Storm Damage Documentation & Roofing Support
If your roof has been damaged by hail, wind, or another storm event, your insurance company may request documentation regarding the condition of the roof before making repair or replacement decisions.
Bunton Roofing Company provides roof inspections, storm damage documentation, photographs, measurements, and repair estimates for homeowners throughout Abilene and the Big Country. We help homeowners understand our inspection findings, recommended repairs, and roofing scope of work so they can make informed decisions about their property.
This page explains common insurance terms that homeowners may encounter during the roof repair process, including deductibles, depreciation, Actual Cash Value (ACV), and Replacement Cost Value (RCV).
Common Insurance Terms
Deductible
The out-of-pocket amount you’re responsible for before insurance pays—usually 1-3% of the property’s insured value.
ACV (Actual Cash Value)
The depreciated value of your roof.
Depreciation
The loss in value of your roof due to age or wear. Roofs over 10 years old may move to a higher deductible.
Recoverable Depreciation
The portion of depreciation you can recover after work is complete (RCV policies only).
RCV (Replacement Cost Value)
The total cost to replace your roof at today’s prices.
Mortgage Endorsement
When your mortgage company must sign off on your insurance checks before you can deposit them.
RCV vs. ACV Policies
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) Policy
Covers the full cost to replace your roof.
You’ll receive two checks from your insurer:
First check for the depreciated amount (ACV).
Second check for the recoverable depreciation after the work is finished.
Homeowners are responsible for paying their deductible as required by Texas law.
Your mortgage company may need to endorse the checks before you can deposit them.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) Policy
Covers only your roof’s current value after depreciation.
You’ll receive one check for that amount.
You pay your deductible and any remaining balance out of pocket.
There is no recoverable depreciation payment.
How to Read Your Insurance Claim
Every insurance claim will show three main numbers:
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): what your roof costs to replace at today’s prices.
Depreciation: the amount your insurance company subtracts because your roof has aged. Your will owe this amount.
Net Actual Cash Value (ACV) Payment: what the insurance initially pays out.
To find what you owe, use this simple formula:
RCV – Net ACV Payment = Your Remaining Balance
Example:
RCV: $15,000
Net ACV Payment: $5,000
You Owe: $10,000
This includes your deductible and any depreciation your policy doesn’t cover.
Example Insurance Claim Explained
Below is an example from a real-world insurance estimate for a hail-damaged roof. We’ve broken it down into sections to help you understand what each number means.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) – $15,000
This is the total estimated cost to replace your roof at today’s prices, including materials, labor, and sales tax.
Depreciation – ($7,500)
Because this roof was 10 years old with a 20-year lifespan, the insurance company depreciated it by 50%.
This amount is withheld until the work is completed—if your policy is RCV, you’ll later receive this back as recoverable depreciation. If your policy is ACV, you will be responsible for this amount.Deductible – ($2,500)
Texas law requires that you pay your deductible out of pocket before insurance funds are released. It cannot be waived or “covered” by a contractor.
Net Actual Cash Value (ACV) Payment – $5,000
This is your first insurance check—the amount your insurance company pays initially to begin the work. You’ll typically receive this check made out to you and your mortgage company.
Recoverable Depreciation (RCV policies only)
Depending on the terms of the policy, the insurance company may request documentation showing the roof work has been completed before issuing any remaining payments. This restores you to the full replacement cost.
Financing Options Available
If your deductible or uncovered costs are difficult to manage, Bunton Roofing offers financing through First Financial Bank.
We’ll help you explore flexible options to make your roof replacement affordable.
FAQs
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Yes. Texas law (Texas Insurance Code § 707.002) requires that you pay your deductible. It’s illegal for a contractor to waive it.
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No. The first check (ACV payment) is meant to start the job. Your deductible must be paid separately.
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Most lenders require this to ensure the funds are used for repairs. You’ll need to send the checks to your mortgage company for endorsement.
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Yes. Homeowners often choose to share insurance estimates with their roofing contractor. Reviewing the estimate can help us understand the roofing scope that has been identified and answer questions regarding roofing materials, measurements, and repair recommendations.
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No. Insurance is designed to make you whole after a loss, not to profit. You’re still responsible for your deductible and any uncovered costs.
We’re Here to Help
Bunton Roofing Company has years of experience providing roof inspections, storm damage documentation, photographs, measurements, and repair estimates for homeowners across Abilene, Sweetwater, Albany, Stamford, Clyde, Tuscola, and the Big Country.
Call today for help understanding your roof claim or to schedule a free inspection.
325-274-7050.
