Roof Insurance Claims Glossary: Essential Terms Colorado Springs Homeowners Need to Know
Navigating insurance claims for roof damage can feel like learning a foreign language. Adjusters, contractors, and insurance companies all use specialized terminology that can confuse homeowners trying to understand their coverage.
This comprehensive glossary breaks down every term you’ll encounter during the roof insurance claim process—from storm damage assessment to final settlement. Whether you’re dealing with hail damage, filing your first claim, or challenging a denial, understanding these terms gives you the knowledge to protect your interests.
Use this resource to:
- Understand what your insurance adjuster is actually saying
- Know which policy provisions protect you
- Recognize when contractors are using misleading terminology
- Navigate the claims process with confidence
Jump to Section:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X
A
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
The depreciated value of your roof at the time of loss. ACV equals Replacement Cost Value minus depreciation based on age and condition. Most insurance companies issue an initial ACV check, then pay Recoverable Depreciation after repairs are completed. Understanding ACV vs. RCV is critical for Colorado Springs homeowners dealing with older roofs.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
Coverage that pays for temporary housing and increased living costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to covered damage. Relevant for severe roof damage causing interior water intrusion or structural issues requiring evacuation.
Adjuster
The insurance company representative who inspects your property damage and determines claim value. Adjusters work for the insurance carrier, not you. Staff adjusters are employees; independent adjusters are contractors hired by the carrier. Understanding adjuster incentives helps homeowners navigate claims strategically.
Appraisal Clause
A policy provision allowing either party to request an independent appraisal if they disagree on claim value. Each party selects an appraiser, and those appraisers select an umpire. Two of the three must agree on the final settlement amount. Appraisal is often faster and less expensive than litigation for disputed claims.
Asphalt Shingle
The most common roofing material in Colorado Springs. Composed of a fiberglass mat covered with asphalt and mineral granules. Three-tab and architectural (dimensional) shingles are the primary types. Understanding shingle construction helps identify legitimate storm damage.
B
Bruising (Shingle)
Damage to asphalt shingles where impact has compressed the mat without breaking through. Bruises weaken shingles and reduce lifespan but may not be immediately visible. Insurance adjusters often miss bruising because it’s subtle compared to granule loss or cracks.
Bundle
Shingles are packaged in bundles. Typically, three bundles cover one roofing square (100 square feet). Understanding bundle calculations helps verify contractor estimates and insurance settlements.
C
Claim
A formal request to your insurance company for payment or reimbursement for covered damages. Filing a claim doesn’t guarantee payment—the carrier must determine the damage is covered under your policy and wasn’t pre-existing.
Claimant
The policyholder filing the insurance claim. As the claimant, you have specific rights and responsibilities during the claims process.
Code Upgrade Coverage
Insurance provision covering costs to bring your roof up to current building codes during replacement. Colorado building codes change periodically, and newer requirements (additional flashing, ice and water shield, ventilation) can increase replacement costs significantly.
Collateral Damage
Secondary damage caused by the same storm event. For hail claims, collateral damage includes damaged gutters, downspouts, vents, satellite dishes, HVAC units, or siding. Documenting collateral damage strengthens your claim by proving storm severity.
Cosmetic Damage
Surface damage that doesn’t affect the roof’s function or waterproofing. Insurance companies often try to classify legitimate hail damage as “cosmetic only” to deny claims. However, granule loss and shingle bruising—while appearing cosmetic—reduce roof lifespan and may constitute functional damage under your policy.
Coverage
The scope of protection provided by your insurance policy. Roof damage coverage depends on your policy type, deductible, exclusions, and specific provisions. Not all policies are equal—reading your declarations page is essential.
Cricket
A ridge structure built on the high side of a chimney to divert water around it. Crickets prevent water pooling and ice damming. Missing or damaged crickets discovered during roof replacement may be covered if storm-related.
D
Date of Loss
The date when covered damage occurred. For Colorado Springs hailstorms, this is the storm date. Your policy’s statute of limitations (typically 1-2 years in Colorado) runs from the date of loss, not when you discovered the damage.
