This post is the companion to our ACV vs RCV – what your insurance actually covers explainer. If you’re not sure what ACV or RCV means, start with that breakdown, then come back here. This post picks up where that one ends and focuses entirely on what to do when the payout leaves a gap between the check you received and the repair bill in front of you.
TLDR: ACV pays the depreciated value of your roof, which on older roofs can be a fraction of replacement cost. If you have RCV, make sure you claim the second check (recoverable depreciation) after repairs are done. If you have ACV, four options exist: supplemental claim, depreciation appeal, financing the gap, or switching to RCV at next renewal. You are not stuck.
Why the Check Is Smaller Than You Expected
ACV pays replacement cost minus depreciation. The older the roof at the time of loss, the more depreciation comes out of the payout, and the smaller the check becomes. A roof near the end of its useful life can receive as little as 20% of actual replacement cost under an ACV-only policy.
In Southwest Missouri, the math is harder than the calendar suggests. Our heat, hail frequency, and UV exposure accelerate shingle wear compared to national averages, which means effective roof age here often outpaces the number on the install date. Many Missouri insurers limit coverage or shift to ACV-only treatment on roofs over 10 to 15 years old. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (consumer helpline 800-726-7390) provides guidance on how depreciation and coverage type work on a Missouri homeowners policy.
| Roof Age | Approximate Depreciation % | What That Means on a $15,000 Roof (Illustrative Only) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 10% to 15% | ACV payout in the range of $12,750 to $13,500 before deductible |
| 10 years | 30% to 40% | ACV payout in the range of $9,000 to $10,500 before deductible |
| 15 years | 50% to 60% | ACV payout in the range of $6,000 to $7,500 before deductible |
| 20 years | 65% to 75% | ACV payout in the range of $3,750 to $5,250 before deductible |
| 25 years | 75% to 85% | ACV payout in the range of $2,250 to $3,750 before deductible |
These ranges are illustrative and approximate. Your specific depreciation calculation depends on your carrier, your policy language, the condition of the roof at the time of loss, and the type of damage. The table is meant to show the shape of the curve, not predict a specific payout.
Pro Tip: Our full breakdown of ACV vs RCV – what your insurance actually covers covers the mechanics in detail. Start there if you’re not sure which coverage type you have. Then come back to this post for your options.
If You Have RCV Make Sure You Claim the Second Check
This section exists because many homeowners cash the first check, assume the claim is settled, and never collect money they were already owed. RCV pays in two stages. Skipping the second stage leaves real dollars sitting with the insurance company.
Stage 1: the insurance company pays the ACV amount when the claim is approved (replacement cost minus depreciation, minus your deductible). This is the first check.
Stage 2: after the repair or replacement is completed and you submit documentation (final invoice, photos, proof of completion), the insurer releases the held-back amount, called recoverable depreciation. This brings the total payout up to full replacement cost minus your deductible. This is the second check, and it does not arrive automatically. You have to request it.
If a mortgage lender is listed on the insurance check, the homeowner must contact the lender to have them endorse the check before it can be cashed. Some lenders require the funds be placed in an escrow account and released as repair milestones are completed. This is normal and not a problem, but it adds time to the process. Plan around it.
| Stage | When It Happens | What Homeowner Must Do |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 (ACV payment) | When the claim is approved | Cash or deposit the check, work with mortgage lender if listed as a payee, schedule repairs |
| Stage 2 (recoverable depreciation) | After repairs are completed | Submit final invoice, photos of completed work, and proof of completion to the insurance company in writing |
| Mortgage lender note | If the lender is on the check | Contact the lender to arrange endorsement, escrow may be used for larger amounts |
For step-by-step claim coordination, our insurance claim assistance handles the documentation submission alongside the actual roof replacement so the second check release moves on the carrier’s standard timeline rather than getting stuck.
Pro Tip: When your roof repair or replacement is complete, submit the contractor’s completion documentation to your insurer immediately. The second check does not come automatically. You have to request it.
If You Have ACV – Your Options to Close the Gap
You have four legitimate paths. They can be combined. The right combination depends on whether new damage surfaces during repair, whether you believe the depreciation calculation was overstated, your cash position, and your timeline.
Option 1: File a supplemental claim. If your roofer finds additional damage during repairs that was not in the original adjuster’s scope, that damage can be added to the claim through a supplemental filing. SW Missouri hail events often surface secondary damage that adjusters working through high post-storm volume miss on the first inspection, especially on rear slopes and at penetrations. This is a well-established path, not a workaround. Our post on what insurance adjusters look for on your roof covers the standard scope. The National Roofing Contractors Association maintains professional inspection standards that a supplemental finding should align with.
Option 2: Appeal the depreciation calculation. If you believe the adjuster assessed the roof’s effective age incorrectly, or attributed wear from prior storms to general aging, a formal appeal is available. You submit a written appeal with a roofer’s independent inspection report documenting the actual roof condition before the loss. The carrier reviews and either adjusts the depreciation or holds the original calculation.
Option 3: Finance the gap. Our roof financing and insurance options in Springfield can cover the difference between the payout and the actual repair cost. This avoids delaying the work, which matters because every additional storm cycle on an unrepaired roof creates more damage and potential mold, neither of which a future claim will cover.
