What is depreciation in vehicle insurance?

What is depreciation in vehicle insurance?

Depreciation in vehicle insurance often refers to the loss in value of insured vehicle over time due to factors such as age, wear and tear, and obsolescence. Vehicles, in general, are depreciating assets. For example, a new car will cost more than an older one.

Since an insurance is a contract of indemnity, no one should gain profit from it. In the event of an accident and your car is damaged, you may not be able to recover the entire expense incurred on the parts replacement. The Insurer only pays for the replaced parts after deducting the depreciation amount. The insured person has to pay for the difference between the market value of the new part and the depreciated part of the car.