On-Site Vehicle Appraisal: Mobile Expert Service

Vehicle appraisals often take place in organizationally demanding situations. Whether it's a sale, inheritance, or an upcoming divorce, the logistics behind a vehicle appraisal should not further complicate the process. A mobile appraiser makes it unnecessary to transfer the vehicle to a stationary inspection center such as TÜV or DEKRA. This is particularly relevant for vehicles that are not registered or whose roadworthiness for longer distances cannot be guaranteed.

DIAVAG has standardized this process. In the regions of Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich, appointments are scheduled within 24 hours. The appraiser comes directly to the customer's garage, yard, or parking space. This on-site service not only saves time but also costs for transfer plates or transport services. The inspection itself is optimized for time-saving procedures and typically takes under 15 minutes on site. Despite this speed, quality is maintained through a clearly defined workflow and the use of state-of-the-art measurement technology in accordance with BVSK requirements. The result is a professional valuation report available as a PDF document the same day.

A characteristic of a qualified appraiser is independence. Unlike car-buying platforms or authorized dealers, DIAVAG has no interest in the subsequent purchase or sale of the vehicle. These platforms often offer free appraisals that primarily serve as an acquisition tool for their own vehicle trading business. Such a report rarely withstands legal scrutiny, for example in court or before the tax authorities, since the neutrality of its creator can be called into question.

DIAVAG operates as a pure inspection body according to ISO/IEC 17020 Type A. This represents the formal requirement of independence. We do not sell vehicles, we do not sell insurance, and we do not carry out repairs. Our appraisers are qualified according to BVSK standards. Every report is also finally reviewed and signed by a senior inspector. This structure ensures that the document is fully usable for purposes such as inheritance disputes, gifts, or insurance cases. For complex legal questions, we always recommend consulting a lawyer or notary to clarify the specific requirements of the individual case.

At every appointment, the appraiser carries a standardized hardware case containing calibrated measuring instruments for all relevant vehicle areas. The process begins with identifying the vehicle via the chassis number and comparing the documents. This is followed by electronic diagnostics using an OBD2 scanner. Here, not only superficial fault memories are read, but in-depth real-time parameters are analyzed, providing insight into the condition of the engine control unit and safety-relevant systems.

Another essential component is measuring the paint layer thickness. Using a precision measuring device, the bodywork is checked at numerous points to detect repainted areas or hidden accident damage. Often, even the sellers themselves are unaware of prior damage to their vehicles, which can be objectively proven through this measurement. The inspection is supplemented by a digital tread depth measurement of the tires and visual documentation using a standardized photo set. These photos are tamper-proof and serve as evidence, ensuring complete source traceability for the condition stated in the report. This data-driven approach minimizes subjective assessments and replaces them with measurable facts.

For electric vehicles, the high-voltage battery represents the most valuable component. An appraisal without precise knowledge of the state of health (SoH) is professionally indefensible for EVs. While conventional inspection organizations often only offer a basic diagnosis, DIAVAG integrates the Premium Battery Test as standard into the premium report. This test delivers detailed data on remaining capacity in kilowatt-hours, cell balance, and the battery's internal resistance.

This data is crucial for the market value of a used electric vehicle. A vehicle with an SoH of 95 percent achieves significantly higher market prices than an identical model with only 85 percent battery health. In addition, DIAVAG is already prepared for the upcoming EU Battery Passport, which becomes mandatory from February 2027. By documenting battery data early, owners secure a transparent negotiating basis for resale. DIAVAG also offers this specialized test for home solar battery storage systems, to provide clarity about the condition of the storage system in real estate transactions or warranty disputes.

A distinguishing feature of DIAVAG is the breadth of asset classes covered. While most mobile appraisers specialize in cars, our portfolio comprises a total of seven categories. In addition to combustion-engine and electric vehicles, these include boats, construction and agricultural machinery, cargo bikes, e-scooters, and stationary home storage systems. Each of these classes requires specific expertise and adapted testing protocols. For boats, for example, the focus is on hull integrity and propulsion technology, while for construction machinery, compliance with the EU Machinery Regulation and general wear take center stage.

For owners of mixed vehicle fleets or estate administrators, this cross-category approach offers a significant advantage. There is no need to seek a separate specialist for each asset. A single on-site appointment can be enough to have the entire inventory appraised in a legally sound manner. This reduces coordination effort and ensures consistent report quality. Whether it's an excavator on a construction site or a sailing yacht in a harbor, the DIAVAG appraiser has the necessary equipment and expertise to precisely determine the market value.

In the appraisal industry, billing by the hour or based on vehicle value is widespread. This often leads to a lack of cost predictability for the customer. DIAVAG breaks with this practice and relies on a transparent fixed-price model. For the standard appraisal of cars, boats, cargo bikes, or e-scooters, billing is done at a fixed price. This price includes travel within the regions, the on-site inspection, and the creation of the BVSK-compliant report.

For technically more complex assets such as electric vehicles or home storage systems that require the Premium Battery Test, an extended fixed price is charged. This pricing structure applies regardless of the actual value of the vehicle. A high-end sports car is appraised at the same rate as a compact car, provided the scope of inspection is identical. For commercial customers such as car dealers or fleet operators requiring a volume of more than 50 reports per month, we offer individual terms. A connection to existing Dealer Management Systems (DMS) via API is also possible, to fully integrate the appraisal process into the company's digital workflows.

A valuation report is often a central document in legal disputes. For a report to be recognized in court or by insurers, it must meet certain formal and substantive requirements. Compliance with BVSK guidelines and certification according to ISO/IEC 17020 Type A are key quality indicators here. DIAVAG ensures that all reports meet these high standards. Signature by a senior inspector vouches for the technical accuracy of the assessment.

In the case of insurance claims, the report serves to determine the replacement value. The final decision on the amount of reimbursement lies with the respective insurer. DIAVAG's report provides the objective data basis for this. For additional protection of document authenticity, DIAVAG optionally offers a notarial hash on the Polygon blockchain. This makes the report tamper-proof and clearly verifiable in terms of timing. For all legal matters, particularly under the JVEG (Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act), the DIAVAG report provides a solid basis but does not replace legal advice from a qualified lawyer.

For professional players in the automotive market, speed is a decisive competitive factor. Dealerships and fleet operators need to appraise returned vehicles quickly to minimize standing times and free up capital. DIAVAG offers specialized B2B solutions for this purpose. From a volume of 50 reports per month, partners use optimized processes and direct API integration. This allows report data to be seamlessly incorporated into their own inventory management.

In addition, DIAVAG offers independent appraisers or workshops looking to expand their service portfolio the complete hardware case, including the necessary software, for purchase. For a one-time fee, partners receive the entire equipment needed to carry out inspections according to the DIAVAG standard. This promotes the nationwide availability of the service and ensures that customers throughout Germany can expect the same high quality and standardized workflow. The rollout to areas outside the current regions is firmly planned for 2026.