What is vehicle value loss?

Traffic accidents have become one of the inevitable facts of daily life. Although vehicles are repaired after accidents, this repair is not enough to restore the value of the vehicle in the second-hand market. At this point, “vehicle value loss”, which is an important compensation item in legal terms, aims to prevent the owners of vehicles that were involved in the accident with fault or less fault from suffering losses. In line with the current legal regulations, calculation criteria and Constitutional Court decisions in force as of 2025, this article vehicle value loss calculation all relevant details, lawyer We will handle it with seriousness and meticulousness.

What is Vehicle Value Loss?

Legal Definition

Vehicle value loss refers to the difference between the undamaged second-hand market value of a vehicle involved in a traffic accident and repaired before the accident and its repaired second-hand market value after the accident. This damage item is under the obligation of compensation of the party at fault in the accident – and therefore the insurance company – within the scope of the general provisions of the Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098 regarding torts.

Liability of the Insurance Company

Compulsory Financial Liability Insurance (traffic insurance) provides assurance against damages caused by the insured to third parties. As of 2025, this coverage also covers the loss of value of the vehicle. However, it should be kept in mind that insurance companies do not pay this damage directly, but generally pay upon request and upon submission of documentation.

2025 Current Vehicle Value Loss Calculation Criteria

Calculation Elements

The following objective criteria are taken into account when calculating vehicle value loss in 2025:

● Fair value of the vehicle (second hand market value at the date of accident)

● Damage extent (large, medium, small, simple)

● Usage level (determined by mileage)

● Nature of repaired parts (body sheet, door, fender, etc.)

● Whether the parts have been repaired before

Calculation Formula

As of 2025, the following formula is used:

● Loss of Base Value = Fair Value of the Vehicle ×

● Total Depreciation = Base Value Loss × Damage Coefficient × Mileage Coefficient

Damage Coefficient Table

● Major damage (e.g. chassis correction): 0.90

● Moderate damage (body and paint): 0.75

● Minor damage (local fixes): 0.50

● Simple damage (scratch, dent): 0.25

Kilometer (Use) Coefficient

● 0 – 14,999 km: 0.90

● 15,000 – 29,999 km: 0.80

● 30,000 – 44,999 km: 0.60

● 45,000 – 59,999 km: 0.40

● 60,000 – 149,999 km: 0.20

● 150,000 km and above: 0.10

Sample Calculation

Let’s assume that the market value of the vehicle is 200,000 TL, the mileage is 20,000 and the damage type is “medium”.

● Base Value Loss: 200,000 × 0.19 = 38,000 TL

● Damage Coefficient: 0.75

● Km Coefficient: 0.80

● Total Loss of Value: 38,000 × 0.75 × 0.80 = 22,800 TL

In this case, the compensation for loss of value that can be claimed from the insurance company will be 22,800 TL.

Legal Process and Documents

Documents Required for Application

The following documents must be prepared completely for the vehicle value loss application:

● Accident report

● Expert report

● Photocopy of the vehicle’s license

● Photocopy of the driver’s license

● Invoices and service documents for repairs

● Damage photos

● Loss of value request letter addressed to the insurance company

Application Way

The application is first made to the insurance company. If the company does not make payment within 15 days, these steps should be followed:

● To the Insurance Arbitration Commission application (representation by a lawyer is not mandatory if the amount of the dispute is below 15,000 TL)

● enforcement proceedings or compensation case apply to the path

The arbitration process takes an average of 4 to 6 months, while the court process takes longer.

Constitutional Court Decision and 2025 Regulations

Mileage and Track Restrictions Removed

With the decision of the Constitutional Court dated October 9, 2020, the 165,000 km limit and the exclusion of some parts repairs from depreciation were abolished. As of 2025, repairs to the following items may also be eligible for depreciation:

● Plastic bumper and parts repairs

● Glass, headlights, tape recorder and radio systems

● Tires, rims and airbags

● Electronic, electrical and flooring parts

This has provided a significant expansion of rights, especially for vehicle owners who previously could not claim loss of value.

Conclusion and Lawyer Recommendation

As of 2025, vehicle value loss has become an important part of both insurance law and compensation law. In order for vehicle owners to use these rights correctly, they must know the current legislation, master the calculation criteria and follow the application processes carefully. As advice from a lawyer:

● Be sure to make your application in writing and keep the documents.

● If underpayment is made, choose arbitration; It is fast and inexpensive.

● Have the process followed by a lawyer until you receive your compensation for loss of value.

Your greatest assurance is to exercise your legal rights in a timely and proper manner in order to be fully compensated for your damages. It should not be forgotten that loss of value is not just a technical loss; It is a legitimate demand that must be compensated legally.