Denver is one of the most hail-prone cities in the United States. When a storm hits, the first 24 to 48 hours are critical. Here is a step-by-step guide to documenting damage, filing your claim, and protecting yourself from contractor fraud.
Denver sits in the heart of Hail Alley, the stretch of the Great Plains from Texas to South Dakota that sees more large hail than anywhere else in the world. The Denver metro area averages 7 to 10 significant hail events per year, and a single storm can generate $1 billion or more in insured losses across the region. In 2023, a single hail event in the Denver metro caused an estimated $2.8 billion in damage, making it one of the costliest weather events in Colorado history.
Despite this, many Denver homeowners are unprepared when a storm hits. They do not know what to document, when to call their insurance company, or how to tell a legitimate contractor from a storm chaser. This guide walks you through every step, from the moment the storm ends to the day your claim check arrives.
Before you do anything else, make sure your property is safe to enter and inspect. Hail storms in Colorado are often accompanied by lightning, high winds, and flash flooding. Wait until the storm has fully passed before going outside.
Once it is safe, do a quick walk-around to check for any immediate hazards: downed power lines, broken windows that could allow water intrusion, or structural damage that makes the building unsafe. If you see a downed power line, stay at least 30 feet away and call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999. Do not attempt to inspect your roof yourself immediately after a storm, especially if it is wet or if there is any structural concern.
Safety first. Do not get on your roof immediately after a storm. Wait for it to dry and, when possible, have a licensed roofing contractor inspect it instead.
Documentation is the foundation of a successful hail damage claim. The more evidence you gather before any cleanup or repairs, the stronger your claim will be.
Start with your phone camera and photograph everything: the exterior of your home from all four sides, close-up shots of hail dents on gutters and downspouts (these are easy to photograph and clearly show hail size), any broken windows or skylights, damage to your vehicle if it was outside, and hail accumulation on the ground with a ruler or coin for scale. If you have a drone or can safely access a second-floor window, get overhead shots of your roof. Note the date and time on your photos, or verify that your phone is automatically timestamping them.
Also document the hail itself: photograph hailstones next to a ruler, a coin, or a common object (golf ball = 1.75 inches, tennis ball = 2.5 inches). Hail size is a key factor in how your claim is assessed.
Photograph all four sides of your home exterior.
Close-up shots of hail dents on gutters, downspouts, AC unit, and window frames.
Photograph any broken windows, skylights, or siding damage.
Photograph hailstones next to a ruler or coin for size reference.
Photograph your vehicle if it was outside during the storm.
Note the exact date and time of the storm.
Check the National Weather Service storm reports for your zip code to confirm the event is on record.
After a major hail event in Denver, storm-chasing contractors flood the area within hours. They knock on doors, offer free inspections, and pressure homeowners to sign Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreements before the homeowner has even spoken to their insurance company. Do not sign anything before calling your agent.
Your first call should be to your insurance agent. At Amador Insurance, we can be reached at (303) 535-1611. We will walk you through exactly what your policy covers, what your deductible is, and what the claims process looks like before you make any decisions. We can also help you file your claim directly with Allstate, which typically results in faster processing than filing online without agent guidance.
Filing promptly matters. Most Colorado homeowners insurance policies require you to report damage within a reasonable time after a storm. Waiting weeks or months can complicate your claim, even if the damage is clearly storm-related.
Call your insurance agent before signing anything with a contractor. Assignment of Benefits agreements can complicate your claim and limit your options.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies in Colorado cover hail damage to your roof, siding, gutters, windows, and other exterior structures under the dwelling coverage (Coverage A). However, the specifics matter significantly.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) vs. Actual Cash Value (ACV): An RCV policy pays to replace your damaged roof with a new one of like kind and quality. An ACV policy pays the depreciated value of your roof, which can be significantly less for an older roof. A 15-year-old roof with an ACV policy might receive a payout of 40 to 60 cents on the dollar compared to replacement cost. If you are not sure which type of policy you have, call your agent before your adjuster visit.
Hail deductibles: Many Colorado homeowners policies have a separate, higher deductible specifically for hail and wind damage. This is often expressed as a percentage of your dwelling coverage (for example, 1% or 2% of your Coverage A limit) rather than a flat dollar amount. On a home insured for $400,000, a 1% hail deductible means you pay the first $4,000 out of pocket. Know your deductible before the adjuster arrives.
| Coverage Type | What It Pays | Typical Deductible | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement Cost Value (RCV) | Full replacement cost of damaged roof/siding | Flat $1,000–$2,500 or 1% of dwelling | Most homeowners; newer roofs |
| Actual Cash Value (ACV) | Depreciated value of damaged items | Flat $1,000–$2,500 | Lower premium; older homes |
| Extended Replacement Cost | 110–125% of Coverage A limit | Same as RCV | Areas with high rebuild costs |
| Hail/Wind Deductible | N/A — this is your out-of-pocket amount | 1–2% of Coverage A (e.g., $4,000 on $400K home) | Check your declarations page |
After you file your claim, Allstate will assign an adjuster to inspect your property. In Denver after a major hail event, adjusters can be booked out one to three weeks. You can request to have a licensed roofing contractor present during the adjuster visit to advocate for a thorough inspection.
