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Who pays if the garage damages my car in Germany?

In short

Who pays if the garage damages my car in Germany? The garage. It must return your car undamaged and is liable for its staff. Unless it proves it was not at fault, it pays the repair, an assessor report and loss of use. If it refuses, your fully comprehensive cover (Vollkasko) can pay first; if the insurer recovers the full amount, your no-claims class stays untouched.

Who pays if the garage damages my car in Germany?

What it costs

Typical costs after damage at a German garage.

ExampleTypical range
Assessor report, typical damageusually 500 to 800 euros
Threshold for a full reportabout 750 euros of repair costs
Excess if Vollkasko pays firstoften 150 to 500 euros, recoverable from the garage
Downgrade if the garage repays in full0 classes

As of October 2026.

The excess is a guide value from quoting practice; your contract decides.

Worked example

Door dented while parking

Collecting the car after an oil change, the driver door is dented. The garage denies it.

Repair per reportabout 1,800 euros
Assessorabout 600 euros
Vollkasko pays first1,800 euros minus 300 euros excess
Your claim against the garage300 euros excess and 600 euros assessor

If the garage pays everything, your Vollkasko stays claim free and you lose nothing.

Why the garage is liable for damage to your car

With the repair order the garage takes your car into its care. If it is damaged there, while parking, on the lift, on a test drive or through a faulty repair, the garage breaches its contract and must pay (section 280 of the Civil Code, BGB).

The garage is liable for its employees as for itself, and it carries the burden of proof: it must show it was not at fault. That rarely works if you spot the damage at collection.

DamageUsually paid by
Scratch while parking in the yardgarage
Accident on a test drivegarage, third parties first by your motor liability
Engine damage after a loose boltgarage, repair or damages
Hail in the garage yardyour Teilkasko, the garage only if at fault

Faulty repair or new damage

If the repair itself is faulty, the rules on defects apply: the garage may first fix it, then reduction, withdrawal or damages follow. Set a reasonable deadline in writing.

If new damage occurred, such as a dented door, you can claim money directly and do not have to let the same garage repair it.

What your own car insurance does

If the garage refuses or delays, your Vollkasko can pay minus your excess and recover the money from the garage. If the insurer is repaid in full, the model terms treat your contract as claim free.

Many garages have insurance for customer vehicles; whether it applies depends on its terms. Your claim is still against the garage.

When you do not need an assessor

For a small scratch below about 750 euros, a quote from another garage is usually enough. An assessor report (Gutachten) for 500 to 800 euros pays off for bigger damage or if the garage denies it.

Step by step

  1. Photograph the car before handing it over.
  2. Check it in daylight at collection, before paying.
  3. Note the damage on the slip or invoice and have it countersigned.
  4. Ask the garage in writing to pay, with a deadline.
  5. Get a quote or assessor report if disputed.
  6. If refused, use your Vollkasko and mention recovery.

Checklist

  • Photos before handover
  • Damage noted before payment
  • Order and invoice kept
  • Deadline set
  • Excess and assessor costs claimed

Common mistakes

  • Paying and driving off without mentioning the damage
  • Complaining days later when the cause is disputed
  • Not using Vollkasko for fear of a downgrade

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

Do I have to prove the garage caused it?

You show it happened at the garage.

The garage must then prove it was not at fault.

Is the garage liable on a test drive?

Yes, for damage to your car.

Damage to others is first paid by your motor liability.

Can the garage insist on repairing it itself?

For new damage, no, you can claim money.

For a faulty repair it may fix it first.

Will I lose my no-claims class if Vollkasko pays?

Not if the insurer recovers the full amount from the garage.

Sources

NAMMERT insurance broker

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Related questions

Your broker: Norman Nammert, trading as NAMMERT.

Insurance broker licensed under section 34d(1) of the German Trade Regulation Act.

Broker register no. D-C08Q-TOSD4-37.

NAMMERT Assekuradeur GmbH is a separate company.

It does not arrange your contract.

Statutory disclosure (German) · Updated

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