Diminished value claim (vehicle)

Under Turkish law, a diminished value claim covers the loss in a vehicle's market value after a traffic accident, even where the car has been fully repaired. Because a vehicle with an accident record sells for less than comparable undamaged cars, the difference is treated as genuine, recoverable damage.

The claim may be brought against the driver at fault, the vehicle's operator or the compulsory traffic insurer of the party at fault, in proportion to fault. The amount is established through expert assessment based on the vehicle's age, mileage, the nature of the damage and market conditions.

For claims against insurers, the application procedure, the arbitration route and the calculation method are governed by regulations and standard policy conditions that are updated from time to time, so claims must follow the rules currently in force.