Insurance Tips for Wild Weather
Coloradans like to say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.” This year more than most, fast- moving storms have many homeowners reviewing their insurance coverages, and rightly so. Your home is likely the single biggest investment you’ll make, so it’s important to make sure you have the coverage you need before the next big front comes through.
DEALING WITH HAIL
Virtually every rooftop on the Front Range has been hit by hail. It’s not a question of “if” but when, how often, and how big. Hail is traditionally most common from mid-April to mid-September but can fall outside that window, especially as the climate changes. It’s a good idea to check your current homeowner’s insurance policy to verify that you’re covered for hail and confirm whether you have a separate additional wind/hail deductible, which is becoming common practice for many homeowner policies. The farther east you live from the foothills, the more likely your policy will have a separate roof deductible due to the frequency and intensity of hail storms on the plains. If you get hit by hail and have problems with your insurance carrier, contact the Colorado Division of Insurance (doi.colorado.gov) for help getting your claim processed. Other tips:
• Make sure you choose only licensed roofers, especially if they’re based in a different city or county, to ensure the work is compliant with local code.
• Get all guarantees and contact information in writing. If there’s a problem with the work, you may not find out until the next storm comes through.
• Note that filing a hail claim usually won’t cause your insurance premium to rise since the risk is factored into a comprehensive policy based on the location of your home.
AFTER THE FLOOD
Flooding can be a devastating hit as a homeowner. Here are some tips to ensure a full recovery for your home‒ and your psyche‒ if you’re affected by flooding:
• Use local contractors who specialize in mold remediation and property restoration. Check them out at
bbb.org so you know you’re working with pros.
• Hire contractors who have an Institute of Inspection and Cleaning Restoration Certification.
• Be cautious of contractors who demand full payment upfront—but expect to make a down payment
of one-third to one-half before work begins.
• Be wary of door-to-door contractors who offer remediation services. Ask to see their license if one is
required in your city.
• Keep copies of all contracts and warranties. Note any cancellation fees outlined in the contract.
• Realize that your insurance company may issue the claim check both to you and your
mortgage lender. This is common practice to ensure that remediation is completed and that your home
is fully restored.