Colorado’s summer hailstorms can cause hundreds of millions in damage in the span of a few minutes, often leaving damaged roofs and dented vehicles in their wake.

Coloradans should prepare for potential hail, tornado and flood damage by making sure they understand their insurance coverage, limits and deductibles, Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Association, said in a news release Friday.

RELATED: Large hail causes damage across Denver metro Thursday night, more severe storms possible Friday

“Mother Nature is just warming up her pitching arm as Coloradans brace themselves for severe weather season,” she said.

The insurance association recommends immediately documenting any damage to homes and cars before making any short-term fixes. The association also recommends holding on to any receipts from those repairs as they may be reimbursable.

The Colorado Division of Insurance recommends asking your claims adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement they complete. There is no need to rush into a settlement with your insurance company — you can negotiate the settlement amount.

Hailstorms can also prompt swarms of door-to-door salesmen offering roof and other repairs. Many contractors are reliable, but others are not.

The Rocky Mountain Insurance Association offers these tips to avoid being scammed:

Work only with licensed and insured contractors.
Get multiple estimates.
Require the terms of the work in writing: cost, scope of work, time schedule, payment schedule, guarantees.
Ask for references and call them.
Never sign a contract with blank fields that can be filled in later.
Never pay in full or signed a certificate of completion before work is completed.
Work with your insurance company to ensure the repair company is reputable.

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