Insurance Claim For Hail Damage: Colorado Homeowner's Guide

If you live along Colorado’s Front Range, hail isn’t just a forecast—it’s a fact of life. One storm can leave your roof peppered with dents and bruised shingles, granules clogging the gutters, a cracked skylight, and new water spots on the ceiling. Then comes the real headache: tight filing deadlines, a wind/hail deductible that’s higher than you expected, door-knocking “contractors,” and an insurance process that feels stacked with jargon and pitfalls.

Here’s the good news: with a clear, Colorado‑specific plan, you can protect your home, file a strong claim, and avoid costly missteps. This guide walks you through what to do in the first 24–72 hours, how to capture proof insurers accept, what your policy really covers, how ACV vs. RCV and depreciation affect your payout, and how to prepare for the adjuster—plus when it pays to bring in a trusted local roofer.

You’ll learn safety and mitigation steps, documentation must‑haves, Colorado claim rules and roofing laws, deductible math, scheduling a reputable inspection, opening the claim, aligning scope and code upgrades, navigating payments and mortgage endorsements, choosing hail‑smart materials, closing out and recovering depreciation, what to do if you’re underpaid, the differences between home and auto claims, and a practical prevention checklist and glossary—so you can move from storm stress to confident action.

Step 1. Make safety your first move and mitigate further damage

After the hail stops, treat your home like an active job site. Stay clear of broken glass, loose shingles, and slick decks. Don’t climb on the roof. If you see interior leaks or wet ceilings, keep kids and pets away and shut off power to any affected light fixtures. Colorado policies expect you to prevent additional damage—failing to do so can impact your payout—so take smart, temporary steps right away.

Before any temporary fix, take quick photos if it’s safe (you’ll capture full proof in Step 2). Then focus on limiting water intrusion and stabilizing the area. Keep all receipts; insurers commonly reimburse reasonable emergency measures.

Secure openings: Arrange professional emergency tarping for roof penetrations; board up cracked skylights or broken windows.

Protect interiors: Move furniture, electronics, and rugs; set out buckets and towels to catch drips.

Kill power to wet zones: Switch off circuits serving wet ceilings or fixtures until dry and inspected.

Avoid risky ladders/roof walks: Leave roof, gutter, and high-access work to a licensed local contractor.

Don’t toss damaged materials: Save loose shingles, screens, or vents for the adjuster.

Hold off on permanent repairs: Temporary only, until scope and coverage are approved.

Log actions and costs: Note dates, who did what, and keep invoices for tarps, boards, and supplies.

Step 2. Capture proof: photos, video, hail size, and a damage log

With safety handled, lock down evidence before clean‑up. Strong documentation is the backbone of an insurance claim for hail damage, helping the adjuster connect damage to a specific storm. Shoot clear, well‑lit, date‑stamped photos and short videos from the ground—don’t climb the roof. Narrate what you’re seeing, keep your footage organized, and start a simple damage log so nothing gets missed later.

Walk the exterior: Photograph siding, fascia/soffits, gutters/downspouts (look for granules at outlets), window screens, trim, doors, garage door panels, A/C condenser fins, decks/rails, and fencing.

Show roof evidence safely: From the ground, zoom in on missing shingles, exposed mat, dents in vents/flashing, and hail spatter on soft metals. Leave close‑ups to a pro inspection.

Prove hail size: Place a coin or ruler next to hailstones or metal dents (mailbox, downspout, flashing) and take close, in‑focus shots.

Document interiors: Capture ceiling stains, wet drywall, buckled flooring, and affected contents; note which room and where water entered.

Save the weather trail: Screenshot local weather alerts/radar for the storm date and keep them with your photos.

Keep a damage log: Track date , location , item , description , temporary mitigation , and receipts for tarps/boards. This pairs your visuals with costs and actions.

