Roof Insurance Depreciation · Any Carrier

Recoverable depreciation on a roof claim, explained by a licensed Wisconsin roofer.

Recoverable depreciation on a roof claim is the amount your insurer withholds from the first check for age and wear. Most replacement-cost policies release it after the final invoice shows the roof is finished. Buckshot reviews Wisconsin claims for free and replaces roofs with its own crews.

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ACV, RCV and depreciation

What is recoverable depreciation on a roof claim?

Recoverable depreciation on a roof claim is the ACV-to-RCV gap most replacement-cost policies pay once the roof is finished and invoiced.

ACV, or Actual Cash Value

ACV is the roof’s value today, its replacement cost minus depreciation, and insurers pay it first.

RCV, or Replacement Cost Value

RCV is the full cost to replace the roof with like materials at today’s prices.

Recoverable depreciation

Recoverable depreciation is the held-back amount most RCV policies pay once the roof is completed and invoiced.

The bottom line

What you pay on a replacement-cost roof claim.

On most covered replacement-cost claims, your deductible is the only part of the approved roof cost you pay.

The ACV check comes before the work and the depreciation check after it. You pay for upgrades beyond the approved scope.

This page is general educational information, not legal, tax or insurance advice; the example figures are illustrative only and are not a quote or a prediction of any claim outcome. Buckshot is a licensed roofing contractor; we are not Iowa public adjusters, nor do we offer public adjusting services (Iowa Code §522C). We do not negotiate or settle insurance claims on your behalf or charge a percentage of any settlement. Coverage and recoverability depend on your individual policy.

Four steps to recovery

How to recover depreciation on a roof claim.

Most replacement-cost policies release recoverable depreciation once these four steps are complete.

Document the damage. A photographed inspection gives your adjuster evidence for the roof claim.

Match the scope. The repair scope mirrors the insurer’s estimate, so approval and work agree.

Complete the work. Carriers usually require the approved roof to be installed before releasing recoverable depreciation.

Submit the final invoice. The invoice confirms the finished roof and requests the depreciation check.

Many replacement-cost policies set a deadline for claiming recoverable depreciation, so check yours early.

From inspection to invoice

How Buckshot helps with your roof insurance claim.

Buckshot completes the roofing and paperwork steps that release recoverable depreciation.

We document the damage

Buckshot photographs the roof damage in the format adjusters expect.

We match the scope

Buckshot builds the repair scope to match the insurer’s estimate.

We complete the work

Buckshot’s own crews finish the roof, which most policies require before releasing depreciation.

We submit the final invoice

Buckshot sends your carrier the final invoice to release the depreciation.

Buckshot is a licensed roofing contractor, and the claim stays yours. Buckshot does not act as a public adjuster or negotiate claims (Iowa Code §522C).

BGC Family-owned since 1979

Why homeowners choose Buckshot for insurance roof replacements.

Buckshot has documented roof claims since 1979 and works with any carrier. Buckshot is a GAF Master Elite contractor, BBB A+ rated and licensed in 24 states, with a written workmanship guarantee.

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Our own crewsWork completed = depreciation released

RCV vs ACV-only policies

Is roof depreciation always recoverable?

Roof depreciation is usually recoverable on a replacement-cost policy and non-recoverable on an ACV-only policy.

Replacement-cost (RCV) policy

Depreciation comes back

Pays the ACV before the work
Releases depreciation after the roof is done
Net cost is your deductible on a covered claim

ACV-only policy

Payment stops at ACV

Pays the depreciated value only
Treats depreciation as non-recoverable
Leaves the gap to a new roof with you

Your declarations page and any roof endorsement show your coverage type, and your carrier can confirm it. Bring both to a free claim review.

Homeowners trust us

4.9 stars, pulled straight from Google.

4.9 / 5 · 200+ verified reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Joy I 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When the big storms came through the Madison-area in April 2026, I immediately started looking for a reputable roofer—who also understood the importance of weather-resistant materials that can withstand hail and wind. It didn’t take me long to find Brad from BCG. We had damage that needed to be repaired before the next round of storms came through later that day and Brad had a crew out within hours. Our neighbors also had damage, and when their roofing company didn’t show up, Brad and his crew also took on fixing their damage on the spot.

The contracting process was done over email and we were able to clearly understand all of the options available to us. On the day of install, the crew was efficient and fast with their work. But also, mistakes can happen. And what matters to us is not that there’s perfection (because that’s not realistic), but how a contractor deals with a mistake. As they were taking down the tarps when they were finished with the roof, one of our lights next to the garage broke. Brad helped find a replacement online and had it shipped directly to our house! Such great service!

