Question 1

Should I call my insurance company or a roofer first?

Accepted Answer

Usually a roofer first. An inspection tells you whether there is damage worth claiming before anything goes on your record.

If there is clear, serious damage or an active leak, contact your insurer promptly and take steps to prevent further damage. Either way, keep photos and receipts.

Calling a roofer first does not delay a valid claim. It just makes sure the claim you file is supported.

Question 2

What size hail damages a roof?

Accepted Answer

There is no single cutoff. Hail around one inch can damage many shingles, but older or brittle roofs can be hurt by smaller hail, and wind makes any size hit harder.

Roof age, material and the angle of impact matter as much as size. That is why two houses on the same street can fare very differently in one storm.

Hailstone density matters too. A few large stones can do less overall damage than a long storm of smaller ones hitting the same slopes again and again.

Question 3

Can hail damage a roof without causing a leak?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and that is the most common case. Bruised shingles usually keep shedding water at first, then wear out early.

Lost granules expose the asphalt to sun, which speeds up aging. Fractured mats can split later during freeze-thaw cycles. By the time it leaks, the storm may be long past.

This is also why some homeowners discover hail damage only when they sell. A buyer's inspection finds bruising from a storm that happened years earlier, after the reporting window has closed.

Question 4

How do I know if hail damage is bad enough for a new roof?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how widespread the damage is and whether damaged shingles can be repaired or matched. Scattered hits on one slope may be repairable, while consistent damage across several slopes often calls for replacement.

Your insurer decides what it will pay for, based on its own inspection and your policy. A contractor's job is to document the damage clearly so that decision is based on complete evidence.

Matching is often the deciding issue. If damaged shingles are no longer made, a repair may leave a visibly mismatched patch.

Question 5

Will filing a roof claim raise my premium?

Accepted Answer

It can. Whether and how much depends on your insurer, your policy and your claim history.

Ask your agent how claims are treated before you file, especially for smaller amounts close to your deductible.

Some homeowners choose to pay for small repairs out of pocket for this reason. Your agent can explain how your insurer views it.

Question 6

What is depreciation, and will I get it back?

Accepted Answer

Depreciation is the value the insurer subtracts for the roof's age and wear. On a replacement cost policy, it is usually paid after the work is finished.

On an actual cash value policy, depreciation is generally not recovered. Check your declarations page to see which you have.

Ask the adjuster or your agent to walk you through how depreciation was calculated if the number seems high.

Terms you will see on your claim:

RCV: Replacement cost value, the cost to replace the roof new.

ACV: Actual cash value, the replacement cost minus depreciation.

Recoverable depreciation: The held-back amount paid after the work is done, on RCV policies.

Supplement: A request to add items missed in the original estimate.

Knowing these terms makes the adjuster's estimate much easier to read.

Question 7

What if my claim is denied or the payment seems too low?

Accepted Answer

You have options. Start by asking the insurer for the reason in writing and comparing it with your documentation.

You can request a reinspection, submit additional evidence, or use the appraisal process if your policy includes one. Some homeowners also consult a licensed public adjuster or an attorney for disputes.

Keep everything in writing. Phone conversations are easy to remember differently later.

Question 8

Can Peak to Peak cover my deductible?

Accepted Answer

No. Colorado law prohibits roofing contractors from paying, waiving or rebating an insurance deductible.

Be cautious of anyone who offers to, since it can put both the homeowner and the claim at risk.

A roofer who offers to absorb your deductible is putting the claim, and possibly you, at legal risk.

Question 9

How soon after a storm should I have my roof checked?

Accepted Answer

As soon as practical, ideally within a few weeks. Earlier evidence is clearer and policies have reporting deadlines.

Check your policy for how long you have to report damage. Waiting also lets small problems spread before anyone notices.

Earlier is also better for the roof. Damaged shingles can let water reach the underlayment, and a repair made soon after the storm prevents that from spreading.

Question 10

How do I spot a storm chaser after a hailstorm?

Accepted Answer

Storm chasers are out-of-area contractors who follow hailstorms. Not all are dishonest, but the pattern carries risk.

Slow down and verify before signing anything.

Warning signs to watch for:

Pressure to sign today: Especially before anyone has inspected the roof.

