What Does Your Homeowners Insurance Really Cover When It Comes To Hail?

Important Note: All insurance policies very greatly! The best practice is to meet with your insurance agent once a year to review what is covered.

A No-Nonsense Guide for Colorado Storm Season

Welcome to storm season in Colorado—where the skies can go from sunny to sideways in five minutes flat.

If your roof gets pelted by golf ball-sized hail or your basement turns into a wading pool, your first thought is usually, “Whew, at least I have homeowners insurance.”But when it’s time to file that claim, the question changes: “Wait... is this even covered?”

Let’s break it down—minus the fine print and insurance speak. We talked to local experts and dug into the common gaps and gotchas so you know exactly what protection you’ve got before the next storm rolls through.

🌩️ What Your Policy Probably Covers

Most Colorado homeowners carry an HO-3 policy—the standard for single-family homes. These usually include coverage for common storm-related damage… but not everything.

Here’s what’s usually safe to assume:

✅ Hail & Wind Damage

In hail-happy Colorado, this one’s a must. Roofs, siding, windows, and even personal items damaged by hail or wind are typically covered.Heads up: Many policies now include separate hail deductibles—and they’re often higher than your regular deductible.

✅ Falling Trees & Flying Objects

If a windstorm knocks a tree onto your roof or sends your neighbor’s patio furniture through your window, you’re likely covered—as long as the tree wasn’t already dead or rotting.

✅ Fire & Lightning

Wildfires and lightning strikes? Covered. That includes smoke damage, too.

✅ Some Types of Water Damage

If a pipe bursts or rain blows in through a storm-damaged roof or window, your policy should step in.But water coming from outside the home? That’s a different story...

🚫 What’s Usually Not Covered (Unless You’ve Added It)

This is where people get blindsided. Some of the biggest storm threats in Colorado aren’t automatically covered.

❌ Flooding from Rain or Snowmelt

Standard policies don’t cover floods caused by weather—like heavy rain, overflowing creeks, or melting snow. You’ll need a separate flood insurance policy for that (often through FEMA).

❌ Mudslides, Sinkholes, & Earthquakes

Anything involving the ground shifting—like mudslides or land movement—usually requires its own special policy or rider.

❌ Sewer & Drain Backups

If stormwater overwhelms the sewer system and backs up into your basement, you’re not covered unless you’ve added a sewer backup endorsement.Pro tip: It’s cheap and totally worth it.

💰 Deductibles, Claim Limits & Storm Costs

Here’s where it gets real. Most policies in Colorado have a separate deductible for wind and hail—either a flat amount or a percentage of your home’s insured value.

Example:Your home is insured for $500,000. If you’ve got a 2% hail deductible, that means you’re on the hook for $10,000 before insurance kicks in. Yep, ouch.

💡 RCV vs. ACV: What It Means for Your Roof

When you file a claim, your payout depends on how your policy values your damage:

• RCV (Replacement Cost Value): Covers the full cost to replace damaged items with new ones. No depreciation taken out.

• ACV (Actual Cash Value): Pays out the current value of your damaged stuff, factoring in age and wear. That means less money for older roofs and systems.

Also ask about:👉 Code upgrade coverage (aka “ordinance or law” coverage). If your home needs to be brought up to current building codes after storm damage, this coverage pays the difference—especially important for older homes.

🧾 Prepping Before the Storms Roll In

Before the skies go dark, take a few smart steps:

• Review your policy yearly. Especially those hail/wind deductibles. Know what you’re really paying for.

• Document your stuff. Walk through your home and record a video of your valuables—just in case.

• Ask about endorsements. Sewer backup, flood, roof depreciation clauses—these add-ons could save you thousands.

• Don’t over-bundle. Discounts are great, but not at the cost of good storm protection.

📞 When in Doubt, Ask an Expert

“Too often, people don’t find out what’s covered until after the storm,” says Erin Simmons, an independent insurance broker in Colorado Springs.“Have the conversation now—before you're knee-deep in roof repairs.”

💡 Final Thought: Don’t Assume. Confirm.

In Colorado, wild weather isn’t a possibility—it’s a guarantee. Don’t trust generic policies or vague coverage descriptions. Know what you’ve got and what you need before you need it.

✅ Must-Ask Questions for Your Insurance Agent:

• Is hail damage covered—and what’s my deductible?

• Do I have coverage for sewer or drain backups?

• Are there any exclusions for my roof due to its age?

• Am I covered for full replacement cost or actual cash value?

• Do I need separate flood insurance based on where I live?

Want a free storm damage inspection or a second opinion on your roof coverage?📞 Call us anytime at Colorado Family Roofing—we’ll walk you through it, no pressure.