Roof & ACV · After a claim
Why was my roof claim depreciated?
If you just opened the adjuster's estimate and the check is way smaller than the roof replacement quote, depreciation is almost always the reason. Here's what's happening — and what you can do about it.
TL;DR
Depreciation reduces your payout based on how old your roof is. On an RCV policy it's "recoverable" — you get it back after repairs. On ACV, it's gone for good. The check is small either way because the carrier waits to release the recoverable portion until repairs are complete.
Step 1: Is your settlement RCV or ACV?
The single most important question. Look at the estimate header or your declarations page for "RCV", "ACV", "Actual Cash Value", or a settlement basis note for the roof. If it's RCV, the held-back amount is recoverable. If it's ACV, it's not. See our full guide on recoverable depreciation.
Step 2: Verify the roof age the adjuster used
Adjusters depreciate based on roof age. If the age on file is wrong (e.g. a previous re-roof wasn't recorded), the depreciation will be wrong too. Common evidence: install permit, contractor invoice, or a roofer's inspection certifying the current age.
Step 3: Get an independent estimate
A licensed roofer's estimate gives you both a competing replacement-cost number and a line-by-line scope. If the adjuster missed slopes, damaged decking, or code-required upgrades, an independent estimate is the cleanest way to surface them.
Want a second opinion on your claim?
Upload your declarations page and we'll show you exactly what your policy says about depreciation, recoverable amounts, and your options.
Frequently asked
Is depreciation always taken from my roof claim?
Only if your policy uses an Actual Cash Value (ACV) settlement for the roof, or if your replacement-cost (RCV) policy is holding back recoverable depreciation pending repair completion. The two are very different — RCV pays the depreciation back once repairs are done; ACV does not.
How is roof depreciation calculated?
Most carriers use a roof-age-based schedule, typically 3–5% per year on asphalt shingles, with different curves for metal, tile, and slate. The estimate will list a 'condition adjustment' or 'depreciation' line per damaged item. A 15-year-old asphalt roof can show 50–70% depreciation.
Can I get the depreciation back?
If your policy is RCV, yes — submit your final repair invoices to your carrier and they will release the held-back depreciation as a second check (this is called recoverable depreciation). If your policy is ACV, no — the depreciation portion is permanently subtracted.
What if I think the depreciation is too aggressive?
You can dispute the depreciation by providing a roof-age verification (inspection report, original install records), proof of recent re-roofing or repairs, or a competing professional estimate. Carriers often adjust if the original depreciation was based on incorrect roof age.
Keep reading
Recoverable Depreciation on a Roof Claim
Why the first check is small — and how to get the rest back.
Read moreRoof & ACVHail Claim Cost & Payout Examples
Real-dollar examples of what hail claims actually pay.
Read moreRoof & ACVColorado Hail Damage Roof Claims
What the Front Range hail season looks like at claim time.
Read more CalculatorACV vs RCV Roof Calculator
See exactly how much your roof payout shrinks under ACV.
Try the calculatorGeneral information, not legal or financial advice. Depreciation schedules and dispute procedures vary by carrier and state.