Here is a look at how these concepts of replacement cost and actual cash value are established for personal property losses, as well as techniques to properly value challenging adjustments and how depreciation can be calculated in a variety of loss scenarios.

Differences in RCV and ACV state law

While all states vary to some degree or another in specifics, California has added a wrinkle to their code. Under section 2051(b)(2) of the California Insurance Code, “actual cash value is the amount it would cost the insured to repair, rebuild, or replace the item lost or injured less a fair and reasonable deduction for physical depreciation based on its condition at the time of the loss.”

Determining pre-loss condition can be difficult following a peril. In cases where fire is involved, it’s difficult enough to determine what the item is, let alone the state it was in prior to the loss. It is important to speak with the policyholder to gain as much insight into what was damaged and the factors that could affect how their value is determined.

In states in which condition is not included in the definition of actual cash value, actual cash value is generally defined as replacement cost less depreciation.

Talking to the policyholder to learn about the history of an item can help in establishing its value. (Photo: iStock)

Determining value on obsolete and unique items

Obsolete items are defined as items that no longer have any general use, are out of date, outmoded or otherwise replaced by something newer or better. The Latin term for obsolete means “to fall into disuse.”

In these cases, it’s important to remember the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Something that is technically obsolete may hold considerable value for the insured. This principle applies to unique items as well.

As a first step, it is imperative to talk to the insured to establish value. It is necessary to understand exactly what the item is, how it is used and whether it has value to that individual today. In these cases, adjusters can gain insight into items prior to establishing a like, kind and quality (LKQ) replacement cost by interviewing the owner, but it is important to drill deeper, and request supporting documentation, measurements and pre-loss photos.

Further methods to determine value include:

• If the policyholder has little to no supporting documentation, consider consulting certified expertsfor rare, unique or high-ticket items. Be sure to verify their credentials and make sure their reports will hold up in court.
• Consider the internet in conjunction with basic knowledge of the items as a resource; but caution should be used when dealing with internet pricing.

The key to determining replacement value is finding a like, kind and quality item. Any time there is a claim with potentially obsolete items, it is important to reach out to management to determine the company’s position, as well as any relevant case law to ensure that valuations complement jurisdictional rules prior to making a decision.

Challenges with antiques

Just because something is old doesn’t mean it is necessarily a valuable antique. Items need to meet a certain set of criteria in terms of age and identity. Generally speaking, an item must be at least 100 years old to be classified as an antique. Many times, claimed antiques are simply old personal property items usually with high sentimental value.

Adjusters should get as much information about the particular item as possible so there is sufficient information to determine later if the object is an actual antique. It is important to photograph the item and record any additional information about the brand, condition and size.

Several different methods can be used to determine depreciation on items damaged in a loss. (Photo: iStock)

Calculating depreciation

The United States Federal government standard depreciation guide known as the Joint Military Industry Depreciation Guide (“JMIDG”), is an example of a depreciation guide some use as a reference in determining depreciation. It is widely used to establish the asset’s actual cash value—the replacement cost minus depreciation.

Depreciation is determined by considering, among other things, the type of article involved, its costs, condition when lost or damaged beyond economical repair, and the time elapsing between the dates of its acquisition and accrual of a claim.

Some common techniques for calculating depreciation include:

• LKQ valuation – provider can apply depreciation using various approved software programs.
• Flat-rate rule – applies the same rate to all items within similar categories.
• Expert appraisal – if an agreement cannot be reached, the insurance policy allows for an appraisal in order to mitigate any conflict.

There is one more saying to remember when determining an item’s value, “The devil is in the details.” I have in my possession a fine watch that is similar to a model made by Calvin Klein. It is alike with one crucial difference, instead of the famous fashion designer’s name on the back; it reads “Calvin Hill,” which is the name of a Dallas Cowboys football player. When determining RCV and ACV, these small differences have a big impact on valuation.

Scott Lacourse is a director at Enservio, a provider of contents claims management software, payment solutions, inventory and valuation services for property insurers. He can be reached at [email protected].

Related: Using a home inventory to document an insurance loss