Living in Colorado has a lot of perks, but it’s got risks, too. The state is coming off a year that saw its three biggest wildfires on record and the foothills are part of the “hail alley” running along the front range.

The only bad time to check up on your coverage is after you make a claim. So, with the wildfire and hail season upon us, it’s important to know what’s covered and what’s not on your homeowners and auto insurance policies.

It’s also a good idea to confirm policy limits & deductibles. Hail is by far the #1 claim in Colorado, and some insurance companies are responding with higher deductibles on roof/wind claims. For example, a 1% or 5% deductible means that you would need to pay out of pocket 1% or 5% of what the home is insured for, meaning a home insured for $850,000 might require $8,500 (1%) or $42,500 (5%) for a roof claim.

Current statistics show there’s a good chance you’ll have a roof claim every 5-7 years, so paying an extra $150/yr. for a lower deductible may be easier to swallow than having to pay $40,000+ out of pocket the next time hailstones make an appearance.

With home values increasing rapidly, you don’t want to find yourself underinsured--call Tupper’s Team to check your home’s current value (you may be pleasantly surprised). While you’re reviewing your insurance, take time to walk through your home with your phone’s camera to inventory all that you own. You will thank yourself as you inventory your losses in the event of damage or a complete loss of your home.