Understanding Insured Declared Value (IDV) in Motor Insurance
Mini Balakrishnan
Insured Declared Value (IDV) is a crucial concept in motor insurance that plays a significant role in determining the coverage and premium of your policy. IDV represents the maximum sum assured by the insurance company in the event of a total loss or theft of your vehicle. Let’s delve deeper into IDV to understand its importance and how it impacts your motor insurance policy.
What is Insured Declared Value (IDV)?
Insured Declared Value (IDV) is the approximate current market value of your vehicle. It represents the highest amount that the insurance company is liable to pay in case of a total loss or theft during the policy period. IDV is determined based on factors such as the vehicle’s age, make, model, and depreciation.
How is IDV Calculated?
The IDV of a vehicle is calculated based on the manufacturer’s listed selling price and adjusted for depreciation. Depreciation is the reduction in the value of your vehicle over time due to factors like age, wear and tear, and market conditions. The depreciation percentage is determined by the insurance company based on the age of the vehicle. IDV Calculators are available online if you need to estimate the depreciation before approaching the insurance company.
Importance of IDV in Motor Insurance
- Basis for Coverage: The IDV serves as the basis for determining the coverage amount provided by your motor insurance policy. It represents the maximum amount that the insurance company will compensate you in case of a total loss or theft. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the IDV reflects the current market value of your vehicle accurately.
- Premium Calculation: The IDV has a direct impact on the premium amount of your motor insurance policy. As the IDV increases, the premium also tends to increase. This is because a higher IDV indicates a higher sum assured and a higher potential payout for the insurer in case of a claim.
- Vehicle’s Value Assessment: IDV helps in assessing the value of your vehicle accurately. It takes into account factors such as the vehicle’s age, condition, and market demand. As the vehicle ages, the IDV decreases due to depreciation, reflecting the reduced value of the vehicle over time.
- Claim Settlement: In the event of a total loss or theft of your vehicle, the insurance company will settle the claim based on the IDV. The insurer will typically pay the IDV amount minus any applicable deductibles. It is important to note that the IDV represents the maximum claim amount, and the actual claim settlement may be subject to other terms and conditions mentioned in the policy.
- Policy Renewal: The IDV is reassessed each time you renew your motor insurance policy. It takes into account the vehicle’s age and market conditions at the time of renewal. It is crucial to review and update the IDV during policy renewal to ensure that your coverage adequately reflects the current market value of your vehicle.
Conclusion
Insured Declared Value (IDV) is an essential concept in motor insurance that determines the coverage and premium of your policy. It represents the approximate current market value of your vehicle and serves as the basis for claim settlement in case of a total loss or theft. Understanding IDV helps you assess the adequacy of your coverage and ensure that your policy accurately reflects the value of your vehicle. During policy renewal, it is important to review and update the IDV to maintain appropriate coverage for your vehicle.
