How to protect your car from hail

Ready or not -- winter is here. Dropping temperatures, rain, and maybe even some hail are staples of the winter forecast. If you’re not prepared, an unexpected hailstorm can do serious damage to your car.

While many people are prepared to face familiar winter foes like ice and snow, many forget about the dangers of hail. An unprotected car left out in a hailstorm can get extremely dented, potentially costing thousands to repair. Don’t take hail damage lightly - make sure you’re prepared for hail. Follow these tips to keep your car protected this winter.

Always Check Local Weather

The first step in preventing hail damage to your car is knowing when it’s coming. While hailstorms can come on unexpectedly, knowing the local weather report will give you the best advance knowledge possible.

Take time to check your local weather before heading out for work or errands. If hail is in the forecast, plan to park in a covered area, or delay your trip until it passes.

You also might want to consider signing up for weather alerts so that you’ll get notifications of any severe or unexpected weather. The more advance notice you have, the better chance you’ll have to protect your vehicle from hail.

Park in Covered Areas

Even if you don’t think it’ll hail, it’s always a good idea to park in covered areas whenever possible. Keeping your car protected from the elements will help maintain it in the best condition possible.

If you don’t have access to a garage at home, consider installing a carport. Having a covered area to leave your car will protect it from any unexpected hailstorms.

When you’re out and about, look for a parking garage or other covered parking areas whenever possible. That way, you can rest easy should there be any unexpected hail.

Seek Cover During Hailstorms

Hailstorms can happen at any time. If you happen to be driving when one hits, pull over and seek shelter for you and your car at once.

If available, a parking garage or covered area would be best. But if those aren’t an option, you can also pull over under a freeway overpass or gas station. Park next to a large building that blocks the direction the hail is coming. For example, if the wind is blowing from the east, park on the west side of a building.

Invest in a Car Cover

Purchasing a car cover can be a great investment in the maintenance of your car, especially when it comes to hailstorms. You can throw a car cover over your vehicle if no covered parking is available, which will lessen the hail damage.

Do your research and buy the right car cover size and material for your specific vehicle. While it may not completely prevent hail damage, a good car cover can certainly lessen the impact.

Use Blankets in a Pinch

If you don’t have access to shelter or a car cover, you can always cover your car with blankets in the event of an unexpected hailstorm. You’ll want to use as many blankets as possible, making sure to cover the entire vehicle, including side windows. If possible, you can even layer the blankets on top of each other for extra protection.

Use a paint-safe tape to secure the blankets to your car so that they won’t blow away should there be heavy winds. Like a car cover, blankets may not protect your car from all hail damage, but it will at least give your vehicle added protection.

Consider Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Despite the best preparation, sometimes hail damage is simply unavoidable. Make sure that you are carrying a solid, comprehensive insurance policy for your car so that you'll be covered in the event of damage.

The best time to check your policy is always before you end up needing it. With winter here, now is a great time to double-check your coverage. Contact your insurance carrier to see if hail damage is covered, and if not, consider upgrading to a more comprehensive policy.

Don’t Let Hail Cost You - Be Prepared!

Hail can be one of the most costly weather conditions when it comes to your car. Use these strategies to help protect your vehicle the next time hail comes around. But of course, keeping your vehicle in a covered area and staying out of potential hail storms will always be the best protection possible.

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