Why Choose Me Instead of an Authorized Repair Shop to Assess Damage to Your Vehicle?

Why Choose Me Instead of an Authorized Repair Shop to Assess Damage to Your Vehicle?

But let me, as an experienced independent damage assessor, explain why hiring someone like me could be a smarter and more cost-effective decision. In THIS article, we’ve explained in detail how insurance companies often reduce the amount you’re entitled to claim.

Recently, a client contacted me about a minor rear bumper damage on his high-end vehicle caused during parking when another car hit him. Although the damage didn’t look serious at first glance, the client thankfully called me right after the accident. We scheduled an assessment at my partner workshop – and this is a key advantage: I have a reliable team, access to a lift, and an experienced mechanic who helps me dismantle parts to thoroughly inspect internal components.

This “look beneath the surface” is extremely important. Often, what you see is only the tip of the iceberg. Having a technician on hand who can remove the bumper, for example, allows me to check internal supports, parking sensors, lighting systems, and other key components that may not look damaged but were impacted and could cause future problems.

After the initial inspection, I didn’t give the client a quick estimate. From experience, I know such guesses are unreliable. Instead, I offered full transparency: “If you’d like, you can also get an estimate from an authorized brand repair shop to compare repair prices.” I assured him that in any case, he would receive a detailed and objective damage assessment from me.

And this is where the key difference lies. An authorized service will give you a repair estimate. I, as an independent assessor, provide a detailed damage report that includes the origin and scope of the damage, required labor hours, the cost of original and alternative parts (if applicable), and photographic documentation. These are two different documents serving the same purpose – but from different angles and with different levels of detail.

The client then decided to visit the authorized repair shop as well. A few days later, he received their estimate – and here came the twist: the official repair shop assessed the damage at around €1,600. My thorough inspection, based on detailed documentation, resulted in a value of €3,100!

The client was, to say the least, shocked and very glad he hadn’t gone to the authorized shop first. Why the huge difference? Simply put, authorized repair shops often don’t spend the time needed for in-depth assessments of smaller damages. Their focus is on speed – time is money.A true damage assessor, on the other hand, devotes time to each client and every case. It’s not just about speed, but quality, client satisfaction, and properly documented findings. I make sure that every damage point is recorded and backed with evidence.

In this particular case, during the detailed inspection, I also noticed a small crack in the right taillight. Three days later, moisture appeared inside the light. Had I not taken the time to inspect everything thoroughly, this hidden damage would likely have gone unnoticed in a quick authorized inspection.

This example clearly illustrates why hiring an independent damage assessor is often the better option compared to going straight to a branded repair shop. My attention to detail, access to a professional team, and commitment to fair and thorough evaluations can save you time, money, and potential future issues. Remember – your damage deserves detailed attention and an objective assessment.

Note: In accordance with our data protection policy, no names or personal client information were used in this text. All details are drawn from a real case, but adapted to ensure anonymity and legal compliance.