An alternative to DEKRA: on-site at the seller · from €289

The decisive difference lies in the inspection concept: DEKRA inspects at its own test location or branch — you or the seller has to bring the vehicle there. checkdenwagen sends the inspector straight to the vehicle, whether at the private seller or at the dealer, anywhere in Germany. DEKRA is the market leader for statutory roadworthiness tests, valuation reports and legally usable assessments, with over 90 years of experience and around 480 test locations in Germany. checkdenwagen is specialised in private used-car purchases: independent, with no interest in the sale, fixed price from €289 incl. VAT & travel, a digital photo report within 24 hours of the inspection, over 100 inspection points on-site. Anyone who needs a valuation report for insurance, court or accident settlement is in the right place with DEKRA. Anyone who wants to know, before buying a used car, whether that specific vehicle is worth the money — without having to drive it to a test centre first — will find the more fitting approach with checkdenwagen.

There are situations in which DEKRA is the more suitable point of contact — and it's worth saying so openly: First: if you need an official valuation report for an insurance company, for a damage settlement or for a legal dispute, DEKRA — with its over 90 years of experience and its recognised expert status — is the established choice. checkdenwagen does not issue legally usable expert reports. Second: if the vehicle is due for its statutory roadworthiness test (HU) and you'd like a vehicle check at the same time, you can have both done at a DEKRA test location. checkdenwagen does not offer the HU. Third: if you need an official DEKRA seal on the vehicle — for example for resale, or because a buyer names the seal as a purchase criterion — DEKRA is the only route. Fourth: if you live right near a DEKRA branch and can easily bring the vehicle there, that can be a practical option for certain vehicle types and inspection purposes.

checkdenwagen was developed specifically for private used-car purchases. Here are the scenarios in which the approach delivers its greatest value: First: you've found a vehicle at a private seller or dealer and can't or don't want to drive it to a test centre — whether because the seller won't agree, the distance is too far, or the timing is tight. checkdenwagen comes straight to the vehicle, wherever it is in Germany. Second: you want to know a fixed price before you book. checkdenwagen shows you the package price and travel transparently before you pay. No enquiries at the branch, no quote over the phone. Third: alongside the technical findings, you also want to know whether the asking price is fair. The Premium package includes a market-value and price comparison as well as a repair-cost estimate — so you have a solid basis for price negotiations. Fourth: you need the inspection result quickly. The digital photo report arrives by email within 24 hours of the inspection — structured, with photos for every finding, free of jargon. Fifth: the vehicle is in a location that no DEKRA branch conveniently covers, or the seller isn't willing to take the car elsewhere. checkdenwagen travels nationwide to where the vehicle is. Sixth: you only want to pay for the check if it actually goes ahead. If the viewing doesn't take place because the seller cancels the appointment or the vehicle isn't available, checkdenwagen refunds the full amount.

The information about DEKRA comes from publicly available sources (dekra.de, as of May 2026). Prices, scopes of service and processes may differ regionally and may change. We reproduce them to the best of our knowledge and accept no liability for their accuracy or completeness. DEKRA is a registered trademark of DEKRA SE.