Hail Damage Checklist: What to Do After a Colorado Storm

When a hailstorm rolls through the Front Range, what you do in the days afterward can make the difference between a smooth insurance claim and thousands in uncovered damage. Use this checklist to protect your home and your claim.

1. Stay Safe First

Wait until the storm fully passes before going outside. Watch for downed power lines, broken glass, and unstable trees. Never climb onto a wet or damaged roof yourself — that's what professional inspectors are for.

2. Note the Storm Date and Details

Write down the date and time of the storm. Insurance claims are tied to specific storm events, and having the date documented makes your claim cleaner and faster.

3. Document Visible Damage

From the ground, photograph dented gutters and downspouts, damaged siding, broken windows, torn screens, and any shingles or debris in the yard. Capture dents on metal surfaces like vents and AC units — these are strong evidence of hail size and impact.

4. Check Inside the Home

Look for water stains on ceilings, damp spots in the attic, or daylight through the roof boards. Interior leaks confirm the roof was breached and need to be documented too.

5. Get a Professional Inspection

Much hail damage — bruised shingles, granule loss — is invisible from the ground but still shortens your roof's life. A professional inspection with a detailed photo report tells you the true extent and gives your insurer what they need.

6. File Your Claim Promptly

Most policies have deadlines for storm claims. Don't wait. Avoid any contractor who offers to waive your deductible — that's fraud in Colorado.

7. Have a Contractor Meet Your Adjuster

This is the most overlooked step. An experienced contractor on-site with your adjuster helps ensure the full, correct scope of damage is approved rather than a lowball estimate. See how we handle insurance claims.

Don't Wait Until the Next Rain

Hail damage only gets worse — and more expensive — over time. Call (720) 314-6777 for a free, honest hail inspection across the Denver metro. Schedule it here.