Audit and expert opinion
Vintage car appraisal
Oldies are often underestimated due to their age. As TÜV NORD specialists, we know the most important fuel of a classic car: lifeblood!
Audit and expert opinion
Oldies are often underestimated due to their age. As TÜV NORD specialists, we know the most important fuel of a classic car: lifeblood!
Classic car definition by law: Since the 2007 Vehicle Licensing Ordinance came into force, there has been a standardised definition of classic car status by law in Section 2 No. 22.
A vehicle is considered a classic car if
The cut-off date is the 1st of the month of registration. If the date of first registration cannot be determined, e.g. in the case of an imported vehicle or a barn find without papers, the age is estimated (usually on the basis of available manufacturer information).
In order to obtain a classic car registration for an H licence plate, the vehicle must be classified as a "motor vehicle cultural asset".
The criteria for the H licence plate are
Slight signs of use with patina are permitted, but the vehicle must not be rusted through, for example.
Valuation reports are of interest to both sellers and buyers. This is because they not only provide information about the condition of the classic car, but can also be used as a basis for argumentation in price negotiations.
A classic car valuation report can be used in different ways:
The detailed assessment includes a thorough examination of
Any previous damage or other special features, such as restoration work, previous owners, model history, etc. are documented in the assessment of the classic car.
The individual vehicle assemblies are assessed with respective condition grades. These individually determined condition grades for all areas are summarised in the overall condition grade. Depending on the type of vehicle, up to eleven individual assemblies are assessed to determine the overall condition score.
The condition of the examination groups is assessed using a grading system from 1 to 5. The overall grade for the vehicle results from the different weightings of the individual grades.
In addition, the vehicle documents are checked in detail:
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
The brief appraisal or brief valuation for classic cars is the simplest form of classic car appraisal.
In the brief appraisal, only a rough, external assessment of the vehicle is carried out by the TÜV NORD experts. The vehicle owner informs the expert of all known key data and defects relating to the vehicle. On this basis, the expert assigns a condition score and provides an estimate of value. It is also used by your insurance company to draw up the insurance policy.
It is recommended that a short appraisal be carried out every two to three years in order to have the general condition, retrofits and conversions checked regularly. We recommend a full vehicle appraisal when buying or selling your vehicle.
With the classic car valuation report from TÜV NORD, you know what your vehicle is really worth. And you can prove it precisely.
We determine it for you:
Each vehicle is assessed individually.
In order to be able to assess the vehicle comprehensively, as much information as possible about the vehicle is important.
Please bring the following documents - if available - with you to the appraisal:
The vehicle is always comprehensively and individually appraised by specialised TÜV NORD experts in order to provide a comprehensible, market-driven vehicle valuation.
The costs of a classic car valuation for historically rare collector's vehicles, which may require extensive research, therefore depend on the effort involved.
Costs for a classic car appraisal (since 15/05/2023)
| Brief valuation up to a vehicle value of €50,000 | 214 euros |
| Extended short valuation | 242 euros |
| Detailed vehicle valuation | 468 euros |
| Historic, rare collector's vehicles | at cost |
A classic car valuation is generally valid indefinitely. Nevertheless, regular appraisals every two to three years are advisable in order to inform the insurance company of any change in value and thus make provisions in the event of a claim - e.g. damage caused by an accident or theft.
In the event of a restoration or repair, it makes sense to prepare a valuation report in order to provide full evidence of repairs, maintenance and renovation measures. An up-to-date valuation is also an advantage in the event of damage or in the context of a planned sale.
The market value provides information about the current value of the vehicle on the market, i.e. the amount estimated as the market value would be paid or realised for this vehicle at the present time when it is bought or sold.
As a rule, this is the average price on the private market and is therefore VAT-neutral and to be understood as the final price.
In the case of less frequently traded vehicle models and vehicles that are mainly sold commercially, the trade (as a net amount), the international auction results (excluding VAT) and the international market situation are also included in the market value. The market value is the basis for the insurance classification (hull conditions) for special classic car tariffs. It is deemed to be a fixed price (valuation) within the meaning of § 57 VVG (Insurance Contract Act). The market value is VAT neutral.
The replacement value is a figure from liability law (Section 249 BGB). It is determined by the amount that the injured party must spend in the event of an accident in order to procure a similar and equivalent replacement vehicle.
The replacement value at the time of an accident is to be measured on the open market.
This does not take into account any restoration costs or expenses incurred to date, but only the amount that would have to be paid for it - even taking into account reputable commercial trade (including VAT).
The stated replacement value (according to liability aspects) takes into account a short-term replacement purchase. In particular, the replacement value is the basis for the settlement of a liability claim.
The restoration value quantifies the price that the vehicle has cost to bring it to its current condition (restoration costs), plus the basic vehicle price (acquisition value). The visible or verifiable investments in the restoration result in the difference to the normal market value.
The restoration value is important if a costly and time-consuming restoration is to be documented. However, the price does not reflect the market situation due to the fact that experience has shown that the expenses incurred can rarely be realised in a sale. Only an absolutely equivalent replacement in identical condition (i.e. without interim use) would result in the stated restoration value.
The insurance company defines this as the value that must be paid to restore a damaged, exceptionally well-preserved or restored collector's vehicle to its previous condition.
These vehicles are usually only insurable at market value. This value is usually not sufficient to cover the necessary restoration or repair costs following a major loss. Any insurance closes this gap and in such cases offers insurance cover for the actual and necessary costs incurred, up to a maximum of the agreed restoration value.