Colorado Hail Damage Insurance Claims

Short answer: Colorado homeowners policies generally cover sudden hail damage to roofs, siding, windows and other property, minus your deductible, which may be a percentage wind/hail deductible. Colorado law also protects homeowners hiring roofers for insurance-paid work, including a written contract requirement, a right to cancel within 72 hours after a claim denial, and a ban on contractors waiving your deductible.

What hail coverage typically includes

• Roof damage: bruised or cracked shingles, damaged vents and flashing
• Siding, gutters and windows
• Other structures, like fences and sheds
• Interior damage from water entering through hail-created openings
• Vehicles are covered under auto comprehensive, not homeowners

See hail damage roof insurance claims and wind and hail insurance.

Deductibles

Many Colorado homeowners policies have a separate wind/hail deductible, often a percentage of the dwelling limit rather than a flat dollar amount. A 1% or 2% deductible on a higher-value home can be several thousand dollars. Check your declarations page. See what is a wind or hail deductible.

Cosmetic damage and roof endorsements

Some policies limit or exclude cosmetic damage, such as dents in metal roofing that don't affect function. Others use roof payment schedules or actual cash value for older roofs. Read your endorsements before storm season.

Replacement cost holdbacks

With replacement cost coverage, insurers often pay the actual cash value first and hold back depreciation until repairs are complete and documented. Policies set a time limit for completing repairs and claiming the holdback. Know your deadline. See replacement cost vs. actual cash value.

Colorado roofing contractor protections

Colorado law (C.R.S. §6-22-101 and following) sets rules for roofing contractors working on residential property, including:

• Written contract before work, with scope, cost, and cancellation and deposit refund terms
• Right to cancel: if the work will be paid by insurance, you can cancel within 72 hours after receiving written notice that your claim was denied, and the contractor must return payments, except for work already performed, within a set time
• No deductible waivers or rebates: contractors can't offer to waive, pay or rebate your deductible
• Payments held in trust until materials are delivered or work is substantially underway, as the statute describes

Colorado's Division of Insurance provides consumer help with claims, and the Attorney General handles consumer fraud complaints.

Claim deadlines

Policies often require prompt notice of loss and may set a deadline for reporting hail damage, sometimes measured in months after the storm. Don't wait until spring if a summer storm hit. Hidden damage may not show up for a while, so get an inspection.

After a hailstorm

1. Check for safety hazards and cover openings to prevent water damage.
2. Photograph damage, with date stamps if possible, and note the storm date.
3. Get an inspection by a reputable, insured roofer.
4. Report the claim promptly.
5. Meet the adjuster and bring your roofer if helpful.
6. Review the estimate carefully and ask about code upgrades. See what is ordinance or law coverage.
7. Complete repairs within the policy's holdback deadline and submit invoices.

Avoid storm chasers

After big storms, out-of-area contractors may go door to door. Check references, insurance and local presence, read contracts carefully, and never sign over more rights than necessary.

Impact-resistant roofing

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles may qualify for discounts with some insurers. Ask before replacing your roof.

Common scenarios

A June hailstorm damages your roof in Aurora. A homeowners claim, subject to your wind/hail deductible.

Your claim is denied after you signed a roofer's contract. Colorado law lets you cancel within 72 hours after written denial.

A roofer offers to "cover your deductible." That's prohibited in Colorado.

Hail dents your car in the driveway. File under auto comprehensive.

Key terms

• Wind/hail deductible: a separate deductible, often a percentage, for wind and hail losses.
• Holdback: the depreciation an insurer pays after repairs are complete.
• Cosmetic damage exclusion: an endorsement that limits coverage for appearance-only damage.
• Class 4 shingles: impact-resistant roofing products.

Bottom line

Hail is a fact of life on Colorado's Front Range. Know your wind/hail deductible and roof endorsements before storm season, document damage quickly, hire a reputable roofer under a written contract, and keep track of your holdback deadline so you collect everything your policy promises.

Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Colorado.

Frequently asked questions

Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.