Loss of use:
compensation for each day without your vehicle
If your vehicle cannot be used while it is repaired or replaced after a no-fault accident in Germany, German law may provide a daily loss-of-use payment without hiring a replacement car.
Reviewed by UnfallExperten Team GmbH, independent VFFS vehicle experts. Status: June 2026.
1. What is loss-of-use compensation?
German damages law can compensate the loss of the ability to use a vehicle. A fixed daily amount by vehicle class may be claimed for the documented accident-related repair or replacement period, without hiring a replacement car. This can also apply to a Swiss claimant where German liability law governs the accident.
2. Four requirements
You would have used the vehicle during the period. Prompt repair or replacement commonly supports this.
You or another authorised person could actually have driven it. A hospital stay or driving ban without another authorised user may prevent the claim.
The daily payment is an alternative to a vehicle hired at the insurer's expense.
The vehicle was demonstrably unusable during repair, self-repair or replacement. Continuing to drive without repair usually produces no claim.
3. Daily amount
The German Sanden/Danner/Küppersbusch table groups vehicles by type and class. Rates range from about EUR 23 for a very small car to more than EUR 170 for top-class and luxury vehicles. From about five years old, the vehicle is commonly moved down one group, and from about ten years another group.
Example
A three-year-old mid-size car has a daily rate of EUR 59. Eight working days plus a weekend equal ten calendar days: EUR 590, in addition to justified repair costs, diminished value and expert fees.
4. Duration
- Repair: actual accident-related repair time, including parts and workshop delays not caused by the claimant.
- Total loss: the necessary replacement period stated in the report, often 10–14 calendar days depending on the vehicle, market and availability, plus a reasonable consideration period.
- Evidence: the report must state expected repair or replacement time; actual workshop intake and return should also be documented.
5. Replacement car or loss of use?
A replacement car is appropriate where a vehicle is essential. Low use can lead to proportionality disputes; driving substantially less than about 20 kilometres per day creates a practical risk of a reduction. Loss of use may suit a claimant who can bridge the period without a hired car.
Common mistake
Claimants often submit repair costs but omit loss of use. The insurer rarely points it out. A complete report puts the vehicle group and expected duration on record.
6. Preserve the claim
- Obtain a report stating vehicle group and repair or replacement period.
- Record workshop intake and return dates.
- Ask the workshop to confirm parts or capacity delays in writing.
- Have reductions in duration or vehicle group checked.
Loss of use: FAQ
Can a Swiss claimant receive loss-of-use compensation after an accident in Germany?
In principle yes, where German liability law applies and intention to use, ability to use and an actual accident-related loss are established.
How much is paid per day?
Depending on vehicle class, the German table ranges from about EUR 23 to more than EUR 170 per day. Older vehicles are commonly moved down one or two groups.
Do I need to hire a replacement car?
No. Loss-of-use compensation is the alternative to a replacement car; both cannot be claimed for the same period.
For how long is loss of use paid?
For the documented accident-related repair period or, in a total loss, the necessary replacement period stated in the report, often 10 to 14 calendar days depending on the vehicle and market.
Is loss of use available with notional settlement?
Only where there is a proven actual period of non-use. Continuing to drive without repair generally creates no loss-of-use claim.
Document the period of non-use
Request a non-binding quotation for an independent report that states the relevant duration and vehicle group.