Steps to File a Property Damage Claim After a Colorado Snowstorm

Snowstorms can unleash sudden, severe winter storm conditions that lead to extensive snowstorm property damage. From roof collapses under heavy snow to frozen pipes and ice infiltration, the aftermath of a winter storm can be financially and emotionally taxing.

When a snowstorm strikes Colorado and causes property damage, prompt action is key to securing a fair snowstorm damage claim payout under your policy’s snowstorm deductible. 

As trusted Colorado property damage claim attorneys, The Morgan Law Group helps you understand Colorado insurance laws, gather the right documentation, and navigate each step of filing a snowstorm insurance claim to maximize your recovery.

1. Assess and Ensure Safety 

Before you focus on snowstorm insurance claims, make sure everyone on your property is safe. 

After a heavy snowfall or ice storm:

• Inspect your property cautiously to identify hazards.
• Take emergency measures. For example, clear snow away from vents and install temporary bracing if a roof appears to be sagging, to prevent further snowstorm damage.
• Document safety steps by taking time-stamped photos or videos. These records demonstrate your mitigation efforts, which Colorado insurance laws generally require to prevent additional harm to your property.

2. Document Snowstorm Property Damage 

Accurate documentation forms the backbone of any successful Colorado snowstorm damage claim:

• Photograph and video every affected area immediately after the storm subsides. Capture roof damage, broken gutters, siding cracks, collapsed structures, and any pooling water or ice dams.
• Maintain a damage log that notes the date, time, and specific locations of damage. Describe the nature of each issue, such as “ice dam causing interior ceiling water stain in basement.”
• Save damaged items rather than discarding them. If broken siding or insulation must be removed for safety, keep samples in a labeled container for the adjuster’s review.
• Collect repair estimates from licensed contractors. Even if you cannot complete full repairs until your claim is settled, estimates help substantiate the calculation for snowstorm claim payout.

3. Review Your Insurance Policy and Deductibles

Understanding your coverage and snowstorm deductible is essential before filing a snowstorm damage claim:

• Locate your homeowners or commercial policy and identify sections covering “winter storm,” “freeze,” or “ice dam” damage.
• Note the deductible amounts specifically for snowstorm damage – standard policies often impose higher deductibles for named perils like winter storms.
• Verify any sub-limits, such as roof collapse coverage, separate from general property damage limits.
• Check for exclusions, including wear-and-tear clauses or maintenance obligations, which can affect snowstorm insurance claims.

4. File Your Snowstorm Insurance Claim Promptly

After a winter storm in Colorado, you must start your snowstorm insurance claims immediately.

• Contact your insurer as soon as possible after documenting damage. Most insurers require notification “as soon as reasonably practicable” following a winter storm.
• Submit a written notice via email or certified mail, detailing the date of the storm, the extent of snowstorm damage, and your intention to file a snowstorm property damage claim.
• Include initial documentation – photos, videos, a damage log, and preliminary repair estimates to support your notice.
• Request a claim number and note the adjuster’s name, phone number, and email for all future correspondence.

5. Complete the Proof of Loss for Snowstorm Damage

Insurers typically require a formal proof of loss form to process Colorado snowstorm damage claims:

• Detail every loss item with the corresponding cost estimates. Include line items such as “roof shingle replacement,” “water mitigation,” and “structural reinforcement.”
• Attach supporting documentation, including invoices, contractor bids, and receipts for emergency repairs.

6. Work with Insurance Adjusters

Once your snowstorm damage claim is filed, an adjuster will evaluate your snowstorm property damage:

• Schedule a prompt inspection and accompany the adjuster to point out all documented issues.
• Provide copies of your damage log, photographs, video, and proof of loss form.
• Ask questions if any aspect of the adjuster’s findings seems to understate damages or overlook hidden losses like attic insulation freezing.
• Get all agreements in writing, including agreed-upon scopes of work and payout formulas.

7. Insurance Payout for Storm Damage

Determining a fair snowstorm claim payout requires careful review:

• Sum the line-item estimates from your proof of loss, ensuring all covered perils are included.
• Factor in depreciation and actual cash value versus replacement cost, depending on your policy.
• Include additional living expense reimbursements (if applicable) for homeowners temporarily displaced due to roof collapse or extensive water damage.
• Verify adjuster calculations against your own spreadsheet to identify any discrepancies in covered amounts.

8. Handle Snowstorm Insurance Claims Disputes

If your insurer issues a denial or an amount that doesn’t cover your losses:

• Review the denial letter for reasons cited under your policy – common grounds include maintenance exclusions or alleged preexisting damage.
• Submit a written appeal addressing each denial point with counter-evidence, such as dated photos showing storm onset and absence of prior damage.
• Document underpaid claim notices by comparing the insurer’s payout calculation against your contractor estimates.
• Retain correspondence in a chronological file to support any regulatory complaint or legal action for underpaid snowstorm insurance claims.

Why Seek Legal Help for Snowstorm Damage Claims in Colorado

Navigating snowstorm property damage and insurance adjusters can be daunting. When facing denied snowstorm insurance claims or complex policy interpretations, legal help for snowstorm damage claims in Colorado becomes invaluable. 

An experienced snowstorm damage attorney in Colorado can:

• Interpret conflicting policy language and identify coverage gaps.
• Prepare persuasive demand packages that compel insurers to honor valid claims.
• Guide you in appeals before the Colorado Division of Insurance.
• File litigation to enforce your rights, ensuring the insurer pays a full snowstorm claim payout.

Recovering fair compensation after a winter storm hinges on prompt documentation, thorough proof of loss, and vigilant advocacy against disputed snowstorm insurance claims. Whether you’re grappling with collapsed roofs, ice dam leaks, or extensive structural damage, snowstorm attorneys in Colorado stand ready to enforce Colorado insurance laws on your behalf.

Call us today at (866) 305-1690 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation. Secure the compensation you deserve with the help of our dedicated Colorado snowstorm damage attorney at The Morgan Law Group.