Step 3. Review your homeowners policy for hail coverage details

Before opening an insurance claim for hail damage, read your declarations page and the sections on Perils Insured Against, Deductibles, and Loss Settlement. You’re confirming what hail covers, what you’ll owe out of pocket, and how the insurer calculates your payout so there are no surprises later.

What’s typically covered: Hail damage to the dwelling, roof, siding, windows, and attached structures; interior damage is usually covered if hail created an opening. Personal property may be covered when hail enters through that opening.

Wind/hail deductible: Many policies use a separate wind/hail deductible, sometimes a percentage (often 1–5%) of your home’s insured value. Know this number before you file.

ACV vs. RCV: Actual Cash Value pays after subtracting depreciation; Replacement Cost Value covers like‑kind repair or replacement, minus your deductible. Many RCV policies pay ACV first and release “recoverable depreciation” after repairs.

Cosmetic exclusions: Some policies limit payment for purely cosmetic dents to metal roofs or siding; functional damage is handled differently. Check the fine print.

Duties after loss: Most policies require prompt notice, reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and receipts for temporary repairs. Missing these can affect coverage.

Step 4. Know Colorado-specific hail claim rules and roofing laws

Colorado handles hail claims often, and a few state and local norms can make or break your timeline. Knowing how the Colorado Division of Insurance (DORA), carriers, and city building departments approach roof hail losses will help you avoid delays and keep your insurance claim for hail damage on track.

Prompt action and proof: DORA advises documenting damage, making temporary repairs, and keeping receipts. Insurers commonly reimburse reasonable emergency measures when you submit proof.

Back‑to‑back storms: If a second hailstorm hits before repairs are finished, carriers will assess the new damage and issue payment offset by any prior hail payment and deductible—so don’t expect duplicate payouts on the same items.

Separate storm dates: Different storm dates are typically handled as separate claims; expect the insurer to sort damage by event and apply deductibles accordingly.

Permits and inspections: Most Front Range cities require a reroof permit and final inspection. Your contractor should pull the permit, post it on site, and schedule city inspections.

Contractor roles: Your roofer can document damage and discuss construction scope with the adjuster, while coverage decisions stay between you and the insurer.

Supplements allowed: If hidden or code‑required items are discovered, your contractor can submit a detailed supplement for insurer review; DORA notes insurers can issue additional payments after the initial one when warranted.

Step 5. Understand deductibles, ACV vs RCV, and depreciation

These three levers determine what you pay out of pocket and when you’re reimbursed. Before you file an insurance claim for hail damage, know how your deductible applies, how your carrier calculates the first check (ACV), and how you recover the “holdback” after work is complete (RCV).

Wind/hail deductible: May be a flat amount or a percentage of Coverage A. A 2% deductible on a $400,000 home equals $8,000 out of pocket.

ACV (Actual Cash Value): RCV – depreciation = ACV . Insurers often issue the ACV first, less your deductible.

RCV (Replacement Cost Value): After repairs and invoices, carriers typically release recoverable depreciation up to RCV (you still owe the deductible).

Depreciation: Can be recoverable under RCV policies or non‑recoverable under ACV‑only or certain cosmetic limitations—check your policy.

Example:

Roof RCV: $18,000

Depreciation: $6,000

Deductible: $8,000

Initial payment: $18,000 – $6,000 – $8,000 = $4,000

After completion, you submit proof and recover: $6,000 (the depreciation holdback)

Step 6. Schedule a trusted local roof inspection (and avoid storm chasers)

Once you’ve documented damage, bring in a reputable local roofer for a no‑obligation inspection before you open an insurance claim for hail damage. A good contractor will provide a photo‑rich report, separate functional from cosmetic issues, note code items, and stabilize leaks. They’ll also be your second set of eyes at the adjuster meeting. During Colorado’s hail season, door‑knockers flood the Front Range—slow down, verify, and choose a contractor who works here year‑round.

Local, insured, and licensed: Physical Colorado address, CO plates, GL and workers’ comp.

