It’s hail season on the Front Range, which means somewhere in Colorado a roof is getting wrecked right now. Hail is the single biggest reason homeowners insurance keeps climbing here — the Colorado Division of Insurance found it drives anywhere from a quarter to more than half of a typical premium, and we rank second in the nation for hail claims. So if a storm just rolled through and your roof, siding, or car took a beating, here’s exactly what to do, step by step. We make insurance not suck — and that starts with making a claim feel less like a maze.
Step 1: Make sure everyone’s safe, then assess
Once the storm passes, check for hazards first — downed lines, broken glass, water coming inside. Then do a ground-level walkaround. Look for dented gutters and downspouts, dinged window screens and AC fins, cracked siding, and shingle granules collecting at the bottom of downspouts. Don’t climb on the roof yourself; that’s what inspections are for. If your car was caught in it, photograph the dents and any cracked glass too.
Step 2: Document everything before you touch a thing
Good documentation is what gets claims paid smoothly. Before any cleanup or temporary repairs:
- Take clear photos and video of all damage — wide shots and close-ups.
- Note the date and time of the storm. (Local news and the National Weather Service confirm hail events, which helps.)
- Save receipts for anything you buy to prevent further damage — tarps, plywood, etc.
- Make a quick list of damaged items, especially for interior water damage.
You’re allowed to make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent more damage (like tarping a leak) — just document the before, and keep receipts.
Step 3: Call your agent and file the claim
This is where having a real agent matters. Call us at (303) 420-6000 before you call anyone else — we’ll help you decide whether the damage is even worth filing against your deductible, and we’ll walk the claim through with you instead of leaving you on hold with a 1-800 number. When you file, you’ll provide your policy number, the date of loss, and a description of the damage.
One important Colorado note: many homeowners policies carry a separate wind/hail deductible — often a percentage of your home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. Know that number before you file, because it changes the math.
Step 4: Meet the adjuster
Your insurer sends an adjuster to inspect the damage and write an estimate. Be there if you can. It’s smart to have a reputable, local roofing contractor present too, so the two can compare notes on the spot. Share your photos and your list. If the adjuster’s estimate misses things, that’s normal — it can be supplemented later with contractor documentation.
Step 5: Get estimates — and watch out for storm chasers
After a big Colorado hail event, out-of-state “storm chaser” roofers flood the neighborhood knocking on doors. Be careful. Use a licensed, insured, local contractor with a real Colorado address and references. Never pay in full up front, never sign anything that lets a contractor “handle your claim” for you, and be wary of anyone offering to “eat” your deductible — that’s insurance fraud and it can void your claim.
Step 6: Understand how you’ll get paid
This is the part that confuses people most. If your roof is covered at replacement cost value (RCV), the payout usually comes in two parts:
- First check (actual cash value): the depreciated value of the damage, minus your deductible, paid up front.
- Second check (recoverable depreciation): the rest, released after the work is done and you submit the final invoice.
If your roof is only covered at actual cash value (ACV), you don’t get that second check — which is why we harp on roof coverage type. A few words in your policy can mean thousands of dollars after a hail claim.
Step 7: Complete repairs and recover your depreciation
Get the work done by your chosen contractor, then submit the final paperwork to your insurer to release the recoverable depreciation. Keep copies of everything. If anything stalls or a payment seems short, call us — part of our job is making sure you actually get what your policy owes you.
How long does a Colorado hail claim take?
A straightforward claim often moves from filing to first payment in a few weeks, but after a major storm — when thousands of claims hit at once — adjuster scheduling and contractor availability can stretch the full process to a couple of months. Filing quickly puts you closer to the front of the line.
Common hail claim mistakes to avoid
- Waiting too long to file — most policies have time limits, and damage gets harder to attribute to a specific storm.
- Cleaning up or repairing before documenting.
- Signing a contractor’s “assignment of benefits” without understanding it.
- Not knowing your wind/hail deductible until you’re mid-claim.
- Assuming your car is covered — hail damage to vehicles only pays out if you carry comprehensive coverage.
Hail Damage Claim FAQ
Will filing a hail claim raise my rates?
Hail is considered a non-fault catastrophe loss, so a single hail claim typically affects your rate far less than an at-fault claim would. That said, frequent claims can matter. We’ll help you weigh whether the damage is worth filing against your deductible before you do.
Should I get a roof inspection even if I don’t see damage?
After a significant hail event, yes. Hail damage isn’t always visible from the ground, and catching it within your policy’s filing window protects you. Use a local, licensed contractor — not a door-knocker.
Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage to my car?
No — your home policy covers your house. Hail damage to a vehicle is covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto policy. If you don’t carry comprehensive, the dents are on you.
Can I lower my chances of a big hail claim?
An impact-resistant (Class 4) roof holds up far better to hail and can earn you a premium discount. Colorado’s new SB-155 program is also funding grants to help homeowners install hail-resistant roofs. Ask us how to qualify.
Hail damage? Call your local Colorado agent first.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Before you call your carrier or sign with a roofer, contact Agency of the Rockies or call (303) 420-6000. We’ll help you file smart, avoid the traps, and get what your policy owes you. For more on getting your coverage right before the next storm, see our guides for Denver and Englewood homeowners, or learn what makes a great Colorado insurance agent.
Sources
- Colorado Public Radio — Colorado Division of Insurance analysis on hail as the leading driver of homeowners premiums (February 2026).
- Office of Gov. Jared Polis — Roadmap to Reduce Homeowners Insurance Premiums; Colorado ranks second nationally for hail claims (April 2026).
- The Colorado Sun — Colorado’s hail-resistant roof grant legislation (SB-155) and rising premiums (April 2026).
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