Actual Cash Value (ACV) Calculator
What would an insurer actually pay for your car or property after depreciation? Get a transparent, checkable estimate with two standard depreciation methods, mileage and condition adjustments, deductible math, and an ACV-vs-replacement-cost comparison. 100% client-side — your numbers never leave this page.
Vehicle ACV estimator
For a totaled or stolen car, ACV ≈ what the same vehicle would cost to replace today, minus depreciation. Start from the price of an equivalent new vehicle, then apply a transparent depreciation method.
Property & contents ACV estimator
For roofs, appliances, and belongings, insurers typically use straight-line depreciation: ACV = replacement cost new × (1 − age ÷ useful life). Pick an item to load a typical useful life, then adjust freely.
ACV vs replacement cost: what your policy type changes
Same item, two policy types. An ACV policy pays the depreciated value. A replacement-cost (RCV) policy pays the full cost to replace — minus your deductible in both cases. The gap is the depreciation your ACV policy does not cover.
How actual cash value is calculated (the transparent version)
That one line is the part everyone agrees on. Everything else — how depreciation is measured — is where insurers, states, and courts differ. This tool implements the two transparent methods adjusters and appraisers actually use:
1. Straight-line depreciation (property standard)
ACV = Replacement Cost × (1 − Age ÷ Useful Life)
A 10-year-old roof with a 20-year life has lost half its value: $12,000 × (1 − 10/20) = $6,000 ACV. Once age reaches useful life, ACV floors at $0 — the item is considered fully depreciated (it may still have real-world value; ACV is an insurance concept, not a market appraisal).
2. Declining-balance depreciation (vehicle standard)
A $35,000 car losing 15% a year: after 3 years ACV = $35,000 × 0.85³ ≈ $21,494. This mirrors reality — cars shed the most value in year one — where straight-line would understate early depreciation.
The three legal tests for ACV
In the US there is no single statutory formula. Courts and regulators generally recognize three approaches, and most states apply the broad evidence rule — the adjuster may consider any relevant evidence:
- Replacement cost minus depreciation — the formula above; the most common working definition.
- Fair market value — what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller right before the loss (dominant for vehicles via comparable listings).
- Broad evidence rule — market value, replacement cost less depreciation, original cost, condition, and expert opinion weighed together.
If you disagree with an ACV offer
- Ask for the valuation report. For total-loss cars, insurers must typically share the CCC/Mitchell report on request — check the comparable vehicles' mileage, trim, and options.
- Pull your own comps. Same year/make/model/trim, similar mileage, within ~100 miles, currently for sale — screenshots with dates.
- Document condition and extras. Service records, new tires, upgrades, and excellent condition should move the number; "average condition" defaults often don't reflect your car.
- Use the appraisal clause. Most auto policies let you demand an independent appraisal if you and the insurer can't agree.
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Frequently asked questions
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