It’s Hail Season in Colorado!
April 15. Oh, that dreaded day! Depending on your perspective, it can be considered, “One Hell of a Day!” or “One Hail of a Day!” You see, not only is April 15th Tax Day in the U.S., but it also marks the start of Hail Season in Colorado. And for the next 5 months (Apr 15 – Sept 15), residents of the Centennial State will need to be on the lookout for severe weather including hailstorms!
Like No Other Place
According to the Encyclopedia of World Climatology, the region with the highest frequency of hail in the U.S. lies along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, around where the borders of Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska meet. This region has been nicknamed “Hail Alley”, and in some years, localized areas can receive anywhere from 20-30 days of hail storms. (Image an entire month of hailstorms!)
Not only is the frequency of hail greater in this region, but the size of the hail is also greater. The Encyclopedia says that moderate-sized hail (i.e. 1/2″ – 1″ in diameter) is concentrated in this region, and that large-sized hail (i.e. greater than 1″) mostly falls in Wyoming and Colorado, comprising up to 20% of the days. That is the potential of nearly a week of hailstorms producing hail of over 1-inch in size!! And, of course, the Denver-metro is in this region.
Hail Statistics
So, how bad are Colorado hailstorms? Well, according to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association (RMIIA), Colorado residents can expect three to four “catastrophic” (i.e. at least $25 million in insured damage) hailstorms every year. And over the last decade, hailstorms in Colorado have caused over $3 billion in insured damage.
To put this amount in perspective, if the cost was spread out over the entire state, it would amount to $560 per Colorado resident. And if this amount was applied just to residents in the Denver Metro – where most damage occurs – it would increase to over $1,100 per person! The RMIIA says, “Up to one-half of your homeowner’s insurance premium may be going toward hail and wind damage costs.”
Most Costly Hailstorms
Below is a table from the RMIIA detailing the 10 most costly hailstorms documented in Colorado.
| Date | Location | Total Damage (in Millions) | 2014 Dollars (in Millions)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Based on the Consumer Price Index. | |||
| July 20, 2009 | Denver Metro | $767.6 | $844.9 |
| July 11, 1990 | Denver Metro | $625.0 | $1,100.0 |
| June 6-15, 2009 | Denver Metro | $353.3 | $388.9 |
| June 6-7, 2012 | Colorado Front Range | $321.1 | $330.3 |
| June 13-14, 1984 | Denver Metro | $276.7 | $628.9 |
| July 29, 2009 | Pueblo | $232.8 | $256.3 |
| October 1, 1994 | Denver Metro | $225.0 | $358.5 |
| September 29, 2014 | Denver Metro | $213.3 | $213.3 |
| May 22, 2008 | Windsor | $193.5 | $212.2 |
| July 13, 2011 | Colorado Front Range | $164.8 | $173.0 |
As you can see, hailstorms have had a significant impact on the residents of Colorado, and particularly those living in the Denver Metro.
Here to Help
If your vehicle is damaged in a hailstorm, Excel Dent is here to help. Our expert PDR technicians will inspect your vehicle, and can often repair the hail-damage without the need for traditional body-work. And that means saving time and money!
Call us at 303-883-4863 to schedule an appointment for a free estimate.
And remember, Excel Dent is Your Hail-Damage & Paintless Dent Repair Specialist!!
