How is vehicle depreciation calculated?
Vehicle depreciation refers to the decrease in value of a vehicle due to natural wear and tear, technological backwardness or market changes during use. For car owners, businesses or insurance companies, accurately calculating vehicle depreciation is critical, especially when dealing with used cars, insurance claims or tax processing. This article will introduce the calculation method of vehicle depreciation in detail and provide structured data to help you understand quickly.
1. Common calculation methods for vehicle depreciation

The main methods for calculating vehicle depreciation are as follows:
| method | Calculation formula | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| straight line method | (original value - residual value) ÷ useful life | Accounting, tax processing |
| double declining balance method | Book value × 2 ÷ Useful life | Fast depreciation, suitable for businesses |
| workload method | (Original value – Residual value) × Actual mileage ÷ Estimated total mileage | Taxis, freight vehicles |
| market comparison method | Refer to the market transaction price of the same model | Used car trading |
2. Main factors affecting vehicle depreciation
Vehicle depreciation is affected by many factors, the following are the key ones:
| factors | Description | degree of influence |
|---|---|---|
| Brand and model | Popular brands and models have higher value retention rates | high |
| Mileage | The higher the mileage, the faster depreciation | high |
| Vehicle age | The longer the age, the lower the value | high |
| Maintenance status | Vehicles that are regularly maintained depreciate more slowly | in |
| accident record | Depreciation rate of accident vehicles increased significantly | high |
3. Actual case analysis
Assume that the original value of a new car is 200,000 yuan, the expected service life is 10 years, and the residual value is 20,000 yuan. The following are the calculation results of different depreciation methods:
| Year | Straight-line method (annual depreciation amount) | Double declining balance method (annual depreciation amount) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 18,000 yuan | 40,000 yuan |
| Year 2 | 18,000 yuan | 32,000 yuan |
| Year 3 | 18,000 yuan | 25,600 yuan |
4. How to reduce vehicle depreciation losses?
1.Choose a high-value model: Before purchasing, refer to the used car market data and choose a brand and model with a high value retention rate.
2.Reasonably control mileage: Avoid excessive use of vehicles, especially commercial vehicles.
3.Regular maintenance: Maintain good vehicle condition and extend service life.
4.avoid major accidents: Accident records will significantly reduce the residual value of the vehicle.
5. Summary
There are various methods for calculating vehicle depreciation, and it is important to choose the method that suits your needs. Whether you are an individual car owner or a business, understanding the rules of depreciation can help you better manage your vehicle assets and reduce unnecessary losses. It is recommended to use the depreciation formula flexibly based on market conditions and actual usage.
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