Reference · Vehicle valuation
Vehicle valuation glossary
Swiss terms explained
The most important terms around vehicle valuation and claims in Switzerland – with the German originals you will encounter in insurance documents.
Key terms
Current value (Zeitwert)
The amount your vehicle would fetch on the market. Basis for comprehensive (casco) settlements.
Replacement value (Wiederbeschaffungswert)
What an equivalent replacement vehicle costs, including procurement – higher than the current value. Applies in liability claims.
Residual value (Restwert)
The value of the damaged vehicle after the accident. Compensation = current/replacement value minus residual value.
Economic total loss (wirtschaftlicher Totalschaden)
Repair costs exceed the current value – a purely arithmetical statement.
Technical total loss (technischer Totalschaden)
The vehicle can no longer be repaired safely.
Liability claim (Haftpflichtschaden)
Damage caused by a third party – you are generally entitled to the replacement value, not just the current value.
Comprehensive claim (Kaskoschaden)
Your own damage, settled according to your policy conditions (AVB) – often at current value.
Diminished value (merkantiler Minderwert)
Loss in resale value after a proper repair – relevant for newer vehicles (current value at least about 50% of the list price).
Valuation guidelines (BWR)
The VFFS valuation standard, established since 1966 – the recognised basis for vehicle valuations in Switzerland.
Base value (Basiswert)
Calculated starting value from vehicle category, list price, age and mileage – adjusted by condition, equipment and market situation.
Damage calculation (Schadenkalkulation)
Calculation of the repair costs (labour, parts, paint) – decisive for the total-loss question. Digitally available via ClaimTec.
Party-commissioned report (Parteigutachten)
Privately commissioned expert report – since 1 January 2025 a document and admissible evidence in Swiss civil proceedings.
Eurotax
Statistical average values – an expert valuation may differ because it considers the individual vehicle.
Current value supplement (Zeitwertzusatz)
Optional casco cover guaranteeing a higher settlement in the first years after purchase.
New-for-old deduction (Abzug Neu für Alt)
Deduction applied when new parts noticeably increase the vehicle's value compared to its pre-accident state.
General insurance conditions (AVB)
The contractual basis of your policy – they define, among other things, which value standard (current vs. replacement value) applies to a settlement.
Operating period (Betriebsdauer)
The vehicle's age in months since first delivery – an input for the base value.
Vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugausweis)
Documents the date of first registration – central for calculating the vehicle's age.
Mileage (Fahrleistung)
The kilometre reading – converted into monthly values for the BWR valuation.
Mean monthly figure (Mittlere Monatszahl, MMZ)
The ratio of age and mileage – a central factor in calculating the base value.
List price (Neupreis)
The catalogue price at first delivery – the starting point for the base value.
Market value / market situation (Marktwert / Marktlage)
Current supply and demand – an adjustment factor in determining the current value.
Value adjustment factors (Wertanpassungsfaktoren)
Individual additions or deductions to the base value: condition, investments, existing damage, tyres.
Repair costs (Reparaturkosten)
The costs of proper repair: labour, parts, paint and ancillary work.
Used spare parts (Gebrauchte Ersatzteile)
Can be considered in a damage calculation – for example for older vehicles.
Technical diminished value (technischer Minderwert)
Excluded under the BWR 2020 when the repair is carried out properly according to manufacturer specifications.
Manufacturer specifications (Herstellerrichtlinien)
A repair according to these specifications counts as proper – the prerequisite for excluding a technical diminished value.
Counter-report (Gegengutachten)
A second opinion reviewing an insurer's report – for example on residual value or repair costs.
Court-appointed expert report (Sachverständigengutachten)
An expert report commissioned by the court within legal proceedings – as opposed to the privately commissioned party report.
Vehicle expert report (Fahrzeuggutachten)
The professional assessment of a vehicle by an expert – on value, damage or condition.
Uniform valuation standard (Einheitlicher Bewertungsmassstab)
The VFFS guidelines ensure that all certified experts value according to the same standard.
Used car purchase (Gebrauchtwagenkauf)
Before buying, an independent pre-purchase inspection is recommended – see our guide on used car inspections.
Questions about vehicle valuation?
Our VFFS-trained experts are happy to help.