When it comes to buying an insurance policyand filing claims,you’llwant to be aware of the difference betweenreplacement cost and actual cash value.
TOP CONSIDERATIONS
If you haveReplacement Cost Value (RCV)coverage, your policy will pay the cost to repair or replace your damaged property without deducting for depreciation.
If you haveActual Cash Value (ACV)coverage, your policy will pay the depreciated cost to repair or replace your damaged property.
Insurance companies usually calculate depreciation based on the condition of the property when it was lost or damaged, what a new item would cost,and how long the item would normally last.
For example,let’ssaywe have two families, theSmithsand the Johnsons. Both families have theexact same amount of damage($15,000)to their roof.Each family alsohasa $1,000 deductible. A deductible is the part (or amount) of the claimyou will have to pay out of pocket.
The Smiths have an RCVpolicy, meaning once the roof isreplaced,they will be reimbursed the full cost of the roof repair, minustheir deductible.The Johnsons have anACVpolicy, meaning they will only be paid for the current value of the roof repairs, minus depreciation andtheir deductible.
The breakdown of their payments is below.
Family | Damage | Depreciation | Deductible | Payment |
SmithFamily | $15,000 | -n/a | -$1,000 | = $14,000 |
Johnson Family | $15,000 | -$10,000 | -$1,000 | = $4,000 |
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Consider making upgrades to your roof to make it more resilient.Consider followingthe Insurance Institutefor Business & Home Safety’s (IBHS’s)Fortifiedroof requirements.Add wind-resistantfeaturesare also an option for a resilient roof.Use wind-resistanthurricane clipsinstead oftraditionalnails to attach roofs.Thiscreates a stronger connection between the roof and the house.
Homeowners insurance policiesmaycover damage from windstorms and hail.However,somepolicies excludethis coverage.This is common in coastal areas.You may want to considerbuyinga separate policyif wind and hail areexcluded.Contactyourinsurance agent or insurance companyto find out what your policy covers.
You should also ask your insurer if there are separate deductibles for damage caused by windorhail.Some policieshave special deductibles that apply to certain parts of your home, like your roof.Check with your insurer to learn this information.
TOP THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER
All policies are not the same and offer different levels of coverage.Know the difference betweenACVcoverage andRCVcoverageand what it willmean foryourout-of-pocketexpenses if youneedto repair or replaceyour roof.
Become familiar with your policy.Have a conversation with your insurer to find outif you need a separate policy for wind and hail damage.Findout if youhave a separate deductible foryour roofor other structures.
Know how to make your roof resilient.In general, keep your roof in good condition. You can also followIBHS recommendationsto mitigate damage.
About the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally.
