What to Expect After Insurance Approves Your Roof Claim
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Getting the “Approved” notice from your insurance company is a huge relief—it means your roof replacement is officially covered! However, for many homeowners, this is where the confusion begins. Most people don’t realize the process involves specific documentation, two separate payments, and key steps that must be managed properly.
As your trusted Mid-South roofing contractor, Chase Roof Inspections is here to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition from an approved claim to a new, fully protected roof.
Decoding the Approval Letter and the First Check (ACV)
The moment your claim is approved, your insurance company will send you an official approval letter, often accompanied by the first payment.
Understanding the Two-Payment System
It is standard industry practice for insurance companies to pay roof replacement claims in two installments:
- The First Payment (ACV): This check is for the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your roof—the cost of replacement minus depreciation and your deductible. The insurance company holds back the depreciation amount until the work is finished to ensure the roof is actually replaced.
- The Second Payment (RCV): This is the Recoverable Depreciation Value (RCV), which is released after the work is completed and proof of installation is submitted.
The First Check Process
The first check will usually be made out to both you and your mortgage company (if you have one). This is a standard security measure. You will need to contact your lender to follow their specific instructions for endorsing and releasing the funds. Once this is done, the first check, minus your deductible, is used to begin the project—primarily covering material costs and initial labor.
The Contract and Finalizing the Scope of Work
With the initial funds in hand, the next critical step is to formalize the project scope with Chase Roof Inspections.
Finalizing the Contract
We will create a comprehensive contract with you based on the repair scope approved by your insurance company. This document confirms the total project cost and establishes the timeline and responsibilities for both parties. This is also when we officially receive your deductible payment—the only out-of-pocket expense for a fully covered replacement claim.
The Critical “Tweak”: Addressing the Supplement
It is common for the initial insurance estimate (which you may have generated or tweaked) to be incomplete. Insurance adjusters often miss vital, but necessary, costs such as:
- Updated local building code requirements.
- The actual amount of damaged wood decking that needs replacement.
- Necessary ventilation upgrades.
This is where Chase Roof Inspections leverages our expertise. We handle the process of submitting a Supplemental Claim directly to your insurance adjuster. This “tweak” ensures every necessary repair and code requirement is included in the final payout, guaranteeing a complete, high-quality installation without compromising our standards.
Project Kickoff: Scheduling and Installation Day
Once the contract is signed and materials are ordered, your project moves into the active phase.
Scheduling and Preparation
We will provide you with a definitive installation date and a clear project timeline. Our team will coordinate all necessary permits, material deliveries, and crew logistics. Before we begin, we encourage you to clear your driveway, move delicate items away from walls (especially in the attic), and ensure pets are secured indoors.
Professional Installation and Protection
On installation day, our professional team will arrive promptly. We take exceptional care to protect your property, carefully covering landscaping, decks, and exterior features before beginning work. Our crew focuses on efficiency and precision, often completing the full roof replacement in one to three days, depending on the size and complexity. We maintain a clean work site throughout the process.
Final Clean-Up
The project is not complete until the clean-up is done. Our team performs a thorough site sweep, including a final pass with magnetic rollers to ensure every nail and piece of debris is removed from your property.
Claim Closure: Securing Your Depreciation (RCV) Check
The final step is to secure the remaining funds from your insurance company and officially close the claim.
Submitting Proof of Completion
After the roof is successfully installed and you are completely satisfied, Chase Roof Inspections will submit the final invoice and necessary documentation—including before-and-after photos and a completion certificate—to your insurance carrier. This documentation serves as proof to the insurance company that the work has been finished to release the final funds.
The Final RCV Payout
Upon review of the final documentation, the insurance company will release the held-back Recoverable Depreciation (RCV) check to you. Once you receive this final check, it is used to cover the final balance due for the roof replacement project.
Warranty and Peace of Mind
With the final payment complete, your claim is officially closed, and your home is protected by a brand new roof and the peace of mind that comes with Chase Roof Inspections’ quality guarantee and manufacturer warranties.
We are committed to handling the complex paperwork and logistics so you can focus on enjoying your new roof. Contact Chase Roof Inspections today if you have questions about your approval letter or are ready to schedule your roof replacement!
