Colorado is #2 in the nation for hail claims — and 55–70% of homeowners insurance costs here are hail-related. Know exactly what to do before you call anyone.
The actions you take immediately after a storm can significantly impact your insurance claim. Here's your timeline.
Walk your property from the ground only. Look for missing shingles, damaged gutters, broken windows, or debris. Don't go on the roof — wet surfaces and structural damage can be life-threatening.
Take dated photos and video of ALL exterior damage: roofline, gutters, siding, windows, fences, decks, AC units. Hail dents on soft metal (gutters, AC fins, flashing) are your strongest evidence — they can't be disputed.
If you have active leaks, apply emergency tarps or board up windows. Keep all receipts — these costs are typically reimbursable. Do not start any permanent repairs before your adjuster inspects. This is the #1 reason Colorado homeowners lose part of their claim.
Call your insurer or file online. Have your policy number, storm date, and photos ready. Ask for a storm damage claim specifically — not a general claim. Write down every rep's name, number, and what was said. Follow up by email for a paper trail.
Schedule a free inspection with a reputable local contractor before your insurance adjuster arrives. An experienced roofer will find all damage — including subtle signs adjusters miss — and can be present during the adjuster's visit to advocate for a complete assessment.
Inspect from the ground only. Check off each item as you go — then bring this list to your adjuster meeting.
📋 Pro tip: Screenshot your completed checklist and bring it to your adjuster meeting. Adjusters are more thorough when homeowners arrive prepared.
Click each step to see exactly what to do — and what to avoid.
Before calling your insurer, find these key items in your policy:
Have ready: policy number, storm date and time, description of visible damage, and your photo documentation. Ask for a storm damage claim specifically. Confirm in writing: claim number, adjuster name and contact, and expected inspection timeline.
The adjuster works for your insurer — not you. Have your roofer present during the inspection (it's your right). Organize photos by area, point out soft-metal damage, and ask the adjuster to confirm what they're documenting before they leave.
You'll receive an initial ACV check — this is not your final settlement. Review it line by line against a contractor estimate. Missing items are common. Significant discrepancies can be supplemented — this is called a "supplemental claim" and good contractors handle this for you.
Choose a licensed, local Colorado contractor. Avoid out-of-state storm chasers. Green flags: Colorado license, local office, verifiable reviews, written contract, labor + materials warranty. Red flag: Anyone who offers to "cover your deductible" — that's illegal in Colorado (Senate Bill 38).
Colorado law gives you strong protections in the claims process. Most homeowners don't know these exist.
Colorado's Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act requires your insurer to acknowledge your claim within 10 business days, begin investigation within 10 days of proof of loss, and pay or deny within 45 days. Missing these deadlines may constitute bad faith.
Your insurer cannot force you to use their preferred network. You have the right to choose any licensed Colorado contractor. Your contractor also has the right to be present during the adjuster inspection — use this.
If you disagree with the damage assessment or payout, you can invoke the appraisal process. Each party selects an independent appraiser; an umpire resolves disputes. This typically results in fairer outcomes than accepting the insurer's initial offer.
It is illegal in Colorado for a contractor to waive or absorb your insurance deductible. If a roofer offers to "cover your deductible," they're violating Senate Bill 38 — and it puts you at risk of insurance fraud liability. Always pay your deductible directly.
If additional damage is discovered during repair (e.g., damaged decking under shingles), you can file a supplemental claim. A good contractor photographs this damage and submits it to your insurer directly on your behalf.
You're entitled to a complete copy of your claim file — adjuster notes, internal communications, and payout calculations. Request this in writing, especially if you're disputing a settlement or considering a public adjuster.
Get a ballpark estimate for your roof replacement — and calculate your likely hail deductible — before you call anyone.
📍 Based on approximately — roofing squares (1 square = 100 sq ft). Prices reflect Denver-area installed rates including labor and materials. Final cost depends on tear-off layers, decking condition, number of penetrations, and current material pricing. Get a free on-site estimate for your exact number.
Most Colorado policies now use a percentage-based hail deductible — not a flat amount. Enter your home's insured value to see what you'd owe before insurance pays out.
Want a precise estimate? RRC provides free on-site inspections with a written estimate — no obligation.
Answer 5 quick questions and get a personalized recommendation based on your specific situation.
"RRC was at my house within 24 hours of the storm. They met my adjuster and made sure every bit of damage was documented. My claim came in $8,000 higher than the initial offer."
"I called three roofers — RRC was the only one who could explain the insurance process from start to finish. They handled everything. New roof in 2 days, done perfectly."
"Our 8,000 sq ft home needed a full replacement after the May storm. RRC was professional, fast, and the quality is exceptional. They've been in Denver since 2013 — it shows."
Free on-site inspection · We meet your adjuster · No obligation, ever
No spam. We'll call you — not robo-dial you.
Licensed & insured in Colorado · Serving Denver since 2013
We'll call you within 60 minutes during business hours to schedule your free on-site inspection. Keep documenting any damage you notice in the meantime.
Visit rrc-co.com →Prefer to reach us directly?