Free Calculator

Recoverable Depreciation Calculator

See your ACV (first) check now versus the recoverable depreciation released after repairs — and what your replacement-cost claim nets in total.

Your Claim

$

Total cost to repair/replace the damage with new materials.

$

Held back now, released after repairs are completed and documented.

$

Permanently deducted; never paid back.

$

Your Payments

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
$100,000
Less total depreciation
− $20,000
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
$80,000
Less deductible
− $2,000
ACV check (paid first)
$78,000
Recoverable depreciation check (after repairs)
$20,000
Total you recover (if repairs completed)
$98,000

You generally must complete and document repairs within your policy’s deadline to collect the recoverable depreciation.

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Educational estimate only, based on the figures you enter. Your policy controls how depreciation is calculated and recovered.

ACV vs. RCV, In Plain English

Replacement Cost Value (RCV) is what it costs to repair or replace your damaged property with new materials of like kind and quality. Actual Cash Value (ACV) is the RCV minus depreciation for age and wear.

On a replacement-cost policy, the insurer typically pays the ACV first (minus your deductible) and holds back the recoverable depreciation until you finish the repairs and submit invoices. That held-back money is still yours — but it is one of the most commonly forfeited parts of a claim when homeowners do not document the completed work in time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is recoverable depreciation?
Recoverable depreciation is the portion of your claim the insurer holds back at first and pays later, once repairs are completed and you submit invoices. On a replacement-cost (RCV) policy, the insurer first pays Actual Cash Value (ACV) — the replacement cost minus depreciation minus your deductible — and releases the held-back recoverable depreciation after the work is done. Non-recoverable depreciation is never paid back.
How is the ACV (first) check calculated?
ACV check = Replacement Cost Value (RCV) − total depreciation − your deductible. That is the first payment you typically receive. The recoverable portion of the depreciation is paid as a second check after repairs are completed and documented.
Why did my insurance company hold back money?
On replacement-cost policies it is standard to pay ACV first and release recoverable depreciation only after repairs are verified, to confirm the work was actually done. The money is still yours to claim — but you generally must complete the repairs and submit documentation within the policy’s deadlines to recover it.
What if I do not finish repairs — do I lose the depreciation?
Often, yes. Recoverable depreciation is usually paid only when repairs are completed and invoiced within the time limit in your policy. If you do not complete and document the repairs, the insurer may keep the held-back amount. A public adjuster helps make sure the scope, documentation, and deadlines are handled so you recover everything you are owed.

Educational Information - Not Legal Advice

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. Dependable Claims Specialists is a licensed public adjusting firm - not a law firm. Public adjusters help policyholders inspect, document, evaluate, and negotiate property insurance claims, which includes reading and applying your policy in the ordinary course of adjusting (coverage parts, exclusions, endorsements, scope). We do not practice law and we do not provide legal advice. For legal opinions, demand letters, Chapter 542A pre-suit notices, statutory remedies under the Insurance Code, or litigation, consult a licensed attorney in your state. Texas public adjusters operate under TX Ins. Code Chapter 4102; Florida public adjusters operate under FL Statute §626.854.

Make Sure You Recover Every Dollar

DCS handles the scope, documentation, and deadlines so your withheld depreciation does not slip away. Free review.

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