The car claim settlement process
Step by step — from the accident to full payout in 6–8 weeks
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Secure the accident scene
Call the police if there are personal injuries, hit-and-run, or disputed liability. Photos: damage, licence plates, vehicle positions, surroundings. Exchange details with the other party. Do not say "yes" to the opposing insurance over the phone.
Report to Claimondo
Fill in the online form or call us. We immediately assess: minor damage or full expert report? Is liability clear? Which appraiser is available? Which lawyer is the right fit? After that, we coordinate everything else.
Expert report + lawyer
A DAT-Sachverständiger inspects the vehicle — at your home, at the workshop, or at your workplace. The report includes repair costs, diminished value, residual value (in total-loss cases), and replacement value. The lawyer then issues demands to the opposing insurance.
Payout
The opposing insurance transfers payment within 4–8 weeks. In case of delay or reduction, the lawyer follows up in writing. If disputed: litigation. Litigation costs are borne by the opposing party upon success. You pay €0.
Frequently asked questions about the process
How long does a complete car claim settlement take?
On average 6–8 weeks from the accident to full payout. Breakdown: Day 0 = accident, Days 1–2 = appraiser appointment, Days 3–5 = report, Days 5–10 = lawyer's demand letter, Days 30–60 = payout. With litigation, an additional 6–18 months. In complex cases (personal injury, disputed liability, Tesla) potentially longer.
What is the first step after an accident?
Safety first: warning triangle, hazard lights, police if necessary. Then preserve evidence: photos of the damage, positions, licence plates, traffic situation. Write down the other party's details (name, address, insurance, licence plate, driver). Do NOT say "yes" to the opposing insurance over the phone — that is the claim-steering trap. Instead: report to Claimondo.
How is the appraiser appointment organised?
We handle that. You provide your location and availability — we match you with the nearest available expert. Appointment within 48 hours. The appraiser comes to you — your home, workplace, or workshop. If the vehicle is not roadworthy, we arrange towing (also reimbursed by the insurance).
What happens if the insurance reduces the expert report?
Insurers frequently reduce diminished value, UPE surcharges, transport costs, or the expert's fee. Our lawyer responds citing the relevant BGH rulings (VI ZR 65/18, VI ZR 174/24). If reductions persist, the law firm litigates. Litigation costs are borne entirely by the opposing party upon success.
When do I get a rental car or loss-of-use compensation?
Rental car from the first day of repairs — equivalent class or one class lower with excess reimbursement. Alternative: flat-rate Nutzungsausfall (loss of use) per the Sanden/Danner table (€23–€175/day depending on vehicle class). For commuters, a rental car is almost always the better option. We advise based on your specific situation.
Accident just happened?
Filed in 5 minutes — response in under 15 minutes.