Glossary
Vehicle expertise terminology — simply explained
From current value to total loss: Find the most important terms related to damage appraisals, vehicle valuations and independent automotive expertise in Switzerland — clearly and practically explained.
Evidence Preservation
Evidence preservation refers to the systematic documentation of vehicle damage to secure evidence for subsequent court proceedings or insurance processing. An independent vehicle expert prepares a detailed report with photos, measurements and technical findings. This is particularly important when liability is unclear or an insurance company disputes the damage.
Practical example: After a rear-end collision, the expert documents all visible and hidden damage before the vehicle is repaired — ensuring evidence remains traceable even after repair.
Liability Damage
Liability damage occurs when your vehicle is damaged by a third party's fault. In this case, the at-fault party's liability insurance is responsible for settlement. An independent damage appraisal by a qualified vehicle expert ensures all damage is fully recorded and correctly valued — regardless of the opposing insurance company's assessment.
Hail Damage
Hail damage refers to bodywork damage caused by hailstones, typically dents in the roof, bonnet and boot lid. Assessment requires special methods such as light reflection testing. An appraiser documents the number, size and location of dents and calculates repair costs — often using paintless dent repair (PDR).
Practical example: After a hailstorm, a vehicle shows over 80 dents. The expert assesses whether repair is worthwhile or whether it constitutes an economic total loss.
Comprehensive Damage
Comprehensive damage refers to damage to your own vehicle covered by your comprehensive insurance. Partial comprehensive covers theft, glass breakage, hail or wildlife accidents. Full comprehensive additionally covers self-inflicted accident damage and vandalism. An independent appraisal by a vehicle expert helps document the extent of damage objectively and achieve fair settlement.
Lease Return Appraisal
A lease return appraisal is a professional condition assessment of your vehicle before returning it to the leasing company. An independent expert documents the current condition and assesses which signs of use count as normal wear and which could be classified as damage. This helps you avoid unexpectedly high additional charges.
Practical example: Before returning a 3-year leased vehicle, the lessee commissions an appraisal. The expert documents scratches and dents and classifies them as contractual wear — the return is completed without additional charges.
Diminished Value (Depreciation)
Diminished value describes the loss in value of a vehicle that persists despite proper repair after an accident. Buyers are generally unwilling to pay the same price for an accident vehicle as for an accident-free vehicle. An independent appraiser calculates this diminished value using recognised methods and documents it in the damage appraisal.
Practical example: A 2-year-old vehicle is properly repaired after a rear impact. The diminished value according to the appraisal is CHF 2,800 — this amount can be additionally claimed from the opposing insurance.
Classic Car Valuation
A classic car valuation is a specialised appraisal for vintage vehicles. An experienced specialist assesses originality, condition, restoration quality and rarity. The appraisal serves as a basis for insurance (agreed fixed insurance value), purchase or sale decisions, and tax purposes.
Repair Calculation
A repair calculation is a detailed listing of all required work steps, replacement parts and materials for repairing vehicle damage. It is prepared by the vehicle expert based on a thorough damage analysis and serves as a binding basis for insurance claim settlement. The calculation follows standardised systems and current manufacturer specifications.
Residual Value
The residual value is the market value of a damaged vehicle in its unrepaired condition. It is determined by the independent expert and plays a crucial role in calculating an economic total loss. The residual value is based on offers from the regional salvage market and considers the vehicle's condition and the usability of undamaged parts.
Practical example: A vehicle with a current value of CHF 15,000 suffers damage with repair costs of CHF 18,000. The residual value is determined at CHF 4,500 — this constitutes an economic total loss.
Specialist / Vehicle Expert
A vehicle specialist — also called vehicle expert or automotive appraiser — is a qualified professional who prepares technical vehicle valuations and damage appraisals. In Switzerland, specialists work independently and neutrally. They have extensive knowledge in vehicle technology, damage analysis and valuation methods. On Fahrzeugexpertisen.ch, you can find verified and independent vehicle experts in your region.
Asset Contribution Audit
When founding a company or increasing capital in Switzerland, assets — including vehicles — can be contributed as in-kind contributions to share capital. An asset contribution audit by a qualified auditor or specialist confirms the value of the contributed items. For vehicles, an independent valuation report is required.
Damage Appraisal
A damage appraisal is a technical document prepared by an independent vehicle expert after an accident or other damage. It documents the type, extent and cause of damage, includes detailed photo documentation, a repair calculation and determination of current value, residual value and, where applicable, diminished value. The appraisal forms the basis for claim settlement with the insurance company.
Total Loss
A distinction is made between economic and technical total loss. An economic total loss occurs when repair costs exceed the vehicle's replacement value — the vehicle could be repaired, but it's not financially worthwhile. A technical total loss means the vehicle can no longer be safely repaired. The determination is made by an independent appraiser as part of a damage appraisal.
Practical example: Repair costs CHF 22,000, replacement value CHF 18,000, residual value CHF 3,500 → economic total loss. Insurance pays CHF 18,000 minus residual value = CHF 14,500.
Transport Damage
Transport damage occurs when a vehicle is damaged during transport — e.g. by car transporter, ship or rail. Documentation by a specialist is essential to assert claims against the carrier or transport insurance. The vehicle expert ideally inspects the vehicle immediately upon arrival and prepares an evidence preservation report.
Valuation Report (Vehicle Appraisal)
A valuation report documents the current market value of a vehicle. It is prepared by an independent vehicle expert considering condition, mileage, equipment, previous damage and current market prices. Occasions for a valuation report include purchase or sale, insurance policy, divorce, inheritance or asset contribution for company formation.
Replacement Value
The replacement value is the amount you would need to spend to purchase an equivalent vehicle (same type, age, condition and equipment) on the regional market. It is determined by the independent expert based on current market data and is a central value in claim settlement — particularly when determining an economic total loss.
Practical example: For a 5-year-old estate car with 85,000 km, the appraiser determines a replacement value of CHF 24,500 based on comparable listings and dealer offers.
Current Value
The current value describes the present value of a vehicle considering age, condition, mileage and equipment. It is generally well below the new price and is used by the vehicle expert as a basis for insurance settlements and damage appraisals. The current value largely corresponds to the replacement value but is calculated slightly differently depending on context.