Mobile Appraiser On-Site: Independent Value Appraisals at a Flat Rate

A mobile appraiser breaks with the tradition of the stationary inspection facility. While classic organizations rely on the asset being transported to an inspection hall, the appraiser at DIAVAG comes to the location of the object. This can be a private garage, the yard of a craft business, a harbor or a machinery park. In the regions of Hamburg, Berlin and Munich, additional travel fees within the city area are waived. The focus is on maximum time savings for the client.

However, mobility is only part of the concept. The decisive factor is standardization. Every appraiser uses the identical hardware case and follows a digital workflow. This ensures that an appraisal in Hamburg has the same quality and depth as an appraisal in Munich. For M&A professionals, this means a significant acceleration of technical due diligence. For commercial customers such as dealers or fleet operators, this approach enables a rapid inventory assessment without logistical effort. Independence is maintained, as DIAVAG does not buy vehicles, does not broker insurance, and does not carry out repairs.

Unlike conventional vehicle appraisers, who are often limited to passenger cars, DIAVAG covers seven different asset classes. This breadth is necessary to meet the requirements of complex M&A transactions across more than 30 industry verticals. The classes assessed include classic combustion-engine cars, electric vehicles, boats, construction and agricultural machinery, cargo bikes, e-scooters, and stationary home storage systems for photovoltaic systems.

Each class requires specific expertise and adapted testing methods. For a boat, for example, hull substance and propulsion technology are the focus, while for a home storage system, cell balance and remaining battery capacity are decisive. Construction machinery such as excavators or wheel loaders is assessed in terms of operational safety and residual value in accordance with EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230. Through this cross-asset approach, the mobile appraiser functions as a central point of contact for complex valuations, such as company dissolutions or in the context of estate administration. This expertise is backed by BVSK-compliant qualifications of the senior inspectors.

The quality of a mobile appraisal stands and falls with the technology used. The appraiser conducts an in-depth diagnosis on site that goes far beyond a visual inspection. A central element is the OBD2 scanner, which reads out fault memory and real-time parameters of the onboard electronics. This is particularly important for identifying hidden defects or tampered odometer readings. A paint thickness gauge is used to inspect the bodywork, precisely revealing repainting and repaired accident damage.

A unique feature in the mobile field is the Premium Battery Test. This is used for electric vehicles and home storage systems. It determines the state-of-health (SoH), analyzes cell balance and measures the actual kWh capacity as well as the internal resistance. Since the battery is the most expensive component of an electric vehicle, this finding significantly determines the market value. The setup is complemented by tread depth gauges for the tires and digital multimeters for electrical systems. All data is recorded in standardized photo documentation, which is processed in a tamper-proof manner. The result is a technical picture that leaves no questions open.

An appraisal is only worth as much as its acceptance by third parties. DIAVAG places the utmost importance on compliance with national and international standards. All appraisers are qualified according to the guidelines of the BVSK (German Federal Association of Freelance and Independent Vehicle Appraisers). In addition, DIAVAG operates as an inspection body according to ISO/IEC 17020 Type A, supplemented by SOC 2 Type II certifications for the digital infrastructure. This is the highest level of independence, as no economic entanglements with trading, repair or insurance are permitted.

These certifications are particularly relevant when the appraisal is needed for legal purposes. Whether in a divorce to determine the increase in assets, in an inheritance case for the fair division of assets, or in insurance disputes after a claim: a BVSK-compliant appraisal offers a solid basis. For court disputes, the JVEG (Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act) serves as a reference framework for usability. Optionally, every appraisal can be provided with a notarial hash on the Polygon blockchain, which technically guarantees the immutability of the document. However, for specific legal questions, clients should always consult a lawyer or notary.

In the appraisal industry, billing by the hour or as a percentage of the vehicle value is common. This often leads to a lack of transparency and hard-to-calculate costs. DIAVAG instead relies on a strict flat-rate model. The private standard for cars, boats, cargo bikes or e-scooters is offered at a flat rate. This price includes travel within the region, the on-site inspection, and creation of the digital appraisal.

For more complex assets such as electric vehicles or home storage systems, the premium rate is charged. This surcharge covers the time-intensive Premium Battery Test and the detailed analysis of battery data. For commercial customers such as dealerships or fleet operators requiring a volume of more than 50 appraisals per month, individual terms are agreed. Here, integration into the entire due diligence workflow across 9 workstreams is often the focus. Independent appraisers also have the option of purchasing the complete hardware case including the software license at a flat price, in order to integrate the DIAVAG standard into their own portfolio.

The difference between a mobile appraisal service like DIAVAG and classic inspection organizations such as TÜV, DEKRA or GTÜ lies primarily in the focus and level of service. While inspection organizations carry out sovereign tasks such as the main inspection (HU), DIAVAG focuses on detailed condition assessment and value determination. A key differentiator is the Premium Battery Test, which classic inspection facilities often only offer in a basic version or not at all on a mobile basis.

In addition, DIAVAG is not a sales portal. Unlike platforms such as wirkaufendeinauto, which use a free appraisal as an acquisition tool for vehicle purchasing, DIAVAG remains neutral. No trading takes place, which strengthens the objectivity of the appraisal.

The process of a mobile appraisal is optimized for maximum speed and precision. After booking, the appointment takes place within 24 hours. On site, the appraiser only needs access to the asset and the corresponding documents, such as registration certificates or maintenance records. The actual inspection rarely takes longer than 15 minutes, as the digital workflow efficiently guides the expert through all inspection points.

Immediately after the on-site data collection, the information is transferred to the back office. There, a senior inspector checks the plausibility of the data and the quality of the photo documentation. After approval, the BVSK-compliant PDF appraisal is generated and digitally signed. The customer receives the document by email on the same day. This process ensures that transactions are not delayed; a partner at a Big Four consultancy reported a reduction in the audit duration from three weeks to five days. Data is stored in a GDPR-compliant manner on servers within the European Union, with every result offering complete source traceability.

The requirements for documenting technical assets are constantly increasing. An important regulatory topic is the EU Battery Passport, which will become mandatory for industrial and traction batteries starting in February 2027. DIAVAG is already prepared for these requirements today. The Premium Battery Test provides the necessary data points to ensure transparency over the life cycle of a battery. This is not only decisive for the resale of electric vehicles, but also for the valuation of real estate with integrated home storage systems.

Through continuous development of the software and connection to modern database systems, the mobile appraisal service remains future-proof. Expansion from the regions of Hamburg, Berlin and Munich to the entire federal territory is planned for 2026. This creates a nationwide standard for independent value appraisals that offers both private individuals and professional market participants a reliable basis for decision-making. The combination of mobile flexibility and top technical expertise redefines the modern appraiser.