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VI DEKRA Expertise: Faster remote damage assessment

Aug 14, 2026Automotive / Vehicle Inspection / Mobility Stories / Future Vehicle & Mobility Services

How Digital Damage Assessment Works

Want to assess vehicle damage without an expert visiting the site or waiting for a response from a repair shop? With the new VI Expertise Tool, DEKRA can quickly and accurately conduct a damage assessment remotely.

The insured or driver provides the necessary images of the vehicle. Based on these images, the damage is assessed remotely using smart image recognition and the technical expertise of experienced DEKRA experts. This shortens the turnaround time, prevents unnecessary vehicle downtime, and provides insurers and fleet owners with the information they need to settle a claim more quickly.

How Does VI Expertise Work?

Upon receiving the inspection request, DEKRA sends the driver a personalized inspection link via email and text message. The tool guides the user step by step through the process of taking, among other things, 360-degree images, detailed photos of the damage, and photos for vehicle identification.
The images are immediately checked for quality. AI then analyzes the damage and prepares an initial estimate. The final assessment is always made by a DEKRA expert. By combining the power of AI with our expertise in damage assessment, we achieve the best results.
The Benefits of VI Expertise
Quality Control

Submitted images are checked and verified.

Fast processing

Shorter turnaround time without the need for on-site expertise.

Fewer driving maneuvers

for the vehicle owner/driver and the expert.

Flexible Use

Vehicle owners and drivers use the tool whenever it's convenient for them.

Fast and reliable claims processing for vehicle fleets

More control for fleet owners

Fleet owners and leasing companies also benefit from faster and more efficient claims processing. Damage can be documented immediately, even if the vehicle is not repaired right away. This allows a fleet owner to pursue a claim against the other party more quickly, decide on repairs or continued use, and prevent unnecessary vehicle downtime.
The standardized photography procedures ensure consistent documentation, regardless of the vehicle's location. This also makes VI Expertise an attractive option for integration into existing fleet or lease platforms.

Faster processing for insurers

  • VI Expertise significantly reduces turnaround time. After receiving the inspection link, the vehicle owner can immediately take and upload the required photos. If the photos are taken and sent quickly, DEKRA can sometimes even issue a report the very same day.
  • In addition, the insurer gains faster access to complete and standardized visual evidence. Because the photos are taken directly through the inspection link, there is also greater control over the origin and reliability of the images. This supports a thorough assessment of the damage and helps reduce fraud.
  • For the insured, the process is simpler: there’s no need to schedule an appointment with an adjuster. This makes things more convenient and reduces the likelihood of complaints about long wait times.

Particularly suitable when immediate repair is not necessary

VI Expertise is particularly well-suited for passenger cars and delivery vans where the damage is not repaired—or not repaired immediately. Examples include third-party liability claims, legal assistance cases, and claims involving lease or fleet management.
If, based on the images, a claim appears to be too complex to assess reliably remotely, an on-site inspection may still be conducted.

Digital speed and expert review

With VI Expertise, DEKRA offers a fast, customer-friendly, and reliable way to assess vehicle damage. Insurers can shorten their turnaround time and gain better control over the case. Fleet owners can take action more quickly and minimize downtime and administrative delays.
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