There are two reasons that the insurance companies withhold some money back. The first reason is to make sure that you have the work completed. The second reason is that they wish to make sure that you pay your full deductible.
Most insurance policies cover the full roof replacement value. The first check the insurance company gives you is the Actual Value (AV); what the roof is worth today with it's useful remaining life. The money that was withheld is called the depreciation, or technically, the Replacement Value (RV) and will be paid to you when the work is completed or most times upon the submission of a signed contract with a licensed contractor for the work specified in the insurance adjuster's summary report.y report.