After a road accident, the insurer makes a payment for vehicle diminished value, but you consider the amount too low in light of the vehicle’s damage history, repairs and market position. Before making a further claim, identify exactly which head of loss was paid and how the amount was calculated.
In brief: Receiving a payment does not always extinguish every remaining claim. Conversely, an insurer’s payment should not automatically be treated as insufficient. Fault, insurance cover, previous damage, the calculation method and any document you signed should be examined together.
Repair costs and diminished value are different
The cost of repairing the vehicle, the alleged reduction in market value after repairs, and loss-of-use damage are separate heads of loss. Check which head the amount received in your bank account actually relates to. Not every type of loss is recoverable from the same insurance cover.
Diminished value is not determined merely by stating that the vehicle was involved in an accident. The location and nature of the damage, the repairs performed, previous damage and relevant market data can all matter. Existing damage should not be concealed, and the loss attributable to the new accident should be distinguished.
Why can calculations differ?
The fault percentage or damaged-part information used by the insurer may differ from your records. Previous repairs, mileage and vehicle characteristics can also affect the result. Simple online calculators may not capture every feature of a particular claim.
An allegation of underpayment should identify concrete differences in the calculation rather than merely propose a higher figure. If an expert assessment is relied upon, the data and methodology used should be understandable. The existence of an expert report does not itself guarantee acceptance of the claim.
Documents that may be required
- Accident report and fault assessment.
- Vehicle registration and details as at the date of the accident.
- Damage photographs, expert assessment and repair records.
- Previous damage and repair history.
- The application to the insurer and the insurer’s calculation or response.
- Payment receipt and any settlement or release document signed.
If the payment description is unclear, ask which claim and head of loss it concerns. Where there has been a partial payment, state the total alleged loss, the amount already received and the remaining claim separately.
What if a release or settlement was signed?
The effect of a document depends on its substance, not only its title. A receipt confirming payment is different from an agreement said to settle all claims. Validity and scope must be considered by reference to the actual wording and circumstances.
The two extremes—“every release is invalid” and “a signature always ends every right”—are both unreliable. Understand the impact on any remaining claim before signing a new document.
Supplementary application and dispute resolution
A further documented application may be made to the insurer identifying the alleged shortfall. For an application to the Insurance Arbitration Commission, the prior application, response or waiting requirements and the scope of the dispute should be checked. Waiting periods applicable to compulsory motor insurance and other insurance contracts should not automatically be treated as identical.
Arbitration or court proceedings depend on the file. Existing applications, decisions and payments should be disclosed. Policy limits and potential claims against other responsible parties may also need separate consideration.
Frequently asked questions
Does selling the vehicle automatically end my diminished-value claim?
Not necessarily. The timing of the sale, who suffered the alleged loss and the supporting evidence should be examined.
If I was partly at fault, can I make no claim at all?
Fault can affect the amount recoverable, but the result depends on the applicable liability rules and the facts.
Are application costs always recovered from the other side?
No. Costs can depend on the outcome, the proportion of the claim allowed and the applicable procedural rules.
DISCUSS YOUR CASE
Review your vehicle depreciation payment
We can review the vehicle’s damage history, depreciation calculation and payment received to assess your options under Turkish law.
A brief summary and important dates are enough for an initial enquiry. Send documents only when requested by our lawyers, through the channel they specify. Do not share passwords, one-time codes or wallet keys.
Sources and legislation
Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098
Insurance Arbitration Commission: Application requirements
Originally prepared on 8 September 2026. This article provides general information on Turkish law. Remedies and deadlines should be assessed against the documents and circumstances of each case. The image is illustrative.
Related reading
Disputing Fault After a Road Accident
Comprehensive Motor Insurance Claim Rejected
Related practice area: Insurance & Vehicle Diminished Value.