Denver hail, in context
Insured hail losses across the Denver metro, by year
Source: Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association + Insurance Information Institute. Dollar amounts are insured losses only.
2017 is the outlier "Big Hail" year — a single May 8 storm produced roughly $2.3B in insured losses metro-wide. The 2018-onward baseline averages $400M–$800M/year.
Major hail events, 2016–2026
May 8, 2025 · hail · Severe
Aurora, Centennial · 2.25″ hail
Jun 12, 2024 · hail · Severe
Washington Park, Wash Park West · 1.75″ hail
Aug 14, 2023 · hail · Significant
Highlands, Sloan Lake · 1.5″ hail
Jun 22, 2022 · hail · Severe
Lakewood, Wheat Ridge · 2″ hail
Aug 9, 2021 · hail · Severe
Englewood, Littleton · 1.75″ hail
Aug 13, 2020 · hail · Significant
Thornton, Northglenn · 1.5″ hail
Jun 18, 2019 · hail · Severe
Castle Rock, Parker · 2.5″ hail
Jun 19, 2018 · hail · Severe
Fountain, Colorado Springs (regional) · 2.75″ hail
May 8, 2017 · hail · Catastrophic
Metro-wide ("Big Hail" event) · 2.75″ hail
Jul 28, 2016 · hail · Severe
Boulder, Longmont · 2″ hail
A decade in numbers
42
Distinct hail-producing storms
2016–2026, metro-wide
$8.6B
Cumulative insured losses
Source: RMS / III
2.75"
Largest recorded hail
May 8, 2017
What to do right after a hail event
- Photograph your roof, gutters, and any visible dents on cars or AC units within 24 hours.
- Note the date and approximate time of the storm; cross-reference NOAA reports for confirmation.
- Call your insurance carrier within the policy window (usually 1 year) but ideally within 30 days.
- Schedule a free roof inspection — we look for hail bruising you cannot see from the ground.
- Do not sign a contingency contract with a door-knocker. Get at least two written estimates.
Sources