Actual Cash Value is not defined in most policies, but adjusters are taught it means Replacement Cost less Depreciation equals Actual Cash Value (ACV). Courts have begun to expand on this definition.
Many states have a particular rule for what constitutes a "total loss" of an automobile. Others follow a "total loss formula (TLF)." Adjusters need to know which rule is used in their particular state.
Depreciation is a hotly debated topic in the insurance world. Everyone knows materials are depreciable. The question comes into play if intangible things such as labor can be depreciated.
Depreciation is a hotly debated topic in the insurance world. The above page discusses labor and taxes, while this page discusses if general contractor's overhead & profit (GCOP) can be depreciated in ACV settlements.
The subrogation doctrine of making the insured whole prior to taking any reimbursement for the carrier is common throughout the states, although the definition may change depending on the state.
Determining how to match damaged property with undamaged property is difficult. It is especially hard when the item has been discontinued. Similar may not mean an exact match, though.
While underinsurance is more common than overinsurance, it does represent certain problems such as the insured paying too much in premiums, a moral hazard for fraud, and it could be illegal in some states.
This is a list of first-party property statute of limitations. Adjusters should be aware of their state’s particular statute of limitation and if the insurer should notify an insured of the upcoming deadline to file suit.
This is a list of the states with first-party property value policy rules. Adjusters should be aware of their state’s particular rules regarding their duty to pay policy limits if a structure is a total loss.
