OUR BLOG

What is the book value of a car and how to calculate it

market value of a car

Have you heard about the market value of a car (valor venal), but still don't fully understand what it means? Don't worry, here at Dulcinea Insurance we explain what it's all about. This is to help you get familiar with this financial term before you buy car insurance.

How does the salvage value of a car work?

It is likely that at some point you have set a goal to evaluate the alternatives available to you in the Florida car insurance market. Therefore, you have taken into account financial protection against any accident, as it is one of the most important points when purchasing a service like this.

The market value (valor venal) of a car is the price calculated for a vehicle that has been affected by an accident. However, this figure is based on the condition the vehicle was in immediately prior to that event.

In turn, all vehicles in circulation have a market value, and this decreases as the years go by. Clearly, this is due to age. Therefore, to determine the market value of a car, two very distinct areas of evaluation are taken into account.

The first is for the second-hand market and involves direct sales from the owner to a third party. 

The second, considered the most important, involves insurance payouts. That is, it determines the amount the client receives after their vehicle has been declared a total loss.

What aspects are taken into account for calculating the market value of a car?

On the other hand, there is the fact that the market value is assigned by a Auto insurance company It must follow standardized parameters. This is to offer equal conditions in these types of cases for all of its clientele.

Therefore, in the event of car theft, a fire, or a major total loss accident, the following factors are taken into account. This is always with the intention of making the car's market value calculator as fair as possible:

1. Old age

The number of years since the vehicle was manufactured is a decisive criterion when calculating the residual value of a car. 

If the vehicle is only one year old, the policy will most likely cover 100% of the car's current market value.

On the other hand, if the car has been on the road for more than 4 years, the percentage of its market value compared to its original price can hover around 50% or 55%.

2. Brand and model

Driving a brand-new Aston Martin or an Audi is not the same as driving a 2008 Toyota Corolla. Therefore, the make and model of the vehicle are also highly influential factors in calculating the car's market value when a major accident occurs.

3. Additional modifications

If decorative or functional elements were added to a car that significantly increased its market value, they can be included in the calculation of the car's market value.

But it is crucial that these modifications have been reported in advance to the insurance company. At least far enough in advance so that they have been included in the contractual structure and in the setting of monthly premiums.

It is important to remember that a car accident is a traumatic experience. And unfortunately, having the best possible financial protection is something that is not valued enough. At least until those unexpected and difficult circumstances arrive.

At least you, as a customer, must fulfill your essential part, which is to protect your car against any contingency. And at Dulcinea Insurance, we will gladly help you with a free quote if you call us at 786-910-9487.

5/5 - (1 vote)

Luis Orlando Hernandez

CEO Dulcinea Insurance

Insurance agent and president of Dulcinea Insurance, with over ten years of experience in the insurance industry in the United States. A journalism graduate with extensive experience in social communication, marketing, and advertising. I hold active licenses for health insurance, life insurance, commercial insurance, and real estate. As the head of Dulcinea Insurance, I have worked with over 2000 clients in various insurance branches.

About the author

Luis Hernandez

CEO of Dulcinea Insurance. Insurance and financial services agency.

Dulcinea Insurance is an insurance agency that operates throughout Florida. We have been providing the best insurance services in the state for over five years. Our agents are fully certified to give you the best service.

FROM OUR BLOG

Other related publications