Insurance claim process Archives

The post-recovery after a hurricane can be a challenging and stressful experience. Understanding damage assessment, contacts, and expectations post-hurricane as a local resident can ease recovery burdens significantly.

Assessing Hurricane Damage & Mitigation

Prior to the storm, we recommend following a detailed checklist, having your property inspected, and accurately documenting the current condition of the property. (Read Prepare before the storm, Review Your Policy, Tips & Dangers or Mitigation for more information)

After the storm has passed, your responsibility as a policyholder will be to assess the damages to your property and mitigate further damage. We recommend inspecting the exterior of your property looking for any broken or loose materials. In addition, inspect the interior of your property for water leakage or pooling water. Early connection, detailed documentation of damage, and mitigation strategies are vital for your insurance claim process.

Important Contacts After the Hurricane

In regards to property damage after a hurricane, there is a significant need for mitigation professionals, inspectors, and contractors in the community. Insurance carriers will also experience an increase in call volume and claims coming in from the community. Prior to the storm, we advise having a list of important contact information including your insurance carrier, mitigation companies, contractors, government authorities, medical assistance during a disaster, and your local Red Cross.

Our team is readily available during a hurricane. In the aftermath of the storm, we take over the communication, scheduling, and coordination with your insurance carrier, inspectors, mitigation companies, and contractors. We take the burden of handling the devastating damage from the hurricane so you can have a full focus on your family, health & safety following the storm.

What to Expect as a Resident

As a resident, you can expect the recovery process to take time. The immediate aftermath of a hurricane can be chaotic and challenging, often requiring a great deal of patience and persistence. Communities will come together to overcome the struggles of power outages, limited access to food and water, as well as the extensive damage to homes, businesses, and natural resources.

Keep informed about the latest updates and instructions from location authorities to help you navigate the recovery process. The days and weeks following a hurricane may result in delays of power recovery and availability of essential services. It’s important to be prepared to live without essential services for a period of time, and to come together as a community to support one another as you navigate the recovery from the hurricane’s impact.

Garner Industries

Lincoln, Nebraska
Hail & Wind Damage
December 2021

Our team stepped in after the initial claim had already been filed with the insurance carrier. Following a deep-dive investigation and thorough research, we discovered previously overlooked damage to another section of the roof. We also pinpointed a more accurate date of loss that aligned better with favorable deductible terms. After fine-tuning the claim and negotiating up-to-date costs for materials and labor, we achieved a 570% increase in the claim’s value—all within just 5 months.

Insurance Carrier Offer: $162,000

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,085,000

Understanding your insurance policy can be daunting, especially when faced with complex terms like “recoverable depreciation.” For numerous policyholders, this idea might seem unfamiliar. Yet, it’s crucial for both Replacement Cost Value (RCV) and Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies. In this guide, we’ll cover recoverable depreciation, differentiate RCV from ACV, clarify payment timing for recoverable depreciation, and share key info every policyholder should grasp about it.

What is Recoverable Depreciation?

This term is often overlooked but vital in the insurance claim process. To fully understand this concept, let’s break down what it entails: Recoverable Depreciation refers to the difference between the Replacement Cost Value and the Actual Cash Value of a damaged item. The policyholder can “recover” the insurance carrier’s withheld amount after documenting repairs. Certain policies don’t pay non-recoverable depreciation to the policyholder. Understanding whether your policy includes recoverable or non-recoverable depreciation is vital when filing a claim.

Calculating Recoverable Depreciation

Understanding how to calculate Recoverable Depreciation can help policyholders gain insight into the amount they can reclaim.

1. Determine the Replacement Cost Value (RCV): This is the total cost to replace or restore the damage with similar quality and type. A licensed and experienced public adjuster, estimator or contractor are all professionals that can determine the replacement cost value of damage to your property based on current costs of labor and materials.
2. Find the Recoverable Depreciation: The Recoverable Depreciation is the difference between the RCV and ACV. Traditionally, depreciation is calculated based on the item or the product’s useful life. For example, say you purchase a washer & dryer for $2,100 with an estimated useful life of 15 years. By dividing the total cost at the time of purchase ($2,100) by the estimated lifespan (15 years), it would determine the washer & dryer to depreciate by $140 each year. Therefore, if after 5 years the laundry units ACV would be $1,400 (5 years x $140 = $700 in depreciation over 5 years. The initial purchase price $2,100 minus the $700 in depreciation = $1,400). However, this is just a very general example. When it comes to property damage and filing an insurance claim, each insurance carrier, circumstance and loss are unique and the calculation of depreciation may vary.
3. Calculate the Actual Cash Value (ACV): This involves determining the RCV and then subtracting the depreciation based on age, wear and tear, or other factors. Thus, Actual Cash Value (ACV) = Replacement Cost Value (RCV) – Depreciation.

