ACV vs. RCV: what your roof claim actually pays
Two acronyms decide the size of your roof check. CoverageIQ tells you which one your policy uses.
Analyze my policyOn a roof, the gap between actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost value (RCV) is the difference between a check that covers the job and one that covers half of it. ACV subtracts depreciation for every year of the roof's life; RCV pays to put a new roof on. Policies don't advertise which one you have — it's tucked into the loss-settlement section — and homeowners routinely discover the difference only when the check arrives.
What CoverageIQ checks for you
- Which loss-settlement basis your policy applies to the roof specifically
- Depreciation method and the roof's effective age in the insurer's eyes
- Whether withheld depreciation is recoverable after you complete repairs
- Separate, less favorable terms for roof surfacing vs. the rest of the dwelling
- Deductible structure stacked on top of the ACV/RCV calculation
See exactly what your policy covers
Know your settlement basis before you sign anything — it sets your entire negotiation.
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Frequently asked questions
Is ACV or RCV better for a roof claim?
Replacement cost value (RCV) is almost always better for you — it pays to install a new roof. Actual cash value (ACV) subtracts depreciation, so an older roof pays out far less. Insurers favor ACV on roofs because it limits their exposure on aging materials.
How is roof depreciation calculated?
Insurers estimate the roof's total expected lifespan, then subtract value for each year it's been in service. A 20-year roof at year 15 might be depreciated 75%, so an ACV settlement pays roughly a quarter of replacement cost. The exact method is in your policy's loss-settlement clause.
Can I recover the depreciation later?
If your policy is replacement cost with a recoverable-depreciation provision, yes — the insurer releases the holdback once you complete the work and submit proof. If your policy is pure ACV, the depreciation is not recoverable. CoverageIQ identifies which you have.
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