Signs of Hail Damage to Your Home's Paint

Hail can be one of the most unexpected and damaging weather events for a home, particularly in regions like Colorado Springs, known for its volatile spring and summer weather. Identifying hail damage early can save you significant time and money. Look for these signs:

• Dents and Pits: Hail stones can cause visible dents and pits in the paintwork, particularly on wood siding and trim.
• Chipping and Cracking: Severe hail impacts can chip paint and crack the underlying wood or siding, which can lead to further deterioration if not addressed.
• Discoloration: Sometimes, the impact of hail can strip the color from your paint, leaving noticeable lighter spots.

By catching these signs early, homeowners and businesses can take swift action to mitigate further damage. Many insurance companies let you file a weather-related claim up to one year past the date of damage. Be sure you notify your insurance company before your claim window closes. Please be aware that insurance companies can spot the signs of damage from a new storm vs. one that occurred outside their one year claim window.

Does Your Insurance Policy Cover Hail Damage to Your Paint?

Understanding your insurance policy is crucial when dealing with hail damage. Most homeowner property policies cover damage caused by hail, but it's essential to:

• Review your policy: Check for specific mentions of hail damage and any exclusions or conditions. Some policies may exclude “cosmetic” damage.
• Deductible amounts: Know your deductible as this is what you will need to pay out-of-pocket before insurance covers the rest. Note, many insurance companies in Colorado now have separate “Wind/Hail” deductibles that are higher than the standard deductible.
• Coverage limits: Be aware of any limits on the amount the policy will cover for paint damage.
  

Insurance policies can cover hail damage to paint under either a replacement cost or actual cash value basis, but the specifics depend on the terms of the policy. Here’s how each typically works:

Replacement Cost Coverage

• Replacement Cost policies reimburse you the full cost of repairing or replacing the damaged paint, without deducting for depreciation. This means you receive enough to cover what it costs to paint the damaged area with similar quality materials at their proposed prices.
• This type of coverage generally ensures that you can restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

Actual Cash Value Coverage

• Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage provides reimbursement for the damage after accounting for depreciation. This means you receive what the paint job was worth at the time it was damaged, not what it costs to replace it new.
• ACV typically results in a lower payout because it considers the age and wear of your painted surfaces at the time of the damage.
  
  

If you're unsure, contact your insurance agent to clarify your coverage specifics. This can help you manage expectations and plan financially for any necessary repairs.

What is the Process for a Hail Claim to Cover a New Paint Job?

Navigating an insurance claim for hail damage can seem daunting, but it's a critical step in restoring your property. Here’s a typical process:

1. Document the damage: Take clear photos and notes detailing the hail damage immediately after the event.
2. Contact your insurance company: Inform them of the damage and start the claims process.
3. Assessment by an adjuster: The insurance company will send an adjuster to evaluate the damage and estimate repair costs.
4. Get professional quotes: Contact a reputable painting contractor like Front Range Painters for a detailed quote that matches or more often than not surpasses the adjuster’s specifications.
5. Approval and scheduling: Once the claim is approved, schedule the repair work. Ensure that all paint specifications comply with insurance requirements to maintain warranty coverage.

It is important to note that quotes from painting contractors will always be higher than what the insurance company is going to initially be willing to pay for. Insurance companies use automated software to enumerate the cost of repairs in any trade, which are drastically lower than real life, to reduce their cost, and raise yours. There are many aspects of the restoration process that are either not accounted for, or noticed at all, that we can detect either through the insurance paperwork or during the consultation. Experienced hail claim professionals like Front Range Painters understand the hail claim process. 



Does Front Range Painters Do Insurance Jobs?

Yes, Front Range Painters specializes in handling insurance jobs for residential properties. We understand the intricacies of working with insurance companies and ensure that our painting services meet their specifications and your needs. Our services include:

• Detailed quotes that align, and more often than not exceed, insurance estimates.
• High-quality materials and craftsmanship that comply with insurance and warranty requirements.
• Efficient, professional service to restore your property quickly and with minimal disruption.

Contact us for a quote today to get started on restoring your property with confidence and ease.