A replacement cost insurance policy and an actual cash value insurance policy are two different approaches to determining the value of an insured item in the event of a covered loss, such as hail damage. Here’s a brief explanation of each:

1. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) Insurance Policy: In a replacement cost insurance policy, the insurer agrees to pay the cost of replacing the damaged or destroyed item with a new one of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation. Essentially, this policy aims to restore your property to its pre-loss condition. For example, if your roof is damaged by hail, the insurance company would cover the cost of replacing the damaged roof with a new one, regardless of the age or condition of the previous roof.
2. Actual Cash Value (ACV) Insurance Policy: An actual cash value insurance policy takes into account depreciation when determining the value of the insured item. It considers the replacement cost value minus depreciation based on its age, condition, and normal wear and tear. In the event of hail damage to your property under an actual cash value policy, the insurer would consider the age and condition of the roof before calculating the reimbursement. This means that you would only receive the current market value of the damaged roof, and you would have an additional out of pocket cost of its depreciated value.

It’s important to note that replacement cost policies typically have higher premiums compared to actual cash value policies since they provide a higher level of coverage. However, they offer more comprehensive protection and can help you recover the full cost of replacing damaged items. Actual cash value policies, while generally more affordable, may leave you with out-of-pocket expenses to cover the depreciation of the item being replaced.

Due to laws set by insurance carriers, a general contractor is unable to speak to your policy coverages, so confirm which coverage option you have with your insurance carrier if you need additional explanation on what is covered and what isn’t.

When choosing between the two, consider your budget, the value of your assets, and your risk tolerance to decide which policy type suits your needs best. Additionally, it’s always recommended to carefully review the policy terms, coverage limits, and any exclusions before making a decision.