Proven reputation: Solid recent reviews and real, local references.

No pressure tactics: No “sign now” pitches or deductible promises.

Clear documentation: Written scope with photos, line items, and code notes.

Insurance savvy: Knows ACV/RCV, depreciation, and supplement procedures.

Permits and presence: Pulls permits and attends the adjuster inspection.

Red flags: out‑of‑state storm chasers, requests for large upfront payments, P.O. box only, or pushing permanent repairs before carrier approval. Read any contingency agreement carefully before signing.

Step 7. Decide whether to file the claim based on costs and timing

With your inspection and photos in hand, compare a written repair estimate to your wind/hail deductible and your policy’s loss settlement terms. If repairs are near or under the deductible, paying out of pocket often makes sense. If damage is clearly functional (roof leaks, broken shingles/vents, compromised flashing) or the estimate is well above your deductible, open an insurance claim for hail damage promptly. Waiting can complicate cause-and-date of loss, and if a second storm hits, insurers assess new damage separately and may offset prior payments while applying another deductible.

Cost test: File when the estimate significantly exceeds your deductible; self-pay when close to or below it.

Timing test: Most policies require prompt notice; delays risk disputes and second-storm deductibles.

Coverage test: RCV usually returns recoverable depreciation; ACV/cosmetic limits can shrink payouts.

Claim history test: Frequent claims can influence renewal pricing—avoid small, marginal claims.

Cash-flow test: Be ready to cover your deductible and any depreciation holdback until completion.

Step 8. Open your claim and submit initial documentation

Once you’ve decided to file, contact your insurer right away via their website, app, or phone. Have your policy number ready and provide the storm date/time, address, and a brief description of roof and interior damage. Ask for your claim number and adjuster contact, confirm your wind/hail deductible, and note whether your policy pays ACV first with recoverable depreciation. Mention any temporary mitigation you’ve done and that you have receipts.

Submit upfront: Labeled photos/videos by elevation and room, close‑ups of functional damage.

Prove hail size: Shots of dents or hailstones with a coin/ruler near soft metals (vents, gutters).

Attach logs/receipts: Damage log plus invoices for tarping/board‑ups.

Include pro findings: Your contractor’s inspection report with annotated photos.

Add weather proof: Screenshots of local alerts/radar for the storm date.

Keep originals, upload cleanly labeled files, and avoid permanent repairs until the adjuster inspects and your scope is approved.

Step 9. Prepare for the adjuster inspection with your contractor

The adjuster meeting largely sets your payout, so treat it like game day. Have your trusted local roofer present to walk the roof with the adjuster, point out functional damage, and flag code‑required items. You can stay safely on the ground, but participate. Confirm the appointment, keep pets inside, and avoid cleanup that erases evidence. Bring your claim number, photo log, contractor report, mitigation receipts, and weather screenshots to tie damage to the storm and strengthen your insurance claim for hail damage.

Bring organized proof: Labeled photos/videos, contractor report, receipts, and your damage log.

Request a full property walk: All slopes/elevations, soft metals, skylights, vents, chimneys, gutters/downspouts, A/C condenser, fences, sheds, and detached garages.

Mark and measure: Your contractor can chalk test squares, outline shingle hits, and highlight dents in soft metals.

Ask scoping questions: Measurements, line items, waste/starter/underlayment, ice/water shield, drip edge, ventilation, permit/inspection fees, and depreciation handling.

Document the walkthrough: Photograph the adjuster’s chalk marks and note agreements.

If something’s missed: Politely request a re‑inspection or second opinion; supplements can address hidden items discovered later.

Step 10. Align the scope: code upgrades, matching, supplements, and O&P

Now is the time to make sure the insurer’s estimate actually restores your home to pre‑loss condition and meets current code. Work with your contractor to compare line‑by‑line scopes and close gaps before build day. Clear documentation now prevents delays, re‑inspections, and short pays later in your insurance claim for hail damage.

