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Who pays the vehicle assessor after a not at fault accident?

In short

After a not at fault accident in Germany, the other driver's motor liability insurer pays the vehicle assessor (Gutachter), and you may choose the assessor yourself. This applies if the damage is above the minor damage limit of about EUR 750; below that a repair estimate is enough. A report usually costs EUR 500 to 800. With shared blame, only your share is paid.

Who pays the vehicle assessor after a not at fault accident?

What it costs

What an accident report costs in Germany and who pays.

ExampleTypical range
Accident report, typical damageusually EUR 500 to 800
Minor damage limit for a full reportabout EUR 750 to 1,000 of damage
Shared blame 50:50, report EUR 600EUR 300 refunded
Garage repair estimateoften EUR 0 to 100

Report costs and limit from the guides listed, October 2026.

The cost of a repair estimate is a guide value from quoting practice.

Worked example

Car park bump with EUR 2,400 damage

Another driver reverses into your door and admits fault.

Repair costs per reportEUR 2,400
Loss of value per reportEUR 300
Assessor's feeEUR 560
Paid by the other insurerEUR 3,260

You pay nothing, and the report found an extra EUR 300 loss of value.

Why the other insurer pays the assessor

Under section 249 of the German Civil Code (BGB) whoever causes an accident must restore the previous state or pay the necessary amount. That includes the cost of assessing the damage. After a not at fault accident, the other driver's liability insurer covers it.

You may choose the assessor yourself. An assessor sent by the other insurer works for their side. Your own independent assessor also looks at loss of value, loss of use and hidden damage.

The minor damage limit

For small damage a full report is not considered necessary. Case law of the Federal Court of Justice puts the limit at around EUR 750 of repair costs, some courts slightly higher. It is a guide value, not a figure in the statute.

Below the limit, a garage repair estimate (Kostenvoranschlag) is enough. If unsure, get the estimate first and commission the assessor if it exceeds the limit.

DamageWhat is refunded
below about EUR 750repair estimate, no full report
above about EUR 750, other driver fully at faultreport in full
shared blame, say 50:50report by quota
your own faultyou pay the report

If the insurer cuts the fee

Insurers often cut assessors' fees by smaller amounts. According to the Federal Court of Justice, the injured party does not have to check the fee level unless it is obviously excessive. Do not pay the difference yourself; pass the cut on to the assessor or a traffic lawyer.

Many assessors ask you to assign their fee claim and bill the insurer directly. Read that assignment before signing.

When you do not need your own assessor

For a clear minor scratch below the limit, the estimate is enough. If you caused the accident, your comprehensive insurer usually sends its own assessor; a private one is at your expense.

Step by step

  1. Secure the scene, take photos, note the other driver's details.
  2. If unsure, get a repair estimate first.
  3. Above the limit, commission an independent assessor yourself.
  4. Send the report to the other insurer.
  5. Do not pay any fee cut yourself.

Checklist

  • Fault clear or witnesses noted
  • Damage above about EUR 750
  • Assessor chosen by you
  • Assignment form read
  • Loss of value and loss of use in the report

Common mistakes

  • Only allowing the other insurer's assessor
  • Ordering a full report for a scratch
  • Paying a fee cut out of your own pocket

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

Do I have to pay the assessor upfront?

Usually not; many bill the insurer directly after assignment.

Can the other insurer choose the assessor for me?

No, you may choose an independent assessor.

What about shared blame?

The insurer pays the report only according to your quota.

Does my comprehensive cover pay an assessor?

If you were at fault it usually sends its own; an extra one is at your cost.

Is the minor damage limit set by law?

No, it is a guide value from case law.

Sources

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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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