EXPERT REPORT

 EXPERT REPORT IN TRAFFIC INSURANCE CLAIMS

    An appraisal report can be defined as the determination of the current value of an asset, including any damages, by an expert in the field. Appraisal reports are not only used for assessing vehicle damage in traffic accidents; they are also frequently used in real estate transactions to determine the value of a property. Generally, an appraisal report refers to an expert evaluating an asset with all its characteristics and damages, and documenting this in a report. In terms of traffic insurance, an appraisal report is the process of an expert investigating and documenting the amount of damage a car sustained in an accident, its current value, and its depreciation. This report can show the car's entire damage history, including previous damages, making it a frequently used method when buying a used vehicle. Traffic insurance is essentially a contract that stipulates that the damage to a car resulting from an accident will be covered by the insurance company, and the appraisal report is important in determining this amount.

HOW ARE EXPERTS SELECTED?

    The expert report must be prepared by independent and impartial individuals who are experts in their field. To become an expert, one must be a university graduate, pass an exam administered by the Undersecretariat of the Treasury at specific times of the year, and, if successful, complete an internship by attending training courses provided by the Insurance Training Center. In short, not just anyone can become an expert; these individuals must be trained, specialized in their field, and most importantly, impartial.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

    The primary purpose of an accident assessment report in traffic insurance is to determine the amount the insurance company will pay after an accident. The first step in determining the damage is the accident report. The drivers involved in the accident fill out the accident report themselves. They describe how the incident occurred from their perspective and provide information about their vehicles. Both drivers must fill it out and sign it. The accident report is crucial during the expert assessment phase because everything found regarding the vehicle during the assessment is compared with the drivers' statements in this report. Therefore, it is essential that this report is accurate and complete.

In addition to the accident report, the driver's license, vehicle registration documents, insurance policy and proof of premium payment, and photographs of the accident are also taken, and all these documents are submitted to the insurance company.

    The damage assessment application must be submitted within 5 business days of the accident. Following the application, the inspection and damage assessment process begins. The drivers' fault percentage is determined, and experts are involved in investigating and determining the amount of damage to the vehicle. Based on this, a compensation amount is determined. If all documents are submitted correctly, the insurance company then proceeds to the payment stage.

CONTENTS OF THE EXPERT REPORT

    First, the vehicle's specifications are determined, and it is examined whether the vehicle matches the model and specifications described by the drivers in the accident report. Then, paint and bodywork checks are performed, and various tests are applied to the vehicle to determine the extent of the damage. It is checked whether this damage differs from what the drivers described in the accident report. The vehicle is also checked for any pre-existing damage unrelated to the current accident, any existing damage records, and any replaced parts to determine the total amount of damage. Based on this, an expert report is prepared, and finally, a compensation amount is determined for the insurance company to pay.

   Drivers can view their vehicle inspection reports free of charge via the e-government portal, or they can send an SMS to the designated number 5564 with the text "PARCA" [space] "PLAKA" [space] "HASAR TARİHİ" (Date of Damage) to receive the inspection report information on their phones for 15 TL.

CAN EXPERT APPRAISAL REPORTS BE CHALLENGED?

     According to Article 7/2 of the Regulation on the Appointment of Insurance Adjusters, "The insured, policyholder, or beneficiary of the insurance contract may object to the findings made by the adjuster appointed by the insurance company within 3 business days. The objection period begins with the notification to the relevant party regarding the entry of the adjuster's report into EKSİST." As can be understood from the text of the article, the owner of both vehicles involved in the accident and the insurance company may object within 3 business days.

   If the appraisal report is indeed incorrect and an erroneous price has been estimated, it may be possible to recover the cost from the appraisal firm. According to relevant Supreme Court rulings, the competent court for filing lawsuits regarding disputes related to appraisal reports is the Consumer Court, and those concerned can file a lawsuit in the Consumer Court against appraisal reports they believe to be incorrect or fraudulent.