How do you claim recoverable depreciation on a property claim?
Short answer. Claim recoverable depreciation on a property claim by finishing each repaired item, sending the insurer the invoice or receipts for it under your claim number, and asking for release of the depreciation held on those lines. You can usually do this in parts as each trade finishes, as long as you stay within the policy's time limits.
Build a simple tracking sheet
- Each item or trade on the estimate: roof, gutters, siding, fence, interior paint
- The recoverable depreciation shown for each
- Status: not started, in progress, complete
- Date the invoice was sent and date the money was released
Requesting each release
- When a trade finishes, get its itemized invoice.
- Send it with photos and the claim number, naming which estimate lines it completes.
- Ask the adjuster to confirm the amount being released.
- Update your sheet when the check arrives.
Things that complicate property claims
- Supplements. Approved additions carry their own depreciation; make sure they are included.
- Multiple payees. A mortgage company may need to endorse each check.
- Skipped items. If you decide not to replace a fence, that line's depreciation stays with the insurer.
- Price differences. If a trade costs less than estimated, the release matches the lower actual cost.
Why partial releases help
Collecting each piece as it is finished keeps money moving to the trades who did the work, shortens the time your claim stays open, and makes it obvious which items are still pending. If an adjuster prefers one final submission, ask in writing whether partial requests are accepted on your claim.
Related: recoverable depreciation on a roof, roof supplements, and mortgage company on the check.