Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

A new era marking a reform in motor insurance practices in Türkiye began as of July 1, 2026. With the changes made specifically in the area of loss of value compensation in motor insurance, claimants will be able to access compensation more quickly and directly.

The changes were implemented as part of an action plan launched by the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Authority (SEDDK) to reduce disputes over loss of value in auto insurance and to ensure that compensation processes are conducted more effectively, fairly, and quickly. Accordingly, the calculation of compensation for loss of value in vehicles has now become an integral part of the damage assessment process.

With the new system, as a result of the technical inspection of the vehicle conducted by an expert, not only the amount of damage but also the loss in value incurred by the vehicle will be calculated within the same file, in accordance with the principle of actual loss. This will make it possible for claimants to have their losses compensated more quickly, transparently, and effectively, without having to initiate a separate process for compensation for loss in value.

- The principle of actual loss will be applied

Ahmet Nedim Erdem, Chairman of the Insurance Experts Executive Committee at the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), stated in his remarks on the matter that the new system is not merely a technical regulatory change but also a significant systemic transformation aimed at ensuring that claimants’ actual losses are compensated in a fair, objective, and timely manner.

Ahmet Nedim Erdem pointed out that the use of different methods for calculating loss of value over the years has led to varying compensation amounts and numerous legal disputes.

- Damage and loss of value will be calculated simultaneously

Erdem, noting that consistency in application has been achieved among all adjusters regarding the new regulation enacted by SEDDK, said the following: “This has significantly prevented discrepancies in application, which led to different outcomes for damages of the same nature, and the emergence of varying compensation amounts in similar cases. Damage and loss of value will be calculated simultaneously. Under the new system, the insurance adjuster will prepare the damage report by inspecting the vehicle on-site to assess the physical damage, the repair method, the replaced and repaired parts, the vehicle’s prior damage history, and its general technical specifications, and will also calculate the resulting loss of value during the same process. Thus, the calculation of loss of value is no longer a separate process independent of the damage assessment. It has evolved into an integrated appraisal process based on technical inspection. Claimants will not need to file a separate application and will receive compensation more quickly. Under the new system, in cases where an expert has been appointed, claimants will no longer need to file a separate claim for loss of value compensation. This regulation will shorten processing times, eliminate unnecessary claims, and contribute to a significant reduction in disputes.”

- Implementation guidelines for insurance adjusters have been prepared

Ahmet Nedim Erdem, noting that the TOBB Insurance Adjusters Executive Committee has conducted comprehensive technical studies to ensure the new system is implemented nationwide under uniform standards, stated, “Under the new system, adjusters’ responsibilities will not be limited solely to determining the extent of damage; they will also include the scientific and technically sound calculation of the economic loss in value incurred by the vehicle. The implementation guidelines prepared by our Executive Committee detail how the principle of actual loss will be applied, the criteria for technical inspections, the method for calculating loss of value, reporting standards, and the objective data to be used in calculations, all of which have been clearly defined and communicated to all insurance adjusters. In addition, professional training activities related to this subject have been organized. Thanks to these efforts, insurance adjusters working throughout Türkiye will perform calculations within a common technical framework, and claimants will quickly receive technical, objective, fair, and accurate compensation for their actual loss of value,” he said

- An adjuster may also be requested for damages under 40,000 TL

Erdem noted that, under the 2026 regulations, insurance companies are required to appoint an adjuster for traffic insurance claims exceeding 40,000 TL; for claims below this amount, he pointed out that the insurance company decides within one day, upon the claimants’ request, whether or not to appoint an adjuster.

Erdem also warned citizens against fraud attempts, stating, “No insurance adjuster will ever call you to claim they will collect compensation for loss of value, request a power of attorney, direct you to file a lawsuit, or promise to collect compensation. I would like to strongly remind our citizens not to give any credence to such attempts and to contact the relevant official authorities when necessary,” he said.

Ahmet Nedim Erdem, Chairman of the TOBB Insurance Adjusters Executive Committee, added that TOBB SEİK will manage the processes in full compliance with SEDDK.