Storms in Colorado don’t mess around. Between the different types of hail damage, wind, heavy rain, and surprise temperature swings, homes across the Denver metro area and Front Range take a beating every year. After a storm, most homeowners ask the same question: “What is my insurance actually going to pay for?”
The frustrating truth is: homeowners’ insurance usually covers storm damage, but only under specific conditions, and with some common gotchas. This guide breaks down what’s typically covered, what often isn’t, and how to protect your claim if your roof, siding, gutters, or interior gets hit.
*** Please note that this is general education, not legal advice. Always defer to your own policy language.
The Big Picture: Covered Perils vs. Exclusions
Most Colorado homeowners have an HO-3 policy, which covers their home for damage caused by “named perils” like wind, hail, or lightning, unless the policy specifically excludes them.
That means your policy likely helps with storm damage, but the type of storm damage matters. Insurance usually covers sudden, accidental damage, not wear-and-tear or maintenance issues that were already in motion.
What’s Usually Covered After a Storm
1. Roof damage from hail or wind
This is the classic Colorado claim. Hail and wind damage to roofing materials is typically covered, including shingles, flashing, vents, and skylights.
If hail bruises shingles or wind lifts them enough to let water in, that generally qualifies as a covered loss.
2. Exterior damage (siding, gutters, windows)
Policies usually cover storm impact to siding, gutters, fascia, and exterior trim, plus windows broken by hail or flying debris.
3. Interior water damage when it’s caused by a covered storm event
Here’s the key: rain entering through a storm-damaged roof, window, or wall is commonly covered because the storm created the opening.
So if hail cracks a skylight and rain soaks your ceiling, that interior damage is typically part of the claim.
4. Other structures coverage
Detached garages, sheds, fences, and similar structures are often covered under a separate section of the policy.
5. Personal property damaged by the storm
If water or debris damages belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing), personal property coverage may apply. This usually has limits and may require documentation.
6. Temporary living expenses (ALE / Loss of Use)
If your home becomes unlivable during repairs, most policies help pay for hotel stays, meals, and other extra costs.
The Stuff Homeowners Get Surprised By
Flooding is NOT covered by standard homeowners’ insurance
This is the #1 shocker. Flood damage from rising water, even if caused by a storm, requires separate flood insurance (NFIP or private).
Example:
- Wind rips off shingles → rain comes through the roof → covered.
- Storm surge or water pooling up from the ground → not covered unless you have flood insurance.
Sewer/sump pump backup usually needs an endorsement
If storm runoff overwhelms sewers or your sump pump fails, that’s commonly excluded unless you’ve added backup coverage.
Mold coverage is limited
Mold is often covered only when it results from a covered peril, and you act quickly. If mold forms because a leak was ignored, coverage can be denied.
“Cosmetic damage” exclusions are growing in Colorado
Some insurers now exclude hail damage that’s considered cosmetic (dents or granule loss that don’t “affect function”). These exclusions are increasingly common in hail-heavy states like Colorado.
This matters because cosmetic damage today can become a leak later so getting inspections quickly is huge.
ACV vs. RCV: Why Your Payout Might Be Lower Than You Expect
Colorado policies are increasingly shifting to ACV (Actual Cash Value) for roofs, especially older ones.
- RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays the full cost to replace your roof, minus your deductible.
- ACV subtracts depreciation, meaning you receive less money up front.
If your roof is 15 years old and hail hits, the insurer may say, “We’ll pay what it was worth yesterday, not what a new roof costs today.” That gap can be thousands.
Hail Deductibles: The Colorado Quirk You Need to Know
Many Colorado policies include a separate wind/hail deductible, often a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat number.
Example:
If your home is insured for $500,000 and your hail deductible is 2%, your deductible is $10,000.
This is why homeowners sometimes feel like insurance “didn’t help,” when really, the damage didn’t exceed the specialized deductible.
Your Responsibilities After the Storm (And Why They Matter)
Insurance doesn’t just look at what happened. They look at what you did after it happened.
Most policies require you to:
- Mitigate further damage
For example, tarp an exposed roof section or shut off water if a pipe breaks. If you don’t, later damage may not be covered. - Document everything
Take photos and videos before temporary repairs. Keep receipts for materials and labor, as these can be reimbursable. - Report your claim on time
Colorado has consumer protections and claim-handling deadlines, but you still need to file promptly. Waiting too long can complicate or reduce coverage.
How a Post-Storm Inspection Protects You
Even if the damage looks minor, a professional inspection helps you:
- Catch hidden hail bruising or wind lift
- Prevent leaks and mold later
- Produce clear claim documentation
- Avoid denial based on “wear and tear” arguments
This is especially important with cosmetic exclusions and ACV policies becoming more common in Colorado.
When to Call a Restoration Contractor
If you’re seeing any of these after a storm, call a pro:
- Missing shingles or dented metal
- Granules piling up in gutters
- Leaks, ceiling stains, or attic moisture
- Cracked siding or broken windows
- Gutters pulling away or overflowing
A restoration contractor can inspect, document, and help you understand whether filing a claim makes sense before problems spread.
The Bottom Line
After a storm, homeowners’ insurance usually covers hail and wind damage, and it often covers resulting interior damage. But flooding, backups, delayed maintenance issues, and sometimes cosmetic hail damage may be excluded. Your payout can also vary wildly depending on hail deductibles and whether your roof is insured at ACV or RCV.
Knowing these details before the next storm helps you act faster, protect your home, and avoid claim surprises.
Local Help Makes Claims Easier
If you’re in Arvada, Denver, or anywhere in the Denver metro area and think your home took storm damage, Restoration Contractors LLC can help. We provide thorough post-storm inspections, clear documentation for your insurer, and high-quality repairs that stop small issues from turning into expensive interior leaks or mold.
Reach out anytime to schedule a free inspection and get honest guidance on your next step.