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How to file a hail damage claim in Colorado

Last reviewed: October 2026. General information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy's wording decides your deadlines.

Deadlines to know

• Your policy's reporting deadline. Many policies require reporting within about a year of the storm. Look for "notice of claim" or "duties after loss" in your policy. Check your policy for the exact deadline.
• Lawsuit deadline. For homeowners, Colorado generally allows 3 years from the date of the storm to sue over a denied or underpaid claim, and a homeowners policy cannot shorten that period (C.R.S. 13-80-101; C.R.S. 10-4-110.8(12)). Bad-faith claims can have different deadlines, so talk to a Colorado attorney if your claim is denied.
• Your insurer's deadlines. Colorado insurers must pay or deny within 60 days of receiving a valid and complete claim, unless there is a reasonable dispute (3 CCR 702-5-1-14). If your claim stalls, you can contact the Colorado Division of Insurance.

Step by step

1. Find your storm date. Check your address to see the dates and hail sizes reported near you. Your insurer will ask for the date of loss.
2. Document the damage. Take dated photos of the roof (from the ground is fine), gutters, vents, siding, windows, fences and cars. Don't climb on the roof.
3. Prevent more damage. Cover leaks with a tarp and keep receipts. Most policies expect you to stop damage from getting worse.
4. Read your deductible. Many policies have a separate wind and hail deductible. It may be a percent of your dwelling coverage or a dollar amount. Check your policy.
5. File the claim. Call your insurer or use its app. Write down your claim number and the adjuster's name.
6. Get an independent inspection. A licensed roofer can inspect and document damage. Only you, a licensed public adjuster, or an attorney can negotiate your claim. A roofer cannot act as a public adjuster, but with a signed roofing contract a roofer may discuss the scope of repairs with your insurer (C.R.S. 6-22-105).
7. Meet the adjuster. Be there for the inspection if you can, and share your photos and storm date.
8. Review the estimate. If damage was missed, you can ask for a supplement or re-inspection with supporting photos.

Watch out for storm chasers

• Be careful with door-to-door roofers who show up right after a storm, especially from out of town.
• Colorado law bars roofing contractors from advertising or promising to pay, waive or rebate your insurance deductible (C.R.S. 6-22-105). An offer to "cover your deductible" is a red flag.
• Don't sign anything that hands control of your claim to a contractor.
• Check reviews, a local address and proof of insurance before hiring.

Sources

• C.R.S. 6-22-105 (roofing contractors and insurance claims)
• Colorado Division of Insurance (official consumer help and complaints)