Enter Policy Details and Losses
3 columns on large screens, 2 on small, 1 on mobile.
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Dwelling loss | Contents loss | ALE loss | Deductible | Basis | Estimated payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen fire | $42,000 | $12,000 | $3,500 | $2,000 | Replacement | Varies by limits |
| Smoke damage | $18,500 | $6,250 | $1,200 | $1,000 | ACV 15% | Reduced by depreciation |
| Major rebuild | $220,000 | $85,000 | $24,000 | $5,000 | Replacement | Capped by limits |
The calculator computes each category, then applies one deductible.
Formula Used
- Settlement factor: Replacement = 1.00, ACV = 1 − (depreciation% ÷ 100).
- Eligible amount: Eligible = Loss × SettlementFactor × OptionalMultiplier.
- Covered before deductible: Covered = min(Eligible, CategoryLimit).
- Coinsurance multiplier (optional): Multiplier = min(1, Carried ÷ Required).
- Deductible applied once: Payout = max(0, TotalCovered − min(Deductible, TotalCovered)).
- Out-of-pocket estimate: OutOfPocket ≈ max(0, TotalLosses − Payout).
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter limits for structure, contents, and living expenses.
- Choose replacement cost or actual cash value settlement.
- Fill in loss estimates using quotes and inventories.
- Set deductible and optional items like sales tax or sublimits.
- Click Calculate to view results above the form.
- Download CSV or PDF to save your scenario.
Professional insights
Claim components and timing
Fire incidents usually create three major cost streams: structure repairs, personal property replacement, and displacement expenses. Industry surveys often show that contents and temporary housing can represent 20–40% of total loss when a home is unlivable. Breaking costs into categories helps you validate whether your declared limits match how losses actually accumulate during restoration.
Limits and deductible impact
Most homeowner policies apply one deductible per occurrence, not per coverage bucket. This model totals covered amounts before deductible, then subtracts the deductible once. When a category exceeds its limit, the excess becomes an immediate shortfall. Testing two deductible levels, such as $1,000 versus $2,500, can reveal how much liquidity you should reserve for the first days after the event.
Settlement basis and depreciation
Replacement cost assumes the insurer pays to repair or replace with like kind and quality, subject to limits. Actual cash value reduces the eligible amount using depreciation rates. For example, with 15% dwelling depreciation and 25% contents depreciation, a $10,000 contents loss becomes $7,500 before limits. That difference is a practical proxy for how age and condition can reshape the payout.
Coinsurance and rebuild value
Some policies include a coinsurance requirement that expects you to carry a percentage of your home’s rebuild value, commonly 80%. If carried coverage is below the required amount, payments on structure-related items may be reduced proportionally. Using an updated replacement value estimate, then aligning the dwelling limit, can reduce the risk of a penalty during a high-severity claim.
Using exports for decisions
Accurate documentation drives better settlement outcomes. Enter figures from contractor scopes, room-by-room inventories, and receipts, then re-run scenarios as estimates mature. The CSV export supports side-by-side comparisons, while the PDF summary is useful for discussions with adjusters or contractors. Tracking “over limit” values highlights where endorsements or higher sublimits may meaningfully reduce out-of-pocket costs. carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully carefully
FAQs
1) Does this calculator guarantee my settlement amount?
No. It estimates covered amounts from your inputs, limits, and deductible. Final settlement depends on policy language, inspection results, documentation quality, exclusions, and adjuster evaluation.
2) Why is my payout lower than my total loss?
Payout can be reduced by limits, depreciation under ACV, coinsurance penalties, and the deductible. Any amount above limits or reduced by settlement rules becomes an estimated shortfall.
3) What should I include in additional living expenses?
Include incremental costs caused by displacement, such as temporary rent, added meals, laundry, storage, and extra commuting. Only the additional portion beyond normal living costs should be entered.
4) How does depreciation affect ACV results?
The tool multiplies eligible losses by one minus the depreciation rate. A 20% depreciation setting turns a $5,000 eligible amount into $4,000 before limits and deductible.
5) What does the chart show?
It compares your loss inputs with covered amounts before deductible and highlights any “over limit” portions by category. This helps you spot where limits may be too low.
6) Can I run multiple scenarios and save them?
Yes. Change inputs and recalculate. After each run, download the CSV or PDF to archive the scenario and keep a clear record of assumptions for comparison.
Important Notes
- This tool provides an estimate and does not replace policy language.
- Coverage rules, exclusions, and documentation can change outcomes.
- For large losses, confirm limits, sublimits, and endorsements with your insurer.