Car Valuation Report

What the valuation report covers

• Vehicle identity and history: vehicle identification number, date of first registration, number of previous owners, indicated mileage, service record book, service intervals, roadworthiness inspection and number of keys.
• Equipment item by item: the factory equipment is resolved from the vehicle data, because on a passenger car the trim line, together with the transmission, drive type, assistance packages and paint finish, has a strong bearing on resale – some options barely register, while others are a precondition for selling the car at all on the used market.
• Condition: body, paint including thickness measurement, interior, tires, brakes, underbody and fault memory. On electric and hybrid vehicles, additionally the condition of the traction battery, because it determines the value more strongly than mileage alone.
• Prior damage and diminished value: identifiable repairs, the quality of the work and its effect on price. A documented accident in a vehicle's life lowers the achievable price permanently, even where the repair was carried out properly.
• Market comparison: evaluation of actual offers for comparable vehicles by model, engine, equipment and mileage, supplemented by regional demand and the season.
• Value bases: depending on the purpose, dealer purchase value, dealer sale value, replacement value or market value – each clearly named, because the same figure does not serve both a trade-in and the tax office.
• Classic and youngtimer vehicles: a system of their own, with condition grades from 1 to 5, separate assessment of mechanics, paint, chrome, interior and underbody, and an evaluation of originality, restoration quality and documentation. Used car databases do not capture value here; what counts is the collector market, the rarity of the model and whether the vehicle qualifies for German historic-vehicle registration.

How it works

1. Clarify the purpose: you tell us what the valuation is needed for – sale, estate, divorce, tax office, insurance or trade-in. The purpose determines which value basis applies.
2. Inspection: recording of condition, equipment and history on site, with paint thickness measurement, photo documentation, reading out the vehicle electronics and, where required, a test drive.
3. Valuation: determination of the system value, comparison with real market prices for comparable vehicles, additions and deductions for equipment, condition, prior damage and regional demand, with every step set out in writing.
4. Delivery: you receive the valuation report digitally, as a rule on the same business day once it is complete, and on request additionally as a signed copy for a court, a notary or the tax office.

The valuation is prepared for a fixed price. There is no additional billing by time spent, and we agree the travel arrangements with you in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the value differ from the online valuation?

Because online calculators work with average figures. They know neither the actual equipment nor the standard of care, repaired prior damage or demand in your region. We value the specific vehicle and set out openly what each addition or deduction is based on.

Is a classic car valued differently from a used car?

Yes, under a system of its own. Instead of mileage and a residual value curve, what counts is the condition grade, originality, the quality of earlier restoration work, the documentation and the standing of the vehicle in the collector market. A youngtimer is assessed on the threshold between the two systems, depending on rarity and collector interest.

Is the report accepted by the tax office or in court?

A valuation report from an independent appraiser with a derivation that can be followed step by step is the customary basis for withdrawals from business assets, estates and the equalization of accrued gains. We state the purpose of the valuation, the value basis chosen and the effective date explicitly, so that the figure matches the use it is put to.

How much value does prior damage cost?

That depends on the extent, the age and the workmanship. A properly repaired scrape has a different effect from structural damage to the front end. We quantify the deduction case by case and keep it separate from the rest of the valuation.

More on this in our guide: Diminished value after an accident