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Depreciation is a concept that comes up frequently in property insurance claims, particularly for policies that pay actual cash value, and understanding generally how it works can help clarify why a claim payment may be lower than the full cost of repair or replacement.
In simple terms, depreciation accounts for the reduction in value of an item or material due to age, wear, and expected useful life, reflecting that a ten year old roof, for example, is generally not worth the same as a brand new one.
Depreciation calculations often consider factors like the age of the item, its condition before the loss, and its typical expected lifespan, though the exact method can vary between insurance companies and estimating tools.
Some policies allow for recoverable depreciation, meaning the depreciated amount can be paid back to the policyholder once repairs are completed and documented, which effectively provides replacement cost coverage over time.
Because depreciation calculations can sometimes become a point of disagreement, particularly around how much depreciation is applied to specific items or materials, understanding how your policy handles this issue is worth reviewing carefully, and can be a relevant factor if a dispute over the claim amount arises.
This is general educational material on the appraisal process rather than legal advice, and the specifics can vary with each state and policy. If you have questions about your own claim, review your policy language and talk with the insurance company, agent, or an attorney familiar with your state’s laws.
Russ Lis is an independent property insurance appraiser and umpire in Minnesota who serves clients nationwide. Have a question about your own claim? Contact Appraisal Resolution.
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