Code upgrades (Ordinance or Law): Identify permit fees and code‑required items (ventilation, drip edge, underlayment/ice barrier where required, flashing, skylight kits, chimney work). If your policy includes Ordinance or Law, carriers commonly pay for code‑required upgrades when documented.

Matching and discontinued materials: If repairs can’t reasonably match the existing slope/elevation (color, profile, discontinued shingle), request full‑slope/elevation replacement where your policy allows. Provide photos and supplier/manufacturer no‑match letters.

Supplements for hidden items: When decking repairs, additional underlayment, or code items surface, submit a supplement with photos, measurements, and code citations. Insurers may issue additional payments after the initial one when warranted.

General contractor O&P: If multiple trades or complex coordination are required (roof, gutters, paint, windows), request reasonable overhead and profit. Many carriers include O&P when the job warrants a GC.

Document precisely: Use a detailed, line‑item estimate with quantities, waste, tax, and permit fees. Get written agreement (or email confirmation) on scope changes before proceeding.

Step 11. Approvals, payments, and mortgage endorsements

Once you and your contractor align the scope, lock the details in writing. Ask your insurer to issue a revised estimate/statement that reflects code items, supplements, and any approved overhead and profit. Understanding how money moves—and when your mortgage company must endorse checks—keeps your insurance claim for hail damage on schedule.

Get approvals in writing: Request the updated carrier estimate showing all agreed line items and fees.

Know the first check: Insurers commonly pay ACV first, less your deductible; some can pay a contractor directly with your authorization.

Loop in your lender: If your mortgagee is on the check, contact its loss‑draft department early, submit the claim packet they require (claim estimate, contractor agreement, and their forms), and learn their draw/inspection process.

Recover depreciation/supplements: After final invoice, photos, and permit closure, carriers typically release recoverable depreciation; approved supplements are paid via additional checks.

Pay wisely: Avoid large upfront payments; release funds to your contractor as lender/insurer funds are cleared and the punch list and city final pass are complete.

Step 12. Choose hail-smart materials and upgrades for Colorado homes

With scope approved, lock in materials that earn their keep on the Front Range. Your goal is fewer future claims, tighter weatherproofing, and components that play nicely with local inspections. Ask your contractor to specify brands and model lines on the estimate so the insurer, city, and you are all aligned before build day.

Class 4 impact‑resistant shingles: Lab‑tested for hail; a popular Colorado upgrade that reduces future damage risk.

Synthetic underlayment + leak barriers: Durable base layers with self‑adhered membranes at eaves, valleys, and penetrations as required by local code.

All new flashing and boots: Replace step/apron/chimney flashing and vent boots; avoid reusing aged metals.

Hail‑tough vents: Metal roof vents or integrated ridge venting sized to meet code; balance intake and exhaust.

Skylight upgrades: Swap aged units and use manufacturer flashing kits for a watertight assembly.

Seamless gutters and larger downspouts: Properly pitched, with splash control for intense Colorado downpours.

Impact‑smart accessories: Steel drip edge, sturdy pipe flashings, and protected exposed fasteners.

Energy‑efficient windows (when replacing): Low‑E, ENERGY STAR units that cut UV and heat while tightening the envelope.

Step 13. Permitting, build day, and final inspection in the Denver metro and Northern Colorado

Roof work here typically requires a city or county reroof permit, and your contractor should handle it end‑to‑end. A clean build day plan protects your property, keeps neighbors happy, and prevents weather surprises from turning into leaks. Close the loop by getting the signed permit final—your insurer and mortgage company often need it to finish an insurance claim for hail damage.

Permitting/HOA: Contractor pulls and posts the permit, confirms HOA approvals, and plans dumpster/material staging.

Pre‑build walkthrough: Review scope, colors, ventilation, flashing, and a property protection plan (tarps, plywood, magnet sweeps).