Declarations Page (Dec Page)
The summary page of your insurance policy listing coverage amounts, deductibles, effective dates, and named insured parties. Review your dec page before filing claims to understand your actual coverage.
Deductible
The amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage applies. Colorado homeowner policies typically have percentage deductibles (1-5% of dwelling coverage) or flat amounts ($1,000-$5,000). For a home insured at $400,000 with a 2% deductible, you pay the first $8,000 of repairs.
Denial
The insurance company’s decision not to pay your claim. Denials must include specific policy-based reasons. Common denial reasons include pre-existing damage, insufficient storm damage, maintenance issues, or policy exclusions. Most denials can be challenged with proper documentation.
Depreciation
The reduction in your roof’s value based on age and condition. Insurance companies calculate depreciation differently—some use straight-line depreciation over expected lifespan, others use proprietary formulas. Understanding your carrier’s depreciation schedule is critical for older roofs.
Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A)
The portion of your homeowner’s policy covering the physical structure of your home, including the roof. This determines your maximum claim payout and often serves as the base for calculating percentage deductibles.
E
Eave
The lower edge of the roof that overhangs exterior walls. Eaves are vulnerable to wind and hail damage. Proper flashing and drip edge at eaves prevent water intrusion.
Estimate
A detailed breakdown of repair costs including materials, labor, and related expenses. Insurance adjusters create estimates using software like Xactimate. Contractor estimates may differ due to local market rates, material quality, or scope differences.
Exclusion
Specific situations or damage types your policy doesn’t cover. Common roof exclusions include normal wear and tear, poor maintenance, cosmetic damage (defined narrowly), and pre-existing conditions. Understanding exclusions helps set realistic claim expectations.
F
Fascia
The vertical board running along the roof edge, attached to rafter or truss ends. Fascia supports gutters and provides a finished appearance. Hail and wind can damage fascia, which may be covered as collateral damage.
Flashing
Metal or synthetic material installed at roof intersections (chimneys, vents, valleys, walls) to prevent water intrusion. Proper flashing is critical for waterproofing. Failed flashing discovered during storm repairs may be covered if storm-related.
Functional Damage
Damage affecting your roof’s performance, lifespan, or waterproofing ability. Even if your roof isn’t currently leaking, hail bruising, granule loss, and cracked shingles constitute functional damage because they compromise future performance.
G
Granule Loss
The loss of protective granules from asphalt shingles, typically caused by hail impact or age. Granules protect the asphalt layer from UV damage. Significant granule loss accelerates aging and may indicate hail damage. Insurance companies sometimes claim granule loss is normal aging rather than storm damage.
Gutter
The channel attached to roof eaves collecting and directing water runoff. Gutters often show hail damage more clearly than roofs, providing supporting evidence for roof damage claims.
H
Hail Damage
Impact damage to roofing materials caused by hailstones. Hail creates dents, bruises, cracks, and granule loss on shingles. Damage severity depends on hail size, wind speed, and roof material. Colorado Springs’ “Hail Alley” location makes hail damage the most common roofing claim type.
Hip
The external angle where two sloping roof planes meet. Hips are more vulnerable to wind damage than flat roof sections. Cap shingles covering hips require proper installation to prevent wind uplift.
I
Ice and Water Shield
A self-adhering waterproof membrane installed beneath shingles in vulnerable areas (eaves, valleys, penetrations). Colorado building codes require ice and water shield at eaves to prevent ice dam damage. Code upgrade coverage may pay for additional ice and water shield during replacement.
Impact Resistance
A shingle’s ability to withstand hail impact without damage. Class 4 (highest rating) impact-resistant shingles may qualify for insurance discounts and perform better in hailstorms. Some carriers require Class 4 shingles for older roof replacements.
Independent Adjuster
A contractor hired by insurance companies to inspect claims, typically during high-volume periods after major storms. Independent adjusters aren’t insurance employees but still work for the carrier, not you.
Inspection
The process of examining your roof for damage. Insurance adjusters conduct inspections to determine coverage. Contractor inspections assess repair needs. Independent roof consultants provide unbiased inspections without sales pressure.
