By Samuel McDonald, Aroy Tanzania Insurance Agency · Published November 12, 2026
Why hail claims surprise people
Most people know hail is covered. What surprises them is how much they pay out of pocket. That usually comes down to two things on the policy: the deductible and how the roof is valued.
The time to find out is before a storm, when you can still change your coverage.
Your wind and hail deductible
Many Colorado home policies have a separate deductible for wind and hail. Instead of a flat $1,000, it's often a percentage of your dwelling limit.
| Dwelling limit | 1% deductible | 2% deductible |
|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| $400,000 | $4,000 | $8,000 |
| $600,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 |
Look at the declarations page of your home policy for the words "wind/hail deductible." If you can't find it, send it to us and we'll point it out.
How your roof is valued
There are generally three ways a roof can be paid after hail:
- Replacement cost. The policy pays to replace the roof with similar materials, minus the deductible.
- Actual cash value. The policy subtracts depreciation. A 15-year-old roof might be worth a fraction of a new one.
- Roof payment schedule. Payment is a percentage of replacement cost based on the roof's age.
Impact-resistant shingles (Class 4) can reduce damage and may qualify for a discount with some insurers.
Hail and your vehicles
Hail damage to a car is a comprehensive claim. If you carry liability only, there's no coverage for your own vehicle. Paintless dent repair often handles moderate hail damage well, and many shops in the region specialize in it after big storms.
Covered parking is the best prevention. When a storm is coming, a carport, barn or even a blanket over the windshield helps.
The first 48 hours after a storm
- Check for safety issues: downed lines, broken windows, leaks.
- Take photos of damage, including hail stones next to a coin or ruler for scale.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage, like tarping. Keep receipts.
- Report the claim to your insurance company, or call us for help.
- Be cautious with door-to-door contractors. Get written estimates and check references. Never sign over your claim rights without understanding what it means.
Quick questions
Will a hail claim raise my premium?
Weather claims are treated differently by different insurers. A single weather claim usually has less effect than at-fault claims, but it depends on the company.
Should I raise my hail deductible to save money?
Only if you could comfortably pay it after a storm. In hail-prone areas, the savings may not be worth the risk.
This guide is general information, not a description of any specific policy. Your coverage depends on your actual policy wording. Questions? Call (858) 349-9729.