give away
Diminished value — the invisible loss only an expert can identify.
Even after a perfect repair, the market value of an accident-damaged vehicle falls. The opposing insurance pays this merkantile Wertminderung — typically between €500 and €2,500. Repair shop estimates never calculate it.
Worked example
VW Golf, 2 years old, repair costs €6,000
Rule-of-thumb diminished value: 1,200 € (20 % of repair costs)
Basis: Sanden/Danner formula · BGH VI ZR 357/03 rejects a fixed age threshold.
| Vehicle age | Diminished value (% of repair costs) | Example at €6,000 damage |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 25 % | 1,500 € |
| Year 2 | 20 % | 1,200 € |
| Year 3 | 15 % | 900 € |
| Year 4 | 10 % | 600 € |
| Year 5+ | Case-by-case assessment | depends on model & mileage |
Rule-of-thumb figures per Sanden/Danner. Exact amount is determined in the expert report — depending on market value, mileage, and extent of damage.
What insurers actually do
Insurer tactics — and how we counter them
Insurers route claims to review services such as ControlExpert, K-Expert and DEKRA — who artificially reduce figures without inspecting the vehicle. Insurer review services typically cut 30–40 % of claims (NDR documentary 2022, Verbraucherzentrale, BGH VI ZR 38/22 ff.). With Claimondo, you keep what you are owed.
| Trigger / Claim | Party / Review service | Reduction mechanism | Counter-argument |
|---|---|---|---|
"We take care of everything" §249 BGB | HUK · LVM · Allianz ControlExpert | Claim steering to partner workshop → no diminished value, no independent expert | You are entitled to your own repair shop + an independent expert.What holds up under BGH scrutiny |
"An expert report is not necessary" BGH VI ZR 357/03 | HUK · AXA ControlExpert · K-Expert | Estimate instead of expert report → diminished value disappears, 30–40% less claim | Only an expert calculates diminished value. For damage > €750 the report is free of charge.What holds up under BGH scrutiny |
Reduction via audit report BGH VI ZR 65/18 · VI ZR 174/24 | all major ControlExpert · K-Expert · DEKRA | UPE surcharges, transport, blending, labour rates cut — without inspection | BGH-proof: UPE + blending are reimbursable. A lawyer writes back.What holds up under BGH scrutiny |
"Residual value higher at other providers" BGH VI ZR 119/04 | all major supra-regional online residual-value exchange | Residual value artificially inflated → payout suppressed by up to €3,000 | Residual value = regional market. You are not obliged to accept the insurer's offer.What holds up under BGH scrutiny |
"Repair shop charges too much" BGH VI ZR 38/22 ff. (2024) | HUK · LVM ControlExpert | Leaving unreimbursed repair-shop costs with the injured party | The repair-shop risk is borne by the insurance — not by you.What holds up under BGH scrutiny |
"Expert report is unusable" BGH VI ZR 280/22 | HUK · LVM in-house claims department | Complete refusal of expert costs + replacement value | The insurance bears the expert risk. Lawyer files suit at the competent regional court.What holds up under BGH scrutiny |
Sources: NDR documentary Prüfdienstleister, initial consultation knowledge base May 2026, juris.bundesgerichtshof.de
Your case in the app
Track everything live — in real time.
Every step, every payout, every deadline: see your case status anytime in the app — and reach your advisor with one tap.
app.claimondo.de/kunde
Who looks after you
A team behind your case.
From the first call to the payout, real people are there for you — one dedicated contact coordinates the assessor, the repair shop and our partner law firm. No hold queue, no changing case handler.
Who is behind Claimondo
Real people.
No call centre.
We know what it's like to face an insurance company after an accident. That's exactly why we founded Claimondo.
Nicolas Kitta
Managing Director, CEO & Co-Founder
Nicolas leads Claimondo and is the point of contact for insurance partnerships and strategic law firm collaborations. His drive: making claim settlement in Germany transparent and on equal terms — no insurer boilerplate, no reduction tactics.
"It's not about who I am, but what I do. That's how one is measured." — Batman
Aaron Sprafke
Managing Director, COO & Co-Founder
Aaron oversees Operations, Product, and the tech platform at Claimondo. With a background in sales and account management at nextright and AdvoScale, he knows exactly where the leverage lies between customer promise and actual payout. Aaron is the interface between expert appraisers, lawyers, and our software.
