Why your first insurance check looks so low.
That first payment usually isn’t a lowball. It’s the ACV, the depreciated value, paid before the work. The rest, your recoverable depreciation, is released once the roof is done. On a replacement-cost policy you get it all back but your deductible, provided the work is completed and the paperwork is filed.
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See how the two checks add up.
Pick the numbers closest to yours to see the ACV check, the recoverable depreciation, and what you net on a replacement-cost policy.
Three words that decide your payout.
Get these three and the whole claim makes sense.
ACV, or Actual Cash Value
What the roof is worth today, meaning replacement cost minus depreciation for age and wear. It’s your first check, paid before the work. ACV-only policies stop here.
RCV, or Replacement Cost Value
The full cost to replace the roof with like materials, with no deduction for wear. RCV policies pay the ACV first, then release the depreciation.
Recoverable depreciation
The part held back at first for age and wear, then released to you once the work is completed and invoiced. On an RCV policy, it comes back to you.
The only money you don’t get back is your deductible.
How to actually recover your depreciation.
Recoverable depreciation isn’t automatic. Four things have to line up, and missing one can leave it on the table.
Skip the work or the paperwork and the recoverable depreciation can be left unclaimed, which is exactly the part we make sure gets filed.
We handle the part that gets missed.
The depreciation gets left unclaimed when the work or the paperwork slips. That’s exactly where we come in.
We document the damage
A detailed, photographed inspection in the format adjusters expect. The foundation of the whole claim.
We match the scope
A repair scope built to line up with the insurer’s estimate, so approval and work agree.
We complete the work
Our own crews finish the roof properly, and completed work is what releases the depreciation.
We submit the final invoice
The closing paperwork sent to your carrier so the recoverable depreciation is released to you.
We’re a licensed roofing contractor, not public adjusters. We do the roofing and the documentation; you stay in control of the claim.
Straight talk on your money.
Depreciation trips up a lot of homeowners, and storm-chasers use the confusion to overpromise. We’ve documented claims here since 1979, work with any carrier, explain your ACV and RCV in plain English, and complete the work with our own crews so the depreciation actually gets released. GAF Master Elite, FORTIFIED-trained, BBB A+, licensed in 24 states.
It comes down to which policy you have.
Not always, because it depends on your policy. Here’s the difference, and where to check.
You recover it
- Pays the ACV first, then releases the depreciation
- You recover the held-back amount after the work is done
- Net cost to you is your deductible on a covered claim
It stops at ACV
- Pays the depreciated value and stops there
- No held-back depreciation to release later
- You’d cover the difference to replace new yourself
Not sure which you have? It’s on your policy’s declarations page, or ask your carrier, or bring it to a free claim review.
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Depreciation, answered.
What is recoverable depreciation?
It’s the part of your claim the insurer holds back at first to account for age and wear, then releases to you once the work is completed and the final invoice is submitted. On a replacement-cost policy, that held-back amount comes back to you.
What’s the difference between ACV and RCV?
ACV (actual cash value) is what the roof is worth today, meaning replacement cost minus depreciation. RCV (replacement cost value) is the full cost to replace it with no deduction for wear. RCV policies pay ACV first and release the depreciation after the work.
Why was my first insurance check so low?
That first payment usually isn’t the insurer low-balling you. It’s the ACV, the depreciated value, paid before the work is done. On a replacement-cost policy the held-back depreciation is released after the roof is completed.
How do I actually recover the depreciation?
Have the damage inspected and photographed, get a scope that matches the insurer’s estimate, complete the approved work, and have your contractor submit a final invoice. Skip the work or the paperwork and the recoverable depreciation can be left unclaimed.
Is depreciation always recoverable?
Not always, because it depends on your policy. Replacement-cost (RCV) policies generally let you recover it after the work is done; ACV-only policies pay the depreciated value and stop there. Check your declarations page or ask your carrier.
Does Buckshot handle the insurance side for me?
We document the damage, build a scope that matches the insurer’s estimate, complete the work, and submit the final invoice so the depreciation can be released. We’re a licensed roofing contractor, not public adjusters, and we don’t negotiate or settle your claim (Iowa Code §522C).
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Two offices - our Madison, WI headquarters and our Brodhead, WI office - serving homeowners across Dane & Milwaukee counties and into southern Iowa. Check your area →
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621 N Sherman Ave, Suite B5
Madison, WI 53704
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Brodhead, WI Office
17312 W Hafeman Rd
Brodhead, WI 53520
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Don’t leave your depreciation on the table.
That low first check is the ACV, not the whole story. Complete the work and file the paperwork, and the recoverable depreciation comes back, leaving only your deductible. We document, complete the roof, and submit the final invoice so nothing eligible is left unclaimed.
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- ANY CARRIER
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- WE FILE THE FINAL INVOICE
First check confusing?
We’ll explain it in plain English.
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