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Free tool from Houston Public Adjusters

Insurance Depreciation Calculator

Insurers depreciate roofs, flooring, appliances and contents for age and wear. Check whether the depreciation on your estimate is reasonable.

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Estimates only, for planning. Your policy language, the carrier’s estimate and Texas law control your actual claim. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.

How insurers calculate depreciation

Most carriers use straight-line depreciation: age ÷ expected useful life × replacement cost. An 8-year-old architectural shingle roof with a 30-year life is about 27% depreciated. The fights start over the inputs: the age the insurer assumes, the useful life it picks, whether it depreciates labor as well as materials, and whether condition is used to push the percentage higher.

Common depreciation problems on Houston claims

  • Roof age taken from a guess instead of permits, invoices or the home’s sale records
  • Depreciation applied to labor, removal and disposal (contested in many claims)
  • Useful life set unrealistically short for the material
  • “Condition” adjustments with no photos or explanation
  • Non-recoverable depreciation on a policy that is actually replacement cost

Depreciation on a replacement-cost policy is usually recoverable after repair, but it still affects how much cash you have to start the work. Learn more in our settlement calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Is depreciation recoverable?

On a replacement-cost policy, yes — after the repair or replacement is completed, up to what you actually spend. On an actual-cash-value policy or ACV roof endorsement, depreciation is not recoverable.

Can I dispute the insurer’s depreciation?

Yes. Ask for the depreciation breakdown by line item, then challenge the age, useful life or condition assumptions with evidence. A public adjuster can do this for you.

Property damage? The clock is already ticking.

Start with a free consultation from Houston Public Adjusters and protect your claim before mistakes cost you money.

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