Executive Summary
In motor liability claims in Germany, the majority of claim items are reduced by the opposing insurer via audit services — UPE surcharges, transfer costs, adjacent panel repainting, and diminished value most frequently. Insurer audit services reduce typically 30–40 % of claims(NDR report “Audit service providers” 2022, analyses, BGH VI ZR 38/22 ff.). The BGH supports injured parties in several rulings — however, without legal representation these rulings are rarely enforced.
This report documents the eight most common reduction items with relevant BGH case law, the BVSK-Honorartabelle 2025/2026, and regional characteristics of the five largest NRW cities.