ItsMyRoof

Insurance

The insurance side, explained as clearly as the shingle side

How roof insurance claims actually work: ACV vs RCV, percentage deductibles, supplements, denials, and the storm-chaser playbook end to end.

We do not sell roofs, dispatch contractors, or sell leads. That is why we can tell you that filing has tradeoffs, that some damage is cosmetic, and that an offer to "absorb your deductible" is fraud that exposes you too.

The concepts that cause the most confusion

Insurance

ACV vs RCV

Actual cash value, replacement cost value, and recoverable depreciation explained. Why the first cheque is short, and the money many homeowners never claim.

Insurance

Roof insurance deductibles

Why a 2% wind and hail deductible on a $400,000 home is $8,000, how to find yours before a storm, and why an offer to waive it exposes you.

Insurance

Roof claim supplements

What a supplement is, why the adjuster's first estimate misses work that only appears at tear-off, and how the additional scope gets approved.

Insurance

Roof claim denials and appeals

The reasons roof claims get denied, what each one means, and the routes available afterwards including re-inspection, appraisal and your state department of insurance.

Insurance

Roof claim adjusters

Carrier adjusters, independent adjusters and public adjusters explained, including how public adjusters are paid and why their fees are state-regulated.

Insurance

Storm chasers, contingency agreements and the deductible waiver

The post-storm door-knock playbook end to end — what the contingency agreement commits you to, why the free inspection is not free, and the offer that exposes you.

How a claim moves, step by step

Timelines vary by carrier, by state, and by how many claims a storm produced. The order does not vary.

  1. Day 0

    The damage happens

    Document everything from the ground: dated photos, the weather report, any debris. Do not sign anything with anyone who knocks on your door.

  2. Days 1–3

    You report the loss

    You report it, not a contractor on your behalf. Write down the claim number and who you spoke to.

  3. Days 3–14

    Adjuster inspection

    The adjuster gets on the roof and documents what they consider functional damage. You may be present. Your own roofer may be present.

  4. Days 7–21

    The estimate arrives

    You get a line-item scope of loss. Read it line by line — everything that follows is built on it.

  5. Varies

    Scope disagreement

    If the estimate missed work, your roofer documents the difference. This is normal and it has a name: a supplement.

  6. On approval

    ACV payment

    The first check is actual cash value: replacement cost, minus depreciation, minus your deductible. It is smaller than you expect.

  7. On completion

    The work is done

    The contractor completes and documents the job. Keep everything: invoices, photos, permits.

  8. After the work

    Recoverable depreciation

    On an RCV policy the carrier releases the withheld depreciation once the work is proven. On an ACV policy this payment does not exist.