The hidden costs of an insurance claim – hidden items you should include in your claim

The hidden costs of an insurance claim: These are the items that those affected almost always overlook

Policyholders usually only think about obvious expenses like repair costs or replacement . However, a large part of the financial damage arises from hidden incidental costs that insurance companies rarely cover voluntarily – even though they are often reimbursable.

Brief summary (for Google Featured Snippet):
Hidden costs in insurance claims include, among other things, lost wages, additional travel expenses, diminished value, temporary accommodation, and personal contributions. Most of these items are reimbursable if properly documented.

Loss of earnings for the self-employed
Costs for alternative accommodation
Additional travel and commuting
Depreciation in value after repairs
Reimbursable personal contributions
Checklist: hidden damage items
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Loss of earnings for the self-employed – extremely important, but hardly known

Self-employed individuals often lose income immediately when their office, equipment, or vehicle is damaged. Many are unaware that this loss is considered a standard consequential damage in traffic accidents – and is therefore reimbursable.

A common mistake:
Insurers ask for "proof of revenue" when profitability is what's important. → This leads to unnecessary reductions.

This should be submitted:

Income overview for the last 6–12 months
Justification for incapacity to work (e.g., office unusable)
List of cancelled orders
Receipts for replacement purchases

2. Alternative accommodation: Costs that insurance companies rarely fully disclose

In cases of water damage, fire, or mold, those affected often have to move out for weeks or months. The insurance is supposed to cover "the necessary costs"—but many people don't know exactly what that includes .

Reimbursable items:

Hotel or temporary accommodation (often without a price limit)
Cleaning and storage costs for furniture
Transport and moving costs
Meal allowance at hotels

3. Additional trips and journeys – small amounts, large sums

When the car is being repaired, the apartment is locked, or items are being outsourced, significant additional mileage .

Reimbursable expenses include, among others:

Public transport costs
Rental cars & car sharing
Mileage allowance to the scene of the damage
Additional costs due to longer commutes

Important: Time costs also be claimed, for example if an appointment with a tradesperson is forced.

4. Depreciation after repairs – one of the biggest hidden losses

Even after a repair, an object almost always loses market value. Most consumers are unaware of this.

Typical examples of depreciation:

Vehicle (after accident or paintwork)
Electronics (smartphones, cameras, computers)
Designer furniture
Parquet & high-quality floor coverings

The calculation is often done by independent experts – not by the insurer.

5. Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses – hardly known, but very valuable

Many victims invest hours in tidying up, cleaning, or sorting damaged items. These services are often reimbursable if a service provider would charge for them.

Examples of billable in-kind contributions:

Cleaning up after water damage
Dismantling damaged furniture
Inspection and documentation of destroyed items
Organization of tradespeople

Hourly rates of €15–25 are often accepted.

Checklist: Hidden costs of an insurance claim

☑ Loss of earnings calculated?
☑ Accommodation costs fully recorded?
☑ Any additional trips documented?
☑ Depreciation checked?
☑ Have you documented any work you have done yourself?
☑ Photos + receipts collected?

🛠️ Your claim – professionally and fully settled

Up to 70% of all claims are settled for too little because many hidden items are not reported. A professional review can significantly improve your claim.

👉 Request your free initial assessment now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What hidden costs are most often forgotten in insurance claims?

Consumers most often overlook lost earnings, additional travel time, depreciation in value, and costs for alternative accommodation.

Can I really bill for work I've done myself?

Yes. If a task performed by a professional would have incurred costs, it is billable – typically €15–25 per hour.

How can I get more money out of my claim?

Through complete documentation, early securing of evidence, and an independent review of expert opinions and cost items.