Game damage appraiser costs: What you need to know

• Game damage expert: A game damage expert is an expert who assesses and documents the damage to the car following a game accident.
• Reimbursement of costs: Partial comprehensive insurance usually covers the bill for the report and repair of the damage.
• Death damage: Here, the insurance company pays the replacement value of the vehicle minus the residual value.
• prevention: Especially in autumn, when driving at night and on country roads, there is an increased risk of game accidents and more attention is required.

What is a game damage appraiser?

A game damage expert is an expert who has a Motor vehicle report created after a game accident has occurred. In this report, the amount of damage is determined so that this is correctly documented and can be submitted to the insurance company.

Game damage is caused by a car colliding with a wild animal, for example when roe deer or wild boars cross a road. This happens much more frequently in the darker months, as visibility usually worsens and the animals are also more active. An experienced expert can also identify possible sequential damage that is not apparent at first glance.

Why is a car report important after a game accident?

The report is necessary to identify damage and to clarify claims against the insurance company. The assessment of the damage is very important for the insurance company, as it reviews the resulting costs as a result. An expert also determines whether the game damage can be repaired or whether it is a total loss.

Who bears the costs of the vehicle report?

Appraisal costs

Partial comprehensive insurance usually covers the costs of appraisal following a game accident, as they are part of the claim settlement and are therefore an insured benefit. Game accidents involving so-called hairy game are usually covered, including deer, wild boar, hares, groundhogs, foxes and more.

Amount of costs

The costs of the report may vary depending on the amount of damage and the complexity of the report. In normal cases, the appraisal costs are between 300 — 500 euros. If it is a total loss, the contribution may also be higher.

What happens in the event of a total loss?

If the cost of the repair is higher than the replacement value of the vehicle, then it is a total loss. In such a case, the report will determine the amount of the total loss. The injured party receives from the insurance company the replacement value minus the Residual value of the car refunded.

Which insurance covers damage caused by game?

Comprehensive insurance: The difference between partial and fully comprehensive insurance

A partial insurance covers all game damage caused by wild game. The fully comprehensive insurance covers additional damage caused by vandalism or personal fault. Partial insurance is therefore sufficient in the event of game damage.

Motor vehicle liability insurance

Liability insurance is only used to cover you in the event of damage to other road users. Liability insurance therefore does not apply in the event of game accidents. Partial comprehensive insurance is therefore essential in the event of game accidents.

How does claims processing work

Right after the accident

In the event of an accident, the police should be notified immediately so that an accident report is prepared. This report is relevant to insurance. As a next step, an expert should be contacted so that an expert opinion is prepared.

reparation

With the help of the report, the workshop can prepare a cost estimate and this can be checked by the insurance company. As soon as the insurance company has completed the inspection, the repair work can begin and the insurance company will cover the costs.

Claims following the game accident

Assumption of costs

Motor insurance normally covers the costs of the report and repair costs, but with the condition that there is a partial or fully comprehensive insurance. As an injured party, you are also entitled to a rental car if your own car is not roadworthy.

Claim in the event of a total loss

In the event of a total loss, the injured party is entitled to the replacement value of the car. In most cases, the residual value is also taken into account.

Important steps after a game accident

Keep calm: A game accident can be a big shock, for now it is important to remain calm and secure the scene of the accident

Contact police: An accident report must be prepared

Hunters inform: In many federal states, a hunter must also be informed who takes care of game damage

documentation: Photos of the vehicle and the surrounding area help to understand the course of the accident

Contact insurance: The accident should be reported to the insurance company immediately

Tips to avoid a game accident

Be careful on the country road

On country roads, the risk of meeting wild animals is particularly high. Care should be taken here, especially when visibility is poor.

High season autumn

During the cold season, game accidents increase as the animals search for food and therefore cross roads more often. Impaired visibility also makes it difficult to watch out for game in autumn.

Increased risk when driving at night

Wild animals such as wild boars are active at night and are therefore particularly active at dusk and in the dark. In wild boars, for example, this significantly increases the probability of a collision in the dark.

What to do during a sighting

If you suddenly see a wild animal while driving on a country road, you should slow down the speed and be ready to brake. It is important to drive particularly carefully and pay attention to your surroundings. Sudden evasion is very dangerous and can result in accidents.

conclusion

Following a game accident, a game damage report is required to identify the damage to the vehicle and correctly document it to the insurance company. Partial comprehensive insurance usually covers the appraiser's fee, the costs of the repair or, in the event of a total loss, the replacement value. Drivers should be aware of the increased risk, particularly in autumn, when driving at night and on country roads, and take appropriate precautionary measures.

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