Although a hail storm seems like a rare weather phenomenon, the truth is hail causes over $22 billion in damages in the U.S. every year.

If your vehicle has been a victim of a hail storm, you know it’s not something to take lightly. Hail can do anything to a car from leaving pockmark-like dents all over the hood and roof to breaking through the windshield. The heavier the hailstones and the higher the wind, the greater the destruction.

Protecting your car from hail damage doesn’t have to be daunting, even without a garage. With a few proactive measures and clever strategies, you can secure your vehicle from those unpredictable and damaging ice pellets.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical and effective ways to keep your car safe during a hailstorm, ensuring peace of mind without the need for a covered parking space.

Invest in a Hail Car Cover

A high-quality, padded hail car cover offers one of the best defenses against hail damage, providing a robust barrier between your car and the elements. These covers are specifically designed to absorb the impact of hailstones, effectively preventing dents and scratches. The thick padding acts as a cushion, distributing the force of each hailstone across a larger area, thereby minimizing potential damage.

While a hail cover significantly reduces the risk of damage, it’s important to note that no solution can fully guarantee complete protection.

DIY Protection

Get creative and improvise ways to protect your car. Here are a few DIY tips to cover your car: 

• Use heavy blankets or comforters: Layer them over your car, focusing on the hood, roof, and trunk. Secure them with paint-safe tape or rope.
• Employ floor mats: Place them on top of the blankets for extra cushioning.
• Blow up an air mattress: Position it over the car’s hood for additional impact absorption.
• Utilize pool noodles: Line them along the edges and secure them in place to add padding.

Check the Weather Daily

Being prepared is the best thing you can do to protect your car from hail damage. Check the weather forecast regularly, especially during hail season from May through September, when hailstorms are frequent. Hail often accompanies thunderstorms that develop during hot and humid weather as a cold front approaches.

Set your mobile phone or computer to receive alerts so you’ll always be notified when hail is moving through your area. This way, you can park your car in a safer location if you’re at work or know you’ll be on the road during unsettled weather. If possible, avoid driving when a hailstorm is expected and keep your car at home or in a safe parking location.

Find Shelter

Finding temporary shelter for your car can offer significant protection during a hailstorm. For emergencies, you may find it helpful to go to these places:

• Gas stations with canopies: These provide a quick and convenient place to shield your car from hail.
• Car washes: Drive into a car wash bay to protect your vehicle from falling hailstones.

• Underpasses: While not ideal for extended periods, underpasses can serve as a temporary refuge during a storm.

Additionally, knowing the location of nearby covered parking garages can be invaluable during hail emergencies. Having this information allows you to quickly find a safe place to park and avoid hail damage if you’re caught on the road when a storm hits.

Caution: Don’t Park Under a Tree!

Never park your car under a tree during a hailstorm. While it might seem like a good idea to use the tree’s canopy for protection, it actually poses significant risks. Strong winds and hail can break off branches, causing them to fall and potentially cause severe damage to your vehicle. 

In addition to dents and dings from hail, falling branches can smash windows, damage the roof, and create even more costly repairs. Always avoid parking under trees during storms to protect your car from this additional danger.

Fold in the Mirrors

Folding in your car’s side mirrors is a quick and easy step to minimize hail damage in a vulnerable area of your vehicle. Side mirrors are particularly susceptible to hail, and folding them in can reduce the risk of them being hit by hailstones. This simple action can help prevent costly repairs and keep your mirrors intact during a storm.

Get Insurance Coverage for Your Vehicle

Having car insurance that includes comprehensive coverage is crucial for protecting your vehicle. Make sure your policy specifically covers hail damage, as it can save you from significant out-of-pocket expenses for repairs. 

Additionally, familiarize yourself with your deductible so you know what to expect in the event of a claim. Proper insurance coverage provides peace of mind and financial protection when severe weather strikes.

Conclusion

Protecting your car from hail damage requires preparation, quick thinking, and the right tools. But even with the best precautions, hail damage can still happen. That’s why having comprehensive car insurance that covers hail damage is important for peace of mind and financial security.

If your car has already been affected by hail, it’s important to research the best options for repair to ensure you’re getting quality service. Like StormWise, a reputable auto body shop in Denver with years of proven experience in auto hail repairs. We have skilled and certified technicians who specialize in paintless dent repair (PDR). Using advanced techniques, we can help restore your car’s original appearance and value.

Don’t let hail damage disrupt your life—get a free quote from StormWise today and get back on the road quickly.