Roofing Insurance Claims, Explained

Key insurance terms, explained

Replacement Cost Value (RCV) is the full cost to replace your roof with new materials of similar kind and quality, before any depreciation is subtracted.

Actual Cash Value (ACV) is the RCV minus depreciation for the roof's age and wear. If your policy pays ACV, your initial check reflects that depreciated amount.

Recoverable Depreciation is the difference between RCV and ACV. On many policies, this amount is released once the work is completed and proof of completion is submitted to the carrier.

Deductible is the portion of the claim you're responsible for paying, as set by your policy.

Supplement is an addition to the original claim scope — filed when damage or code-required items are found that weren't in the adjuster's initial estimate.

Scheduled Roof Payment Policy pays a fixed, depreciating percentage of roof replacement cost based on the roof's age, rather than a standard ACV/RCV claim.

What to expect during an adjuster meeting

• We schedule our visit to match your adjuster's appointment whenever possible
• We walk the roof alongside the adjuster and point out documented damage
• We compare notes after the inspection and review any differences
• We explain the resulting estimate in plain language once it's issued

How we keep your claim moving

Claims stall when nobody's pushing them forward. We keep the pressure on so yours doesn't sit on hold:

• We meet your adjuster on-site so documented damage doesn't get missed on the first pass
• Once your estimate is submitted, we follow up with your carrier on a set schedule instead of waiting for them to reach out
• When we find damage or code-required items missing from the original estimate, we submit supplement documentation right away instead of waiting to be asked

When insurance doesn't cover the full roof

Sometimes a claim is partially approved, denied, or a policy simply doesn't apply. In those cases, we'll walk you through retail replacement options and financing — using the same Good, Better, and Best system breakdown, so you know exactly what you're paying for. Not sure what your policy actually covers? Get a free coverage consultation →

Frequently asked questions

Does filing a claim raise my insurance rates? This varies by carrier and state regulations — your insurance agent is the best source for how a specific claim affects your policy.

Can Lonestar negotiate with my insurance company for me? We are a licensed general contractor, not a public adjuster. We can document damage thoroughly and meet your adjuster on-site, but coverage decisions and negotiations are between you and your carrier.