An Overview of Car Depreciation Rates

In the table below, you will get a better understanding of how much a car depreciates in its value, percentage-wise over different periods of time:

A fact to note is that the vehicle depreciation rate for distinctive components of your car are assessed separately. The depreciation rate of the vehicle that is mentioned in the previous table serves the purpose of identifying the Insured Declared Value of any given car.

How to Calculate Car Depreciation?

Indian insurers provide you a calculator for car valuation, or an IDV calculator on their respective websites. A calculator that computes vehicle depreciation helps you to determine your used vehicle cost after you factor in the rate of depreciation. In other words, the IDV calculator makes use of the age of your car, it’s condition, and mileage, in order to determine the valuation of your vehicle presently. It does this instantly.

 

Such a tool can be tremendously useful when you wish to sell your car or buy car insurance when you have a second-hand vehicle. What’s more, the tool is extremely easy to operate. You only have to enter the registration number of your car, the year of its manufacture, the brand and model of the car, the resident city/registration, etc. Sometimes, to generate more accurate results, several IDV calculators suggest that you enter the mileage and details concerning the car’s general condition. Calculating car depreciation by this tool produces results that give you insights into the following:

 

• Amounts you will have to receive, or pay, while selling, or buying, any given vehicle

• Amounts to consider while trading your car at any dealership

• IDV insurance and costs of premiums

 

If you wish to calculate the motor depreciation of your car by yourself, you may be able to do so using any of the following formulas:

 

• Calculating car depreciation by using the Prime Cost Technique

The formula:

 

The cost of running the car X (number of days the car is owned ÷ 365)

X (100% ÷ effective life in number of years)

 

By using this method, the depreciation of the car is calculated as a set percentage of its total cost.

 

• Calculating car depreciation by using the Diminishing Value Technique

The formula:

 

The purchase value of the car X (number of days the car is owned ÷ 365)

X (effective life in number of years ÷ 200%)

 

In this method, the depreciation of the vehicle is calculated by using the car’s base value.

Car Depreciation Rates for Car Components

Your overall motor car depreciation rate takes into account the rate of depreciation on the car as a whole unit. However, car depreciation separate rates for various components under your car’s hood also must be considered. Here is a table showing this: 

How to Reduce Car Depreciation

Tricks to reduce your car’s depreciation exist and these aid in the maintenance of its value. Consequently, you can get an IDV and a resale value that is high:

 

• Keep your car spruced up and maintained. This prevents wear and tear. Regular servicing is a must too.

• Make sure you purchase cars with a high resale value. Specific brands and kinds of vehicles have more resale value than others.

• You can buy a used car in mint condition. This means that even if it is a second-hand vehicle you are buying, it is already in good condition and its further resale value will be high.

• Run your car on shorter distances. The more kilometres that your vehicle travels, the more it gets depreciated in value.

To Conclude

If you plan on purchasing a car, or even wish to buy a used one, knowing about car depreciation helps. Moreover, depreciation on cars as per income tax rules, lets you claim deductions for depreciating value in vehicles (upto 15%). In terms of insurance, information on car depreciation lets you know the way that premiums are computed and charged. If you are the owner of a vehicle, insurance is a must to drive. You can select from a number of car insurance plans that safeguard you and your vehicle at Finserv MARKETS.