Recoverable Depreciation on Roof Claims: How to Get It Back
Recoverable depreciation is the portion of a roof insurance payout your insurer withholds until repairs are complete. On an RCV (Replacement Cost Value) policy, you first receive the depreciated ACV amount, then — after submitting proof that the work is done — the insurer releases the withheld depreciation as a second check. Missing the filing deadline typically forfeits those funds permanently.
Key takeaways
- Recoverable depreciation is the second check — your insurer holds back the difference between the depreciated ACV payout and the full replacement cost until repairs are done.
- You must file to get it. The money doesn’t arrive automatically; you submit proof of completion and request the supplemental payment.
- Deadlines are firm. Most policies set a 6-to-24-month window from claim settlement — miss it and the withheld funds are typically gone.
- Non-recoverable depreciation is different — some policies permanently keep a portion; know which category your policy falls into before you start planning finances.
- No roofer can legally waive your deductible — any contractor who offers to “cover your deductible” out of the recoverable depreciation check is describing insurance fraud.
What is recoverable depreciation on a roof claim?
Recoverable depreciation is the withheld portion of an RCV (Replacement Cost Value) insurance payout — the gap between what your insurer paid upfront and what it actually costs to replace your roof today. Your insurer holds that amount in reserve until you prove the work is complete, then releases it as a second payment.
Here is how the typical two-check sequence works:
- Claim filed and approved. Your insurer calculates the full replacement cost of your roof.
- First check issued (ACV). They subtract depreciation for the roof’s age and wear and pay that lower “actual cash value” amount to get work started.
- Repairs completed. You hire a contractor, sign a contract, and the work is done.
- Supplemental request filed. You submit the signed contractor invoice and proof of payment to your insurer.
- Second check issued (recoverable depreciation). The insurer releases the withheld amount — the difference between your first check and the full replacement cost.
The total of both checks, minus your deductible, is what covers your roof. If you never file the supplemental request, the withheld money stays with the insurer.
How much recoverable depreciation can I expect?
The withheld amount depends on your roof’s age and the depreciation schedule your insurer uses.
| Roof age | Assumed lifespan | Approx. ACV % of replacement cost | Withheld (recoverable depreciation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 25 years | ~80% | ~20% |
| 10 years | 25 years | ~60% | ~40% |
| 15 years | 25 years | ~40% | ~60% |
| 20 years | 25 years | ~20% | ~80% |
On an $18,000 roof replacement, a 15-year-old roof could see roughly $10,800 withheld as recoverable depreciation. That is real money — and collecting it requires completing the paperwork, not just the repair.
Depreciation schedules vary by insurer, by material, and sometimes by state. Metal roofing is typically depreciated more slowly than asphalt shingles. Your insurer’s estimate sheet (called a “scope of loss” or “estimate of repairs”) will show the exact dollar amount withheld and label it recoverable or non-recoverable.
What documents do I need to collect it?
Filing for recoverable depreciation is straightforward, but the documentation has to be complete. Most insurers require:
- Signed contractor invoice — itemized, showing the completed scope that matches the approved claim
- Proof of payment — a cancelled check, bank statement, or credit card statement showing the contractor was paid
- Completion photos — not always required, but increasingly common; include wide shots and close-ups of the new roof
- Your claim number — reference it on every document you submit
Send everything in writing (certified mail or the insurer’s secure online portal) and keep copies. Verbal confirmations do not protect you if there is a dispute later.
What is the deadline to claim recoverable depreciation?
Most policies set a filing window of 6 to 24 months from the date of the initial claim settlement — not from the storm date, and not from when the work is done. The clock typically starts the day your insurer issues the first (ACV) check or formally closes the initial claim.
The exact window is in your policy’s “Conditions” section under terms like “replacement cost benefits” or “proof of actual repair.” If you cannot find it, call your agent and ask:
“What is the deadline for me to submit proof of completion and collect the recoverable depreciation on claim number [X]?”
Get the answer in writing. Missing the deadline — even by a few days — typically results in the withheld funds being forfeited with no recourse.
What is the difference between recoverable and non-recoverable depreciation?
Not all depreciation can be collected after repairs. Your estimate sheet will often break the withheld amount into two categories:
| Type | What it means | Can you get it back? |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable depreciation | Withheld pending proof of completed repairs | Yes — submit invoice + proof of payment |
| Non-recoverable depreciation | Permanently kept by the insurer | No — regardless of repairs |
Non-recoverable depreciation typically appears on ACV policies (where all depreciation is non-recoverable by definition) or on specific endorsements to RCV policies that limit the release. If your policy is RCV but still lists a non-recoverable amount, that portion represents your out-of-pocket gap beyond the deductible.
The good news: if you have a standard RCV policy with no such endorsement, the withheld depreciation is fully recoverable once repairs are complete and documented.
What to watch for: storm chasers and deductible offers
After any significant storm, out-of-state contractors often canvas neighborhoods with offers to “handle your claim” and make the deductible disappear. Here is what those offers actually mean:
- Waiving a deductible is insurance fraud. In virtually every state, a contractor absorbing your deductible — whether through inflated invoices, “free upgrades,” or outright discounting — is committing insurance fraud. As the homeowner, accepting the arrangement can expose you to liability as well.
- The deductible is your participation in the claim. It is required by your policy contract and cannot legally be forgiven by anyone other than your insurer (and insurers essentially never do this).
- Storm chasers are often gone before supplemental issues arise. Collecting recoverable depreciation sometimes requires back-and-forth with your insurer over several months. A contractor who has left your area has no incentive to help you through that process.
A reputable local roofer will give you the documentation you need to collect the second check and will still be reachable if the insurer requests additional information.
How to confirm your roof was actually damaged before filing
Before starting the claims process, verify that your address actually recorded damaging storm activity. Insurers check NOAA and third-party weather data when evaluating claims, and a claim filed without corroborating storm data can face more scrutiny.
Check your address against real NOAA radar data to see what hail size or wind speed was recorded over your home, then have one vetted local roofer conduct a free on-site inspection to document what they find before calling your insurer.
Related guides
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