Quick answer
On a replacement cost (RCV) policy, the carrier first pays actual cash value and holds back depreciation. After the roof is completed, the contractor or homeowner submits proof of completion — usually a final invoice, completion photos, and sometimes a certificate of completion — and requests release of the recoverable depreciation. Policies set a deadline for this, so submit promptly.
TL;DR
- →ACV payment first, depreciation released after completion on RCV policies
- →Proof of completion: final invoice, photos, sometimes a signed certificate
- →Policies have deadlines — check the declarations and endorsements
- →Approved supplements carry their own depreciation to recover
How the two checks work
| Payment | When | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| First check (ACV) | After the claim is approved | RCV minus depreciation minus deductible |
| Second check | After completion is documented | Recoverable depreciation |
| Supplement payments | After revised estimate | Added items, also split ACV/depreciation |
What to submit
- Final invoice matching the approved scope
- Completion photos of every slope
- Certificate of completion if the carrier uses one
- Reference to any approved supplements so their depreciation is released too
Track it per job
Recoverable depreciation is often the last money on the job and the easiest to forget. Keep a list of completed jobs where it hasn't been released yet.
Read more about ACV vs RCV. RoofGenius keeps the approved scope, supplements, and completion photos on the same job so the request is ready when the roof is done. See AI Supplements.