Many people who did not know they could claim diminished value at the time of the accident, or who postponed it, wonder whether they can still apply months or years later. The answer lies in the limitation periods.
Periods under the law
Under Article 109 of the Highway Traffic Law, compensation claims arising from motor vehicle accidents become time-barred:
• Within two years from the date on which the injured party learned of the loss and of the person liable to pay compensation,
• And in any event within ten years from the date of the accident.
If the incident also constitutes a crime and the criminal laws provide for a longer limitation period, that longer period also applies to the compensation claim.
When does "learning" occur?
The two-year period starts not from the accident date but from the date on which the injured party learned of the loss and of the liable person. When the diminished value was learned is assessed according to the specific case. Therefore, the fact that more than two years have passed since the accident does not mean that the claim is time-barred in every case.
Events that interrupt limitation
Steps such as a written application to the insurer, filing a lawsuit or an arbitration application may affect the limitation period. Which step interrupts or suspends the period is assessed separately according to the relevant statutory provisions.
What to do for an older accident?
• Find the accident date and the accident report.
• Collect the insurer's damage file, the appraisal report and the service invoices.
• Review any payment letter and documents you signed.
• Obtain the vehicle's Tramer record.
Even if the vehicle has been repaired, documents can take the place of photos in determining diminished value.
You can use the free Kaza Dosyam tool to keep your accident information in an organised file: kazadosyam.katarhukuk.com
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Each specific case must be assessed in its own circumstances. Updated: 10 October 2026
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