The holdback
It feels like a penalty. Structurally, it's the policy working as written — replacement-cost coverage pays the depreciation only after you've actually replaced the thing. But 'as written' has edges: the amount, the deductions inside it, and the deadline are all arguable, and one of the three is set by your state's law, not theirs.
The holdback exists to make the second payment buy repairs rather than anything else: the insurer pays the depreciated value up front, and the balance when the work is done and documented. That design is in the standard policy form and every carrier's version of it. Knowing that doesn't shorten your wait — but it tells you the fight is never "release it because I asked." The release is triggered by events: completion, proof, timeliness. Control the events and you control the release.
The short version, in order: protect the clock with written notice of intent; finish the work; send the proof packet (final invoice, receipts, completion photos) with a written demand naming the amount; measure every date against your state's floor, not just the policy's. The long version is the step-by-step page — and the checker computes your figures from the estimate you already have.
Run your own numbers. The free checker takes your state, your dates, and the figures on the insurer's estimate — and returns the dollars still held back, your real deadline, and the next document to send. Run the checker →
The pages above are the map. The kit is the paperwork: the proof packet that releases the money, the letters that protect the clocks, and the complaint pack for when the stall continues.
One payment, yours to keep. We never ask you to upload your policy — you file everything yourself. See everything inside the kit →