FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)

General questions

 

Are the expert reports legally secure?

Yes, as a certified expert according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17024, I prepare expert reports that can also be used in court or for insurance purposes.

 

Can international expert reports also be prepared?

Yes, every expert report can be prepared nationally and internationally – taking into account country-specific standards.

 

Who needs an expert opinion?

Expert opinions are required by private persons, companies, insurance companies, and courts in order to obtain objective assessments in various situations or to clarify technical issues. The type of expert opinion depends on the situation in question, e.g., whether it is a valuation for private sale or a court-approved full expert opinion.

 

What are the advantages of expert opinions?

Expert opinions from ISO 17024-certified experts offer clients legal certainty, trust, and a high level of acceptance, as the certification is an internationally recognized quality feature that certifies competence, objectivity, and technical soundness. This results in comprehensible, reliable, and traceable expert opinions that are also recognized by courts and authorities.

​

​

Machinery and equipment valuation

 

What is a machinery and equipment valuation?

A machinery and equipment valuation are the impartial determination of the value of machinery, production facilities, or special-purpose machines. It serves as a basis for decisions regarding purchase, sale, insurance, or investment planning.

 

What types of valuations are there?

•    Current value valuation: Value of a machine or operational facility taking into account its replacement value, age, condition and wear, residual value, and expected remaining service life.

•    Market value valuation: Valuation of the price that can be achieved or obtained for a machine or operational facility on the open market.

•    Residual value valuation: Value of a machine or operational facility at the end of its technical lifetime or in the event of scrapping or total loss.

 

How does a machine valuation work?

1.    Recording of the machine or plant-related data.

2.    Technical inspection/assessment by an on-site appointment, including the creation of photos and, if necessary, videos.

3.    Valuation taking into account age, condition, market value, and, if applicable, spare parts availability.

4.    Preparation of a neutral and comprehensible expert opinion.

 

What documents are required?

•    Manufacturer and type designations

•    Year of construction or manufacture

•    Information on maintenance and repairs

•    Photos or operating documentation, if applicable

•    Purchase invoices, if applicable

​

​

Valuation reports

 

What is a valuation report?

A valuation report determines and documents the economic value of machinery, equipment, or operating facilities using recognized valuation methods. It serves as a reliable basis for decision-making and verification for third parties such as courts, banks, or insurance companies.

 

When is a valuation report useful?

•    For purchases, sales, or company takeovers

•    For banks, financing, and collateral

•    For insurance and damage claims

•    In court or out-of-court proceedings

•    For insolvency, succession, or tax issues

 

How does a valuation report work?

1.    On-site inspection of the machines or systems.

2.    Determination of the technical and economic condition.

3.    Valuation according to recognized valuation methods.

4.    Preparation of a comprehensible and reliable appraisal.

  

What documents are required?

•    Technical data and documentation

•    Purchase, leasing, or contract documents

•    Maintenance and repair records

•    Information on use and modernizations

 

What is the difference between a valuation and a valuation report?

•    A machine and plant valuation primarily serves as a basis for internal decision-making.

•    A valuation report is the formalized, documented presentation of this valuation for use with third parties. ​

​

​

Damage assessment

 

What is a damage assessment?

A damage assessment is a neutral analysis of technical defects, accidents, or machine damage in order to determine repair costs and causes of damage. It forms the basis for insurance companies, courts, or internal decisions.

 

What types of damage assessments are there?

•    Technical cause analysis: Determination of the cause of damage

•    Cost assessment: Determination of repair or replacement costs

•    Liability and responsibility assessment: Examination of damage in the context of insurance or legal issues

 

How does a damage assessment work?

1.    On-site inspection and documentation of the damage.

2.    Analysis of the cause of the damage and the affected components.

3.    Assessment of the costs for repair, replacement, or downtime.

4.    Classification as partial or total loss.

5.    Preparation of a neutral, comprehensible expert opinion.

 

What documents are required?

•    Maintenance and repair history

•    Technical data and documentation for the affected machines or systems

•    Accident reports or insurance documents, if applicable

​

​

Preservation of evidence report

 

What is a preservation of evidence report?

A preservation of evidence report serves as neutral, objective, and comprehensible documentation of the condition of machines, systems, or components at a specific point in time. It is used specifically to record the condition before, during, or after an incident of damage, a change, or in the event of a dispute, and to secure it as evidence. In contrast to an as-is condition report, the focus here is on preserving evidence for legal or insurance-related issues.

 

When is a preservation of evidence report useful?

•    In the event of damage, to document the type, extent, and condition

•    Before repairs, conversions, or modifications, to record the original condition

•    In legal disputes, as objective evidence

•    For security in contract or insurance cases

•    To verify warranted or contractually agreed properties

•    To document the existing degree of completion of machines and systems

 

How does a preservation of evidence report work?

•    On-site inspection of the machine or system

•    Detailed recording of the condition through photos, measurements, and technical documentation

•    Analysis and description of any damage, deviations, or abnormalities found

•    Preparation of a neutral, comprehensible, and reliable expert opinion for the preservation of evidence

 

What documents are required?​​

• Technical data and documentation for the machine or system

• Photos, damage reports, or preliminary information, if available

• Contract documents defining requirements or characteristics

• Information on use, maintenance, and previous repairs ​

​

​

​

Actual condition report

 

What is an actual condition report?

An actual condition report documents the current technical condition of a machine or system at a specific point in time. It objectively describes the structure, condition, visible wear and tear, and any detectable defects without evaluating causes or responsibilities. The report serves as a neutral basis, e.g., for transfers, insurance issues, or legal disputes.

 

When is an actual condition report useful?

•    Transfers and acceptance of machines and systems

•    Purchase, sale, or valuation of technical systems

•    Leasing and rental returns

•    Inventories and internal documentation

•    Insurance or contract issues

•    To avoid later disputes about the technical condition

 

How does an as-is condition report work?

1.    On-site inspection of the machine or system.

2.    Detailed recording of the current condition through photos, measurements, and technical documentation.

3.    Analysis and description of any damage, wear, or abnormalities found.

4.    Preparation of a neutral and comprehensible report as a reliable basis for documentation.

 

What documents are required?

•    Technical documentation of the machine or system

•    Operating, maintenance, and repair documents

•    Test and maintenance logs

•    Type plates, serial numbers, and technical data

•    Contract documents (e.g., purchase, leasing, or rental agreements), if relevant ​​

​

​

​

Insurance reports

 

What is an insurance report?

An insurance report is a neutral assessment of machinery, equipment, or damage in connection with insurance claims. It serves as the basis for fair and transparent claims settlement.

 

Who needs an insurance appraisal?

•    Insurance companies, to assess damage objectively.

•    Companies, to secure claims.

•    Private individuals who need clarity about damage or the value of their machinery.

 

When is an insurance appraisal necessary?

•    After damage (e.g., due to accident, fire, power surge, or defect)

•    To clarify liability and compensation issues

•    For contracts and policies as a basis for the sum insured

 

What types of insurance reports are there?

•    Reports according to AMB, ABMG, VSG, or liability

•    Assessments to determine replacement values and current market values

•    Damage analyses with cost estimates for repair or replacement

 

How does an insurance appraisal work?

1.    On-site inspection and documentation.

2.    Analysis of the cause and extent of the damage.

3.    Determination of costs (repair, replacement, downtime).

4.    Preparation of a neutral, legally enforceable report.

 

What documents are required?

•    Insurance policy and terms and conditions

•    Damage documentation (photos, reports, notifications)

•    Maintenance and repair records for the affected machine/​

​

Can't find what you're looking for, have further questions, or a special request?

 

Contact us and let's find solutions together.