Build day execution: Crews arrive early, tear‑off in sections, dry‑in quickly if storms pop up, keep vehicles/pets clear, and clean daily.

Quality and punch list: Walk the job, note any gutter/paint touch‑ups or supplements discovered during work.

Final inspection: Contractor schedules the city/county inspection; obtain the signed final and completion photos for your lender and insurer to release any holdback.

Step 14. Close out the claim and recover any depreciation

With the roof finished and the city/county final inspection signed, send a clean “closeout packet” so your carrier releases recoverable depreciation and any approved supplements, and your lender (if listed on the check) releases funds. Ask your adjuster to confirm receipt and target release dates for all remaining RCV payments tied to your insurance claim for hail damage.

Final contractor invoice: Mirrors carrier line items, quantities, and pricing.

Permit final: Signed city/county reroof inspection approval.

Completion photos: Each slope/elevation, code items, flashing, ventilation, and skylights.

Certificate of completion & warranties: Manufacturer and workmanship terms in writing.

Supplement backup: Photos, measurements, and code citations for any added items.

Lien waivers: Conditional then final/unconditional upon payment.

Mitigation receipts: Tarp/board‑up proofs for reimbursement.

Mortgage loss‑draft forms/W‑9: Anything your lender needs to endorse or release draws.

Follow up weekly until funds land. Insurers commonly issue additional payments after the initial one when warranted; keep all documents organized for any future weather events.

Step 15. What to do if the claim is denied or underpaid

It happens—even strong files get short‑paid or denied, often citing pre‑existing wear, cosmetic‑only damage, or policy exclusions. Don’t panic. Under Colorado’s heavy hail activity, persistence, clean documentation, and a methodical approach frequently turn outcomes around. Start by getting the decision in writing, then compare it against your policy terms and the evidence you’ve already gathered with your contractor.

Get a written explanation: Ask for the specific policy language and photo rationale.

Map decision to your policy: Confirm deductible, ACV/RCV, cosmetic limits, and Ordinance or Law.

Submit better evidence: Add annotated photos, contractor report, and storm/radar screenshots.

Request a re‑inspection: Have your local roofer present to walk all elevations and soft metals.

Escalate formally: File an appeal with a claims supervisor; keep a dated claim journal.

Bring in help: Consider a licensed public adjuster; if needed, file a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance or consult an attorney.

Don’t sign away rights: Avoid “final payment” releases until supplements and scope gaps are resolved.

Step 16. Home vs. auto hail claims: what’s different

Both claims start the same—document, mitigate, file promptly—but the coverage and payout rules diverge fast. For a home, hail is a covered peril under your homeowners policy if the loss meets your terms; for a vehicle, hail is covered only if you carry comprehensive coverage. Understanding these differences helps you set expectations and avoid surprises when you open an insurance claim for hail damage.

Coverage type: Home = homeowners (dwelling/other structures); Auto = comprehensive only.

Deductible: Home often has a separate wind/hail deductible (sometimes a percentage); Auto uses a flat comprehensive deductible.

Valuation: Home is often RCV with recoverable depreciation; Auto typically pays ACV up to the car’s cash value.

Repairs: Home involves roofing trades, permits, and inspections; Auto uses body shops and paintless dent repair (PDR) when possible.

Totals: Homes rarely “total”; vehicles can be totaled, paying ACV minus deductible.

Rates: Either claim can affect renewal pricing; carriers handle rate changes differently.

Lienholders: Home checks may require mortgage endorsement; Auto checks may include your auto lender as loss payee.

Step 17. FAQs from Colorado homeowners after a hailstorm

When the sky clears, questions flood in. These quick answers reflect how Colorado carriers and cities commonly handle roof hail losses, and what DORA guidance and industry norms suggest. Use them to move fast, avoid missteps, and strengthen your insurance claim for hail damage.

How soon should I file? Promptly. Policies require quick notice, and clean timelines help prove cause of loss.

Are emergency tarps reimbursed? Often, yes—with photos and receipts for reasonable temporary measures.

