【Vehicle Depreciation】How is Vehicle Depreciation Calculated? When Does Depreciation Occur? 3 Ways to Avoid Vehicle Depreciation

Vehicle depreciation is an important concept that every car owner must understand. As the car wears out and ages, its value will gradually decrease, affecting the amount of insurance compensation for the vehicle. This time, Kwiksure will discuss with you how insurance companies calculate vehicle depreciation, analyze the possible reasons for vehicle depreciation, and share 3 ways to avoid vehicle depreciation.

What is vehicle depreciation? Will it affect the car insurance compensation amount?

Depreciation refers to the decrease in value of a vehicle as it ages. Some car parts have a 'life expectancy'. A repaired component is worth less than a new replacement component. Insurance companies in Hong Kong usually consider depreciation amounts based on these conditions.

It is acceptable under the Hong Kong legal system for an insurance company to repair a vehicle and restore it to its pre-damage condition. To reflect the improved condition of the car after repairs, the depreciation rate needs to be adjusted accordingly.

For example, Hong Kong car insurance companies will specify in their policy terms that they will not provide coverage for certain types of damage to the insured vehicle:

• Depreciation, wear and tear, mechanical or electronic equipment failure, failure or damage
• Damage to tires (unless the damage also causes damage to other parts of the vehicle)
• Any excess applicable in the event of an accident

The depreciation amount after the vehicle is repaired or any parts are replaced will be assessed by a claims adjuster or professional from a notary office appointed by the insurance company.

Example of calculating depreciation rate:

A 5-year-old vehicle was partially damaged in a traffic accident. The repairer and the insurance company's claims adjuster agree that the repair amount will be $50,000. Depreciation is calculated based on 30% of the replacement part price or $15,000. $15,000 Depreciation is based on the age of the vehicle (5 years), condition of the vehicle (partially damaged) and mileage. Therefore, the amount of this claim would be $50,000 (repair costs) minus $15,000 (depreciation), minus any applicable excess.

How is vehicle depreciation calculated? What situations will cause depreciation?

There is no fixed method for calculating car depreciation. Many insurance companies calculate vehicle depreciation in different ways. Here is an example of how to calculate the depreciation rate for a brand new car:

If the vehicle is a 'total loss' after an accident and is less than 1 year old, depreciation may not apply. Some car insurance policies have a 'new for old' mechanism, which specifically covers claims for cars that are less than 1 year old and total destruction. However, if the car is only partially damaged, car insurance companies will generally only calculate depreciation based on the age of the car.

3 Ways to Avoid Car Depreciation

1. Keep the vehicle in as good condition as possible. However, this does not completely eliminate depreciation.
2. Use used parts of similar age and condition to repair the car, but high-quality second-hand parts are not always easy to find.
3. Add "depreciation protection" to your policy to get more comprehensive protection. Even if the car is partially damaged, the cost of repairs is exempt from depreciation adjustment.

FAQ

What is vehicle depreciation?

Vehicle depreciation refers to the decrease in the value of a car due to increased age and aging or wear and tear of its parts. When making a claim, the insurance company will take depreciation into account and deduct it from the repair costs.

Does vehicle depreciation affect car insurance claim amounts?

Yes. Insurance companies usually calculate the depreciation amount based on the age of the vehicle, the extent of damage and the mileage, and then deduct it from the compensation amount.

How is depreciation calculated?

Although each insurance company has different methods, they generally follow the following principle: For every additional year of vehicle age, the original price may be reduced by 20% to 80%. For example, a 5-year-old car might see a 40-70% deduction on the original price.