Vehicle Diminution in Value Calculator
How much value did your car lose after the accident?
After an accident and repair, a vehicle's second-hand value usually falls. The loss is the difference between its market value before the accident and its value after repair, with the damage record.
For information only, based on the law and published rates on the calculation date; it is not legal advice. Calculations powered by Emsal AI.
Claiming the loss
Diminution in value can be claimed from the person liable for the accident or from their compulsory traffic insurer. The repair cost is not added to the loss; it is only used to check whether the vehicle is a total loss.
What vehicle diminished value means
Vehicle diminished value (araç değer kaybı) is the difference between a vehicle’s undamaged second-hand market value before an accident and its second-hand market value after repair. Repairing the vehicle does not necessarily restore its previous market value. The calculation measures that remaining difference.
The relevant comparison is between two market valuations. The post-repair figure represents the vehicle’s second-hand value with the damage record, as indicated in the form. The repair bill is not the measure of diminished value.
The result is an informational estimate based on the values entered. It does not establish those values or confirm that the calculated difference can be recovered. Expert valuation, the claimant’s share of fault and the conditions for making a claim must also be considered.
How to use the vehicle diminished value calculator
The form uses two required market values and an optional repair figure. Enter the amounts in Turkish lira (TRY), keeping the distinction between a vehicle’s market value and the cost of repairing it.
The calculation subtracts “Market value after repair (TRY)” from “Market value before the accident (TRY)”. It does not add “Repair cost (TRY, optional)” to that difference. The optional repair figure is used to flag a total loss.
Market value before the accident (TRY): enter the vehicle’s undamaged second-hand market value before the accident. This is the starting valuation for the comparison, rather than the amount spent on repairs.
Market value after repair (TRY): enter the vehicle’s second-hand market value after repair, with the damage record. This is the value deducted from the pre-accident figure to calculate the difference in market value.
Repair cost (TRY, optional): enter the repair amount if available. This field supports the total-loss flag; it does not increase the diminished-value result or replace either required market valuation.
The legal basis and the effect of fault
Under the amendment to the General Conditions of Compulsory Motor Liability Insurance published in the Official Gazette (Resmî Gazete) on 12 June 2026, the former formula table was removed with effect from 1 July 2026. The difference between the pre-accident and post-repair market values became the basis of the calculation.
An insurance assessor or court-appointed expert determines the two market values. The calculator can subtract the figures supplied, but it cannot independently establish what the vehicle was worth before the accident or after repair. The reliability of the result therefore depends on the valuations entered.
The diminished-value amount is subject to a reduction corresponding to the claimant’s own share of fault. The form has no fault field, so any applicable fault reduction must be considered separately when interpreting the displayed difference. The difference in market value alone should not be read as the final recoverable amount.
Claim conditions and limits of the estimate
Under Article 97 of the Turkish Road Traffic Law (KTK), a written application to the insurer and a waiting period of 15 days are prerequisites for bringing court proceedings or applying for insurance arbitration (Sigorta Tahkim). Obtaining a calculator result does not satisfy that application requirement.
Diminished value cannot be claimed for a single-vehicle accident or a total-loss vehicle (pert). A numerical difference between the values entered does not establish a right to claim in those circumstances. The calculation method and the conditions for a claim must be assessed together.
This calculator concerns vehicle diminished value and does not provide a total for every loss arising from an accident. Its informational result does not replace expert assessment of the vehicle values. Personal injury compensation is covered by the separate personal injury compensation calculator.
Example: calculating the difference in vehicle value
A vehicle has an undamaged second-hand market value of TRY 1,200,000.00 before the accident. After repair, its second-hand market value is TRY 1,080,000.00. Enter those amounts in “Market value before the accident (TRY)” and “Market value after repair (TRY)” respectively.
The calculation is TRY 1,200,000.00 − TRY 1,080,000.00 = TRY 120,000.00. This is the difference in market value before considering any reduction for the claimant’s own fault. Repair cost is not added to this amount, and any applicable fault reduction is assessed separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is vehicle diminished value equal to the repair cost?
No. Diminished value measures the difference between the undamaged second-hand value before the accident and the second-hand value after repair. Repair cost is a separate figure and is not added to the calculator’s result.
Who determines the market values entered in the form?
An insurance assessor or court-appointed expert determines the values. The calculator works with the figures entered; it does not independently value the vehicle or verify that the figures reflect its market value.
Does the calculator automatically deduct my share of fault?
The form contains no fault field. It calculates the difference between the two market values, so any reduction corresponding to your own share of fault must be considered separately.
Can diminished value be claimed after a single-vehicle accident or total loss?
No. Diminished value cannot be claimed in those circumstances. Entering figures that produce a difference in market value does not change that limitation.
Does the result replace an application to the insurer?
No. Article 97 of the Turkish Road Traffic Law requires a written application to the insurer and a 15-day waiting period before court proceedings or an application for insurance arbitration. The calculator result does not replace those steps.