Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Colorado?

by Jared Ullrich

If you live in Colorado, especially in the Denver metro area, hail damage isn’t a question of “if” but “when.” As an independent insurance agent who has helped many families navigate hail claims, I can tell you that having the right homeowners insurance coverage makes all the difference when a storm hits.

Yes, Homeowners Insurance Covers Hail Damage—But the Details Matter

Most standard homeowners insurance policies in Colorado do cover hail damage to your home, including your roof, siding, windows, gutters, and other structures. This coverage typically falls under your dwelling coverage, which protects the structure of your home from covered perils like wind and hail.

However, not all policies are created equal. The quality of your coverage—how much you receive, how quickly claims are processed, and whether you can fully repair or replace damaged property—depends entirely on the specific details in your policy. Most insurance companies are moving to an “actual cash value” or “depreciated value” model. This is a trend happening with pretty much every homeowners insurance company in Colorado.

The July 5, 2019 Hailstorm: A Wake-Up Call for Denver Homeowners

I will never forget the major hail storm that hit the western part of the Denver metro area on July 5, 2019. Windshields were broken, there were holes in the siding of homes, and even some windows on homes were shattered. Many homes in Westminster, Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, Denver, Littleton, and all around the western side of the Denver metro area sustained significant damage.

What Kind of Hail Damage Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Your homeowners insurance typically covers hail damage to:

Your Home’s Structure:

Roof shingles, tiles, or metal roofing
Siding and exterior walls
Windows and skylights
Gutters and downspouts
Garage doors
Deck or patio covers

Other Structures:

Detached garages
Sheds
Fences
Gazebos

Personal Property:

Outdoor furniture
Grills and equipment
Items inside your home if hail breaks through windows or roof

It’s important to note that while your homeowners policy covers hail damage to your home, damage to your vehicles requires auto insurance with comprehensive coverage—that’s a separate policy.

The Problem with “Cheap” Homeowners Insurance

Here’s the biggest mistake I see: people buying a cheap homeowners insurance policy online to save money, only to discover they have many gaps in coverage when they need to file a hail claim.

Insurance TV commercials constantly mention “save money,” but the way you can save money with those policies is often by accepting inferior coverages.

A homeowners insurance policy has many pages and many details. The difference between a good policy and a cheap policy becomes crystal clear after a major hailstorm.

How Ullrich Insurance Agency Helps After a Hailstorm

At Ullrich Insurance Agency, we help families in the Denver metro area navigate the hail claims process. Here’s how we work with you:

Step 1: Assess the Damage If you suspect hail damage, contact us immediately. If you only have a little bit of damage, we recommend that you have a roofing company check it out first to make sure you have enough damage to justify an insurance claim. This helps you avoid unnecessary claims that could impact your premiums.

Step 2: Choose a Trusted Roofing Company You need a roofing company that you actually trust. Many door knockers who appear after hailstorms will say there is hail damage even if there isn’t. They’re motivated to get work, not to protect your interests. We can guide you toward reputable contractors.

Step 3: File the Claim We help our insured clients file claims with their insurance companies. We make sure all necessary documentation is provided and that the process moves forward smoothly.

Step 4: Advocate for You As your independent agent, we work for you—not the insurance company. We help ensure you receive fair treatment and the full benefits your policy provides.

Why Choose an Independent Insurance Agent?

This is where the real money-saving happens—not by cutting coverage, but by finding you the best option from multiple carriers.

The way that an independent insurance agent saves money for insureds is that we represent many insurance companies and go to all of them to find the best option. We compare:

Coverage quality and policy details
Claims handling reputation (especially for hail claims)
Premium costs
Customer service
Financial strength of the carrier

Some insurance companies handle hail claims better than others. Some offer better coverage options for Colorado’s unique risks. As an independent agent, I can match you with the carrier that provides the best combination of coverage, service, and price for your specific situation.

What Every Colorado Homeowner Should Know About Hail Coverage

Before a hailstorm hits, make sure you:

Review your policy to understand what’s covered and what your deductible is
Let your agent know if you have questions about your policy.
Verify your dwelling coverage limits are adequate to rebuild your home at today’s costs
Know your deductible amount—can you afford it if you need to file a claim?
Have a trusted roofing contractor identified before you need one
Document your home’s condition with photos before storm season

After a hailstorm:

Inspect your property safely from the ground—don’t climb on your roof
Contact your insurance agent before filing a claim if you’re unsure about the extent of damage
Be cautious of door-to-door contractors who pressure you to sign contracts
Document all damage with photos and videos
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (and save receipts)

Colorado’s Hail Risk: Why Quality Coverage Matters

Colorado ranks among the top states for hail damage claims. The Front Range, where most of our population lives, sits in a particularly vulnerable location where warm, moist air from the plains collides with cold air from the mountains—perfect conditions for severe hailstorms.

The Denver metro area, including Westminster, Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, and surrounding communities, experiences frequent hail events, especially during spring and summer months. Some years bring multiple damaging storms.

Given this reality, having comprehensive hail coverage isn’t optional—it’s essential protection for your largest investment.

The Bottom Line on Hail Coverage

Yes, homeowners insurance covers hail damage in Colorado—but the quality of that coverage varies dramatically from policy to policy.

Having a good insurance policy makes all the difference. At Ullrich Insurance Agency, we specialize in helping Colorado families get quality protection—not just the cheapest policy. We represent multiple insurance carriers and take the time to find the best coverage for your needs and budget.

Get Your Homeowners Insurance Reviewed

If you’re not sure whether your current policy would adequately cover hail damage, or if you’re shopping for homeowners insurance in Colorado, we can help. We’ll review your coverage, explain your options, and find you the best policy from our multiple carrier options.

Contact Ullrich Insurance Agency today for a free policy review or quote.

Don’t wait until after the next hailstorm to discover gaps in your coverage. Let’s make sure you have the protection you need before the storms arrive.

Ullrich Insurance Agency serves families throughout the Denver metro area and across Colorado. We specialize in home, auto, and life insurance, representing multiple carriers to find you the best coverage at competitive rates.