Option 4: Switch to RCV at next renewal. This does not fix the current gap, but it prevents the same situation from happening again. The best time to switch is immediately after a new roof is installed, while the roof is in documented excellent condition. Carriers are more willing to offer RCV on a roof they can confirm is new.
| Option | When It Works | What’s Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplemental claim | Roofer finds damage during repair that was missed initially | Roofer’s written documentation of new findings, submitted to carrier as supplement | Standard practice after large storms with adjuster volume pressure |
| Depreciation appeal | You believe the adjuster overstated roof age or condition | Written appeal with independent inspection report and documentation of actual condition | Carrier review can take weeks, do not delay repairs while waiting |
| Finance the gap | Repair needs to happen now and you do not want secondary damage | Application and approval through a financing partner | Avoids the cost of waiting, which is often higher than the cost of financing |
| Switch to RCV at renewal | Forward-looking, prevents future shortfalls | Conversation with your agent at renewal, ideally with documentation of new roof | Best done while roof is new and in confirmed excellent condition |
Pro Tip: Ask us before the repair crew leaves the job. If additional damage is found during the repair, we can help document it for a supplemental claim on the spot rather than after the fact when documentation gets harder.
How to Avoid This Problem on Your Next Roof
The best way to handle an ACV shortfall is to prevent the next one. Here is the proactive approach.
At your next policy renewal, ask the agent about switching from ACV to RCV. The best time to make this switch is when the new roof is freshly installed and in documented excellent condition. Carriers are more willing to offer RCV on a new roof than on one that is mid-life or aging.
If your next roof is being installed under a claim, ask about Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. Class 4 products are engineered to withstand approximately 2-inch hailstones under industry impact testing, compared to roughly 1.25 inches for standard architectural shingles. Some Missouri insurance carriers offer premium discounts for Class 4 materials, which can partially offset the upgrade cost over the life of the roof. Worth asking your insurer at the same time you have the RCV conversation.
Document the new roof installation fully: photos, manufacturer documentation, warranty paperwork, installer information. This creates a clean baseline for any future claim and counters depreciation arguments if a storm hits in year 8 or 12. Review the full policy annually before storm season, not just at renewal. SW Missouri’s storm patterns from the National Weather Service Springfield office confirm this region sees claimable hail and wind events most years, often multiple times per year.
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| “Do I have RCV or ACV coverage on my roof right now?” | Determines what your next claim actually pays |
| “What roof age triggers a coverage change on this policy?” | Tells you when you may be shifted to ACV without realizing it |
| “Is my wind/hail deductible flat or percentage-based?” | Percentage deductibles can be much larger than flat amounts on a typical Missouri home |
| “Does my policy include a cosmetic damage exclusion?” | Important if you have or are considering a metal roof |
| “Do you offer a discount for Class 4 impact-resistant shingles?” | Can offset the cost of the upgrade over multiple renewal cycles |
| “Are there limits on coverage if my roof is replaced under a claim?” | Some carriers cap material upgrades on claim-paid replacements |
Pro Tip: The best time to switch to RCV coverage is when your roof is brand new and in excellent documented condition, not after the next storm. Make the call at your next renewal while you still have the leverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between ACV and RCV?
ACV (Actual Cash Value) pays the depreciated value of your roof in a single check. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays the full cost to replace the roof at today’s prices, in two checks (ACV first, then recoverable depreciation after the work is done). For the full breakdown, see our post on ACV vs RCV – what your insurance actually covers.
Q2: What is recoverable depreciation and how do I claim it?
Recoverable depreciation is the portion of an RCV claim the insurer holds back on the first check and releases after the work is completed. To claim it, submit the contractor’s final invoice, photos of the completed work, and any proof of completion the insurer requires. The second check does not arrive automatically, you have to request it after the repair is done.
Q3: What if my ACV check isn’t enough to cover my repair cost?
You have four options: file a supplemental claim if new damage is found during repair, appeal the depreciation calculation if you believe it was overstated, finance the gap to get the work done now, or switch to RCV at next renewal to prevent future shortfalls. These can be combined. The right combination depends on your specific situation.
Q4: Can I appeal my insurer’s depreciation calculation?
Yes. Submit a written appeal with an independent professional inspection report documenting the actual condition of the roof. If the adjuster’s depreciation calculation overstated effective age or attributed wear from prior storms to general aging, the carrier can adjust it. Appeals can take several weeks, so do not delay repairs while the appeal is pending if active leaks or further damage are at risk.
Q5: Will my mortgage company be on my insurance check?
Often yes, especially for larger claims. Most lenders are listed as a co-payee on insurance checks for property damage. You contact the lender to have them endorse the check, and some lenders require funds be placed in escrow and released as repair milestones are completed. This is standard practice and not a problem, but it adds time. Plan for it.
Q6: Can I finance the gap between the insurance payout and the actual repair cost?
Yes. Our financing options cover the difference between the insurance payout and the actual repair cost so the work can happen on schedule rather than waiting until savings are available. This avoids the additional damage that accumulates while a damaged roof sits unrepaired through the next storm cycle.
Q7: How do I switch from ACV to RCV coverage?
Call your insurance agent at next renewal and request the change. Carriers are more willing to offer RCV on a new roof than on an aging one, so the best time to make this switch is immediately after a roof replacement when the roof is in documented excellent condition. Have photos and installation documentation ready.
Q8: What is a supplemental insurance claim?
A supplemental claim adds damage to an already-approved claim when additional damage is found during the repair work. If the roofing crew uncovers damage that wasn’t visible to the original adjuster, the contractor documents it and submits a supplement to the carrier. This is a standard part of the claim process, especially after major regional storm events when adjuster volume produces incomplete initial inspections.
If your insurance payout came in short and you’re not sure what to do next, Teague Roofing Plus can walk through your options with you, from supplemental claim documentation to financing and upgrade planning. We serve Springfield and all of SW Missouri, including Ozark, Nixa, Branson, and Marshfield. Call 417-883-7663, contact us, or schedule your free roof inspection to get started.
This post is for general information only and is not financial or legal advice. For questions specific to your claim, policy, or financing decisions, consult your insurance carrier and a licensed financial or legal professional as appropriate.
Teague Roofing Plus | Roofing, Siding, Windows, Gutters, and More. Serving Southwest Missouri Since 1971.
