Days 1 to 3 — Document Before You Call Anyone

Ernie's Roofing: We come out within 24 to 48 hours, photograph every impact point, measure hail strike density, and produce a written damage report you own a copy of. You: Do not call your insurance company yet. Do not climb on the roof. Call us first at 720 346 ROOF so documentation is done right before the adjuster ever sees your property.

Days 3 to 7 — File the Claim With Your Insurance Company

Ernie's Roofing: We help prepare your claim package including storm date verification, damage photos, and our written inspection report. You: Call your insurance company claims department directly — not your agent's office. Get your claim number, adjuster name, and adjuster phone. Write it down. Your insurer typically assigns an adjuster within three to five business days.

Weeks 2 to 3 — Adjuster Inspection

Ernie's Roofing: We attend the adjuster inspection with you. An adjuster working alone will often miss damage or undervalue it. We walk the roof with the adjuster and make sure every documented damage point is on record. Our presence at adjuster inspections regularly produces higher initial settlements. You: Schedule the adjuster appointment and call us immediately with the date and time.

Weeks 3 to 4 — Review the Insurance Scope of Loss

Ernie's Roofing: We review the scope of loss line by line against our inspection report. If the insurance company missed line items, undervalued materials, or excluded labor costs they owe, we prepare and submit a written supplement on your behalf. Low initial scopes are extremely common after large Denver hail events. You: Forward the scope of loss document as soon as it arrives. Do not sign anything until we review it together.

Weeks 4 to 6 — First Insurance Check Arrives (ACV Payment)

Ernie's Roofing: We explain the difference between your ACV payment and the RCV holdback so you understand exactly what is coming. Many homeowners think the first check is the final number. It is not. You: If your mortgage lender is listed on the check, you will need their endorsement before funds are released. We walk you through that process so it does not slow your project start.

Weeks 5 to 7 — Full Roof Installation

Ernie's Roofing: We schedule and complete your full roof replacement. We pull required permits, install to Denver building code, and leave a ladder set for the city inspector. Most residential replacements finish in one to two days. You: Confirm access the morning of install. We handle everything else start to finish.

Weeks 7 to 8 — Final Depreciation Check (RCV Payout)

Ernie's Roofing: Once installation is complete, we submit your certificate of completion and final invoice to your insurance company to release the depreciation holdback. This is the second and final check that covers the full replacement cost. You: Forward the final check when it arrives and pay your remaining balance per contract. Your deductible is your only true out-of-pocket cost on a properly documented Denver hail damage insurance claim.

Ernie's Roofing Handles

• ✓  Full roof inspection and photo documentation
• ✓  Written damage report for your claim file
• ✓  Claim filing guidance and package preparation
• ✓  On-site attendance at adjuster inspection
• ✓  Scope of loss review and supplement filing
• ✓  Material selection and permit coordination
• ✓  Full roof installation to Denver code
• ✓  Final completion certificate and RCV release

You Handle

• ✓  Call Ernie's first at 720 346 ROOF
• ✓  Call insurance claims department to open the claim
• ✓  Write down your claim number and adjuster contact
• ✓  Schedule adjuster appointment and notify us
• ✓  Forward scope of loss when insurance sends it
• ✓  Handle mortgage lender check endorsement if needed
• ✓  Pay your deductible — your only out-of-pocket cost

How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Colorado?

Most Colorado homeowners insurance policies require filing within 12 months of the storm date. Some policies require six months. A small number allow up to 24 months. Missing the deadline means automatic denial regardless of how much damage exists on your roof.

Does filing a hail damage claim raise my insurance rates in Colorado?

Hail is a weather event, not an at-fault claim. Colorado insurers generally cannot raise your rates solely because you filed a weather-related claim. That said, policies vary. Review your policy terms or talk to your agent after we have documented your damage.

What if the insurance adjuster says my roof is fine?

This happens regularly after large Denver hail events when adjusters are processing hundreds of claims at once. If the adjuster's assessment conflicts with our documented inspection, we prepare a written supplement with additional evidence and submit it on your behalf.

What is the difference between ACV and RCV on my claim?

ACV is actual cash value — the first check your insurance sends after accounting for depreciation on your existing roof. RCV is replacement cost value — the full amount owed once the roof is installed and you submit proof of completion. The depreciation holdback is released with the second check.

How long does a Denver hail damage insurance claim take?

A straightforward claim with no disputes typically runs six to eight weeks from filing to final payout. Supplement negotiations can add two to four weeks. Mortgage lender check endorsements can add one to two weeks depending on your lender. We keep your claim moving forward throughout the process.

Is my deductible my only out-of-pocket cost?

On a properly documented and approved claim, yes. Most Colorado policies carry a wind and hail deductible of one to two percent of your home's insured value. On a home insured at $400,000 that is $4,000 to $8,000. We make sure every dollar your policy owes is captured so your deductible is your only true cost.

Should I call my insurance agent or the claims department?

Call the claims department directly, not your agent. Your agent manages your policy but does not process claims. Calling the claims department opens your claim number immediately and starts the clock on the adjuster assignment. Your agent is useful for understanding your coverage terms but the claim itself goes through the claims office.

Do I need multiple bids for an insurance roof replacement?

Your insurance company does not require multiple bids. They pay based on their scope of loss calculation, not contractor quotes. You choose your contractor. What matters is that your contractor can execute the work within the approved scope. Ernie's Roofing has been working within Denver insurance scopes since 1978.