How to File a Roof Insurance Claim After a Storm in Western Colorado

On the Western Slope, storms can roll through fast and leave behind questions just as quickly. One night of hail or high winds in Grand Junction, Delta, or Montrose is often enough to make homeowners wonder if their roof took damage, and whether insurance will help cover it.

Filing your roof insurance claim doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, but it does require the right steps in the right order. Many homeowners worry about the same things: Does homeowners’ insurance cover roof leaks? Will insurance cover a 20-year-old roof? And how do you get insurance to pay for roof replacement without running into delays or denials?

At Bros Roofing, we help homeowners across Western Colorado navigate this process every storm season. Below, we’ll walk you through how roof insurance claims work, what to do first, and how to protect your home and your peace of mind, along the way.

Key Takeaways

• A successful roof insurance claim starts with documentation and a professional inspection before you file.
• Understanding how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement depends on your policy type, roof age, and storm damage.
• Even older roofs may qualify for coverage, but whether insurance will cover a 20-year-old roof depends on how your policy handles depreciation.

If you want guidance from local experts you can trust, Bros Roofing is here to help protect your home through every season.

How a Roof Insurance Claim Works in Western Colorado

A roof insurance claim is a formal request asking your insurance company to cover damage caused by a sudden event, like hail, wind, or heavy rain. In Western Colorado, those storms are common, which makes understanding the claims process especially important.

Insurance companies don’t cover normal aging or long-term wear. They focus on cause, not just damage. That’s why many homeowners ask, does homeowners’ insurance cover roof leaks? The answer is yes if the leak was caused by a covered storm. Leaks caused by old shingles or deferred maintenance are typically excluded.

Roof age also plays a role. When homeowners ask, will insurance cover a 20-year-old roof, the answer depends on the policy. Some policies pay Replacement Cost Value (RCV), which covers the full replacement cost, after you’ve paid your deductible. Others use Actual Cash Value (ACV), which factors in depreciation and often results in lower payouts for older roofs.

This is where a professional inspection matters. At Bros Roofing, we document storm damage carefully and help homeowners understand what their policy allows before any claim is filed.

Important Factors to Review Before Filing a Roof Insurance Claim

Before calling your insurance company, it’s worth taking a few minutes to review the details that can impact your claim.

• Roof condition before the storm: Insurance won’t cover pre-existing issues. Clear documentation helps separate storm damage from wear.
• Policy type: Knowing whether you have ACV or RCV coverage directly affects how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement.
• Roof age: A 20-year-old roof may still be covered, but depreciation often applies.
• Deductibles and limits: Many Colorado policies have separate wind or hail deductibles.
• Timing: Most policies require claims to be filed within a set window after the storm.

If any of this feels unclear, that’s normal. A local roofer with insurance experience can help you sort through it before a claim is submitted.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Roof Insurance Claim After a Storm

Step 1: Document Damage Safely

Take photos from the ground once conditions are safe. Look for missing shingles, dents, or granule loss. Avoid climbing on the roof.

Step 2: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

An inspection confirms whether damage is significant enough to justify a claim and helps avoid filing unnecessarily.

Step 3: Review Your Insurance Policy

Confirm coverage details, deductibles, and whether homeowners’ insurance covers roof leaks under your policy.

Step 4: File the Claim

Submit your documentation and inspection notes. Your insurer will assign an adjuster.

Step 5: Meet the Adjuster With a Roofer Present

While roofers can’t negotiate on your behalf, their expertise helps ensure storm damage isn’t overlooked.

Step 6: Review the Settlement

Compare the adjuster’s scope with your roofer’s findings. If something doesn’t align, additional documentation may be submitted.

Roof Leaks, Older Roofs, and Coverage Limits Explained

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

Yes, when leaks are caused by a covered storm event. Leaks from aging materials usually aren’t covered.

Will Insurance Cover a 20-Year-Old Roof?

Sometimes. Coverage depends on your policy type and documented storm damage. ACV policies typically reduce payouts for older roofs.

How to Get Insurance to Pay for Roof Replacement

Clear photos, professional inspections, and accurate documentation matter far more than rushing to file.

Quick Checklist Before Filing a Roof Insurance Claim

Ask yourself:

• Was there a recent storm that could have caused damage?
• Do you have photos or inspection documentation?
• Do you know your deductible and coverage type?
• Has a professional roofer reviewed the roof?
• Are you within your policy’s filing window?
• If not, it’s worth getting clarity first.

Roof Insurance Claim FAQs for Western Colorado Homeowners