July 16, 2026

Check the Deductible and Depreciation Before Contractor Work Starts

The repair number can look simple until you compare it with the claim payment.

A carrier estimate may show a replacement cost number, a deductible, and depreciation. The check the homeowner receives may be much lower than the total repair number. That does not always mean something is wrong. It does mean you should understand the math before you tell a contractor to start work.

Partially opened interior wall and repair area before permanent work starts

Start with the declarations page and the carrier estimate. Find the deductible amount. Then look for any line that says depreciation, recoverable depreciation, non-recoverable depreciation, actual cash value, or replacement cost value. Those words affect how much money is available now and what may be paid later.

The next step is to compare the carrier estimate with the contractor scope. Do not only compare the final totals. Compare the work line by line. If the contractor has detach and reset, code items, matching materials, interior work, cleanup, or overhead items that do not appear in the carrier estimate, the payment math may not match the real repair scope.

Keep every contractor estimate, invoice, material list, and photo tied to the damaged area. If work has already started, keep progress photos too. The carrier may ask for proof before releasing recoverable depreciation or reviewing missing items.

Be careful with out-of-pocket decisions. A deductible is normally the homeowner’s responsibility. Depreciation depends on the policy and the repair proof. Missing scope is a separate issue. Mixing those together can make it hard to tell whether the claim is short because of policy terms, because repair proof is still needed, or because the carrier left work out.

Covenant Claim Group LLC represents the homeowner. We review the policy, the carrier estimate, the contractor scope, and the damage documentation so every coverage that applies is addressed. If covered work is missing or underpaid, we document it and negotiate with the carrier for the homeowner.

Before permanent repair work starts, compare the carrier estimate with the contractor scope and mark any deductible, depreciation, or missing-line-item questions. Call 470-676-4008 or email info@covenantclaims.net to send the carrier estimate and contractor scope for review.

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