How to obtain compensation for car damage at a service: tips from an auto lawyer

      April 16, 2026 07:00 Society NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" - Polina Zubova Any car owner can face damage to their vehicle during service repairs. However, not everyone knows that in such cases, the service is obliged to compensate for the damage. Marina Somova, a member of the Nizhny Novgorod branch of the Russian Lawyers Association and a lawyer, told NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" what steps need to be taken to obtain compensation. First of all, it is necessary to conduct an independent examination and document the defects. "Then, it is suggested to resolve the dispute through a claim process. If the car service refuses to voluntarily settle the issue, then it is resolved in court with the appointment of a judicial examination," the lawyer explained. Furthermore, an additional judicial examination is appointed in court, which determines the cost of repairing the damages. It is based on this data that the claim amount is formed. At the same time, the expert warns: court proceedings in such cases take a long time. Consideration in the first instance can take more than a year, and with the appeal, the timeframe often extends to two years. The length of the process often deters people. Nevertheless, the decision to go all the way depends on the amount of damage. If it concerns significant losses, it makes sense to seek compensation through the court. However, if the amount is small, there may be a situation where the costs for examinations and legal assistance exceed the compensation received. Communication with the lawyer took place as part of a joint project of the media group NOIC and the Nizhny Novgorod regional branch of the Russian Lawyers Association "So You Know." Earlier, the lawyer explained how to act in the event of a fight after a traffic accident. She also mentioned that residents of Nizhny Novgorod could contest the revocation of their driver's licenses due to illness. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+