What is recoverable depreciation on a roof claim?

Insurers pay actual cash value (ACV) up front — that's replacement cost minus depreciation for the roof's age and condition. The withheld depreciation (RCV − ACV) is the recoverable portion: you get it back once the work is actually completed and you submit final invoices. A 15-year-old roof with a $20,000 replacement cost might depreciate $8,000–$12,000 — so the insurer pays $8,000–$12,000 up front and the remaining $8,000–$12,000 only after you complete the work. Critical: the deductible comes out of YOUR share, not the depreciation, so the math compounds.