ACV vs RCV: what your contents claim will actually pay
Replacement cost value (RCV) is the price to buy a comparable new item today. Actual cash value (ACV) is RCV minus depreciation for age and wear. Which one your policy pays makes a large difference after a total loss.
Which one do I have?
Check your declarations page or the personal property section of your policy for "replacement cost" or "actual cash value" for Coverage C. Many standard homeowners policies cover contents at ACV unless you've added a replacement-cost endorsement. Renters policies vary.
How depreciation is calculated
Typically straight-line: depreciation = RCV × (age ÷ useful life), capped at a maximum. See the useful life table or try the ACV calculator.
Example
| Item | RCV | Age | Life | ACV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laptop | $1,300 | 2 | 5 | $780 |
| Dining table | $1,200 | 8 | 15 | $560 |
| Winter coat | $300 | 3 | 8 | $187.50 |
Can I dispute depreciation?
Yes. Ask the adjuster for their itemized depreciation. Common errors include wrong ages, depreciating items that hold value, ignoring condition, and depreciating labor or sales tax where state rules don't allow it. Your own itemized list with ages and conditions gives you the numbers to push back with.
Turn this list into a claim-ready inventory
LossList walks you room by room, fills in typical replacement costs, calculates depreciation, and exports the Excel spreadsheet and PDF your adjuster asks for. Free to start — your data never leaves your device.
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