A denial isn't always the final word. Get the reason in writing, document the damage, ask for a reinspection, and know your options under Colorado law, from appraisal to a Division of Insurance complaint.
1. Get the reason in writing
Colorado law treats failing to promptly give a reasonable explanation of the basis for a denial as an unfair claims practice. Ask your insurer for a written letter that names the policy language it relied on, along with the adjuster's estimate, photos and any engineer's report.
2. Get your full policy
Ask for a complete copy: the declarations page plus every endorsement. Endorsements are where cosmetic damage exclusions, roof payment schedules and wind or hail deductibles hide.
3. Understand why roof claims get denied
- Wear and tear or age rather than storm damage
- Damage not tied to a covered storm, or the storm date is in question
- The damage is below your deductible
- Late reporting under your policy's deadline
- A cosmetic damage exclusion, common on metal roofs
- Prior damage that was never repaired
4. Document the damage yourself
Get an independent inspection with dated photos of hits on shingles, vents, gutters and other soft metals. Tie the damage to a specific storm with National Weather Service storm reports or our free hail check by address. Keep every letter, email and claim number in one place.
5. Ask for a reinspection
You can ask your insurer to send an adjuster out again, ideally a different one. If you've signed a contract with a roofer, the roofer can attend and discuss the scope of repairs with the insurer, but you stay in charge of the claim.
6. Consider appraisal
Most homeowners policies have an appraisal clause for disagreements about the amount of a loss. Each side hires an appraiser, the two pick an umpire, and any two of the three decide the amount. Appraisal usually doesn't settle whether something is covered at all, and you typically pay your own appraiser.
7. File a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance
The Division of Insurance takes consumer complaints about claim handling for free and contacts the insurer for a response. It's worth doing when an insurer won't explain a denial or stops responding.
8. Know when to bring in a professional
- A licensed public adjuster works for you on the claim and usually charges a percentage of what you recover. Colorado requires public adjusters to be licensed. A roofer can't act as one.
- An attorney can advise you if you think your insurer acted in bad faith. Under C.R.S. 10-3-1116, a homeowner whose covered benefits are unreasonably delayed or denied can recover two times the covered benefit, plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs.
If you signed a roofing contract before the denial, Colorado law lets you cancel it within 72 hours after you receive written notice that the claim was denied in whole or in part (C.R.S. 6-22-104). The roofer must return any deposit within 10 days, minus work already done properly.
9. Don't wait
Policies and Colorado law set deadlines for reporting claims, requesting appraisal and filing suit. Act soon after the denial, and ask a professional about the deadlines that apply to you.
What a roofer can and can't do
Under C.R.S. 6-22-105, a roofer with a signed contract can discuss the scope of repairs with your insurer, document damage and submit supplements for missed items. A roofer can't negotiate or settle your claim for you or act as your public adjuster. We'll inspect your roof, give you photos and a repair scope you can use, and tell you honestly if the damage isn't there.
Common questions
Can I appeal a denied roof claim in Colorado?
Yes. Ask for the reason in writing, send new evidence, and request a reinspection. If you disagree on the amount, your policy's appraisal clause may apply, and you can file a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance.
Can my roofer fight the insurance company for me?
Not as your representative. With a signed contract, a Colorado roofer can discuss the repair scope with your insurer, but can't negotiate or settle your claim. A licensed public adjuster or an attorney can.
What if my insurer unreasonably denied my claim?
Under C.R.S. 10-3-1116, a homeowner whose covered benefits are unreasonably delayed or denied can sue for two times the covered benefit plus attorney fees. Talk to an attorney about your situation.
Can I cancel my roofing contract if my claim is denied?
Yes. Colorado law lets you cancel within 72 hours after you receive written notice that your claim was denied in whole or in part.
Sources
- C.R.S. 10-3-1104: unfair claims practices
- C.R.S. 10-3-1116: unreasonable delay or denial
- C.R.S. 6-22-104: 72-hour contract cancellation
- C.R.S. 6-22-105: deductibles and public adjusting
- Colorado Division of Insurance
Updated October 9, 2026. This guide is general information for Colorado homeowners, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy's wording controls your coverage, so read it or ask your agent about your specific situation.