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Property · Roof

Roof Insurance Deductible Calculator

Estimate deductible, ACV/RCV, depreciation holdback, code upgrades, and out-of-pocket roof claim exposure before signing a roof scope.

Plain English

If insurance is involved, what might I still pay?

This helps compare the roof estimate with your deductible, depreciation, and possible cash gap.

Start here: Enter the roof estimate, deductible, and any payment or depreciation numbers you have.

Deductible: The amount you may pay first.
ACV: A value after age/wear is considered.
RCV: A replacement-cost value, depending on policy terms.
Holdback: Money that may not be paid until work is done and proof is sent.

Your claim

$
The full replacement-cost scope from the adjuster, before deductible or depreciation.
$
Only used if your deductible is a percentage of dwelling.
$
Common values: $1,000 / $2,500 / $5,000.
Most modern policies are RCV. Older policies, secondary homes, and roofs over 15–20 years sometimes get switched to ACV at renewal.
$
Items insurance won't cover: upgrade from 3-tab to architectural, ice/water shield not in original scope, drip edge added by current code.
Your deductible$2,500
Depreciation$9,643
Initial ACV check (received before work)$5,857
Final RCV check (released after work complete)$9,643
Total insurance pays$15,500
Your out-of-pocket
$2,500
Deductible.
How RCV claims actually flow
  1. Adjuster inspects, writes up the scope at RCV.
  2. Carrier issues the ACV check = scope − depreciation − deductible. This arrives within 30 days of approval.
  3. Roofer completes the work. Roofer (or you) sends the carrier proof: invoices, photos, certificate of completion.
  4. Carrier releases the recoverable depreciation as a second check. This is the difference between ACV and RCV.
  5. You pay the roofer the full RCV scope plus your deductible. The two carrier checks should cover everything except your deductible (and any non-covered scope).
Why ACV policies are tricky

On an ACV policy, the depreciation never comes back. A 15-year-old roof depreciates ~50%, so a $20K scope pays $10K minus deductible — you'd cover the $10K gap yourself. Some carriers automatically convert to ACV at roof age 15 or 20; check your declarations page line item that says "Loss Settlement: Replacement Cost" or "Actual Cash Value."

Could this claim include non-roof damage?

If the storm or roof opening caused interior damage, the roof math may not be the whole claim decision. Build a damage packet before signing if any of these are in play.

  • Interior water damage
  • Fence, gutter, window screen, or AC condenser fin damage
  • Temporary tarp or mitigation cost
  • Code upgrade or ordinance/law issue
  • Contents damage
  • Separate wind, hurricane, or hail deductible

Next: Property Damage Decision Packet.