Actual Cash Value
Actual Cash Value is the amount equal to the replacement cost minus depreciation of a damaged or stolen property at the time of the loss. It is the actual value for which the property could be sold, which is always less than what it would cost to replace it.
Sometimes, insurance companies use actual cash value to determine the amount to be paid to a policy holder after loss or damage to the insured property. In the case of an automobile that is totaled in an accident, for example, the insurance company would normally pay the actual cash value of the vehicle after determining its replacement cost and subtracting factors such as depreciation and wear and tear. Under replacement-cost coverage, the insurer would pay the amount required to replace the covered item with a like-kind new one.
Sometimes, insurance companies use actual cash value to determine the amount to be paid to a policy holder after loss or damage to the insured property. In the case of an automobile that is totaled in an accident, for example, the insurance company would normally pay the actual cash value of the vehicle after determining its replacement cost and subtracting factors such as depreciation and wear and tear. Under replacement-cost coverage, the insurer would pay the amount required to replace the covered item with a like-kind new one.