All in all, we were very happy with Brad and the service we received from him and BCG. We’ve since recommended their services to several of our friends and neighbors who also had storm damage. While I hope we won’t have to do that again for a long time, we would work with BCG again in a heartbeat!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shelly Ziegler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am extremely pleased with the service Matt Walmer from Buckshot General Contracting (BGC) provided for me during the hailstorm damage in Madison in April. I had just switched insurance companies one year ago and was worried about how much they would cover. Matt assured me everything would be taken care of and had nothing to worry about. True to his word he immediately answered phone calls during off hours even when he was with daughter at volleyball and answering texts in seconds Matt met up with assessor and arrived 20 minutes early. During roof replacement he stopped in 3 times to check the progress and next day he came back to do a walk around to make sure the cleanup was to his standards. I have been so blessed to work with Matt at BGC as my contractor as everything went so smoothly. No problems with my insurance company and I was the first one on my block to get my roof done. I also was telling Matt about some of my neighbors having problems with their insurance and he was willing to look at their paperwork and giving them advice on how to deal with them. I can proudly say I announced to them how good Matt was and gave them his card. Thank you so much Matt for your excellent service and being a great representative for Buckshot General Contracting. These days days it’s hard to find a business that is 100% committed to making sure the customer is their #1 concern. Going to be doing more work and sticking with them as I know it will be top quality.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Stephens 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We contacted BGC after storm damage and had them completely re-roof and re-side our house, garage, and shed. The entire process was incredibly smooth from start to finish. They were easy to work with, handled all the details, and made what could have been a stressful situation completely worry-free.
Our contact, Jayce Kirkland, was outstanding. His professionalism, communication, and courteous demeanor were truly a breath of fresh air. He took care of everything for us and made sure the project stayed on track every step of the way. We couldn’t be happier with the experience and have and would highly recommend BGC to anyone needing roofing or siding work!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rob Anast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very customer focused company.  Replaced my roof and siding after hail and wind damage 6 years ago.  Second hail and damage storm this year and they are my vendor of choice again.  In process now to replace my roof and siding.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   paolo masone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brad gave me a good price and the roof looks great!  The roof was replaced in one day.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Doug Cooper 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did an excellent job! Fast, efficient and did a great job cleaning up.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   christos karampetsos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family member needed a roof replacement after the recent storm in Madison , Chad came out to inspect the roof and went over the options with us. Full roof replacement and the new roof looks GREAT, they were done with in 2 days and left no mess behind which was very thankful for.

Thanks !!

See all Google reviews →

Frequently asked

Roof depreciation questions, answered.

What is recoverable depreciation on a roof?

Recoverable depreciation on a roof is the amount your insurer withholds for age and wear until the roof is replaced. Most replacement-cost policies release it after the final invoice is submitted, within a deadline your policy sets.

What’s the difference between ACV and RCV on a roof claim?

ACV (actual cash value) is the roof’s depreciated value, and RCV (replacement cost value) is the full cost of a new roof. Most replacement-cost policies pay the ACV first and the depreciation after the work.

Why was my first roof insurance check so low?

Your first roof insurance check is usually the ACV minus your deductible, paid before the work starts. On most replacement-cost policies, the depreciation follows once the finished roof is invoiced.

How do I get recoverable depreciation on my roof claim?

On a replacement-cost policy, you get recoverable depreciation by completing the approved roof work and sending your carrier the final invoice. A photographed inspection and a matching scope come first.

What is non-recoverable depreciation on a roof?

Non-recoverable depreciation on a roof is the age-and-wear deduction your policy never pays back. ACV-only policies and some age-based roof endorsements work this way. Missing your policy’s completion deadline can also forfeit recoverable depreciation.

How does Buckshot help with my roof insurance claim?

Buckshot documents the damage, replaces the roof and submits the final invoice your carrier needs. Buckshot is a licensed roofing contractor, and the claim stays yours. Buckshot does not act as a public adjuster or negotiate or settle claims (Iowa Code §522C).

Who gets the depreciation check on a roof claim?

The depreciation recovery check goes to you, often with your mortgage lender as co-payee, after the carrier accepts the final invoice. That check usually pays the roofer’s final balance, since the depreciation is part of the approved roof price.

How do insurers calculate roof depreciation?

Insurers calculate roof depreciation by comparing the roof’s age with its material’s expected life, adjusting for condition, and applying that share to the replacement cost. Life-expectancy figures vary by carrier, so the same roof can depreciate differently.

Where we work

Free claim reviews across southern Wisconsin.

Buckshot’s Madison, WI headquarters and Brodhead, WI office serve Dane and Milwaukee counties and southern Iowa. The Wisconsin roof claim guide covers local claims. Schedule a free claim review, call (608) 909-9109 or check your area →

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Recover the depreciation on your roof claim.

Most replacement-cost policies release recoverable depreciation after the roof is finished and the final invoice is filed. Buckshot documents the damage, completes the roof with its own crews and submits that final invoice. Call (608) 909-9109 or schedule a free claim review.

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