Assessing the Impact of Hail on Your Roof
After a hailstorm in Denver, identifying roof damage quickly is essential to protect your home from further issues. While damage isn’t always visible from the ground, signs such as dents in gutters, cracked siding, or pockmarked vehicles are strong indicators that your roof may also be compromised. Do not attempt to climb onto your roof, it’s both hazardous and unwarranted. A visual inspection around your property is typically enough to prompt the next steps.
Partnering with a Local Roofing Expert First
Your first call should be to a reputable roofer in Denver rather than your insurance company. A qualified roofing contractor with hail damage experience will provide a thorough inspection, often at no cost. This pre-insurance inspection ensures that legitimate damage is documented and that filing a claim is necessary.
Engaging a trustworthy, local professional also helps you avoid storm-chasing contractors who flood the area after severe weather. Fly-by-night roofers often disappear after the initial work, making warranty issues nearly impossible to resolve. Verified roofers in Denver not only offer responsive service but also have an in-depth understanding of local codes and insurance requirements.
Filing the Insurance Claim the Right Way
Once hail damage is confirmed, notify your insurance company to initiate a claim. Request that your contractor be present during the adjuster’s inspection. Their presence ensures the adjuster accurately identifies all damages, increasing the likelihood of full claim approval.
In Denver, hailstorms can trigger a surge in claims, delaying inspections. Most policies give you up to one year to file, but some may have shorter windows. Review your policy details carefully or consult your agent for clarification.
Understanding the Insurance Scope of Work
If your claim is approved, the insurance company will issue a scope of loss document. This outlines the covered repairs and includes the Actual Cash Value (ACV) payment. If you carry a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy, a second payment—commonly called depreciation—will be released once repairs are completed.
However, initial scopes are often incomplete. For example, a scope may list standard asphalt shingles while your home has impact-resistant ones. Hidden damage, such as rotted decking, may also be overlooked. It’s critical that your contractor documents and communicates all discrepancies to the insurer to ensure full reimbursement.
Submitting Supplements to Maximize Coverage
Supplements are changes or additions submitted to the insurance company to reflect additional damage or code-required upgrades not included in the original scope. These adjustments are common and anticipated by insurance carriers. The process is not adversarial—adjusters expect and often rely on contractors to identify scope inaccuracies.
Supplements do not affect your deductible or increase your out-of-pocket expense. For instance, if your scope is initially $15,000 but supplements raise the total to $22,000, the insurance company covers the difference without increasing your share.
Why Estimates Aren’t Always Beneficial
With insurance claims, especially in roofing repair cases, collecting multiple bids isn’t required. Your insurance provider already determines a fair market price for every itemized repair using specialized pricing software. Choosing a contractor who underbids the insurance scope could result in receiving a lower payout, offering no financial benefit to you and potentially compromising quality.
Instead, select a roofing company in Denver with a solid reputation, experience in handling hail damage claims, and the ability to handle all documentation and communication with your insurer. This will ensure all repairs are performed to code and covered appropriately.
Executing the Repairs: What to Expect
Once claim approval is secured, repairs are typically scheduled within a few weeks, depending on storm severity and material availability. For most residential properties, replacing a roof and gutters can be completed in one to three days. If your claim involves additional trades like siding, painting, or windows, the timeline may extend, sometimes up to several months due to special orders and supply chain issues.
Your contractor should handle all coordination, including permits, material procurement, and communication with your insurer for any ongoing scope modifications.
Final Invoicing and Depreciation Payment
Upon completing the repairs, your contractor will issue a final invoice. The insurance company will then release any withheld depreciation and approved supplements. These payments are made directly to the homeowner, who must then forward the funds—along with the deductible amount—to the contractor.
For example, if the total job is $25,000 and you have a $2,500 deductible, the insurance will pay $22,500 in total. You are responsible for paying the deductible and ensuring the full amount reaches the contractor. Keep in mind: In Colorado, it is illegal for contractors to waive or rebate any portion of your deductible.
Choose a Roofing Partner You Can Trust
Hail damage insurance claims require technical knowledge, diligent documentation, and responsive execution. Partnering with a contractor who specializes in roofing in Denver ensures not only the integrity of the work but also maximizes your claim benefits. Tried and True Roofing, based in Denver, Colorado, is one such trusted roofing company known for its meticulous hail claim handling and dependable craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Handling hail damage insurance claims in Denver doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By starting with an experienced local roofer, ensuring accurate inspections, navigating the claim process with precision, and insisting on detailed repair documentation, homeowners can restore their roofs with confidence. Avoid shortcuts, choose reputable contractors, and let the insurance process work for you—not against you.