How to Set a Correct IDV for Comprehensive Car Insurance
IDV, Insured Declared Value, is crucial in motor insurance for claim settlement. It determines compensation for theft or total loss, affecting both premiums and financial protection.

When purchasing motor coverage, many vehicle owners focus mainly on premium costs and add-on benefits. However, the IDV in insurance is one important factor that directly affects claim settlement. It plays a major role in determining how much compensation a policyholder may receive in case of a theft or total loss.
Choosing the right IDV is important because it influences both the premium amount and the level of financial protection available under the policy. Setting it too low or too high can create problems later during claim settlement.
What is IDV in Comprehensive Car Insurance?
In simple terms, IDV is the value assigned to a vehicle by the insurer after adjusting for depreciation over time. This amount is important because it is generally considered when settling claims in cases where the car is stolen or damaged beyond repair.
The IDV is usually based on factors such as:
- Vehicle age
- Manufacturer’s listed selling price
- Depreciation percentage
- Model and variant
- Accessories installed in the car
Since vehicle value reduces over time, the IDV also decreases every year during policy renewal.
Why Choosing the Correct IDV Matters
- The IDV selected at the time of car insurance policy purchase can directly affect claim benefits.
- If the IDV is set too low, the premium may reduce slightly, but the compensation received during total loss claims may also become lower.
- Choosing an unnecessarily high IDV may increase the premium without providing proportionate financial advantages.
- The IDV becomes especially important when the car is stolen or damaged beyond repair. In such situations, the settlement amount is generally linked to the approved IDV.
Factors That Affect IDV Calculation
Vehicle Age and Depreciation
The value of a vehicle usually reduces with time and regular usage. Because of this, insurers lower the insured value every year by applying standard depreciation rates based on the car’s age.
Car Model and Variant
Premium models and higher variants usually have a higher IDV due to their increased market value.
Registration Location
The city where the vehicle is registered may also affect valuation because market prices can vary between locations.
Additional Accessories
Electrical and non-electrical accessories fitted in the vehicle may increase the insured value if declared properly.
Tips to Set the Right IDV
Compare Market Value
Checking the approximate resale value of the vehicle can help assess whether the offered IDV is reasonable.
Avoid Choosing the Lowest Possible IDV
Choosing a lower insured value may help reduce the premium amount at first. However, if the vehicle suffers major damage or theft later, the compensation received may not be enough to cover the actual financial loss.
Reassess IDV During Renewal
A vehicle does not hold the same value throughout its life. As the car gets older and usage increases, its estimated market price may change, which is why checking and updating the IDV during policy renewal can be useful.
Declare Accessories Properly
Any additional fittings or accessories should be included accurately to avoid underinsurance.
Choose TATA AIG Car Insurance To Support Your Coverage Needs
Selecting the right IDV in insurance is an important part of maintaining balanced financial protection under a comprehensive motor insurance policy. A properly calculated IDV can help policyholders avoid underinsurance while ensuring that premiums remain reasonable.
TATA AIG offers motor insurance solutions designed to support different coverage needs with flexible policy options and convenient renewal services. Before purchasing or renewing a policy, vehicle owners should carefully review the IDV to ensure suitable protection for their car.

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