How do you get recoverable depreciation back after a roof replacement?
Short answer. Finish the replacement, then send the insurer a final invoice that matches the approved scope, with completion photos and your claim number, and ask it to release the held back depreciation. The release is capped at what the roof actually cost, so changes to the scope, whether upgrades or skipped items, change what comes back.
The roof completion package
- Final itemized invoice on the contractor's letterhead, showing the total
- Photos of the finished roof, including ridge, vents and flashing
- Approved supplement documents, if any were added
- Permit and final inspection, where your city or county requires one
- Your claim number and a one line request to release recoverable depreciation
How scope changes affect the check
- Upgrades. If you choose a premium shingle or metal, the insurer still pays only what the approved estimate covered. You pay the difference.
- Skipped items. If the estimate included new gutters and you kept the old ones, expect that line and its depreciation to come off.
- Lower price. If the roof cost less than the estimate, the insurer pays only up to what was spent.
- Hidden damage. Rotted decking found at tear off belongs in a supplement, documented with photos before or with the final invoice.
Timing
Submit within the deadline in your policy or claim letter. Once the carrier agrees on the amount, Georgia rules call for payment within 10 days, though a mortgage company endorsement can add time; see insurance checks with the mortgage company on them. For the bigger picture, read recoverable depreciation on a roof.