When a storm damages your roof, the last thing you want is to be surprised by how little your insurance covers. But for a lot of homeowners, that’s exactly what happens.
Most insurance policies use either RCV (Replacement Cost Value) or ACV (Actual Cash Value) to determine what they’ll pay. The difference between those two can end up costing you thousands out of pocket, especially on a roof replacement. And yet, many homeowners don’t fully understand how RCV vs ACV home insurance works until it’s too late.
In this guide, we’ll explain what each one means, how to tell which one you have, and why it matters if you ever have to file a claim.
What Does RCV and ACV Mean?
At a high level, both RCV and ACV are ways your insurance company calculates what they owe you after damage. The difference comes down to depreciation.
RCV (Replacement Cost Value) generally covers what it costs to replace the damaged portion of your home at today’s pricing. That means if your roof needs to be replaced, the insurance is looking at the cost to replace it with a comparable new roof.
ACV (Actual Cash Value) takes depreciation into account. In simple terms, it’s the value of your roof today based on its age and condition, not what it costs to replace it brand new.
This matters because roofs age over time, even if they’re in decent shape. So even when damage is real and caused by a storm, ACV coverage can still leave homeowners paying a lot more than they expected. And for homeowners with RCV vs ACV home insurance questions, the outcome can vary widely depending on the policy details.
RCV vs. ACV in a Real Claim Scenario
Let’s say your roof replacement is estimated at $15,000.
If your roof is older, your insurance company may apply depreciation. Under an ACV policy, that depreciation is not something you get back later. Under an RCV policy, it often can be recovered after the work is completed, depending on your coverage and claim process.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how the two typically compare:
| Coverage Type | What It Pays For | What Homeowners Usually Pay |
| RCV (Replacement Cost Value) | Full replacement cost (minus deductible, and often paid in stages) | Deductible, plus any upgrades not covered |
| ACV (Actual Cash Value) | Depreciated value of the roof (minus deductible) | Deductible + depreciation amount |
How to Tell Which One You Have
The fastest way to find out is to look at your insurance policy documents, usually your declarations page. The wording varies by carrier, but the most common clues are terms like “replacement cost,” “actual cash value,” or “depreciation.”
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, you can also call your insurance agent and ask directly whether your roof is covered at RCV or ACV. Some homeowners are surprised to find that their roof coverage is different from the rest of the policy, especially if the roof is older.
Even if you never need to file a claim, it’s worth knowing what kind of RCV vs ACV home insurance coverage you have before storm season gets busy.
How RCV and ACV Impact Storm Damage Roof Repairs
North Georgia storms can do serious damage fast, especially with wind and hail. When that happens, homeowners usually want to handle the repair quickly and move on with their lives.
RCV coverage tends to make that process easier because it’s designed to restore your home without depreciation working against you. ACV coverage can still help, but it often creates a bigger out-of-pocket gap, especially if the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.
We’ve also seen situations where a homeowner assumed they had replacement coverage, only to find out after the claim was opened that their roof was being paid at ACV. That can completely change what makes sense financially, and it’s why understanding your RCV vs ACV home insurance early matters.
What Homeowners Can Do to Be Prepared
If you have not reviewed your roof coverage in a while, now is a good time. Most homeowners only learn the difference between RCV and ACV when they’re already dealing with a damaged roof, and that’s not the moment you want surprises.
You do not have to become an insurance expert, but you should know what kind of coverage you’re paying for and what it means in a real claim.
If you’re ever unsure, it’s smart to ask questions before a storm hits, not after.
How Clark Brothers Helps During the Claim Process
Insurance claims can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with leaks, interior damage, or multiple issues at once. Our job is to help make the process simpler and more straightforward.
When a homeowner calls us for storm damage, we help by documenting the damage clearly, providing the right information for your claim, and walking you through what your options look like based on what we find.
We’ve worked with both RCV and ACV policies, and we’ll always be honest about what we’re seeing and what makes sense for your home. No pressure, no runaround, and no guessing.
Final Thoughts
RCV vs ACV home insurance might seem like insurance fine print, but it makes a real difference when your roof is damaged and you’re trying to figure out what comes next.
If you’ve had storm damage and you’re unsure what your insurance might cover, Clark Brothers can help you get clarity fast. We’ll inspect the roof, document what we find, and help you understand the next step.
📞 Call (678) 929-7072 or schedule your complimentary inspection today.
Read our ultimate guide to storm damage roof repair and insurance claims in Greater Atlanta.
