Property Insurance FundamentalsQuestion 199 of 531100% of test-takers answer this correctly

Which statement BEST distinguishes a loss-settlement clause that pays on an actual cash value (ACV) basis from one that pays on a replacement-cost (RC) basis?

a.ACV pays more than RC because it includes the sentimental value the owner attaches to the damaged property
b.ACV pays the cost to repair or replace less a deduction for physical depreciation; RC pays the cost to repair or replace with like kind and quality without subtracting depreciation, usually subject to actually replacing the property and to the policy limit
c.RC pays only after a court order directing the insurer to release the funds, while ACV is paid immediately on proof of loss, so a replacement-cost policyholder must file suit and win a judgment before any part of the repair money reaches him or the contractor he has hired to rebuild the property
d.RC and ACV always pay the same amount for any given loss and only the deductible differs, so the choice between the two settlement bases changes nothing about the size of the check an insured receives after a covered fire, hailstorm, or water loss, and matters only when the deductible is subtracted

Explanation

ACV pays the cost to repair or replace minus a fair and reasonable deduction for physical depreciation. RC pays the cost to repair or replace with materials of like kind and quality without subtracting depreciation, typically conditioned on actually replacing the damaged property and subject to the policy limit. RC settlements often pay ACV first and the depreciation holdback after the insured replaces the property.

Law Reference: Loss settlement and ACV vs RC concept

This topic, taught in full in the California Property & Casualty Broker-Agent guide. California Property & Casualty Broker-Agent Study Guide — 2026 Edition — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →

Practice all 531 questions free — no signup required.

Own the complete California Property & Casualty Broker-Agent guide — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 →

Related questions on this topic

Last reviewed: · editorial process

PrepPass team · Verified against California Property & Casualty Insurance License Exam · How we review
Report