Understanding Wind & Hail Deductibles in Colorado

Colorado’s Front Range sees some of the most frequent hail in the country. Here’s how wind and hail deductibles work, and what to check before storm season.

What Is a Wind and Hail Deductible?

Many Colorado homeowners policies have two deductibles: an all-other-perils deductible that applies to most claims, and a separate wind and hail deductible that applies only to damage caused by wind or hail. The wind and hail deductible is often higher, so it’s important to know exactly what yours is before a storm hits.

Flat-Dollar vs. Percentage Deductibles

Wind and hail deductibles usually come in one of two forms:

• Flat dollar amount, such as $2,500 or $5,000, regardless of your home’s value.
• Percentage of your dwelling coverage, such as 1% or 2% of the Coverage A limit on your policy.

A percentage deductible is based on your dwelling limit, not on the amount of damage. As your home’s coverage limit increases at renewal, the dollar amount of a percentage deductible can increase too.

Why Colorado Policies Often Have Higher Wind and Hail Deductibles

Hail is one of the leading causes of home insurance claims in Colorado, and a single storm can damage roofs, siding, windows, gutters, and vehicles across an entire neighborhood. Because of this, many insurance companies in Colorado use separate or percentage-based wind and hail deductibles to help manage costs. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, but it also means paying more out of pocket after a storm.

What to Check Before Storm Season

• Find your deductible on your declarations page. Look for a separate wind/hail line and note whether it’s a dollar amount or a percentage.
• Calculate the real dollar amount. If it’s a percentage, multiply it by your dwelling coverage so you know what you’d actually pay.
• Make sure you could afford it. Consider setting aside savings equal to your wind and hail deductible.
• Know your roof’s age and material. Roof age and type can affect how a hail claim is settled. See how roof coverage changes as your roof ages.
• Document your roof’s condition. Date-stamped photos of your roof and exterior can help if you need to file a claim.
• Ask about impact-resistant roofing. Some insurance companies offer discounts for certain impact-resistant (Class 4) roofing materials. Availability varies.

After a Hail Storm

If you suspect damage, inspect your property when it’s safe, take photos, and prevent further damage with reasonable temporary repairs. Keep receipts. Then compare the estimated repair cost to your wind and hail deductible before deciding whether to file. Our client service page explains what to do after a loss.

How McCloskey Advisor Group Can Help

As an independent agency, we can compare wind and hail deductible options from multiple insurance companies and show you how each choice affects your premium and out-of-pocket costs. That way you can pick the balance that makes sense for your home and budget.

This article is for general educational purposes only. Coverage, deductibles, and settlement terms vary by insurance company and policy. Always refer to your policy documents or contact us for help reviewing your specific coverage.