If an automobile is declared a total loss, which value is typically considered for settlement?

When an automobile is declared a total loss, the value typically considered for settlement is the actual cash value (ACV). The actual cash value is defined as the amount that the vehicle would sell for on the open market, taking into account its age, condition, and depreciation.

In practice, this means that the insurance company evaluates the vehicle based on what it would realistically be worth just before the loss occurred, reflecting its market value rather than the amount that would be needed to replace it with a new vehicle. This helps ensure that the insured receives a fair settlement that compensates for their loss without providing them with a windfall.

Understanding the specific term "actual cash value" is crucial in insurance contexts because it directly impacts how claims are paid and how policyholders perceive their coverage. Other valuation methods, such as replacement cost or market value, do not align with how ACV is defined in terms of calculations for a total loss settlement.