A hailstorm just hit your neighborhood. You know there is damage. Now you need to navigate the claims process — and how you handle the next few days can significantly affect your final payout.
Here is the complete step-by-step guide to filing a hail claim in Colorado.
Before You Call Your Insurance Company
1. Wait for the storm to pass completely
Do not go on your roof during or immediately after a storm. Wait until conditions are safe.
2. Do a ground-level inspection first
Walk around your property and look for:
- Dents in gutters and downspouts (round, uniform dents indicate hail)
- Damage to window screens (hail punches clean holes)
- Dents in AC condenser fins
- Damage to vehicles (if they were outside)
- Broken skylights or windows
- Granules washed off the roof into gutters or downspouts
3. Document everything with photos and video
Before touching anything, photograph and video every piece of damage you can see. Include:
- Wide shots showing the overall property
- Close-ups of individual damage points
- The AC condenser (soft metal, shows hail size clearly)
- Gutters from multiple angles
- Any cracked or broken materials
This documentation is your evidence. Once repairs begin, it becomes much harder to prove the original extent of damage.
4. Note the storm date
Your carrier will verify the storm date against weather data. Know the exact date of the storm you're claiming. If multiple storms have occurred recently, document which damage you believe corresponds to which event.
Contacting Your Insurance Company
5. Call your carrier's claims line
Most carriers have 24/7 claims lines. You can also file online or through their app. Have ready:
- Your policy number
- The date of loss
- A brief description of the damage
- Your contact information and preferred callback time
File promptly. Most policies require "timely notice" of a loss. Waiting weeks or months can complicate your claim.
6. Get a claim number
Write down your claim number and the name of the representative you spoke with. All future communications should reference this number.
Before the Adjuster Arrives
7. Get an independent contractor estimate
Before the adjuster inspection, get at least one estimate from a reputable local roofing contractor. This gives you:
- An independent benchmark for the scope of damage
- Documentation of damage the adjuster might miss
- A basis for disputing a low settlement
Choose a contractor who is licensed in Colorado, experienced with insurance claims, and will provide a detailed line-item estimate. Avoid out-of-state storm chasers.
8. Make temporary repairs if necessary
If your roof has active leaks or broken windows, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep all receipts — these costs are typically reimbursable. Document the damage thoroughly before making any temporary repairs.
The Adjuster Inspection
9. Be present during the inspection
You have every right to be present when the adjuster inspects your property. Walk the roof with them if possible. Point out damage your contractor identified. Ask questions about anything they note or skip.
10. Provide your contractor's estimate
Share your independent contractor estimate with the adjuster. This is not adversarial — it helps ensure nothing is missed.
11. Take notes
Write down what the adjuster says, what they inspect, and what they note as damaged or undamaged. This record is valuable if you need to dispute the settlement later.
Reviewing the Settlement
12. Review the claim estimate carefully
Your carrier will send a written estimate. Before accepting it, verify:
- All damaged areas are included
- The scope of work is complete (underlayment, flashing, drip edge, not just shingles)
- Material quality is appropriate for your home
- Matching requirements are addressed
- The deductible applied is correct
13. Understand your payment structure
If you have RCV coverage, you will typically receive two payments:
- Initial payment: ACV (depreciated value) minus deductible
- Recoverable depreciation: Released after repairs are completed
If you have ACV coverage, you receive only the depreciated amount.
14. Dispute if necessary
If the settlement seems low or incomplete, you can:
- Request a re-inspection
- Submit your contractor's estimate and ask for reconciliation
- Invoke the appraisal process (if your policy includes one)
- File a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance
Completing Repairs and Closing the Claim
15. Choose your contractor carefully
Get multiple bids. Check licenses and references. Avoid contractors who ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) — this transfers your claim rights to them and can complicate your settlement.
16. Submit final documentation for recoverable depreciation
Once repairs are complete, submit your final invoice to your carrier to release the held depreciation. Keep all receipts. Most policies give you 12–24 months to complete repairs and collect the full RCV amount.
The Bottom Line
A hail claim handled correctly from the start leads to a fair settlement and a repaired home. The key is documentation, preparation, and knowing your rights at every step.
If you have questions about your current coverage or want to make sure your policy is ready for Colorado's hail season, talk to a RightQuote advisor or review your homeowners options.
Part of the Colorado Hail Insurance Guide.