Homeowner Guide · Insurance Claims
Your Insurance Claim,
Decoded.
Key terms, in plain English
Tap any term to see what it means and an example.
Declarations pageThe summary page of your policy
Usually the first page or two of your policy. It lists your coverage amounts, your deductible, and the type of coverage you have. Start here.
DeductibleYour share of the claim
The amount you pay before insurance pays the rest. It is often a flat dollar amount or a percentage of your home's insured value, and it is listed on your declarations page.
Texas law requires you to pay your deductible, and it is illegal for a contractor to offer to waive, rebate, or absorb it.
RCV: Replacement Cost ValueWhat it costs to replace today
The full cost to repair or replace the damaged items with new materials of like kind and quality, at today's prices.
DepreciationA reduction for age and wear
The amount the insurance company subtracts because the damaged items were not new. An older roof usually has more depreciation.
Recoverable depreciation can be paid to you later, usually after the work is finished and documented. Non recoverable depreciation will not be paid back. Your policy and estimate show which applies.
ACV: Actual Cash ValueReplacement cost minus depreciation
What the damaged items were worth at the time of the loss. With a replacement cost policy, the first check is commonly the ACV minus your deductible.
Some policies pay roofs only at actual cash value, or on a schedule based on the roof's age. Check your declarations page or ask your agent which you have.
SupplementA request to add missed or hidden items
First estimates often miss items, or new damage shows up once the old roof comes off. A supplement is documentation sent to the insurance company asking it to review and add those items.
O&P: Overhead and ProfitPaying for a general contractor
When a job needs a general contractor to coordinate several trades, such as roofing, gutters, painting, and fencing, many estimates include overhead and profit. It is often calculated as 10% overhead and 10% profit.
Code upgrade coverageSometimes called ordinance or law coverage
If current building codes require something your old roof did not have, this coverage may help pay for it. Not every policy includes it, so check your policy.
Checks with two namesWhen your lender is on the check
If you have a mortgage, insurance checks are often made out to you and your mortgage company. Your lender may need to endorse the check or hold the funds and release them as work is done. Call your lender early to ask how they handle it.
How the money usually flows
Enter the numbers from your insurance estimate to see how payments usually break down on a replacement cost policy. Starting numbers are only an example.
This is an illustration, not a promise of payment. Your insurance company's estimate and your policy decide what is paid and when. Non recoverable depreciation, policy limits, and actual cash value roof coverage can change these numbers.
Claim timeline
- Report the claimCall your insurance company or use its app. Write down your claim number.
- Forensic investigationWe document the damage and its cause so your claim starts with clear evidence.
- Adjuster inspectionThe insurance adjuster inspects your property. Ask that your contractor be there.
- Insurance estimateYou receive a written estimate listing what is approved. Share it with your project manager.
- First paymentUsually the actual cash value minus your deductible.
- Supplements, if neededMissed or hidden items are documented and sent for review.
- Work is completedYour project is built and inspected.
- Final invoiceThe completed invoice is sent so recoverable depreciation can be released.
- Final payment and close outThe depreciation check arrives, your deductible is paid, and the project is closed.
Who does what
Branded E Construction®
- Investigates and documents the damage
- Meets the adjuster on site to show the damage
- Documents the scope of work we will perform, including supplements
- Builds the project and provides the final invoice
You and your insurance company
- You report the claim and communicate with your carrier
- Your carrier decides what is covered
- You pay your deductible
- You handle checks with your lender
Texas does not allow a roofer to act as your public insurance adjuster on a job they are doing. That is why coverage questions stay between you and your insurance company. Source: Texas Department of Insurance
Your claim checklist
0 of 0 done
- Know your policy
- During the claim
- Finishing up
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This guide is general information to help homeowners understand the claim process. It is not legal or insurance advice, and your policy controls what is covered.