Nobody wants to deal with the destruction and inconvenience of hailstorm damage, but for Colorado residents it is a fact of life. If your home or business has been damaged by hail and you want to receive maximum compensation for your claim, turn to the law firm of Florin|Roebig for a free case evaluation.
Colorado Hail Damage Lawyer
Nationally, annual hail related insurance losses average approximately $10 billion a year. The majority of hailstorms in the United states occur in an area that meteorologists refer to as “hail alley”, with Colorado’s Front Range at its heart. While most associate summertime with fun in the sun, Colorado residents brace themselves for the inevitable devastation caused by severe storms.
After a natural disaster strikes, you expect to recover the compensation you are rightfully entitled to under your insurance policy. While that would be a reasonable expectation considering the fact that you faithfully pay your monthly premiums, it is often a misconception.
Insurers are not in business to protect your interests and serve you, they are in business to make profits. When they have to pay out on your hail damage claim, it reduces their profits. For this reason, insurance adjusters will use special tactics to deny or devalue your property damage. The good news is that you don’t have to face the insurance company alone. Seek legal advice from a qualified attorney with expertise in Colorado law and hail damage claims.
The Effects Of Hailstorms in Colorado
Hailstorms are an unfortunate yet common part of life in areas of high elevation like Colorado. According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, Colorado hail occurrences have caused more than $5 billion in damages over the last decade. In 2019 alone, Denver had 23 reports of hail within 10 miles of the city center. Last year, the largest hailstone in state history fell on Bethune, Colorado, measuring 4.83 inches in diameter. Cities commonly affected by large hail events include:
- Denver
- Colorado Springs
- Aurora
- Boulder
- Pueblo
The five worse hailstorms in Colorado history:
- July 11, 1990, Denver: This storm is arguably the most infamous hail storm in Colorado’s history. Hailstones up to 1.75 inches in diameter fell for more than half an hour across Denver. The storm caused an estimated $625 million in damage (adjusted for inflation), damaging cars, buildings, and infrastructure. The runways and airplanes at Stapleton International Airport were also significantly damaged.
- May 8, 2017, Denver Metro Area: This storm produced baseball-sized hail and caused damage across the entire metro area, particularly in the west metro and Lakewood area. The Colorado Mills Mall was heavily damaged and had to be closed for several months for repairs. The damage was estimated to be around $2.3 billion, making it the most costly hailstorm in Colorado’s history.
- June 6-15, 2009, Denver Metro Area: Over ten days, a series of severe hailstorms impacted the Denver area. One of the worst storms during this period occurred on June 7, when large hailstones damaged thousands of homes and cars. The total damage from these storms was around $1.4 billion (adjusted for inflation).
- July 20, 2009, Colorado Springs: This storm is notable for the size of the hailstones, which were reported to be as large as 4 inches in diameter. This led to extensive damage to homes, cars, and the landscape. The damage was estimated to be around $353 million (adjusted for inflation).
- August 6, 2018, Colorado Springs: The hail storm caused $172.8 million in damage, which mainly included automobiles and homes. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo also suffered substantial damage, resulting in the death of several animals. The hailstones, as large as 3 inches in diameter, injured 14 people at the zoo.
Types Of Hailstorm Damage
Hail precipitation can do an extraordinary amount of destruction in just a few minutes. Colorado is one of the most hail prone states and when it does strike, you can expect to experience some form of property damage.
Residents often file claims for damage to roofing structures, windows, sidings, decks, air conditioning units, skylights, vehicles, and other personal property. Essentially, anything that is exposed to the outdoors can be at risk when a hailstorm ravages your area. You never know when the next hailstorm is going to hit, so prepare your home in advance and update your insurance policy accordingly.
Roofing Hail Damage
One of the most common types of hail related insurance claims results from roof damage. Many homeowners don’t file claims because they are not aware of hail damage. Unfortunately, roof damage due to high impact hail can considerably reduce your home’s value. The presence of one or more of these signs may indicate damage to your roofing structure:
- Indentations, bruising, or cracks to shingles
- Displaced or missing granules
- Increased amount of asphalt granules in your yard or gutters
- Damage to siding and windows
- Deterioration of chimneys or pipes
Although there are some telltale signs you should be aware of, know that you alone cannot fully determine the amount of hail damage your roof incurred. More often than not, it takes a well-trained roofing expert to identify the damage caused by wind and hail. Even minor problems with your roof’s shingles can lead to significant issues in the future if they are left unattended. Don’t wait until you have a major leak to get a professional opinion. At that point, it may be too late to start the claims process.
You should not rely on the insurance company’s adjuster or engineer to evaluate your property damage, as they are not on your side. The attorneys at Florin|Roebig work closely with expert engineering professionals and contractors who specialize in assessing damage resulting from hailstorms.
When To File An Insurance Claim For Hail Damage
Natural disasters cause a sudden increase in claims, which can lead to payment delays. If you suspect hail damage, call your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. An adjuster will be assigned to your claim and will arrange a time to come to your home to do an inspection. In the meantime, there are some tips you can follow to ensure you get a fair payout for your hail damage:
Take Proper Documentation Of Your Damage
Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside, you should do a thorough interior and exterior inspection to check for hail, wind, and water damage. Support your claim by taking extensive pictures and videos of structural damage, any hailstones present on your property, and the overall condition of the surrounding area.
Get Your Own Property Damage Estimate
Find competent and reputable contractors in your area and obtain several bids to present to your insurance adjuster. Getting an unbiased third party to look over your property damage will help you determine if your insurance company is trying to underpay your claim.
Hire A Hail Damage Attorney
Dealing with the aftermath of a hail event in Colorado can be a nightmare and filing an insurance claim can be a stressful ordeal. The truth is, most insurance companies will try anything to pay less than your claim is worth. The best way to get a successful resolution is to hire a skilled property damage attorney to help guide you through each step of your hail damage claim.
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Bad Faith Insurance Company Practices
After a hailstorm claim is initiated, there are several ways a property insurance company can act in bad faith. In many instances, an insurance carrier fails to fulfill certain duties and obligations to policyholders. However, it is crucial to know that they could be potentially held liable for much more than the amount of damages when bad faith tactics can be proven. If you experience any of the following practices, your claim may qualify as insurance bad faith:
- The insurer denies your claim without a legitimate reason
- The adjuster assigned to your case refuses to conduct a proper investigation
- You experience unreasonable payment delays, resulting in financial burden
- The insurance company extends a settlement offer that is much lower than the cost of repairs
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Contact A Property Damage Attorney Today
Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you by unfairly denying or delaying your claim for compensation. If you are a home or business owner in Colorado and you are struggling to recover hail claim benefits, call the dedicated team of lawyers at Florin|Roebig for a confidential and free consultation and case review.