Impact of Inflation

Inflation is an often-overlooked factor that can significantly impact Recoverable Depreciation. As the general price level of goods and services rises over time, the cost of replacing or repairing damaged property can also increase. This inflationary effect results in the Replacement Cost Value (RCV) of an item being potentially higher today than when the policy was purchased or just a few years ago. Therefore, if we calculate Recoverable Depreciation using outdated cost estimates, it might not accurately represent today’s market’s actual replacement cost. Policyholders should be aware of this dynamic and consider working with insurance professionals who actively monitor inflation trends and update valuations accordingly. Understanding and accounting for inflation in the calculation of Recoverable Depreciation ensures a more accurate and fair settlement, aligning the claim payout with the real-world costs of repair or replacement.

RCV vs. ACV: What’s the Difference?

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies cover the cost to replace damaged or lost property without deducting depreciation. In other words, if an item is destroyed, the insurance company pays the cost to replace it with a brand-new item of like kind and quality.

- 1. Pros: Can fully cover the costs to replace or repair damaged property.
  2. Cons: Typically comes with a higher premium.

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies, on the other hand, take into account depreciation. The insurance company will pay for the cost to replace the item, minus a deduction for the wear and tear or aging of the item. Essentially, ACV pays for what the item was worth at the time of the loss.

- 1. Pros: Generally offers lower premiums.
  2. Cons: May result in out-of-pocket expenses if the depreciated value doesn’t cover the full replacement cost.

When does the policyholder receive payment for recoverable depreciation?

Initial Payout

After a claim is approved, the insurance carrier usually pays the ACV first, holding back the recoverable depreciation.

Final Payout

Insurance companies generally pay recoverable depreciation after completing repairs or replacements and providing proper documentation.

Factors Affecting Payment

- 1. The quality of repairs.
  2. The timeliness of completion.
  3. Compliance with policy terms.

How to Claim Recoverable Depreciation

Policyholders with a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy must actively reclaim recoverable depreciation. This process involves carefully following a series of coordinated steps to ensure they receive the full entitled amount. This process is not just about understanding the numbers but also knowing how to navigate the insurance claim procedures and documentation requirements. Below are the general steps to reclaim recoverable depreciation; however, if you’re unsure of the requirements within your policy to reclaim recoverable depreciation, get your policy reviewed by our team of legal experts.

1. Complete Repairs: Work with a licensed contractor to ensure quality repairs.
2. Submit Documentation: Provide invoices and other necessary documents to your insurance company.
3. Follow Up: Regularly check with the insurance carrier to ensure the process is on track.
4. Consult Professionals if Needed: If issues arise, consider seeking professional help.

The Importance of Recoverable Depreciation for Policyholders and Insurance Carriers

Recoverable depreciation is more than just an insurance term; it’s a critical component that directly impacts a policyholder’s claim payout. Understanding this aspect is crucial for policyholders, ensuring a fair settlement that matches repair or replacement costs. Meanwhile, insurance carriers employ recoverable depreciation to align claim payments with real-world expenses and prevent overpayment.

Why it Matters to Policyholders

- 1. Financial Planning: Helps in understanding potential out-of-pocket costs.
  2. Claim Recovery: Knowing how to claim recoverable depreciation ensures that policyholders receive what they’re entitled to.
  3. Informed Decision Making: Helps in selecting the right insurance policy that suits individual needs.

Why Insurance Carriers Use it

- 1. Prevents Overpayment: By paying only the ACV initially, insurers avoid overpayment if policyholders opt not to repair or replace the damaged item.
  2. Encourages Proper Restoration: Recoverable Depreciation motivates policyholders to complete repairs or replacements to reclaim the withheld depreciation.
  3. Aligns with Actual Costs: It ensures that payments align with actual costs, providing a fair system for both parties.

Common Misconceptions

- 1. It’s Automatically Paid: Some policyholders mistakenly believe it receives an automatic payout without fully understanding the conditions.
  2. No Time Limit: There might be time constraints that require completing repairs within a specific period.
  3. All Policies Include It: Not all policies include recoverable depreciation; it depends on the type of policy and insurer.

Recoverable depreciation is more than just an insurance jargon; it’s an essential part of many insurance policies that can have significant financial implications. Whether you hold an RCV or ACV policy, comprehending the operation of recoverable depreciation and its payment timing can empower you to navigate the intricate insurance landscape with confidence. Gaining awareness enables you to make well-informed choices tailored to your unique circumstances and to secure the entitlements you deserve.Always consult with an insurance professional to understand your unique circumstances fully.

Hurricane Post-Recovery