What does ACV stand for and how does it relate to RC in property claims?

• A. ACV stands for actual cash value; RC is replacement cost; ACV equals RC.
• B. ACV stands for actual cash value; RC stands for replacement cost; ACV equals RC minus depreciation.
• C. ACV stands for accumulated cash value; RC stands for replacement cost; ACV is greater than RC.
• D. ACV stands for actual cash value; RC stands for replacement cost; ACV equals depreciation.

Answer: (B)

Actual cash value measures the depreciated, current value of property, while replacement cost is the cost to replace with a like-kind item today. In most property claims, the amount paid as actual cash value is the replacement cost minus depreciation. For example, if replacing a roof today would cost $10,000 and the roof has 50% depreciation due to age, the actual cash value would be $5,000. That’s the amount you’d typically receive if the policy pays actual cash value. Replacement cost coverage, by contrast, would pay closer to the full $10,000 (often minus a deductible), since it aims to replace the item at current prices. The term for accumulated cash value is used in life insurance, not property insurance, and ACV is not simply the depreciation amount nor is it always equal to replacement cost.