During the inspection, the adjuster will look for functional damage (dents, cracks, or bruising that affects the roof's ability to shed water) versus cosmetic damage (surface marks that do not affect function). Insurance companies are only required to pay for functional damage. Having a contractor who understands this distinction present during the inspection can make a significant difference in the scope of your claim.
After the inspection, you will receive a claim estimate. Review it carefully. If you believe the estimate is too low or that damage was missed, you have the right to request a re-inspection or hire a public adjuster to represent your interests.
After a major Denver hail event, the metro area is flooded with out-of-state storm-chasing contractors who set up temporary offices and disappear after collecting payment. Choosing the wrong contractor can result in poor workmanship, voided manufacturer warranties, and complications with your insurance claim.
Here is how to protect yourself.
Verify the contractor is licensed in Colorado at dora.colorado.gov/contractor-licensing.
Check their Better Business Bureau rating and Google reviews before signing anything.
Get at least two written estimates before choosing a contractor.
Never pay more than 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) as a deposit before work begins.
Do not sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreement, which transfers your insurance rights to the contractor.
Verify the contractor carries general liability and workers compensation insurance.
Ask for a written warranty on both materials and labor.
Be wary of any contractor who offers to waive your deductible — this is insurance fraud in Colorado.
Waiving your deductible is insurance fraud in Colorado. Any contractor who offers to cover your deductible as an incentive is breaking the law — and so are you if you accept.
Understanding typical claim amounts helps you set realistic expectations and verify that your settlement is fair.
| Type of Damage | Average Repair/Replacement Cost in Denver | Typical Insurance Payout (RCV) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle roof (2,000 sq ft) | $12,000–$18,000 | $10,500–$17,000 after deductible | Most common hail claim in Denver |
| Metal roof replacement | $18,000–$30,000 | $16,000–$28,000 after deductible | Higher upfront cost, longer lifespan |
| Gutters and downspouts | $1,500–$4,000 | $1,200–$3,500 after deductible | Often included in roof claim |
| Siding replacement (vinyl) | $8,000–$15,000 | $7,000–$14,000 after deductible | Color match issues common |
| Window replacement (per window) | $300–$800 | $250–$700 after deductible | Broken seals may not be covered |
| Vehicle hail damage | $2,500–$8,000 | $2,000–$7,500 after deductible | Covered under comprehensive auto |
Colorado law does not set a specific deadline for filing a hail damage claim, but your insurance policy will have a requirement to report damage promptly. Most Allstate policies require you to report damage as soon as reasonably possible after discovering it. Waiting more than 30 to 60 days without a good reason can complicate your claim. If you discover damage months after a storm, document when you found it and contact your agent immediately.
Yes, in most cases. Standard homeowners insurance policies in Colorado cover hail damage to your roof, gutters, siding, and windows under your dwelling coverage. The key variables are whether you have Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage, and what your hail or wind deductible is. Many Colorado policies have a separate percentage-based hail deductible (typically 1-2% of your dwelling coverage limit) rather than a flat dollar deductible. Call your agent to confirm your coverage before the adjuster visit.
Most Colorado homeowners insurance policies have a hail or wind deductible of 1% to 2% of the dwelling coverage limit. On a home insured for $400,000, that means a $4,000 to $8,000 out-of-pocket deductible before insurance pays. Some policies have a flat dollar deductible (typically $1,000 to $2,500) instead. Check your declarations page or call your agent to confirm your specific deductible before filing a claim.
No. Waiving your insurance deductible is illegal in Colorado under C.R.S. 10-4-110.9. Any contractor who offers to cover, waive, or rebate your deductible as an incentive to use their services is committing insurance fraud. Accepting such an offer also exposes you to legal liability. If a contractor makes this offer, walk away and report them to the Colorado Division of Insurance at doi.colorado.gov.
An Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreement transfers your insurance claim rights to a third party, usually a contractor. Once signed, the contractor can negotiate directly with your insurance company, make decisions about your claim, and collect payment without your involvement. While not always fraudulent, AOB agreements can complicate your claim, limit your control over the repair process, and lead to disputes. Consult your insurance agent before signing any AOB agreement.
If your Denver home was hit by hail, call Amador Insurance before you sign anything with a contractor. We will walk you through your coverage, help you file your claim, and make sure you get a fair settlement.
Call (303) 535-1611 — We Help With Claims