Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
Your insurance policy offers financial protection in the event of an unexpected disaster involving your rental property. But how you will be reimbursed following a claim depends on the type of coverage you have. There are two main valuation methods when it comes to rental insurance—replacement cost coverage and actual cash value coverage. By understanding the difference between these valuation methods, you can make informed decisions about your insurance and secure coverage that meets your needs.
Key Differences Between Replacement Cost and Actual Cash Value
Although replacement cost coverage and actual cash value coverage can both offer financial protection in the event of a claim, the amount that your policy will pay out differs between these two valuation methods. Here are the key differences:
- Replacement cost coverage can offer compensation for the cost of replacing your damaged or destroyed property with a brand-new version (as long as it’s similar in kind and quality to the original). For example, if your appliances are destroyed in a house fire, replacement cost coverage would reimburse you for the cost of purchasing comparable new appliances. In other words, replacement cost coverage will replace your property without any deduction for depreciation.
This form of coverage can be especially beneficial in protecting against major losses, such as significant damage to the physical structure of your home or expensive items within the dwelling. However, keep in mind that replacement cost coverage typically requires you to pay a higher premium. In addition, remember that you will only be compensated up to your policy limit amount—if you experience a covered loss that exceeds your policy limit, you may have to cover the difference. If you are concerned about the risk of a covered loss totaling more than your policy limit, be sure to consult your trusted broker to discuss additional policy options—such as guaranteed replacement cost coverage or extended replacement cost coverage—which can provide further financial protection.
- Actual cash value coverage, on the other hand, can offer compensation for the depreciated value of your damaged or destroyed property. This value is determined by the age, condition and expected remaining useful life of your property. Under this coverage, you wouldn’t be reimbursed for the full cost of replacing your destroyed appliances from the above example. Rather, you would be compensated for current market value of the appliances, based on the condition it was in before the fire. That being said, even if you initially purchased the appliances several years ago for $2,000, you might only be reimbursed $1,000 for your loss due to depreciation.
Although this form of coverage typically offers reduced compensation in the event of a covered claim, you will likely save money on your policy premium. Actual cash value coverage can be more suitable for individuals that live in low-risk areas (e.g., locations where incidents such as heavy winds, fires or theft are less common) or own fewer expensive items.
Which Coverage Is Best for You?
There are pros and cons to both replacement cost coverage and actual cash value coverage. In order to select the best coverage that meets your specific homeowners insurance policy needs, follow these steps:
- Determine what you can afford by assessing the impact of both coverages on your financial stability. It’s important to consider the difference in premium costs and claim compensation amounts between each form of coverage.
- Calculate how much it would cost to rebuild your home if it were completely destroyed. Include added costs for labor, materials and any new or updated building codes in your community that you would be required to comply with. Avoid making a rough estimate for this cost—be as specific as possible to ensure you know just how much coverage you need.
- Analyze your personal risk. Be sure to select a coverage option that fits within your budget, risk profile and comfort level.
We’re Here to Help
There are several factors to consider when determining which type of coverage is right for you, but you don’t have to navigate this decision alone. Bailey Family Insurance is here to walk you through your insurance policy and provide expert guidance regarding which coverage option is best for you, your belongings and your wallet. For further coverage guidance, contact us today.