What does an indemnity policy primarily aim to do for the insured?

An indemnity policy primarily aims to reimburse the insured for actual replacement costs incurred due to a loss, which is why this choice is the correct answer. The core principle of indemnity in insurance is to restore the insured to the financial position they were in before the loss occurred, without providing a profit or gain from the insurance claim. This means that the insured is compensated for the actual cost of replacing or repairing the damaged property, ensuring they do not suffer a financial setback due to unforeseen events.

The other options suggest approaches that do not align with the fundamental principle of indemnity. Paying the total replacement cost could lead to overcompensation, as it might provide more value than what was lost. Fixed payments, regardless of loss, do not account for the specific circumstances of each claim, thus failing to adequately respond to the insured's needs. Lastly, providing new items without depreciation would also violate the principle of indemnity, as it would result in a gain rather than a restoration of the original financial position.