J
J-Channel
Vinyl siding trim used around windows and doors. Often shows hail damage that supports roof damage claims.
K
Kick-Out Flashing
Specialized flashing where roof meets vertical walls, directing water away from the wall. Missing or improper kick-out flashing can cause water intrusion. May be covered if storm damage is involved.
L
Limitation
A policy provision capping coverage for specific items or situations. Some policies limit roof coverage based on age or cap total dwelling coverage. Understanding limitations prevents surprise claim shortfalls.
Loss
The damage to your property covered by insurance. In insurance terminology, “loss” doesn’t mean you’ve lost something—it refers to any covered damage event.
M
Manufacturer’s Warranty
The roofing material manufacturer’s guarantee against defects. Separate from insurance coverage. Manufacturer warranties typically don’t cover storm damage but may cover premature failure or material defects.
Mat Exposure
When hail impact or damage exposes the fiberglass mat beneath shingle surface layers. Mat exposure indicates significant damage and typically qualifies for replacement coverage.
Mitigation
Steps taken to prevent further damage after a loss occurs. You’re required to mitigate damage (tarping, temporary repairs) to maintain insurance coverage. Keep receipts—mitigation costs are usually reimbursable.
N
Named Storm Deductible
A separate, higher deductible applying to hurricane or named windstorm damage. Less common in Colorado than coastal states but may appear in some policies.
Normal Wear and Tear
Gradual deterioration from age and exposure. Not covered by insurance. Adjusters often claim storm damage is actually wear and tear to deny claims. Professional documentation distinguishes storm damage from aging.
O
Overhead and Profit (O&P)
Contractor markup for managing the project. Insurance companies may not include O&P in initial estimates. For complex jobs requiring multiple trades, O&P should be included in your settlement.
Overlap
The portion of each shingle row covered by the next row. Proper overlap is critical for waterproofing. Hail damage to overlap areas may not be visible from ground level but still compromises the roof.
P
Peril
An event causing property damage covered by your policy (hail, wind, fire). Understanding covered perils helps determine if your damage qualifies for coverage.
Policy
Your insurance contract detailing coverage, exclusions, deductibles, and obligations. Policies vary significantly between carriers and even between policy types from the same carrier.
Policy Period
The timeframe your insurance coverage is active. Storm damage must occur during an active policy period to be covered.
Pre-Existing Condition
Damage or defects existing before the covered loss occurred. Insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing issues. Adjusters sometimes misclassify storm damage as pre-existing to deny claims.
Premium
The amount you pay for insurance coverage. Filing claims may increase future premiums, though Colorado law limits cancellations based solely on claim frequency.
Public Adjuster
A licensed professional hired by policyholders to advocate for them during claims. Public adjusters work for you, not the insurance company, and typically charge 5-15% of the settlement. Different from roof consultants who provide documentation and advocacy without percentage fees.
Q
Quote
A contractor’s written proposal for repair costs. Get multiple quotes to verify insurance estimates are adequate. Quotes should itemize materials, labor, and scope of work.
R
Recoverable Depreciation (RD)
The portion of your claim withheld initially and paid after repairs are completed. If your claim totals $20,000 (RCV) with $5,000 depreciation, you receive $15,000 (ACV) initially and the remaining $5,000 (RD) after providing proof of completed repairs.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
The cost to replace damaged property with new materials of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation. RCV policies are more expensive but provide better coverage than ACV-only policies.
Ridge
The horizontal peak where two roof slopes meet. Ridge vents provide attic ventilation. Ridge caps (shingles covering the ridge) are vulnerable to wind damage.
Ridge Vent
A ventilation system installed along the roof ridge allowing hot air to escape the attic. Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup and extends roof life. Damaged ridge vents may be covered as storm damage.
S
Seal Strip
The adhesive strip on asphalt shingles that bonds overlying shingles. Proper sealing prevents wind uplift. Wind damage often breaks seal strips. New roofs require time for seal strips to activate in warm weather.
Settlement
The final payment amount your insurance company agrees to pay for your claim. Settlements may be negotiated higher if initial offers are inadequate.