Will my premium go up? It may at renewal; insurers weigh claims history and area‑wide risk.

Do I have to use the insurer’s contractor? No. You can hire any licensed, insured local contractor.

ACV vs. RCV—when do I get depreciation back? Many policies pay ACV first, then release recoverable depreciation after repairs and documentation.

No interior leaks—should I still inspect? Yes. Functional hail damage can exist without active leaks.

Back‑to‑back storms—one claim or two? Separate events are typically separate claims; new payments may be offset by earlier hail payments and deductibles.

What if materials can’t be matched? Provide photos and supplier letters; some policies allow full slope/elevation replacement when a reasonable match isn’t possible.

Step 18. Prevention checklist before the next hail season

Once your claim is closed, shift to prevention. A few smart upgrades and habits dramatically reduce future damage—and make any insurance claim for hail damage easier to prove and process. Use this Colorado‑focused checklist each spring before the peak hail months arrive.

Schedule a roof tune‑up: Replace cracked shingles, reseal flashings, and vent boots.

Upgrade impact points: Consider Class 4 shingles, impact‑rated skylights, and metal roof vents.

Protect the A/C: Install hail guards on condensers; keep them clear for airflow.

Trim trees and clear gutters: Remove overhanging limbs; clean gutters/downspouts for heavy runoff.

Improve attic ventilation: Balance intake/exhaust to reduce heat stress on shingles.

Create a storm file: Baseline photos of roof/elevations, warranties, permits, contractor contacts—cloud‑saved.

Review your policy: Confirm wind/hail deductible, Ordinance or Law, and any cosmetic exclusions; ask about Class 4 discounts.

Stage quick‑response supplies: Tarps, plastic sheeting, 2x4s, roofing nails, flashlights, and a trusted local roofer on speed dial.

Step 19. Handy glossary and claim document checklist

Bookmark this mini‑glossary and checklist. When you speak the carrier’s language and keep a tight paper trail, your insurance claim for hail damage moves faster and pays cleaner—without needless re‑inspections, missing documents, or holdback delays. Use this section as your quick reference from first call to final check, and share it with your contractor so everyone is aligned.

Glossary (plain‑English definitions)

A quick primer so adjuster emails make sense and decisions come faster.

ACV (Actual Cash Value): RCV minus depreciation; often the first check.

RCV (Replacement Cost Value): Full repair/replacement cost, minus your deductible.

Wind/hail deductible: Flat amount or % of Coverage A, per storm.

Recoverable depreciation: “Holdback” the insurer releases after documented completion.

Ordinance or Law (Code): Coverage for code‑required upgrades when triggered.

Supplement: Request for added items with photos, measurements, and code cites.

Claim document checklist

Keep these organized and labeled to avoid delays and short pays.

Photos/videos: Labeled by elevation/room; hail size next to coin/ruler.

Damage log + receipts: Dates, locations, mitigation steps, and emergency repair invoices.

Contractor report: Photo‑rich inspection with annotations and scope notes.

Weather proof: Local alerts/radar screenshots for the storm date.

Carrier paperwork: Estimate, revisions, written scope approvals, and claim correspondence.

Closeout packet: Permit final, completion photos, warranties, lien waivers, final invoice, and any mortgage loss‑draft forms.

Wrap-up and next steps

You now have a Colorado‑ready plan: secure the scene, capture proof, confirm coverage, understand deductibles and ACV/RCV, line up a local roof inspection, open the insurance claim for hail damage with clean documentation, prepare for the adjuster, align the scope and code items, navigate payments and lender endorsements, choose hail‑smart materials, permit and build, then close out and recover depreciation. If a decision comes up short, you know how to appeal and strengthen your file—and how to harden your home before the next storm.

When you’re ready for expert help, request a free roof assessment from a trusted local, veteran‑owned team. Start here with Semper Fi Restoration: request a free roof assessment.