Skip to content 
A single Denver hailstorm can leave your roof quietly damaged. Filing the insurance claim correctly is what gets it repaired right. Miss a step, and you risk a denied or underpaid claim. This guide walks you through filing a roof hail claim from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
- ›Document the hail damage and get a professional roof inspection first.
- ›Know your deductible and whether you have RCV or ACV coverage.
- ›File before your policy deadline, often about one year after the storm.
Step 1: Document the Damage
Your claim is only as strong as your evidence. Photograph dented gutters, downspouts, and vent metal. Capture any bruised or cracked shingles you can see safely. Note the date of the storm that caused it. Save these records before anyone touches the roof.
Step 2: Get a Professional Roof Inspection
You cannot judge hail damage from the ground alone. A roofer like Pachner Exteriors climbs up and finds damage you would miss. They photograph and itemize it for your adjuster. This report becomes the backbone of your claim. It also tells you if filing is even worth it.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the damage promptly to start the process. Call your agent or the claims hotline to open a claim. Give them the storm date and your documentation. Ask about your deductible and coverage type. Do not wait, since policies have filing deadlines.
Step 4: Understand RCV vs ACV Coverage
Your policy type decides how much you actually receive. Replacement Cost Value pays to fully replace the roof, minus your deductible. Actual Cash Value subtracts depreciation for the roof’s age. The Texas Department of Insurance guidance on roof damage claims explains how replacement cost claims pay in two parts. Knowing your coverage prevents surprises later.
Step 5: Meet the Adjuster
The adjuster inspection sets your payout. Have your roofer present during the adjuster’s visit. They can point out damage the adjuster might miss. Together they agree on the scope of repairs. This is where good documentation pays off.
Step 6: Review the Settlement
Do not assume the first number is final. Compare the settlement against your roofer’s detailed scope. Missing items can be added through a supplement. The Insurance Information Institute guide to filing a homeowners claim walks through how the claim and payout work. Only sign off once the amount covers the real repair.
Is It Worth Filing a Claim?
Not every hail event justifies a claim. Compare the likely damage against your deductible first. Widespread hail damage almost always clears that bar. A minor, isolated ding may not be worth it. Your roofer’s inspection makes this call clear.
Why a Roofer Should Inspect Before You File
A pre-claim inspection saves you headaches. It confirms whether the damage is worth a claim. It also documents everything the adjuster needs. You go in prepared instead of guessing.
The Two-Check Process Explained
RCV claims usually pay in two stages. The first check covers the roof’s depreciated value. The second releases the held depreciation after the work. You must complete the repair to receive it all.
Do Not Miss the Filing Deadline
Waiting too long can sink a valid claim. Most policies limit how long you can file. Insurers may blame an older, uncovered storm. File promptly to keep your claim clean.
Beware of Storm Chasers After Hail
Big hail events attract out-of-town crews. They knock on doors and pressure you to sign. Many vanish before any warranty matters. Choose a licensed local roofer you can find later.
What the Adjuster Looks For
Adjusters follow a checklist on the roof. They count hail hits within a test square. They check shingles, vents, gutters, and flashing. Enough qualifying damage supports a replacement.
Matching Shingles vs Full Replacement
Sometimes a repair is not really possible. Discontinued shingles can be impossible to match. That often justifies replacing the full slope or roof. Your roofer documents this for the adjuster.
Documenting Hail Damage Properly
Strong photos make or break a claim. Capture wide shots and close-ups of each area. Include gutters, screens, and soft metals that dent easily. Note the storm date on your records.
Should You Use a Public Adjuster?
On disputed claims, extra help can pay off. A public adjuster works for you, not the insurer. They can push back on a low settlement. Weigh their fee against the added recovery.
Temporary Repairs Protect Your Claim
Acting fast prevents further damage. Tarp any openings to keep the rain out. Save receipts for those emergency repairs. Insurers expect you to limit the loss.
Keep Every Document in One Place
Organization strengthens your whole claim. Store photos, estimates, and emails together. Track every call with your insurer and dates. A clear file speeds approval and payment.
Roof Age and Your Claim
The age of your roof shapes the outcome. An older roof on an ACV policy pays less after depreciation. Some insurers limit coverage on very old roofs. Know your roof’s age before you file.
After Approval: Choosing Your Contractor
Approval is not the finish line. You usually get to pick your own roofing contractor. Insurers may share a list, but you decide. Choose a licensed local crew you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hail Damage to Your Denver Roof? File With Confidence
A strong claim starts with fast documentation and a solid inspection. The right steps mean a fair payout and a proper repair. Pachner Exteriors helps Denver homeowners through the whole roof claim. Our team documents the damage and handles roof insurance claims with your adjuster. Then our hail damage repair crew restores your roof the right way.
