Classify fault and mark pre-existing damage
This article explains how to classify a damage case (Schadenfall) by fault and how to mark it as pre-existing damage (Vorfindeschaden). These two settings drive filtering, analytics, and how a case is handled with insurers.
The two classification settings
A damage case carries two independent classification values. You can set either or both.
| Setting | Values | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Fault classification | Eigenverschulden or Fremdverschulden | Whether the damage was self-inflicted (Eigenverschulden, own fault) or caused by a third party (Fremdverschulden, third-party fault). |
| Vorfindeschaden | On or off | Whether the damage already existed and was only found later (pre-existing damage), rather than being newly caused. |
Note: Fault classification and the Vorfindeschaden flag are separate. A case can be third-party fault and also flagged as pre-existing; setting one does not change the other. Fault classification may also be left unset if it is not yet known.
Set or change the classification
Classification is edited from the case, and you can provide either value on its own or both together.
- Open the case in the detail view.
- Choose the fault classification — Eigenverschulden or Fremdverschulden — and/or toggle the Vorfindeschaden flag.
- Save. At least one of the two must be provided for the update to be accepted.
Setting classification requires the damage-management:transition permission, held by SystemAdmin and FleetManager by default. Changes are audit-logged.
Tip: Only Eigenverschulden and Fremdverschulden are accepted as fault values. Any other text is rejected as an invalid fault classification, so pick from these two.
When you can classify
Classification can be set or changed at any time while the case is open or in repair. Once the case is closed the classification is frozen along with the rest of the case — a closed case will reject any classification change.
Warning: Confirm the fault classification before you close the case. Because closing is final and read-only, an incorrect classification cannot be corrected on the case afterwards.
Why it matters
- Filtering — you can filter the case list by fault type to isolate own-fault versus third-party cases.
- Analytics — the damage dashboard reports a fault distribution across your cases, so accurate classification keeps those figures meaningful.
- Handling — third-party (Fremdverschulden) cases are typically the ones you pursue with an insurer, while the Vorfindeschaden flag distinguishes damage that predates the current driver or usage period.
Related
- Create a damage case (Schadenfall)
- Find damage cases with the list and filters
- Read a damage case in the detail view
- Close a damage case
