What is Vehicle Depreciation? Conditions & Calculation

After a vehicle is damaged in an accident and repaired, the difference between its pre-accident market value and its post-accident value is called vehicle depreciation. Regardless of how perfectly your vehicle is repaired, its damage history recorded in the TRAMER system reduces its monetary resale value. Under Turkish law, this difference is a compensable loss.

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1. Conditions for Claiming Depreciation

To successfully claim compensation for your vehicle's depreciation, specific criteria must be met:

• Fault Status: You must not be 100% at fault. If you are 0% or 50% at fault, you can receive compensation proportional to the other party's fault.

• Statute of Limitations: The claim must be filed within 2 years from the date of the accident.

• Nature of Damage: Damage to easily replaceable parts (plastic bumpers, headlights, wipers) is generally excluded. Calculations focus primarily on the metal bodywork and chassis.

• Mileage: Previous strict mileage limits have been relaxed by the Constitutional Court; however, lower mileage still yields higher compensation amounts.

 

2. How is Depreciation Calculated?

Calculations are not based solely on the repair cost. The Insurance Arbitration Commission and courts evaluate:

• The vehicle's make, model, and year of manufacture.

• The vehicle's exact mileage at the time of the accident.

• Market desirability and second-hand resale value.

• The extent of the damage and the specific parts repaired.

• Whether the vehicle has any prior accident history.

 

3. Who Pays the Compensation?

Depreciation compensation is claimed from the at-fault party's Compulsory Traffic Insurance company. If the insurance company denies the claim or makes an insufficient payment, the process is actively pursued before the Insurance Arbitration Commission.

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4. The Tanyeri Law & Consulting Approach

Insurance companies often rely on rigid mathematical formulas to minimize their payouts. At Tanyeri Law, drawing on 37 years of experience, we stand by you throughout this process. Our dedicated team of 4 attorneys meticulously analyzes accident reports, expert assessments, and current market data to ensure you recover the full, actual depreciation of your vehicle. We vigorously defend your rights before the Insurance Arbitration Commission, backed by our academic vision and transparent process management.

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Note: The calculator above provides an estimated value based on your input and general market conditions. The exact compensation varies based on the specific parts repaired, workmanship quality, and current Supreme Court/Arbitration precedents. To prevent any loss of rights and secure maximum compensation, seeking professional legal counsel is strongly recommended.