Recoverable Depreciation Explained: How Colorado Homeowners Get Their Final Check

You filed your hail claim, the adjuster came out, and the first check arrived — but it's thousands less than the estimate. That gap isn't a mistake. It's called recoverable depreciation, and most Colorado homeowners leave it on the table because nobody explains how to claim it.

What Is Recoverable Depreciation?

Insurance carriers calculate two numbers on a roof claim: Replacement Cost Value (RCV) — what it actually costs to install a new roof today — and Actual Cash Value (ACV) — RCV minus depreciation for the age and wear of the existing roof. The difference between the two is depreciation. If your policy is RCV (most are), that depreciation is recoverable once work is completed.

How the Two-Check System Works

1. First check (ACV): RCV minus depreciation minus your deductible. This is what shows up shortly after the claim is approved.
2. Second check (recoverable depreciation): released only after the work is finished, paid for, and final invoices are submitted to the carrier.

Why Carriers Withhold It

Insurance regulators allow this structure to prevent homeowners from pocketing the full RCV and never actually replacing the roof. It's a built-in incentive to complete the repair — not a penalty.

What You Need to Recover It

Carriers require: a final invoice from a licensed contractor matching (or exceeding) the approved scope, proof of payment, the building permit and final inspection (where applicable), and often photos of completed work. Your contractor should bundle all of this into a single depreciation release packet.

Common Reasons Depreciation Gets Denied

- Work performed doesn't match the approved scope
- No permit pulled where code required one
- Missing receipts or paid invoices
- Filed past the policy's depreciation recovery window (often 180 days to 2 years)

How Weaver Handles It For You

We document every phase photographically, pull all required permits, deliver itemized invoices that match Xactimate line items, and submit the full depreciation release package to your carrier on your behalf. Most of our homeowners receive their second check within 14–30 days of project completion.

Don't Leave Money With Your Insurer

Call (720) 314-6777 if you have a roof claim and aren't sure what your carrier still owes you. We review claim documents at no charge. Get a free claim review.