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Insurance & claims

Roof insurance claim estimator: ACV vs RCV

After a storm, the biggest factor in your payout is whether your policy values the roof at actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV). Enter your numbers to see both outcomes side by side, including depreciation, deductible, and the recoverable depreciation an ACV policy never returns.

Estimator

$5k$60k
New30 yrs
$500$10k
Depreciation (40% of replacement cost)
$8,000
  • If your policy is ACV
  • One check (after deductible)$10,000
  • Your out-of-pocket$10,000
  • If your policy is RCV
  • Check 1 (initial / ACV)$10,000
  • Check 2 (recoverable depreciation)$8,000
  • Total received$18,000
  • Your out-of-pocket (deductible only)$2,000

RCV saves you $8,000 out of pocket on this roof versus ACV, the recoverable depreciation an ACV policy never returns.

Get an independent estimate →

Straight-line depreciation estimate for planning only, not a coverage determination. Carriers may use Xactimate depreciation tables that factor in material, climate, and condition. Read your declarations page and confirm your policy type with your agent. See ACV vs RCV explained for how to tell which policy you have.

How it works

How a roof claim payout is calculated

Replacement cost. The starting point is what it costs to replace your roof today with like-kind materials.

Depreciation. The carrier subtracts value for the roof’s age using straight-line depreciation over the material’s expected useful life. A 10-year-old roof on a 25-year shingle is depreciated about 40%.

Deductible. Your deductible comes off the payout under both policy types.

Recoverable depreciation. Under RCV, the withheld depreciation is released in a second check after you complete the work and submit receipts, so your net out-of-pocket is just the deductible. Under ACV, that depreciation is gone for good. That is the entire difference between the two columns in the estimator.

Related

Go deeper on the claim

This estimator shows the money. For how to tell which policy you have, read ACV vs RCV roof insurance. For the step-by-step of filing, documenting, and escalating a claim, see the roof insurance claim process guide. Just had a storm? Start with what to do in the next 72 hours.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  • How is a roof insurance payout calculated?
    The carrier starts with the full replacement cost, subtracts depreciation based on the roof age and expected useful life, and subtracts your deductible. Under an ACV policy that is your entire payout. Under an RCV policy the depreciation is recoverable: you get it back in a second check after the work is done.
  • What is the difference between ACV and RCV on a roof claim?
    ACV (actual cash value) pays the depreciated value of the roof, so an older roof yields a much smaller check. RCV (replacement cost value) pays the full cost to replace the roof, releasing the withheld depreciation once you complete repairs and submit receipts. On a 10-year-old roof the difference can be several thousand dollars out of pocket.
  • How does the insurance company calculate depreciation?
    Most carriers use straight-line depreciation over the material’s expected useful life. A 25-year architectural shingle roof depreciates about 4% per year, so a 10-year-old roof is depreciated roughly 40%. Some carriers use Xactimate tables that also factor in climate and condition. This estimator uses the straight-line method.
  • Will I actually pay only my deductible with an RCV policy?
    On a straightforward RCV claim, once repairs are complete and documented, your net out-of-pocket is the deductible. You must complete the work (usually within 180 days) and submit paid receipts or a certificate of completion to recover the withheld depreciation, or you forfeit it.
  • Should I get my own estimate before the adjuster visit?
    Yes. An independent roofer’s line-item estimate gives you a reference to compare against the carrier’s scope, and it helps you spot missed items you can submit as a supplement. It does not commit you to that contractor.

Need a quote before filing a claim?

An independent roofer’s estimate before the adjuster visit gives you a line-item reference to compare against the carrier’s scope. Two minutes of questions, and a local roofer reaches out through our lead partner. See how we handle your quote request.

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