How an insurance claim settlement is calculated
Property insurance payments follow a fairly standard structure, even though every policy is different. This insurance claim settlement calculator walks through that structure so Port Arthur and Southeast Texas property owners can see why the first check is often smaller than the repair estimate, and how much more may be available later. Here are the key terms.
Replacement cost value (RCV)
RCV is what it would cost today to repair or replace the damaged property with materials of like kind and quality. On a hurricane roof claim, for example, that includes tear-off, new shingles or panels, underlayment, flashing, labor, and related items. The insurer's estimate and your contractor's estimate should both show an RCV total.
Depreciation
Depreciation is a reduction in value based on age, wear, and condition. Insurers often apply it line by line in the estimate. There are two kinds that matter:
- Recoverable depreciation – under a replacement-cost policy, the withheld amount can typically be recovered after repairs are completed, often within a deadline stated in the policy.
- Non-recoverable depreciation – on an actual cash value policy, or on coverage that is settled at ACV (some Texas roof coverage works this way), depreciation is not paid back.
Actual cash value (ACV)
ACV is generally RCV minus depreciation. Under a typical replacement-cost policy, the insurer pays ACV first, minus your deductible, and then releases recoverable depreciation once repairs are done.
Deductibles
Your deductible is the portion of a covered loss you pay. Many Texas policies have a separate wind/hail or named-storm deductible calculated as a percentage of the dwelling (Coverage A) limit. A 2% deductible on a $250,000 dwelling limit, for example, is $5,000. In Port Arthur, where many owners carry a TWIA windstorm policy alongside a homeowners policy and a flood policy, each policy may have its own deductible for the same storm. Check each declarations page, or use the hurricane deductible calculator.
Policy limits and prior payments
The insurer will not pay more than the applicable limit, such as your Coverage A dwelling limit or a sublimit for a specific type of damage. If you have already received checks on the claim, they are subtracted to show what may still be owed.
Where to find your numbers
The insurer's estimate usually lists the RCV, depreciation, ACV, deductible, and net claim amount on its summary page. Your declarations page shows your coverage limits and deductibles. If you have a contractor's estimate, you can enter its total as the RCV to compare it with the insurer's figures. Enter any payments already issued so the calculator can show what may remain. If you have separate TWIA and homeowners claims, run the calculator once for each.
Worked example
Click Load example in the calculator to see these numbers. The example assumes a replacement-cost policy, an RCV of $24,000, depreciation of $7,200, a $5,000 deductible, no prior payments, no non-covered costs, and no policy limit entered.
| Step | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Covered RCV | $24,000 RCV − $0 non-covered | $24,000 |
| Actual cash value (ACV) | $24,000 − $7,200 depreciation | $16,800 |
| Initial (ACV) payment | $16,800 − $5,000 deductible − $0 prior payments | $11,800 |
| Recoverable depreciation | ($24,000 − $5,000) − $11,800 | $7,200 |
| Total estimated proceeds | $11,800 + $7,200 | $19,000 |
| Out-of-pocket cost | $24,000 − $19,000 (the deductible) | $5,000 |
If you uncheck the replacement-cost box to model an ACV policy, the recoverable depreciation drops to $0, total proceeds fall to $11,800, and the $7,200 of depreciation becomes part of your out-of-pocket cost.
Common reasons the numbers do not match your repair cost
- Missing line items. Estimates sometimes leave out items like drip edge, starter strip, ridge vents, gutters, or interior damage from wind-driven rain.
- Code and windstorm requirements. Upgrades required by current building codes may be covered only under ordinance or law coverage, up to its limit. In Jefferson County, repairs also need to meet TDI windstorm requirements to stay eligible for TWIA coverage. See our Port Arthur building codes page.
- Depreciation choices. The age and condition assigned to materials can change the ACV significantly.
- Pricing. Unit prices may not reflect local labor and material costs, which can rise after a hurricane when demand spikes across Southeast Texas.
For hurricane-specific questions, read hurricane deductibles in Texas explained. If the insurer's estimate looks low, our insurance estimate review and underpaid insurance claims services can help you compare it with the actual scope of repairs. Coverage and payment always depend on your policy and the facts of your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this insurance claim settlement calculator accurate?
It applies standard math for replacement cost and actual cash value settlements, so it is useful for understanding how the numbers fit together. It is an educational estimate only. Your actual payment depends on your policy language, endorsements, sublimits, depreciation methods, and the facts of the claim.
What is the difference between RCV and ACV?
Replacement cost value (RCV) is the cost to repair or replace damaged property with materials of like kind and quality at today's prices. Actual cash value (ACV) is generally RCV minus depreciation. Some Texas policies pay roofs only at ACV or under a roof payment schedule, so check your policy forms.
How do I get my recoverable depreciation?
Under many replacement-cost policies, the insurer pays ACV first and releases recoverable depreciation after repairs are completed and documented, often within a deadline stated in the policy. Check your policy for the time limit and ask your insurer what proof it needs, such as a final invoice.
Why is my hurricane or wind/hail deductible so high?
Many Texas policies, including many TWIA policies, carry a wind/hail or named-storm deductible calculated as a percentage of the dwelling (Coverage A) limit rather than a flat dollar amount. For example, a 2% deductible on a $250,000 dwelling limit is $5,000. Check your declarations page, and try our hurricane deductible calculator.
What if the insurer's estimate seems too low?
Compare the estimate line by line with what the repairs actually require, including code-required items, and ask the insurer to explain any differences. A public adjuster can review the estimate with you; see our insurance estimate review service. We cannot promise a different result, but a careful review can identify missing items.