Shingle
Individual roofing unit. Asphalt shingles are most common in Colorado Springs, but metal, tile, and wood shake roofs exist. Each material has different storm damage characteristics.
Soffit
The underside of roof overhangs. Soffits often contain ventilation openings and may show hail damage supporting roof claims.
Square
Roofing measurement equal to 100 square feet. A 2,500 square foot roof is 25 squares. Understanding squares helps verify estimates and settlements.
Statute of Limitations
The time limit for filing claims or lawsuits. Colorado generally allows 1-2 years from date of loss to file claims, though policies may specify shorter periods. Missing deadlines forfeits your coverage.
Step Flashing
L-shaped flashing installed where roof meets vertical walls. Proper step flashing prevents water intrusion. Failed step flashing discovered during replacement may be covered if storm-related.
Subrogation
The insurance company’s right to recover claim payments from responsible third parties. If a contractor caused damage, your insurer may pay your claim then pursue the contractor for reimbursement.
Supplemental Claim
An additional claim filed when discovered damage exceeds the initial estimate. Common when tear-off reveals hidden damage like rotted decking. Supplemental claims require proper documentation showing damage wasn’t pre-existing.
T
Tar Paper (Felt Paper)
Protective underlayment installed beneath shingles. Modern synthetic underlayments have largely replaced traditional tar paper. Damaged or missing underlayment discovered during replacement may be covered.
Tear-Off
The process of removing existing roofing materials before installing new ones. Full tear-offs (removing all layers) reveal hidden damage that may qualify for supplemental claims.
Test Square
A small roof section (typically 10×10 feet) where shingles are removed to inspect for hidden damage. Insurance adjusters may request test squares when surface damage is unclear. Test square costs are usually covered if damage is found.
Three-Tab Shingle
Basic asphalt shingles with a flat appearance and three tabs per shingle. Less durable and less attractive than architectural shingles. Many insurance companies no longer cover three-tab replacement on older roofs.
U
Underlayment
Water-resistant material installed directly on roof decking beneath shingles. Protects against water infiltration if shingles fail. Modern synthetic underlayment performs better than traditional felt paper.
Umpire
The neutral third party selected by appraisers when policyholders and insurance companies disagree on claim values. The umpire breaks ties between the two appraisers’ assessments.
Upgrade
Improvements beyond basic replacement. Upgraded materials (Class 4 shingles, premium colors) typically aren’t covered unless your policy includes upgrade provisions. Code upgrades (additional flashing, ventilation) may be covered under code upgrade provisions.
V
Valley
The internal angle where two roof slopes meet. Valleys channel water runoff and are vulnerable to damage and leaks. Valley flashing is critical for waterproofing.
Vent
Roof penetrations allowing air circulation. Damaged vents (plumbing vents, exhaust vents, turbine vents) may be covered as collateral storm damage.
Ventilation
The system of intake and exhaust vents providing attic airflow. Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup, reduces cooling costs, and extends roof life. Code upgrades may require additional ventilation during replacement.
W
Wind Damage
Damage caused by high winds lifting, tearing, or displacing roofing materials. Wind damage includes missing shingles, lifted edges, broken seal strips, and damaged flashing. Wind and hail often occur together but require different documentation approaches.
Workmanship Warranty
The contractor’s guarantee of proper installation. Typically 1-10 years depending on contractor. Separate from manufacturer warranties and insurance coverage. Quality contractors provide longer workmanship warranties.
X
Xactimate
Industry-standard estimating software used by insurance adjusters and contractors. Xactimate generates repair cost estimates based on local pricing and standard procedures. Understanding Xactimate helps verify insurance estimates are complete and accurate.
Still Have Questions About Your Colorado Springs Roof Insurance Claim?
Understanding terminology is just the first step. Navigating the actual claims process with carrier-specific knowledge makes the difference between accepting what insurers offer and getting what you’re owed.
Whether you’re dealing with hail damage, facing a claim denial, or confused about your policy coverage, professional claim advocacy helps Colorado Springs homeowners secure fair settlements.
📞 Call to discuss your claim: (719) 210-8699
📧 Email: gerald@winik.io