About This Calculator

Why it exists

The honest answer to "should I file a roof claim?" is sometimes no. Sometimes it is "file, but understand the consequences." Rarely is it an unconditional yes. The tools that exist online are generally built by parties who profit from encouraging you to file, which creates a systematic bias toward telling you to call your insurer. This calculator has no financial stake in that outcome.

The goal is simple: give you the same numbers your insurance company's adjuster will produce, before you pick up the phone. If those numbers say the claim pays nothing, you should know that before a zero-payout claim appears on your CLUE report and follows you for several years.

How the math works

The calculator uses straight-line depreciation: the roof loses value evenly over its expected useful life. Both the useful life values and the 80% depreciation cap are this calculator's own assumptions — your carrier's depreciation schedule may differ from what is shown here.

For percentage deductibles, the deductible is applied against your dwelling limit (Coverage A on your declarations page) - not against the claim amount. This is how wind and hail deductibles actually work on most homeowner policies, and it is the most commonly misunderstood aspect of storm claim math. A 2% deductible on a $400,000 insured home is $8,000, regardless of whether the damage estimate is $12,000 or $40,000.

For RCV policies, the calculator shows the two-payment structure: the first cheque (ACV minus deductible, paid on claim approval) and the withheld depreciation (released only after repairs are completed and invoiced).

What it does not do

• It does not account for your carrier's specific depreciation schedule. Some carriers use accelerated depreciation curves that are steeper than straight-line; others apply age-based schedules that differ by material. Your actual settlement may be lower.
• It does not assess damage. The input is the full replacement cost of the roof - if your roof has partial damage, you need a contractor estimate to know what portion the claim covers, and the adjuster's scope may differ from the contractor's.
• It does not tell you what your policy says. Policy language varies: some policies cap recoverable depreciation, apply different useful lives than the industry standard, or have exclusions that affect roof claims. Read your policy.
• It does not collect your information, connect you with contractors, or earn referral fees. There are no lead forms. The only advertising is display ads from Google AdSense; we have no relationship with any advertiser's products or services.

Accuracy and limits

The estimates produced by this calculator are a reliable starting point for understanding your claim economics - not a guarantee of what you will receive. Use the numbers to decide whether to consult a licensed public adjuster or attorney before filing. Do not use them as a substitute for reading your policy or obtaining a professional inspection.

Who built this

This site was built and is maintained by Awais Khadim - a developer who wanted a roof claim calculator that gives homeowners the same numbers the adjuster will produce, without a contractor referral attached to the answer.

Questions about the calculator or its math:awaiskhadim2002@gmail.com