Every term an insurance adjuster or estimator will throw at you on a NM roof claim — decoded in plain English, with what each one means for your check.
Plain English: The depreciated value of your roof today — what a used roof of its age is 'worth.'
Why it matters: Your carrier pays ACV up front. You get the rest (recoverable depreciation) only after the roof is actually replaced and invoices are submitted.
Plain English: What it costs to replace your roof with a like-kind new one, at today's prices.
Why it matters: This is what you're entitled to on an RCV policy — but only if you complete the work and submit final paperwork within the carrier's window (usually 6–24 months).
Plain English: The difference between ACV and RCV — the 'held-back' money the carrier releases after the job is done.
Why it matters: Storm-chasers who take your ACV check and leave will cost you the recoverable depreciation. That's often $5,000–$12,000 lost.
Plain English: What you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest.
Why it matters: In NM, wind/hail deductibles are often a % of dwelling coverage (1–2%), not a flat $1,000. On a $400k home that's $4,000–$8,000. A contractor who offers to 'waive your deductible' is committing insurance fraud — walk away.
Plain English: An additional claim item the carrier missed on the first estimate — like code upgrades, decking, or extra flashing.
Why it matters: A well-documented independent inspection report gives you (or your contractor) the photos and code citations needed to submit supplements. Most first-round adjuster estimates are 20–40% low.
Plain English: The pricing software carriers use to estimate roofing costs. Line items are keyed to zip code.
Why it matters: If you see 'RFG 240' or 'RFG SHR' on your estimate, that's Xactimate speak for shingles. My bid-review reports translate the line codes so you (or your Public Adjuster) can compare apples to apples.
Plain English: State law requiring the carrier to pay for full-slope or full-roof replacement when damaged shingles can't be matched.
Why it matters: NM does NOT have a strict matching statute — carriers may argue for partial repair. A well-documented supplement changes that outcome in most cases.
Plain English: Extra coverage that pays for bringing your roof up to current code (ice-and-water shield, drip edge, ventilation).
Why it matters: Almost every NM policy has this at 10% of dwelling coverage. Adjusters often forget to apply it — always ask.
Plain English: The highest hail-rating for shingles (UL 2218 Class 4).
Why it matters: Most NM carriers give a 15–30% discount on your wind/hail premium when you install Class 4. Ask for the certificate.
Plain English: A policy clause that lets the carrier deny hail claims if damage is 'only cosmetic' — no leaks.
Why it matters: Common on metal roofs, increasingly common on shingles. Check page 3 of your declarations. If you see it, we photograph functional damage (granule loss, mat exposure) hard.
Plain English: The formula the carrier uses to age your roof year by year.
Why it matters: A 15-year-old asphalt roof may be depreciated 60–75%. That's fine on an RCV policy (you still recover it). On an ACV policy, you get 25–40% of replacement cost — often less than your deductible.
Plain English: A licensed advocate who negotiates your claim for a % (usually 10–15%) of the payout.
Why it matters: Rarely needed for straightforward NM hail claims — an independent inspection report plus a competent contractor's supplement usually gets it done. Consider a PA on total-loss or previously-denied claims.
Plain English: A form assigning your insurance rights to the contractor.
Why it matters: Never sign one. Legitimate NM contractors don't need it, and we never accept one. Storm-chasers use AOBs to control your claim and pocket the difference.
Plain English: Personal property damaged inside the home from the same event (interior water, drywall, insulation).
Why it matters: File these alongside the roof claim, not later. Adjusters treat separate claims as separate deductibles.
Plain English: A carrier letter saying they're investigating but may deny coverage later.
Why it matters: Not automatic denial — but a signal to document everything and consider an independent inspection.
Plain English: The deadline to file a hail claim in NM: typically 12 months from the date of loss.
Why it matters: Don't wait. If you know the storm date, file the claim number now — you can decide on the roof work later.
We inspect the roof, document damage to carrier standards, and review any contractor estimate against actual NM Xactimate pricing. Flat fee, no AOB.
Book the free on-site inspection, or send a photo and we'll tell you what to do next. No sales pitch — we don't install roofs.