Wertdeckung

Wertdeckung is a term used in German-speaking contexts to describe the process and outcome of determining and safeguarding the value of assets, information, or other objects of economic interest. It denotes both the act of assessing worth and the measures taken to ensure that the stated value adequately reflects true worth and is protected against depreciation, loss, or underinsurance.

In finance and accounting, Wertdeckung relates to valuing assets for reporting and decision-making. This includes determining fair market value, replacement cost, or impairment as required by accounting standards such as IFRS or national guidelines. Regular valuation and monitoring help ensure that depreciation, impairment tests, and write-downs align the recorded value with economic reality.

In the insurance field, Wertdeckung often refers to ensuring that insurance cover corresponds to the current value of insured properties or items. This can involve updating the insured sum to reflect replacement costs rather than historical purchase prices, thereby avoiding underinsurance in the event of loss or damage.

In data and knowledge management, Wertdeckung can describe the assessment of the value of information assets and the prioritization of data protection, analytics, and utilization. Here, it emphasizes maximizing decision-relevant value while managing costs and risks.

Challenges in Wertdeckung include market volatility, intangibles, irregular appraisal standards, and subjective judgments about value. Related concepts include Wertbestimmung, Wertermittlung, and Wiederbeschaffungswert.