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Car Depreciation Calculator
Our car depreciation calculator helps give you an idea of how much a vehicle’s depreciation will cost you in the long run. It can aid you when shopping around for a new car to get the biggest bang for your buck, plus clue you in on whether you’re getting a fair price for a particular used car. Discover More Calculators.
What is Car Depreciation?
Car depreciation refers to the decrease in the value of the car from the date of purchase to the date of sale. In other words, it refers to the decrease in the value of the vehicle depending on several factors. Owing to natural wear and tear, the value of the car depreciates over a period of time. This normal wear and tear, along with other factors such as its usage, claims, damages, etc., not only impacts your car insurance premium but also its insured declared value.
How is car depreciation calculated?
While it varies by a vehicle’s make and model, depreciation is calculated by taking the initial value of a vehicle and applying the average percentage decrease to it each year you plan to own it. Cars depreciate over time, but other factors, like accidents, are also taken into consideration. Generally speaking, alternative fuel vehicles and luxury vehicles tend to lose their value at a higher rate than more durable vehicles like pickup trucks.
How does a Car Depreciation Calculator Work?
Depreciation refers to the difference between the amount you paid when buying the vehicle and the amount you receive at the time of selling the same. A car depreciation calculator is an online tool you can use to calculate the car depreciation rate; it can help you ascertain the value of your car that you can get back based on its age.
The depreciation calculator can be used to assess the value of your car that will be paid in case of theft or its total loss. The calculator can also be used to ascertain the value of the car you will get on its sale.
The following types of formula can be used to calculate the depreciation rate
Cost of running the car * Days you owned the car (÷) 365 X 100% (÷) Effective life in years = lost value
Diminishing value method for calculating depreciation
Value of the car at the time of purchase X days you owned (÷) 365 X 200% effective years in life
Understanding Car Depreciation and IDV Calculator
Vehicle value depreciation represents the natural decline in your car’s worth over time due to wear, tear, and market conditions. In India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has established standardized depreciation rates that form the foundation for calculating your vehicle’s Insured Declared Value (IDV).
The IDV calculator determines the maximum amount your insurance company will compensate you if your vehicle is stolen or suffers total loss. This value directly impacts your insurance premium and claim settlements, making accurate calculations essential for proper coverage.
How can you improve your car’s depreciation value?
If you want to make sure your car keeps its value over time, there are some important things to consider. We’ll go through them one by one to help you understand how they can affect your car’s depreciation
- Regular maintenance and care
- Driving habits and mileage management
- Be mindful of car models
- Avoid customizations
Depreciation on cars in India
As per the current standards, a one-year-old vehicle undergoes a 15% depreciation rate, while a 5-year-old vehicle tends to lose half of its original value with a 50% depreciation rate.
For a better understanding, take a look at the car depreciation rate slabs in the table below that have been fixed by IRDAI for all insurance companies to follow:
| Age of Vehicle | Car Depreciation Rate Slabs in % |
|---|---|
| Not exceeding 6 months | 5% |
| Exceeding 6 months – 1 year | 15% |
| Exceeding 1 year – 2 years | 20% |
| Exceeding 2 years – 3 years | 30% |
| Exceeding 3 years – 4 years | 40% |
| Exceeding 4 years – 5 years | 50% |
Location-Specific Calculations and Rates
Geographic Impact on Vehicle Values
Vehicle depreciation varies significantly across different regions in India. Metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore typically see higher resale values due to larger buyer pools and diverse market demands.
Regional Factors Affecting Valuation
Market Demand Variations: Compact, fuel-efficient vehicles command higher prices in congested urban areas like Chennai and Mumbai, while larger SUVs may be preferred in cities with better road infrastructure like Delhi.
- Economic Conditions: Cities with higher average incomes, such as Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Pune, often support premium vehicle valuations compared to smaller towns.
- Climate Impact: Vehicles from dry, warm climates typically experience less rust and corrosion, leading to better resale values compared to those from coastal or high-humidity regions.
Car Depreciation Calculator FAQs
What is a car depreciation calculator?
A car depreciation calculator is an online tool that helps estimate how much your vehicle’s value decreases over time based on its purchase price, age, mileage, and depreciation rate. The calculator uses standardized depreciation rates set by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to determine your car’s current market value.
How much does my car depreciate each year?
The rate of depreciation varies from car to car, as it depends on many factors. But KBB estimates that the average vehicle loses about 20% of its original value within the first year. Within five years, vehicles may lose an average of 60% of their original value.
Why should I use a car depreciation calculator?
A car depreciation rate calculator allows you to understand the current market value of your car, which is helpful if you’re planning to sell or insure your vehicle.
Will my car’s depreciation impact my car insurance premium?
If you have an accident or reason to make an insurance claim for your vehicle, you’ll receive a lower amount than your car’s original purchase price because the insurer deducts depreciation from the claim amount.
How does damage affect depreciation?
Any damage to your car will cause further value loss on top of that caused by depreciation.
Whilst superficial damage can be repaired to restore value, things can get more complicated if your car is written off by your insurer.
If your car has an insurance category, even professional repairs are unlikely to restore its pre-accident value. In this case, you should consider whether it makes better financial sense to repair or sell your car in its current state.
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