Calculator inputs
Example data table
| Scenario | Gross loss | Limit | Deductible style | Deductible | Estimated payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor graffiti cleanup | USD 1,200 | USD 50,000 | Flat | USD 250 | USD 950 |
| Broken windows + security | USD 6,800 | USD 25,000 | 2% of covered (min 500) | USD 500 | USD 6,300 |
| Severe property damage | USD 32,000 | USD 20,000 (sublimit) | Tiered | USD 1,000 | USD 19,000 |
Formula used
Gross loss = repair + cleanup + temporary security + loss of use.
Depreciated repair = repair × (1 − depreciation%/100).
Covered before limits = depreciated repair + other components.
Coinsurance applied = covered before limits × (coinsurance%/100).
Applied limit = min(coverage limit, vandalism sublimit if set).
Covered amount = min(coinsurance applied, applied limit).
Deductible is computed by your chosen method, then min/max rules and adjustments are applied.
Estimated payout = max(0, covered amount − total deductible). Out-of-pocket includes deductible plus any uncovered loss.
How to use this calculator
- Enter loss components for the vandalism event.
- Set coverage limit and optional vandalism sublimit.
- Choose a deductible type, then fill related fields.
- Add optional adjustments (vacancy, claims, endorsements).
- Click Calculate to see results above the form.
- Use export buttons to save CSV or PDF.
Deductible structures modeled
Choose a flat, percentage, or tiered deductible to reflect common property policies. Percentage deductibles can be applied to the covered amount, gross loss, or the applied limit. Minimum and maximum rules help mirror contract language, especially when a percent deductible is paired with a floor or cap. These options make scenario testing realistic across small and large vandalism events. Record the deductible basis from declarations to avoid mismatched assumptions.
Loss components that drive the claim
The calculator separates repair, cleanup, temporary security, and loss of use so you can match invoices and estimates. A simple depreciation percentage can reduce only the repair portion when settlement is on an actual-cash-value basis. This prevents overestimating payment on older materials while keeping time-sensitive expenses, like board-up services, fully visible. Enter line items separately to spot which costs push you past a tier threshold.
Limits, sublimits, and coinsurance impact
The covered amount is constrained by the lowest applicable limit, including any vandalism sublimit. Coinsurance is modeled as a proportional factor, reducing the covered amount when the coinsurance percentage is below 100%. Combining coinsurance with a sublimit can materially change the payable amount, so reviewing both terms before submitting documentation is essential. Use the sensitivity chart to see how close you are to the cap.
Adjustments that change your out-of-pocket
Vacancy and prior-claims adjustments help you explore underwriting or endorsement rules that may increase the deductible. A reduced-deductible endorsement can lower the calculated amount by a set percentage, while a waiver option shows best-case outcomes. Policy-level excess is added after the deductible to approximate layered cost-sharing in some programs. Keep these fields conservative when exact rules are unknown, then refine with policy wording.
Decision support outputs and reporting
Results display insurer payment, total deductible, uncovered loss, and out-of-pocket cost immediately above the form. Interactive Plotly charts illustrate the breakdown, sensitivity to deductible changes, and step effects from coinsurance and limits. CSV and PDF exports capture the key fields for file notes, discussions with adjusters, and internal approvals. Store exports to compare scenarios for internal budgeting.
FAQs
What does the calculator treat as the “covered amount”?
Covered amount is the post-depreciation loss, adjusted by coinsurance, and capped by the lower of the policy limit and any vandalism sublimit. The deductible is applied to this covered amount before estimating the insurer payout.
When should I use a percentage deductible?
Use it when the policy states a percent deductible based on covered loss, gross loss, or the stated limit. Add a minimum or maximum if the contract includes a floor or cap for the percentage calculation.
Why is depreciation applied only to repairs here?
Many settlements depreciate physical materials while leaving services like cleanup, security, and loss of use unchanged. This calculator models that simple approach so you can see how aged components affect the net repair amount.
How do vacancy and prior-claims fields affect results?
They adjust the calculated deductible up or down by percentages you choose. This helps you simulate underwriting rules or endorsements. If you do not have exact rules, leave these options off to keep estimates conservative and transparent.
What is the difference between deductible and policy-level excess?
Deductible is the primary amount you pay before coverage responds. Policy-level excess is an additional amount added after the deductible to represent layered cost sharing, special endorsements, or program structures that require extra retention.
Do the charts change when I edit inputs?
Yes. After you calculate, the Plotly charts refresh to show the latest breakdown, a payout sensitivity line, a waterfall of step effects, and a donut view of payout versus deductible and uncovered loss. Recalculate after any change.