Know your deductible before you file: call or text (720) 948-5726.
Colorado insurance guide · Updated Oct 22, 2026
Your hail deductible,in dollars, not percent.
Many Colorado policies now use a percentage wind/hail deductible. Not every policy has one, but we're seeing them more and more. Do the math, know the law, and skip the deductible scams.
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Check your own declarations page. If a percentage wind/hail deductible is listed there, this page explains what it means for your roof and your check.
Find out before you file, free policy check: (720) 948-5726
Before you file
Know your deductible before you file. Know your number first.
A percentage deductible can turn a "covered" hail claim into a $0 check. Get the number in dollars, and an honest inspection, before you call your insurer.
Know your deductible before you file
What we check with you
- Your deductible type and amount in dollars
- RCV, ACV or a roof schedule
- Whether the damage clears the deductible
- A photo inspection of the roof
The math
How does a hail deductible work in Colorado?
Flat deductible
A set dollar amount, like $1,000 or $2,500.
Percentage wind/hail deductible
A percentage of your dwelling coverage (Coverage A), often 1%, 2% or 5%, per the Colorado DOI. If the damage is less than the deductible, the insurer pays nothing.
Source: Colorado DOI hail advisory
Calculator
What is my hail deductible in dollars?
Illustration only. ACV, roof schedules and depreciation change the real check.
Know your deductible before you file.
We read your declarations page with you and inspect the roof. Free, no obligation.
Colorado law
Can a roofer pay, waive or rebate my deductible?
The deductible is yours
Since SB 12-038 (2012), Colorado law says a roofer working on an insurance claim can't advertise or promise to pay, waive or rebate any part of your deductible. If one does, your insurer doesn't have to consider that roofer's estimate.
Source: C.R.S. 6-22-105 · SB 12-038 fact sheet (Colorado Roofing Association)
"SB-38"
What roofers call "SB-38" is Senate Bill 12-038, Colorado's 2012 residential roofing law, now C.R.S. 6-22-101 to 6-22-105. Besides the deductible ban, it requires a written contract and lets you cancel within 72 hours after an insurance denial.
Source: C.R.S. 6-22-105 · C.R.S. 6-22-104 · SB 12-038 fact sheet
Red flags
"We'll cover your deductible," "free roof," gift cards or "advertising fees" tied to your claim, or an invoice padded to make the deductible disappear.
Depreciation & supplements
Where does the rest of the money come from?
Recoverable depreciation
On a replacement-cost policy, the insurer holds back part of the payment for the roof's age and pays it after the work is done.
Source: USAA: recoverable depreciation
ACV (actual cash value)
The roof is paid at its depreciated value, and the depreciation isn't paid back.
Supplements
Requests for added money for damage or code items found during the job, sent to the insurer before the work continues.
Source: Colorado DOI advisory
Know your deductible before you file.
We read your declarations page with you and inspect the roof. Free, no obligation.
Solar
Can solar help with my deductible?
No, and anyone who says it can is asking for trouble. If you're already thinking about solar, it can make sense to install panels while the roof is new, so you don't pull them off later. We work with Britestreet Solar as a partner. But solar is a separate purchase with its own contract, priced and financed on its own numbers. It doesn't reduce, offset or pay your insurance deductible, and nothing about your claim changes because of it.
Ask a tax professional about any solar incentives that apply to you; programs change.
Takeaways
- The deductible is always yours to pay.
- Recoverable depreciation and supplements pay for real work, not your deductible.
- Solar is a separate decision on its own math.
- Free policy check before you file.
What is a hail deductible in Colorado?
The amount you pay before your insurer pays on a hail claim. Many Colorado policies use a percentage wind/hail deductible, often 1%, 2% or 5% of dwelling coverage.
Can a roofer waive my deductible in Colorado?
No. C.R.S. 6-22-105 (SB 12-038) bars roofers from advertising or promising to pay, waive or rebate any part of your deductible. If they do, your insurer doesn't have to consider their estimate.
What is SB-38 in Colorado roofing?
Senate Bill 12-038, the 2012 residential roofing law (C.R.S. 6-22-101 to 105): written contracts, the deductible ban and a 72-hour right to cancel after an insurance denial.
Is it worth filing if my damage is close to the deductible?
If the estimate is below your deductible, the insurer won't pay. Get an inspection and know your deductible in dollars first.
Does solar or a rebate cover my deductible?
No. Solar is a separate purchase on its own contract and can't be used to cover, offset or rebate your deductible.
Does recoverable depreciation cover my deductible?
No. It's the held-back portion of the roof cost paid after the work is done. Your deductible still applies.
Know your deductible before you file.
We read your declarations page with you and inspect the roof. Free, no obligation.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Written by Jeff Kish, founder of Homey Roofing and Restoration (in roofing since 2009). Reviewed by Allie Whitworth, Homey sales & operations and licensed Colorado REALTOR® with RE/MAX Professionals. Homey Roofing and Restoration is a roofing contractor, not a public adjuster. Your policy wording controls your coverage. Updated Oct 22, 2026.