Hail Damage Documentation Checklist: What to Capture Before You File

COLORADO SPRINGS INSURANCE RESOURCE — UPDATED JULY 2026

Strong documentation can help establish when the damage occurred, show the condition of your property, and make the claim process easier to navigate.

Use this checklist after a storm and before formally filing a claim. Always put safety first.

Step 1: Record the Storm Date and Details

• Note the exact date and approximate time of the hailstorm

• Record the approximate hailstone size using a common object, such as a coin or ball, for scale

• Save local news reports, National Weather Service alerts, or other weather records confirming the storm

• Write down when you first noticed the damage

• Note whether wind, rain, or interior leaking occurred during or after the storm

Step 2: Photograph All Visible Damage Safely

• Take wide photos of all sides of the home from the ground

• Capture close-up images of visible damage to siding, gutters, downspouts, vents, skylights, windows, or exterior fixtures

• Photograph granule accumulation near downspout exits or in accessible gutter areas

• Document damage to vehicles, fencing, outdoor furniture, air-conditioning units, sheds, or other structures

• Take photos from multiple angles when possible

• Preserve the original files so the date and location metadata remain available

• Record short videos if they help show the overall condition of the property

Do not climb onto your roof to inspect or photograph it. A hail-damaged roof may be unsafe, and walking on damaged materials can cause additional harm. Document what you can safely see from the ground or through a window and leave the roof inspection to a qualified professional.

Step 3: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

• Contact a licensed, reputable roofing contractor

• Ask whether the contractor has experience documenting storm damage

• Confirm whether they will provide a written report with photos

• Ask whether they can explain which areas appear damaged and which do not

• Ask whether they are available to attend the adjuster’s inspection, if permitted and useful

• Avoid signing an assignment, contingency agreement, or repair contract until you understand the terms

A qualified inspector can identify damage that may not be visible from the ground. Insurers may evaluate test squares, individual roof slopes, roofing materials, functional damage, repairability, and policy requirements when deciding whether repair or replacement is warranted.

Standards and coverage decisions vary by carrier, roof type, and policy.

Step 4: Prevent Additional Damage

Most policies require the insured to take reasonable steps to protect the property from further damage.

• Address active leaks or exposed areas as soon as it is safe to do so

• Use temporary measures such as tarps or water mitigation when necessary

• Photograph the area before and after temporary repairs

• Keep damaged materials when practical until the insurer has had an opportunity to inspect

• Do not make permanent repairs before the insurer’s inspection unless emergency conditions require them

Step 5: Save All Receipts and Correspondence

• Keep every email, letter, and claim-related document

• Save receipts for temporary repairs, tarps, water mitigation, emergency lodging, or other storm-related expenses

• Record the date, time, name, and contact information for every person you speak with

• Keep a written log of phone calls and important conversations

• Save contractor estimates, inspection reports, and photographs

• Store copies in more than one place, such as cloud storage and a local folder

Some reasonable emergency expenses may be reimbursable if the loss is covered, but reimbursement depends on the policy and carrier review.

Step 6: Review Your Declarations Page and Policy Before Filing

Before contacting the insurer, review the policy documents you have available.

• Is the wind-and-hail deductible a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the dwelling coverage limit?

• Is the roof settled at replacement cost value, or RCV, or actual cash value, or ACV?

• Does the policy contain a roof-payment schedule?

• Are there cosmetic-damage exclusions or limitations?

• Are there special limitations based on roof age or roofing material?

• What are the dwelling and other-structures coverage limits?

• Does the policy include ordinance-or-law coverage?

• Are there deadlines for reporting the loss, completing repairs, or claiming recoverable depreciation?

• Does a mortgage company need to be included on claim payments?

Step 7: Organize the Claim File

Create one folder for all claim-related material.

Suggested sections include:

• Policy and declarations page

• Storm records

• Photos and videos

• Contractor inspection report

• Claim number and adjuster information

• Insurance estimates

• Contractor estimates

• Receipts and invoices

• Supplements and revised estimates

• Completion documents and warranties

Important Filing Deadline Reminder

Your policy controls the applicable notice, filing, repair, and documentation deadlines.

Some policies require notice or claim filing within a specific period after the loss. Others contain separate deadlines for completing repairs or submitting replacement-cost documentation.

Do not assume that a general legal limitation period extends a deadline written into the insurance policy. Review the policy and act promptly.

After a major storm, adjusters and contractors may be overwhelmed. Early documentation can make it easier to connect the damage to the correct storm and avoid unnecessary delays.

Ready to File?

Once you have completed the checklist, the next step is to contact your insurer and work through the adjuster process.

See our companion guide: How to File a Hail Damage Claim in Colorado Springs: Step by Step.

Have Questions Before You File?

Main Street Insurance - Patrick Murakami Agency helps Colorado Springs homeowners understand their policy, deductible, roof settlement terms, and options before and after a storm.

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This checklist is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, claims advice, or a guarantee of coverage or payment. Policy terms, exclusions, deductibles, deadlines, and claim procedures vary by carrier and individual contract. Review your policy and consult a licensed insurance professional for guidance specific to your situation.

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