Short answer: After a traffic accident in Istanbul, the vehicle owner can claim diminished market value against the at-fault driver's insurer; if the insurer refuses or under-pays, the file moves to the Insurance Arbitration Commission or the commercial court with an independent expert report. Outcome depends on evidence and case specifics.
Vehicle depreciation refers to the decrease in the market value of a vehicle after it has been involved in an accident, even after complete repairs. In Istanbul, where traffic density is among the highest in Europe, traffic accidents are unfortunately common, making depreciation claims increasingly important.
According to Turkish Law of Obligations Article 49 and established Supreme Court precedents, accident victims have the right to claim depreciation compensation from the at-fault party's insurance company. This right exists regardless of whether the vehicle is new or used.
🌍 For Foreign Residents & English-Speaking Drivers in Istanbul
We routinely represent expats, foreign nationals and visiting drivers involved in Istanbul traffic accidents. The full claim is handled in English — accident report (kaza tespit tutanağı) translation, expert appraisal coordination, insurer correspondence, Sigorta Tahkim Komisyonu arbitration filings and, where required, Commercial Court litigation. Drivers of foreign-plated vehicles benefit from a separate procedural track that we map step-by-step. Power-of-attorney can be issued remotely through a Turkish consulate, so you do not need to remain in Türkiye for the proceedings.
Istanbul's vehicle market is the largest in Türkiye, which directly affects how diminished value is appraised: brand-specific resale curves, Kartal/Anadolu Yakası vs. European-side dealer pricing, and high-volume insurer back-offices each create leverage points that a non-specialist often misses. Our practice combines a courtroom in Anadolu Adliyesi with negotiation experience against the top-15 Turkish insurers — typical settlement uplift after attorney involvement is 30–55% over the insurer's first offer.
Vehicle depreciation calculation is based on several factors including the vehicle's age, mileage, brand, model, pre-accident market value, extent of damage, and quality of repairs. In Turkey, courts typically use the Uniform Practice Rate method or expert reports.
Use our free calculator to get an instant estimate of your potential compensation.
Go to CalculatorThe depreciation claim process in Istanbul involves several steps. Here's a complete guide to help you navigate through the process efficiently.
An accident report should be filed or traffic police should be called.
Detailed photos of the damaged parts of the vehicle should be taken.
A depreciation report should be obtained from an authorized expert.
An application should be made to the other party's insurance company.
If the insurance company doesn't pay, arbitration or lawsuit proceedings begin.
Explore our comprehensive guides on vehicle depreciation topics
Depreciation calculation methods and formulas
Step by step application guide
Documents required for application
Managing the process with insurance companies
How to get an expert report?
Court process and stages
2026 updated compensation amounts
Most frequently asked questions
Successful case examples
2026 depreciation attorney fees
Effect of fault rate on compensation
Application and lawsuit deadlines
Working with an experienced depreciation lawyer significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Here's why professional legal support matters:
Compensation with legal support is generally higher.
All bureaucratic processes are managed on your behalf.
Your rights are professionally protected.
Supreme Court decisions and current legislation knowledge.
Av. Burak Koçak is registered with the Istanbul Bar Association under registration number 86404 and has been working on vehicle diminished-value claims in Istanbul for 7++ years. Across 80+ files, the practice focuses on insurer negotiations, independent valuation methods and Court of Cassation precedent analysis to support each claim with evidence rather than boilerplate promises.
Explore our comprehensive legal service areas
Contact us today for a free evaluation of your vehicle depreciation case. Our expert lawyers are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized legal guidance, please consult with our attorneys.
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