Deductible offers: Offering to cover or waive your deductible is prohibited in Colorado.

No local presence: Out-of-state plates, no local office and no local references.

Vague contracts: No named materials, scope or warranty terms.

A local contractor will still be around when you need warranty service years later.

Question 11

How long do I have to file a roof claim?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your policy. Many policies set a deadline for reporting damage after a storm, and some also set deadlines for completing work.

Check your policy for these dates.

Deadlines to look for in your policy:

Reporting window: How long after the storm you can report damage.

Proof of loss: When documentation of the damage must be submitted if requested.

Depreciation recovery: How long you have to finish the work and claim held-back money.

Lawsuit limit: The time allowed to bring a dispute, set by the policy and state law.

If you are close to any deadline, contact your insurer in writing right away.

Stage	Who does it	What happens in plain words	Typical timing
Damage inspection	Roofing contractor	A contractor documents the roof with photos and measurements so you know whether a claim is worth filing.	Same week as the storm in most cases.
File the claim	Homeowner	You, the policyholder, open the claim with your carrier. A contractor cannot file it for you.	As soon as damage is confirmed. Policies carry deadlines for prompt notice.
Adjuster inspection	Insurance carrier	The carrier sends an adjuster to inspect and write an estimate. Your contractor should be on the roof at the same time.	Usually one to three weeks after filing, longer after a large regional storm.
Scope agreement	Contractor and adjuster	The two sides reconcile line items that were missed, such as flashing, drip edge, ventilation and code required items.	Days to a few weeks depending on carrier response.
Approval and first payment	Insurance carrier	The carrier issues actual cash value first, holding back depreciation until the work is done.	After scope is agreed.
Build the roof	Contractor	Materials ordered, permit pulled, roof replaced to the approved scope and to code.	Typically one day of tear off and install on most homes, weather permitting.
Depreciation release	Insurance carrier	Final invoice and completion documents are submitted, and the withheld amount is released.	After final invoice and inspection.
Deductible	Homeowner	You pay your deductible. Colorado law prohibits a roofing contractor from paying, rebating or waiving it for you.	At completion.

The question homeowners ask	What it usually means	Why it matters for a claim	JJ Hedden's guidance
How do I know these dents are hail and not just wear?	Hail leaves random hits, fresh dark granule loss and soft spots, and gutters, vents or metal flashing usually show matching dents from the same storm.	Matching dents in soft metals help an adjuster confirm a storm date instead of guessing at one.	Ask JJ to photograph the soft-metal dents alongside the shingle hits.
Why does the adjuster say this is age and not storm damage?	Even granule loss, curling and cracking point to age, usually worst on the sun-facing slopes, and wear is generally not covered.	Mixing wear into a claim weakens it, and depreciation reduces the actual cash value payout on an older roof.	Ask JJ which damage is storm-related and which is age before you file.
Why were these raised spots called blistering instead of hail?	Small raised or popped spots in clusters are blisters from trapped moisture, not impact, and they rarely leave matching dents in metal.	Blisters without metal dents are often denied as storm damage, so calling them hail hurts the claim.	Discuss with JJ whether blistering points to an attic ventilation problem instead.
What are the scuff marks my contractor found near the vents?	Scuffs and bruise lines along the paths to vents and the ridge are foot traffic or tool marks, not storm damage.	These marks should be separated in the report so the adjuster is not shown damage the roof did not take in a storm.	Ask JJ to note foot-traffic marks separately in your photo report.

Hail Damage and Insurance Claim Management From Storm Inspection to Final Payment

Storm Claim Stages, Who Does What, and What Colorado Law Requires

What Homeowners Say About Hail and Insurance Help

What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof?

Where Do Hail Damage Claims Usually Go Wrong?

How Is Hail Damage Assessed and Documented for a Claim?

Soft Metal Check

Slope-by-Slope Review

Test Areas

Photo Documentation

Adjuster Meeting

Supplements When Needed

Hail Damage vs. Normal Wear: Signs Compared

What Are the Steps From Storm to Final Payment?

Service Area Coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

JJ Hedden, Founder & Owner

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Hail Damage Does Not Wait For The Next Storm.

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