| Scenario | Roof | Other | Deductible | Covered loss | Insurer pays (RCV) | Out-of-pocket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard claim, fixed deductible | $15,000 | $3,500 | $1,000 | $18,500 | $17,500 | $1,000 |
| Wind/hail, 2% deductible on $300,000 | $15,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 | $18,500 | $12,500 | $6,000 |
| Roof sublimit + code limit applied | $22,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $20,000 | $19,000 | $8,000 |
- Covered roof = min( RoofCost × RoofCoverage% , RoofSublimit )
- Covered other = OtherCosts × OtherCoverage%
- Covered code = min( CodeUpgrades × CodeCoverage% , OrdinanceLimit )
- Covered before total limit = CoveredRoof + CoveredOther + CoveredCode
- Covered loss = min( CoveredBeforeTotalLimit , PolicyLimit )
- Main deductible = Fixed or InsuredValue × MainDeductible%
- Wind deductible = Fixed or InsuredValue × WindDeductible%
- Applied deductible = Selected deductible, then min/max clamps
- Insurer pays (RCV) = max( 0 , CoveredLoss − AppliedDeductible )
- ACV loss = CoveredLoss × (1 − Depreciation%)
- Insurer pays (ACV) = max( 0 , ACVLoss − AppliedDeductible )
- Recoverable depreciation = max( 0 , RCVPay − ACVPay ), capped if set
- Out-of-pocket = Deductible + NonCovered + UncoveredLimits + UncoveredExclusions
- Pick total or itemized mode for your estimate.
- Enter your roof and related damage costs carefully.
- Add policy limits and any roof or code limits.
- Set coverage percentages for excluded or limited items.
- Enter both deductibles if your policy has them.
- Choose which deductible applies, or use auto.
- Adjust depreciation to compare ACV and RCV views.
- Calculate, then export results for your records.
Deductible structures that change claim outcomes
Roof policies commonly use a fixed deductible, a percentage of dwelling limit, or a separate wind and hail deductible. The calculator compares these structures, then clamps the deductible inside any minimum or maximum you enter. This matters when small losses fall entirely below the deductible, while large losses may hit the cap and stabilize your exposure. Confirm declarations, endorsements, and peril-specific deductibles before relying on any final estimate.
Estimating replacement cost and depreciation
Your starting point is the covered loss estimate. Enter either one total or itemized line items such as roof, interior, debris removal, code upgrades, and temporary protection. If your policy pays actual cash value first, depreciation reduces the payable amount until repairs are completed. You can model depreciation as a direct percentage, or as an age based schedule using roof age and expected life.
Applying sublimits and coverage limits
Many policies add a roof payment limitation or sublimit for specific perils. The calculator applies the roof sublimit to the roof line only, then enforces overall coverage limits such as ordinance and law. This shows how code related upgrades can be partially unpaid when the ordinance limit is exhausted, even if the total loss is high.
Interpreting net settlement and out-of-pocket
Net settlement is the insurer payable amount after limits and depreciation, minus the deductible. The tool also reports your out of pocket share, which includes the deductible plus any amounts over limits. Review the gap between gross loss, covered loss, and payable loss to understand whether negotiating scope, selecting contractors, or staging repairs could improve recovery.
Using sensitivity charts to stress-test decisions
Charts help you test uncertainty. The stacked bar plot separates depreciation, deductible, uncovered amounts, and insurer payment. The sensitivity line plot varies the deductible rate or wind and hail percentage to show how net payout changes across scenarios. Use these visuals to document assumptions, compare policy options, and decide when a claim is financially justified.
FAQs
1) What deductible should I enter if my policy uses a percentage?
Enter your dwelling or insured value and the percentage rate. The calculator converts it into a currency deductible and then applies any minimum or maximum you set, so the result matches how many carriers settle losses.
2) How do I choose between total loss and itemized inputs?
Use total loss when you only have a single estimate. Use itemized inputs when you want to test roof sublimits, ordinance limits, or different reimbursement behavior across categories like debris removal and temporary protection.
3) What does depreciation change in the results?
Depreciation reduces the payable amount under actual cash value settlement. The tool shows the withheld portion separately so you can see how much may be recoverable after repairs, depending on your policy and documentation.
4) Why is there a separate wind and hail deductible option?
Many policies apply a higher deductible for wind or hail events. Enabling this option calculates the peril deductible from the insured value and compares it against the main deductible so the larger applicable amount is used.
5) What does “uncovered amount” represent?
It includes losses above limits and any portions constrained by sublimits. This is money you may pay yourself, even after meeting the deductible, and it helps explain why a large estimate does not always produce a large payout.
6) How should I use the sensitivity chart?
Adjust the deductible rate or peril percentage range to reflect uncertainty. The line shows how net payout changes across scenarios, which is useful when deciding whether to file, bundle items into one claim, or keep the loss out of pocket.