How is an older roof paid on a Tennessee claim?
Roof age, roof material and your policy's loss settlement terms decide whether a storm claim pays for a new roof or a fraction of one.
Last reviewed against official sources. General information, not insurance or legal advice.
With replacement cost coverage, the insurer pays to replace damaged roofing minus the deductible, typically holding back depreciation until the work is finished. With actual cash value, depreciation is subtracted and not repaid. Some policies pay roofs on an age schedule or exclude cosmetic dents on metal. Your declarations page and endorsements show which applies.
Example
| $20,000 roof, 55% depreciated, 1% deductible on $300,000 | Replacement cost | Actual cash value |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Depreciation | $11,000, paid after work is done | $11,000, not paid |
| Total from insurer | $17,000 | $6,000 |
Illustration only. Policies apply deductibles and depreciation differently.
Metal roofs
Metal roofs last much longer than asphalt shingles, so ask what life expectancy the adjuster used. Many policies now include a cosmetic damage exclusion for metal, which can exclude dents that don't let water in. If your roofer believes hail cracked the paint, bent seams or damaged fasteners, ask for that in writing with photos.
Matching in Tennessee
Tennessee's claim settlement rules (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-01-05-.10(1)(b)) say that when a loss requires replacing items and the replacements do not match in quality, color or size, the insurer shall replace items so as to conform to a reasonably uniform appearance, according to the applicable policy provisions. The department has said this applies to replacement, not repair. Ask the adjuster how it applies to your roof and siding, and get the answer in writing.
Proving your roof's age
Send the permit record from Knox County, the City of Knoxville or your county codes office, the roofer's invoice, a home inspection report or dated photos. A roof younger than the adjuster guessed should have less depreciation.
Recovering held-back depreciation
Finish the work and send the final invoice within the time your policy allows, and keep the one-year suit clause in view if there's any dispute. Ask for deadlines in writing.
Know your policy now
Check your declarations for "roof surface payment schedule," an ACV roof endorsement or a cosmetic exclusion. Ask your agent to explain in writing how a roof claim would be paid this year, and whether ordinance or law coverage would pay for code-required work.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my metal roof claim being called cosmetic?
Your policy may have a cosmetic exclusion for metal roofing. It usually excludes dents that don't affect water-shedding or service life. Ask for the exact wording.
Does Tennessee require matching?
Tennessee's rules say that when replaced items don't match, the insurer must replace items to give a reasonably uniform appearance, under the policy's terms. The department has said this applies to replacement, not repair.
How do I get the depreciation back?
Finish the work and send the final invoice before your policy's deadline.
Policies vary. Check your own policy and ask your insurer or agent about anything that affects your claim. Laws and rules can change; this page reflects official sources as of October 29, 2026. KnoxvilleRoof.com is not a contractor, insurer, adjuster or law firm.
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