Used value vs. replacement cost
The amount you can recover for damaged belongings usually reflects the value of the items at the time they were damaged, taking into account their age and condition — which is often less than the cost of buying everything brand new.
In many property-damage claims, the measure is closer to the actual, used value of your items rather than full replacement cost. A five-year-old couch, for example, is generally valued as a used five-year-old couch, not a new one. That said, how damages are calculated can depend on the situation and the type of claim.
Some renters insurance policies offer "replacement cost" coverage, which can pay to replace items with new ones up to your limits — another reason the type of coverage or claim matters.
To support your claim either way, keep proof of what you owned, when you got it, and what it was worth — receipts, photos, and records help establish value. If your belongings were damaged and you want to understand what you may be able to recover, a free, confidential review can help you evaluate the value of your loss.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.