Fixed-Price Appraisals: Transparency and Legal Certainty

In the classic appraisal industry, billing by time spent or based on the determined value of the object is widespread. For you as a client, this often results in a lack of cost predictability. DIAVAG breaks with this tradition and relies on a transparent fixed-price model. The private standard rate for cars, boats, cargo bikes or e-scooters is auf Anfrage. For more complex assets such as electric cars or home storage systems that require in-depth technical analysis, the premium fixed price is auf Anfrage. This price includes all services: travel within the regions of Hamburg, Berlin and Munich, the mobile on-site inspection, the use of calibrated hardware and the creation of the BVSK-compliant appraisal.

This model offers a decisive advantage, especially in legal contexts such as inheritance or divorce proceedings. If you need to present an appraisal to a notary or lawyer, the costs are already clearly defined in advance. There are no hidden flat fees for photos, writing charges, or mileage. This standardization allows DIAVAG to offer high-quality appraisals at a fraction of the usual cost without compromising on technical depth. For commercial customers such as dealers or fleet operators reaching a volume of more than 50 appraisals per month, individual terms are agreed, which can be integrated directly into existing Dealer Management Systems via an API connection.

A key differentiator for DIAVAG is mobility. While traditional inspection organizations such as TÜV or DEKRA often require the vehicle or asset to be brought to an inspection point, the DIAVAG appraiser comes directly to the location of the object. This can be a private garage, a construction company's yard, a harbor, or even the utility room of a house where a home PV storage system is installed. This service saves you valuable time and logistical effort, especially for unregistered vehicles or hard-to-transport machinery.

The appointment usually takes place within 24 hours of commissioning. On site, the appraiser needs less than 15 minutes for complete data collection. By using a standardized workflow and a specialized hardware case, no relevant details are overlooked. The combination of speed and location independence makes this service ideal for transactions where time is a critical factor, such as the short-notice sale of a vehicle or documenting an insurance claim after a storm.

An appraisal is only as valuable as its acceptance by third parties. For a document to hold up in court, with insurers, or in a notarial dispute, it must meet the highest quality requirements. All DIAVAG appraisers work according to the guidelines of the BVSK (Federal Association of Freelance and Independent Motor Vehicle Experts). In addition, the process is structured to meet the requirements of an inspection body under ISO/IEC 17020 Type A. This represents the highest level of independence, since DIAVAG has no personal interest in a repair, a sale, or insuring the object.

Every PDF appraisal is reviewed and signed by a senior inspector. For cases requiring absolute tamper-proofing, DIAVAG optionally offers a notarial hash on the Polygon blockchain. This irrevocably secures the state of the document at the time of creation. In the event of legal disputes, the JVEG (Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act) serves as a reference framework for usability. Please note that DIAVAG does not provide legal advice. For specific legal questions in the context of an inheritance or divorce, you should always consult a qualified lawyer or notary.

For electric cars and home PV storage systems, the battery is the value-determining component. A conventional value appraisal that only assesses the visual condition and fault memory is not sufficient here. DIAVAG therefore integrates a comprehensive Premium Battery Test into the Premium appraisal for auf Anfrage. This test goes far beyond simply reading OBD2 data. It determines the actual state-of-health (SoH), analyzes cell balance and measures the real kWh capacity as well as the internal resistance of the cells.

This data is essential for precisely determining the residual value of an EV. A battery with a capacity of 92 percent has a significantly higher market value than an identical model with only 82 percent, even if the mileage is the same. With the EU Battery Passport becoming mandatory from February 2027, DIAVAG is already technologically prepared today to meet the required transparency standards. This provides buyers and sellers with an objective basis for decision-making and protects against unpleasant surprises after purchase.

While many appraisal services specialize in the automotive sector, DIAVAG covers a total of seven asset classes. In addition to classic cars (combustion and hybrid) and electric cars, the portfolio also includes boats (motor and sailing yachts), construction and agricultural machinery, cargo bikes, e-scooters and home PV storage systems. This breadth is unique in the market and allows, for example, a farmer to have both his vehicle fleet and his business's stationary energy storage assessed through a single provider.

A specific inspection workflow exists for each of these classes. For construction machinery such as excavators or wheel loaders, the focus is not only on technical condition but also on compliance with the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230. For boats, specific parameters such as hull integrity and onboard electrics are checked. Standardization ensures that, regardless of the asset class, you always receive an appraisal of the same high quality and at the agreed fixed price. This is especially valuable for estate administrators, who are often confronted with a wide variety of different assets.

The quality of an appraisal depends significantly on the precision of the data collection. DIAVAG appraisers use a specially assembled hardware case containing calibrated measuring devices for all relevant parameters. This includes an OBD2 scanner for analyzing onboard electronics, a coating thickness gauge for identifying repainted areas and accident damage, and a tread depth gauge for tires. A digital multimeter also enables the testing of electrical systems in boats or home storage systems.

The on-site process is strictly timed: after identifying the object using the vehicle identification number or serial number, standardized photo documentation follows. These images are tamper-proof and form the basis for the subsequent assessment by the senior inspector. Digital capture of all data eliminates error-prone manual transcription. The result is a precise, data-based value appraisal that reflects the current market value, taking regional market data and technical findings into account.

A decisive factor for an appraiser's credibility is independence. DIAVAG acts as a purely neutral entity. The company does not sell vehicles, broker insurance, or operate workshops. Unlike purchase portals, whose goal is often to push down the price for later resale, DIAVAG has no interest in the outcome of the assessment. The sole goal is the objective determination of the current condition and the resulting market value.

This independence is underscored by the ISO/IEC 17020 Type A certification. It guarantees that the appraisal was created free of external influence. For you as a customer, this means security: if you buy a vehicle, you can rely on the information in the DIAVAG report. If you sell an asset, the appraisal serves as a credible document for your price expectations. This neutrality is the prerequisite for the appraisals to be accepted by banks and insurers as a valid basis for financing or claims settlement.

To better understand the benefits of a fixed-price appraisal from DIAVAG, it's worth comparing it with alternative models. Online algorithms offer a quick estimate, but are based solely on statistical data without a physical inspection. Classic inspection organizations offer high standards but are often inflexible regarding location and rarely cover special assets such as home storage systems or boats. The following table illustrates the differences:

The comparison shows that DIAVAG closes the gap between a non-binding online estimate and expensive, location-bound expert consulting. Especially for high-value assets, where technical details such as battery condition massively influence value, the DIAVAG model offers the best value for money.

In addition to the service for private customers, DIAVAG offers specialized solutions for the B2B sector. Dealerships, leasing companies and fleet operators can use the inspection workflow to assess their inventory efficiently and in a standardized manner. From a volume of 50 appraisals per month, DIAVAG provides a DMS API that enables seamless integration of appraisal data into existing software infrastructure. This significantly speeds up purchasing and inventory management processes.

The offering is also aimed at self-employed appraisers looking to increase their efficiency. DIAVAG sells the complete hardware case including the specialized software at a list price of auf Anfrage. This gives external appraisers access to DIAVAG's standardized processes and technology platform. This also enables smaller offices to offer complex assessments such as the Premium Battery Test and benefit from the DIAVAG brand. The nationwide rollout in 2026 will further strengthen this network and ensure widespread availability of mobile appraisals.