Roof Damage, Insurance to claim or Not to claim

[Naveen Desai]

Hello, 

     Back in August we had some roof damage to one of our rental in Dallas region. We got an estimate from a roof repair company and the estimate came to 12K.

We got the insurance involved and while they agreed on the damage they deducted the amount based on life of roof and then gave an estimate of approx 8k.

Then I am now at the point where I have to sign Proof of Loss statement to get cash claim and they further subtract the deductible of 3K, and effectively giving a cash $ amount of 4K+. 

While taking cash is always good, do I loose on anything if I claim from insurance?  Is the insurance company practice of deducting the amount due to life of roof initially and then the deductible proper practice? 

Any advise if I should claim and cash out and put 8k to get it repaired or any other options? 

Thanks. 

Naveen.