Help me understand this roof insurance thing…

hello, just want to be totally sure i’m getting this right. here’s an example:

i have a roofer quoting me $16k for a new roof.

my insurance approves the claim and sends an ACV check for 10k (15k minus a 5k deductible)

but my insurance also covers RCV for an extra 8k, which totals 18k (10k ACV + 8k RCV)

so, am i supposed to pay the roofer this way?
10k ACV check
5k deductible
8k RCV check

totaling 23k for the roof instead of the 16k the roofer quoted?

appreciate any help in understanding the difference here, it’s not adding up for me!

sounds like there’s a difference in the scope of work or materials listed. maybe the roofer is charging a lower labor rate than insurance expected, but honestly, it’s usually the other way around where labor costs go up, not down.

basically, if the roofer’s price is lower, it might mean they’re planning to save on materials or some part of the work. you’re right that the total should match what’s being paid out, minus the deductible. something seems off here.

@Ming
should’ve mentioned that the roofer has no idea what the insurance is approving.

Fraser said:
@Ming
should’ve mentioned that the roofer has no idea what the insurance is approving.

that could explain it – he might be charging you retail. if he finds out it’s covered by insurance, he could raise the price.

@Bryce
wow, might be better just to pay cash and skip the insurance claim… thanks for letting me know!

Fraser said:
@Ming
should’ve mentioned that the roofer has no idea what the insurance is approving.

maybe the roofer only quoted the roof itself, and the insurance included other things like siding or gutters that also got damaged by hail. try comparing both estimates side by side to see any differences. if the insurance covered only the roof too, they might not release the full depreciation.

also, a lower quote doesn’t always mean the roofer is cutting corners. if he’s quoting a cash job, he might not want to deal with the insurance company. sometimes, roofers who regularly work with insurance add extra items to raise the estimate, but the actual work might cost closer to the cash price.