Let us assume you have a damaged garment -
How will you or your drycleaner or any legal arbitrator determine
the adjustment amount? If you prefer to download and print a copy of
the information contained on this page,
click here
for instructions.
Every
textile product has a "life expectancy" according to its intended
purpose, material content and the rate of change in fashion or
style. Since an article may retain a degree of usefulness beyond the
point of life expectancy, it has some residual value for as long as
it remains in useful condition; however, this is usually a minimal
monetary value. An article that is rendered unwearable, or worn out,
within or beyond its normal life expectancy, has no value and no
negotiable basis for adjustment regardless of the nature of the loss
or damage. Sentimental value because of personal attachment is
subjective and is ruled out as a valid consideration.
As with life expectancy, age and condition are also
taken into consideration in deciding the value of a used textile
article at the time of damage or loss. A very worn garment is less
valuable than an identical garment of the same age in good
condition. A garment also loses value with the passage of time,
regardless as to whether or not its owner has obtained fullest use
of it.
Here is a step-by-step method for calculating
adjustment value:
-
Determine the replacement cost of the article.
-
Refer to Table I for the type of item and its
life expectancy.
-
Refer to the appropriate column in Table II.
-
Read down the column to the actual age of the
article.
-
Read across this line to the adjustment values
and choose the value that best describes its condition.
-
Multiply this adjustment value by the
replacement cost to determine the adjustment amount.
Table I: Average Life Expectancy of Textile Items in Years
APPAREL
Bathing Suits
..2
Bathrobes
Lightweight
..
2
Heavy or quilted
.
3
Wool
.3
Blazers
Cotton and blends
..
3
Imitation suede*
.
3
Wool
.
4
Coats and Jackets
(Outerwear)
Childrens
.2
Cotton and blends
..
3
Down
...
.3
Fur
..10
Imitation fur or suede*...
3
Leather and suede
.5
Plastic
..
2
Wool
.
4
Blouses
3
Choir Robes
6
Dresses
Casual
..
2
Office
3
Silk
2
Evening
High Fashion
...
3
Basic
.
5
Formal Wear
5
Gloves
Fabric
...
1
Leather
.2
Rainwear & Windbreakers
Film & plastic coated
.
2
Fabric, lined & unlined
3
Rubber and plastic
...3 |
Shirts
Dress
.
..2
Sports
.
.2
Wool or Silk
....2
Ski Jackets
(including Down)
.
2
Skirts
.
...2
Slacks
Lounging & active sport
..
..2
Dress
.
..3
Socks
.
..1
Sport Coats
Cotton & synthetic blends
....3
Imitation suede*
.3
Wool and wool blends
...4
Suits
Cotton and synthetic
.2
Summer-weight wool
....3
Imitation suede*
.
3
Silk
.
..3
Washable
.
...2
Winter-weight wool
.
...4
Sweaters
.
.3
Ties
.
..1
Underwear
Foundation garments
....1
Panties
.1
Slips
.2
Uniforms
..
1
Vests
.
2 |
HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS
Bedspreads
.6
Blankets
Heavy wool and
Synthetic fibers
.
10
Lightweight
..
5
Electric
.
5
Comforters
..
5
Down
5
Fiberfill
.
3
Curtains
Sheer
3
Glass Fiber
..
3
Draperies
Lined
.5
Unlined
.4
Sheer
3
Glass fiber
...
4
Sheets & Pillowcases
..
.2
Slipcovers
3
Table Linen
Fancy
5
Other
2
Towels
..
3
Upholstery Fabrics
5 |
*Nonwoven only. Life expectancy for
coated or flocked articles is two years.
Table II:
Claims Adjustment Values Criteria
|
Life
Expectancy rating of article in years (from Table 1)
Adjustment Values |
Adjustment
Values |
|
1 |
2 |
3 Age of |
4 Article |
5 |
10 |
Percent of Replacement
Cost
Depending on Condition
Excellent Average Poor |
|
0-4 mo. |
0-4 mo. |
0-4 mo. |
0-4 mo. |
0-4 mo. |
> 1 year |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
4-7 mo. |
4-7 mo. |
4-7 mo. |
4-7 mo. |
4-7 mo. |
1-4 yrs. |
75% |
75% |
60% |
|
7-9 mo.* |
7-13 mo.* |
10-19 mo. |
13-25 mo |
16-31 mo |
4-6 yrs. |
70% |
60% |
45% |
|
9-11 mo.* |
13-19 mo. |
19-28 mo. |
25-37 mo. |
31-46 mo |
6-8 yrs. |
50% |
40% |
30% |
|
11-13 mo.* |
19-25 mo. |
28-37 mo. |
37-49 mo |
46-61 mo. |
8-11 yrs. |
30% |
20% |
15% |
13 mo.
& older |
25 mo.
& older |
37 mo.
& older |
49 mo.
& older |
61 mo.
& older |
11 yrs.
& older |
20% |
15% |
10% |
|
|
*Use only with Average
column in figuring Adjustment Value |
