Car damage — what to do?
The 5 most important immediate steps after an accident — handled correctly, you secure repair, diminished value and all further claims.
Direct Answer · § 249 BGB · BGH VI ZR 67/06
Secure the accident scene
Hazard lights on, set up the warning triangle (in town ~50 m, out of town ~100 m, motorway ~150–400 m), put on a hi-vis vest. Help the injured and call 112 immediately for personal injury. Get yourself out of the danger zone.
Preserve evidence + police
Photos from several angles: damage, final position of both vehicles, number plates, skid marks, traffic signs. Note the other party’s details (name, address, insurer, plate, driver). Approach witnesses. If fault is unclear, hit-and-run or personal injury: call the police (110).
Admit nothing, sign nothing
Make no admission of fault — neither at the scene nor on the phone — and sign no statement from the at-fault insurer. If the other side offers a “quick, free” handling, that is claim steering — politely refer them to your appraiser and lawyer.
Commission your own appraiser
For damage over around €750 you are entitled to your own independent expert (BGH VI ZR 67/06). Do not commission the at-fault insurer’s appraiser — they work in its interest. Ideally an appointment before any repair.
Report the claim + lawyer
Report the claim — with Claimondo online in 5 minutes. We coordinate appraiser, repair shop and partner law firm. In case of third-party fault, the at-fault liability insurer also bears the lawyer’s costs (§ 249 BGB).
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to call the police after car damage?
It is mandatory for personal injury, hit-and-run or significant property damage with unclear fault. For clear minor dents with a consensual exchange of details, the police are not strictly necessary — but a police report later helps as evidence. When in doubt, call (110).
What should I photograph?
Damage to both vehicles from several angles, the final position of the vehicles in the traffic area, all number plates, skid marks, debris, traffic signs and lights. Also the other party’s driving licence and insurance details. Better too many photos than too few.
May I have my car repaired before the appraiser comes?
No — wait for the appraisal. If repairs happen before the assessment, the damage can no longer be documented neutrally, and the insurer reduces or refuses reimbursement. An appraiser appointment is usually possible within 48 hours.
Do I have to give information to the at-fault insurer?
You are not obliged to give the at-fault insurer details about the course of events, fault or injuries on the phone. Such statements are later readily used against you. Politely refer them to your appraiser and your lawyer.
What if the question of fault is unclear?
Then preserving evidence and the police are especially important. An accident sketch, witnesses and photos later decide the liability ratio. Even with partial fault, your own appraiser is worth it — your damage is reimbursed proportionally, and a neutral appraisal prevents the other side’s inflated contributory-fault ratios.
Just had car damage?
Reported in 5 minutes — we coordinate appraiser, repair shop and lawyer. In case of third-party fault, €0 for you.