Guide
Hail damage roof claim in Colorado: the process, not the promises
Updated
Hail replaces most Colorado roofs. Here is the sequence, the questions to ask, and where the process quietly costs you. Not policy advice: only your policy says what it covers.
Start with the deductible, not the roofer
The Colorado Division of Insurance tells consumers plainly that many policies have wind and hail deductibles that are a percentage of your coverage. It gives 1 percent, 2 percent and 5 percent as examples. If the damage estimate is below your deductible, the insurer will not issue a payment (DOI consumer advisory).
A percentage deductible is calculated on the home's insured value, not the size of the damage. Read your declarations page before you read a single bid.
The order of operations
- Contact your insurer or agent to start the claim. The DOI's standing advice is to do this as soon as you can.
- Document and mitigate. Photograph the damage when it is safe, and tarp what is open. Failing to mitigate can cost you later.
- The adjuster inspects and produces a scope. Ask for an itemized explanation of the settlement offer.
- Get your own estimates. The DOI suggests obtaining several contractor quotes if you have questions about the value of the claim.
- Supplements happen. The first estimate is often not the final one; additional damage found once work starts must go back to the insurer for review before the extra work proceeds.
- If it is denied, get the denial and the specific policy language in writing. That written denial also starts your 72-hour right to rescind a roofing contract (see Colorado roofing contract law).
Storm chasers, and the two things they are not allowed to do
After a hail event, roofing contractors start door-to-door and telephone solicitation. The Division of Insurance's advice is to be careful with anyone who contacts you that way, check references, work with Colorado-based contractors where possible and get everything in writing. Colorado statute adds two hard lines that make the screening easy:
- A roofing contractor may not advertise or promise to pay, waive or rebate any part of your deductible. If they violate this, the insurer is not obligated to consider their estimate at all (C.R.S. 6-22-105(1) and (2)).
- A roofing contractor soliciting work may not claim to be or act as a public insurance adjuster. They may discuss the scope of repairs with your insurer once they hold a valid contract with you, but that is the limit (C.R.S. 6-22-105(3)).
Public adjusters are a separate decision
Public adjusters are licensed by the Division of Insurance, work for the consumer, and commonly charge a percentage of the claim agreed in their contract. The DOI is explicit that you are not required to hire one.
We do not recommend any adjuster, insurer or contractor, and nothing here is insurance advice. If you use one, check the license and read the contract.
Whatever you are told at the door, the only document that decides what is covered is your own policy. Read the declarations page for the wind and hail deductible and the settlement basis, and ask your insurer to explain anything you do not follow.