Same damage. Very different payout.
Your roof policy may decide whether a storm costs you $2,000 or $20,000+. Policies are changing fast. Here's what the words on your declarations page actually mean, in real numbers.
One $32,000 roof. Three policies. Three very different checks.
Same storm, same roof, same damage. The only thing that changes is the policy.
| Cost to replace roof | $32,000 |
| Depreciation held back | −$6,000 |
| Deductible | −$2,000 |
| First check (ACV) | $24,000 |
| Depreciation paid after the work is done | +$6,000 |
| Insurance pays | $30,000 |
| Cost to replace roof | $32,000 |
| Depreciation (15-yr-old roof), not paid back | −$12,000 |
| Actual cash value | $20,000 |
| Deductible | −$2,000 |
| Insurance pays | $18,000 |
| Cost to replace roof | $32,000 |
| Schedule pays 40% at 15 years | −$19,200 |
| Scheduled amount | $12,800 |
| 1% wind/hail deductible ($350K home) | −$3,500 |
| Insurance pays | $9,300 |
What comes out of your pocket
Illustrative example with round numbers. Depreciation, schedule percentages and deductibles vary by insurer, policy, endorsement, roof age and material. Read your policy and talk with your licensed agent. This is education, not insurance or legal advice.
Got a leak? The cause matters more than the drip.
Roof-leak claims are one of the biggest sources of surprise for homeowners right now. Here's how policies commonly treat them.
Commonly covered
- Sudden, accidental damage, like wind tearing shingles off in a storm
- Hail or fallen-tree damage that lets water in
- Resulting interior damage from a covered event
Commonly excluded
- Slow, gradual leaks that went on for months
- Wear and tear, old age and lack of maintenance
- Mold, rot and damage made worse by waiting
Damage today can become a bigger problem tomorrow.
Storm damage doesn't stay fresh. The longer it sits, the harder it is to tell what happened and when.
The evidence is clear
- Fresh impacts: sharp edges, light granule fracture
- Impacts line up with the storm's direction
- Loose granules that haven't weathered yet
- Dated photos tied to a known storm date
The picture gets muddy
- Oxidation and weathering make impacts look old
- New storms mix new damage with old
- Damage may be treated as wear and tear
- Leaks spread into decking, insulation and drywall
Five things to find on your declarations page tonight.
Grab your policy (or your insurer's app) and look for these. If anything is unclear, your agent can explain it.
PROTECTION
Most contractors promise. We're backed by $250,000.
Your roof is one of the biggest checks you'll ever write. Every Repair King project is backed by up to $250,000 in third-party protection, so you're never relying on a handshake.
- Backed by an independent third party, not just our word
- Covers workmanship, code and installation issues
- If something goes wrong, you're protected
- Most homeowners carry 100% of the contractor risk
- With us, that risk is backed
- You're covered even in worst-case scenarios
- A handshake and a "trust me"
- No financial backing if it goes wrong
- You pay again to fix someone else's mistake
Protection is provided by an independent third party and is subject to its terms, conditions and limits. Ask us for full details before you sign.
If damage exists today, get it documented while it's fresh.
A free, hands-on inspection and a dated photo report you keep. Then you decide what to do, with your agent, on your timeline.
- Free forensic roof inspection
- Dated photo report you own
- Free Hail History Report for your address
- Line-item estimate if repairs are needed
- Licensed MN BC695228 · Since 2009 · $250K third-party protection
Get documented before anything changes
Free inspection and dated photo report. Yours to keep and share with anyone you choose.
Coverage FAQs.
What's the difference between RCV and ACV?
Replacement cost value (RCV) generally pays what it costs to replace damaged property with new, often in two payments: actual cash value first, then the held-back depreciation after the work is done. Actual cash value (ACV) subtracts depreciation for age and wear, and that amount usually isn't paid back.
What is a roof payment schedule?
A roof payment schedule (sometimes called a roof surface payment schedule) is a policy endorsement that pays a percentage of the roof's replacement cost based on its age or material. The older the roof, the lower the percentage. Your declarations page and endorsements show whether it applies to you.
Does homeowners insurance cover a roof leak?
It depends on the cause. Policies commonly cover sudden, accidental damage, like wind tearing off shingles during a storm. They commonly exclude gradual leaks, wear and tear and lack of maintenance. Check your policy and talk with your agent.
Why does waiting matter?
Over time, storm damage weathers and can be harder to tie to a specific date. New storms can mix new damage with old. Leaks spread. And roof age affects renewals and payment schedules. A dated inspection gives you the facts while they're fresh.
Will Repair King tell me whether to file a claim?
No. That decision is yours, made with your insurer or agent. We inspect, document and give you a dated photo report so you have the facts about your roof's condition.
Is this legal or insurance advice?
No. This page is general education with illustrative numbers. Policies vary. Read your policy and talk with your licensed insurance agent about your coverage.
Repair King is a licensed roofing contractor, not an insurance agent, adjuster or attorney. We don't interpret policies or advise on claims. Coverage decisions are between you and your insurer.
Storm hit? Leak showing up? Let's look at it this week.
Free inspection, photo report, straight answer.