Blog Category - Insurance Claims

Information and tips on navigating the insurance claims process. What to expect when filing an insurance claim, and how to navigate the process. For more information, visit our Insurance Claims page.

overhead view of a roof with hail damage

Beware of Deadlines for Hail Damage Roof Insurance Claims in Colorado

If you live in Colorado, you know hailstorms can be brutal. Every year, countless roofs take a beating, and homeowners scramble to file hail damage roof insurance claims. What many don’t realize is that insurance companies are changing their rules fast. Missing your deadline or misunderstanding your policy could leave you stuck paying thousands out of pocket. Let’s walk through the changes happening right now and why acting quickly matters more than ever.

New Policy Changes Are Shaping Hail Damage Roof Insurance

Insurance companies in Colorado are tightening up how they handle hail damage roof insurance. Policies now often list a separate deductible just for hail and wind events. These deductibles aren’t flat dollar amounts either. They’re calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value. Some homeowners are shocked to find their hail deductible could be 1% or even as high as 25% of their home’s value. Some policies have also introduced minimum deductibles or maximum limits based on property value.

Higher Deductibles Mean Bigger Out-of-Pocket Costs

If you haven’t reviewed your current homeowners insurance policy, now is the time. A 2% deductible on a $500,000 home could leave you responsible for $10,000 before your hail damage roof insurance even kicks in. Some policies are pushing minimum deductibles of $5,000 or more.

Actual Cash Value Policies Lead to Lower Payouts

Another important change is the move toward actual cash value (ACV) policies instead of replacement cost value (RCV) policies. Under ACV coverage, your insurance payout drops because it factors in the age and condition of your roof. For example, a ten-year-old roof won’t get you the full amount needed to replace it, which leaves a much bigger financial gap after hail damage.

Cosmetic Damage Exclusions Can Leave You Vulnerable

Some companies have also added cosmetic damage exclusions. That means if hail only dents your shingles or flashing but doesn’t compromise the roof’s performance, you might not see a dime from your insurance payout. Understanding your hail damage roof insurance coverage before the next storm hits can save you from some ugly surprises.

Hail Damage Roof Insurance Deadlines Are Shorter Than You Think

Many homeowners mistakenly believe they have unlimited time to file a hail damage roof insurance claim. In reality, most policies require that claims be filed within 6 to 12 months, and some insurance companies up to 24 months of the storm date. Some policies are even stricter. Missing that deadline often means automatic denial of your claim.

Delay Can Lead to Denied Claims

Even if you meet the filing deadline, delays can complicate your claim. Over time, hail damage worsens. Shingles lose granules, water seeps into your attic, and problems spread. Insurance adjusters might argue that the damage grew worse because you didn’t address it quickly enough, lowering your payout or denying the claim altogether. Acting quickly after a storm helps preserve your full rights under your hail damage roof insurance policy.

Premiums Are Rising Fast Across Colorado

hand holding 6 gold ball sized pieces of hail

Insurance companies in Colorado have seen huge losses from hail damage. In fact, hail-related claims drive 55% to 70% of homeowners insurance costs statewide. To manage those rising costs, insurance companies are increasing premiums across the board. There is also a growing industry trend of nonrenewal or denial of coverage for homes with older roofs, especially those that are 15-20 years old. 

Filing Multiple Claims Can Impact Your Rates

Insurance carriers now sometimes penalize homeowners who file frequent claims by refusing renewals or requiring costly upgrades. Filing a timely hail damage roof insurance claim and properly repairing your roof is a smart way to protect both your home and your future insurability.

Programs That Can Help Offset Hail Damage Costs

Colorado lawmakers are stepping in to help reduce hailstorm damage and insurance costs. New programs encourage homeowners to install impact-resistant roofing systems. Upgrading to a fortified roof could qualify you for significant discounts on your hail damage roof insurance premiums.

House Bill 1302 Offers Grants for Impact-Resistant Roofs

House Bill 1302 proposes a small fee on insurers whose customers do not have resilient roofing. The funds would create grants that help homeowners pay for impact-resistant upgrades. If your roof needs replacement after hail damage, choosing a fortified roofing system would mean better protection and potentially real savings on your insurance bill.

Understanding the Colorado FAIR Plan

Homeowners who struggle to find insurance because of hail risks can turn to the Colorado FAIR Plan. This state program offers basic property coverage, ensuring that no home goes uninsured. The FAIR Plan usually pays actual cash value for claims but also provides optional endorsements for hail and wind damage coverage. If you’re having trouble getting affordable hail damage roof insurance through private insurers, this plan could be a critical safety net.

Financing Options Make Repairs Easier

J&K Roofing also offers flexible financing options. Homeowners can make necessary repairs or upgrades without having to pay everything upfront. This makes it easier to respond quickly to hail damage and avoid bigger problems down the road.

Don’t Let Cosmetic Damage Go Untreated

Even minor-looking dents and bruises can lead to serious trouble over time. Water can seep into tiny cracks, freeze during Colorado’s cold winters, and force shingles apart. Cosmetic exclusions in hail damage roof insurance policies mean that waiting could leave you without any coverage if the damage gets worse. Scheduling an inspection after any hail event is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Free Inspections Help Protect Your Investment

At J&K Roofing, we offer free inspections to help homeowners assess storm damage before it leads to bigger, more expensive repairs. We have served Colorado communities like Boulder, Lakewood, Thornton, and Littleton for decades and understand exactly what to look for after a hailstorm. Don’t risk missing your window to file an insurance claim. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our expert team. Let us help you stay ahead of the storm.

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