MOTOEXPERT professional conduct standard

MOTOEXPERT Code of Honour

The MOTOEXPERT Code of Honour defines the professional conduct expected from automotive appraisers acting within the MOTOEXPERT international standard. The appraiser performs technical assessment reliably, independently, impartially and with documented reasoning. The task is to establish and describe technical facts, not to represent the interests of one party.

Independence and impartiality

A MOTOEXPERT appraiser should perform work independently from the expectations of the client, workshop, insurer, vehicle owner or any other participant in the matter.

The technical assessment must not be adapted to an expected result, financial pressure, business relationship or the interest of one party.

The appraiser should clearly separate technical findings from legal assessments, insurance decisions and decisions concerning liability.

Technical facts before opinion

The basis of MOTOEXPERT appraisal work is technical fact. The appraiser should base conclusions on vehicle inspection, photographic documentation, measurements, diagnostics, repair technology analysis, cost calculation, market data and available professional appraisal systems.

An appraisal should not be based on assumptions, shortcuts or unverified information.

No representation of any party

A MOTOEXPERT appraiser does not act as an attorney, legal adviser or representative of one party.

The appraiser prepares a technical assessment of the vehicle, damage, value, repair costs or case-related documentation. Decisions concerning liability, insurance coverage, compensation payment or the outcome of a dispute belong to the competent body, insurer, court or other authorised institution.

Documented and traceable work

Every technical assessment should be prepared in a way that allows the appraiser reasoning to be reviewed later. Documentation should be clear, logical and complete. It should show what data were used, what actions were performed and on what basis conclusions were made.

The appraiser should avoid unclear abbreviations, unexplained calculations and undocumented statements.

Competence, conflict of interest and confidentiality

Competence

Professional competence and limits

A MOTOEXPERT appraiser should accept only assignments corresponding to qualification, experience, technical equipment and certified appraisal scope. If a matter exceeds the appraiser competence, this should be disclosed or the assignment should be refused in that scope.

Conflict

Conflict of interest

A MOTOEXPERT appraiser should avoid situations where independence could be questioned. A conflict may arise through economic, family, organisational or business connections with one party.

Data protection

Confidentiality and data protection

A MOTOEXPERT appraiser should protect documents, personal data, photos, registration numbers, VIN numbers, vehicle owner data, company data and other information obtained in connection with an assessment.

Use of MOTOEXPERT name and certificate

The MOTOEXPERT name, certificate number, membership status and association designations may be used only in accordance with the current appraiser status.

The appraiser may not use a certificate after expiry, suspension or withdrawal. It is not permitted to create the impression of active MOTOEXPERT status if such status is not confirmed by the public verification system or current association documentation.

Quality of appraisal documents

Appraisal documents should be prepared professionally, clearly and with technical justification. The appraiser should ensure that an appraisal, calculation or valuation is understandable, complete and technically reviewable.

The document should clearly separate findings, assumptions, input data, calculation results and final technical conclusions.

Continuous professional development

A MOTOEXPERT appraiser should continuously maintain and develop professional competence. This applies in particular to electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, ADAS systems, cybersecurity, modern diagnostics, repair technologies and damage documentation standards.

Failure to maintain current technical knowledge may affect appraiser status and the ability to maintain MOTOEXPERT certification.

Responsibility for issued documents

A MOTOEXPERT appraiser is professionally responsible for the quality, clarity and technical correctness of issued documents. The appraiser should exercise due care during inspection, measurement, calculation, valuation and formulation of conclusions.

If an error is found, the appraiser should take appropriate steps to clarify, correct or supplement the documentation.

Complaints and disciplinary review

MOTOEXPERT may receive complaints concerning appraiser conduct, use of the MOTOEXPERT name, certificate status, conflict of interest, documentation quality or breach of the Code of Honour.

A complaint should be submitted in a structured form and should include the reporting person data, description of the matter, certificate number or appraiser name if known, and documents supporting the complaint.

MOTOEXPERT may conduct an internal review, request additional documents, ask the appraiser for explanations or make a decision according to the internal association procedure.

Core principles of the MOTOEXPERT Code of Honour

01

Reliability

The appraiser works on the basis of technical facts and documented findings.

02

Impartiality

The appraiser does not adjust an assessment to the expectations of one party.

03

Technical independence

The appraiser separates technical assessment from legal, insurance and financial decisions.

04

Confidentiality

The appraiser protects data, documents and information obtained in connection with an assessment.

05

Competence

The appraiser accepts only assignments consistent with qualification, experience and certified scope.

06

Responsibility

The appraiser is responsible for the quality, clarity and traceability of issued documents.

07

Continuous development

The appraiser maintains current technical knowledge and participates in professional training.

The MOTOEXPERT standard of professional conduct

The MOTOEXPERT Code of Honour strengthens trust in appraisers acting within the association standard. Its purpose is to protect appraisal quality, technical independence, reliable documentation and professional responsibility.