"Quality means doing it right when no one is watching." — Henry Ford
Personal guidance
One advisor. One number. The whole way.
You have one dedicated contact: we coordinate the assessor, the repair shop and our partner law firm, keep an eye on every deadline and keep you posted — you never have to chase anyone.
— Claimondo claim support
DAT expert network
Independent appraisers — nationwide, focused on NRW.
Move the map or open the full search — independent experts in your region. Focus on NRW, connected nationwide.
Claims Report 2026
32 days. Industry average: 4–6 months. Here are the data.
Audit services such as ControlExpert and K-Expert typically cut 30–40% of claims — UPE surcharges, transport costs, adjacent-panel blending, diminished value. Our report maps the most common reduction items to the BGH rulings that override them.
View report30–40%
typical reduction
8
BGH rulings
0 €
for injured parties
§249
BGB legal basis
Frequently asked questions
Answers in under 60 seconds
What does a vehicle expert cost after a no-fault accident?
In a no-fault accident with damage exceeding 750 €, you pay 0 €. The opposing liability insurer covers all costs under §249 BGB. Fees based on the BVSK-Honorartabelle range from 550 € to 2,600 € depending on the extent of damage.
How quickly can a vehicle expert be on-site?
Certified partner appraisers from the Claimondo network inspect your vehicle nationwide in under 48 hours — usually the same or the following business day.
What happens if the insurance reduces the expert report?
Insurers such as HUK, LVM, and AXA typically reduce UPE surcharges, transport costs, and Wertminderung (diminished value) via audit service providers (ControlExpert, K-Expert, DEKRA). However, the BGH supports injured parties in its leading decisions VI ZR 65/18, VI ZR 174/24, and VI ZR 38/22 ff. Our partner law firm for traffic law recovers all reductions in full — including through litigation.
Does the free service also apply in cases of partial fault?
Yes. With partial fault, the opposing insurance covers the proportional share. In a 50:50 split, your own comprehensive insurance (Kasko) pays the preferential positions (repair, diminished value, expert fees, towing costs) up to 100 % via the Quotenvorrecht.
Do I have to report my vehicle damage to the insurance myself?
No. Do not speak directly with the opposing insurance — they will send their own appraiser (ControlExpert, K-Expert), who systematically reduces claims. Insurer review services typically cut 30–40 % of claims (source: NDR documentary "Prüfdienstleister" 2022, Verbraucherzentrale analyses, BGH landmark rulings VI ZR 38/22 ff. / VI ZR 65/18 / VI ZR 174/24). With an independent certified expert, all BGH-compliant positions are properly documented.
How much diminished value can I recover after an accident?
The merkantile Wertminderung (diminished market value) calculated using the Sanden/Danner formula ranges between €500 and €2,500. Rule of thumb: year 1: 25 %, year 2: 20 %, year 3: 15 %, year 4: 10 % of repair costs. No fixed age limit according to BGH VI ZR 357/03.
What does the 130 % rule mean in a total loss case?
The 130 % rule (BGH VI ZR 67/91) permits repair costs up to 130 % of the replacement value — provided repairs are carried out professionally in accordance with the expert report and the vehicle continues to be used for 6 months.
What is the Werkstattrisiko (workshop risk) under the 2024 BGH rulings?
On 16.01.2024, the BGH clarified in five landmark decisions (VI ZR 38/22, 239/22, 253/22, 266/22, 51/23): injured parties are not required to verify repair invoices themselves. Workshop charges too high or work not carried out → the opposing insurance bears the risk.
What is the HIS file and why does it matter?
The HIS file (Hinweis- und Informationssystem — central claims register) stores every reported accident centrally, accessible to all insurers. Anyone who settles on a notional basis and later reports new damage to the same area risks full denial of the claim — recommended evidence preservation: two-photo rule with a current dated newspaper.
Are Tesla and electric vehicle damages handled the same way?
Not entirely. In Tesla and other electric vehicles, control units are located beneath sill covers — consequential damage often only emerges months later. DAT/Audatex frequently lack correct assembly times for US vehicles: a standard estimate of €22,000 can turn out to be €48,000 using Tesla original data. We connect you with specialist EV appraisers.
Send us your case — we handle the conversation with the insurance.
Call us, send a WhatsApp message, or report your claim online.