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Cost estimate
Fast, exact damage assessment, ideal for smaller damage.
A cost estimate puts an exact figure on the repair costs you can expect. Faster and cheaper than a full report, and often the right choice for minor damage.
- Report within 48h
- Free of charge when someone else is at fault
- Experience from over 20,000 cases
from €0
free of charge via assignment when someone else is at fault
under €1,000
typical damage amount for a cost estimate
approx. €100
garage estimate or ~10% of the damage amount
20,000+
cases assessed
Basics
What is a vehicle cost estimate?
Like a full report, the cost estimate provides an assessment of the damage to your vehicle and is often the fastest solution when damage occurs.
However, it is merely a damage calculation: without securing evidence in the form of photographs and without taking prior or pre-existing damage into account. It is usually drawn up for damage below €1,000.
- For minor and small damage under approx. €1,000
- As a decision aid before a repair
- For quick, notional settlement
When do I need this?
Typical reasons for a cost estimate
Minor damage under approx. €750
Below the threshold for a full report, a well-founded cost estimate is usually enough.
Decision aid before a repair
You want to know what a garage repair will cost before you place the order.
Settling it yourself
With smaller damage and no insurance involved, every euro counts. We calculate transparently.
How it works
Just a few steps to your report
Arrange an appointment
A quick call or WhatsApp message, usually an appointment the same or next day.
Damage assessment
Fast, precise assessment on site, usually under 30 minutes.
Cost estimate
Written document within a few hours.
Liability
Who pays the bill?
Someone else at fault
Typical: Your vehicle was parked, the other party ignored your right of way or ran into the back of you, and the police recorded you as the injured party.
You can set the claim in motion yourself, free of charge, including a rental car, loss-of-use compensation and a flat-rate expense allowance.
The other party's insurer covers all costs.
Your own fault
Typical: If you are at fault for the accident yourself, there are a few details to keep in mind.
Give us a quick call, this is best sorted out together over the phone.
Depending on your cover (comprehensive). We advise you on the best option.
Costs & payment
Free of charge when someone else is at fault
A garage usually charges around €100 or about 10% of the damage amount, and that up front. With us, the cost estimate is free of charge for you when someone else is at fault: via a declaration of assignment we bill the insurer directly.
When someone else is at fault you pay nothing: thanks to the declaration of assignment, the cost estimate is free for you from the very start.
Comparison
The options at a glance
| Cost estimate | Short report | Damage report | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rates of an authorised garage | |||
| Securing evidence & photo documentation | |||
| List of standard equipment | |||
| List of optional equipment | |||
| Prior damage taken into account | |||
| Amount put on any diminished value | |||
| Loss-of-use grouping | |||
| Check of roadworthiness | |||
| Repair extension / supervision covered | |||
| Securing evidence in a dispute |
A short report and a damage report secure considerably more claims than a plain cost estimate.
Included in the report
What you actually get
- Description of the work steps for a proper repair
- Labour times and labour costs
- Spare-part numbers and prices
- Optional equipment via the chassis number
- Statement of the validity period
Extra claims
Possible extra claims
After an accident that was someone else's fault, you can also claim:
- Rental car
- Loss-of-use compensation
- Flat-rate expense allowance
- Market-related diminished value
Careful: don't fall for claims steering
The insurer often tries to quickly steer you towards a cheap repair at a partner garage. But you have the right to choose your garage freely. Especially when reselling, buyers expect a proper repair at a brand garage; a partner-garage repair is often seen as a defect that lowers the sale price.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Cost estimate
Is a cost estimate enough for the insurance company?
For minor damage and many comprehensive-insurance cases: yes. For full liability settlement after an accident, a full report is usually required.
How quickly do I get the cost estimate?
Usually on the same day as the inspection. We prioritise urgent cases.
Is the cost estimate credited towards a later report?
In many cases yes. We settle this with you fairly and bindingly before we take on the job.
Service areas
Where we assess for you
- Karlsruhe
- Karlsruhe-Durlach
- Ettlingen
- Rastatt
- Baden-Baden
- Bruchsal
- Bretten
- Pforzheim
Ready for the next step?
Call, WhatsApp or form, we'll get back to you with a suggested appointment.
Mon–Sat 08:00–20:00
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