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Actual Cash Value (ACV)

An insurer's estimate of a vehicle's value immediately before loss — used in total-loss decisions.

What it means

ACV is what the insurance company believes your car was worth the moment before the accident or claim event. ACV factors in age, mileage, condition, options, and local market. When repair costs approach or exceed ACV, the insurer totals the car. ACV is distinct from your tax deduction value.

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