5 Tips on How to Protect Your Car From Hail

Hail damage can be expensive to repair. So when the weather report calls for a hail storm, it's best that you take action. These strategies may not work 100% of the time, but your damages could be far more expensive if you don't try anything at all. That said, read on to learn how to help protect your car from hail damage.

1. Park in a garage.
   

   This is probably the most obvious answer since a garage will completely shield your vehicle from hail on all sides, but it is by far the most effective way to protect your car from hail damage. You may be thinking, “If I had a garage, I wouldn't be reading this article, would I?” That's a very valid point. But it's important to keep in mind, especially during the months when hail is likely. If you do have a garage but you use it for storage, be proactive by keeping your garage clear of boxes or other items. Look for alternative storage options so you can fit your cars in the garage, and you'll be able to avoid the headache of being caught off guard by unexpected hail. And if you're thinking “How do I protect my car from hail without a garage?”, don't worry. The rest of these tips are for you.

2. Buy a hail car cover.
   

   If you want to protect your car from hail and you don't have a garage (or you do have one but don't have space in it for your car), your next best option may be to buy a dent-proof car cover. There are many types of car covers that help protect against hail. You can opt to purchase a multi-layer cover, or even an inflatable one. You may even be able to find a cover designed by your vehicle's manufacturer, which should be a perfect fit. For a more permanent solution, research permanent or mobile car ports that fit your location and budget. A quick search shows models ranging from $250 to $2500; it all depends on the durability and design of the materials.

3. Cover your car with a blanket.
   

   If you're on a budget or on-the-go, you may opt for a DIY hail car cover. In this case, you may benefit from using a blanket to cover your car windows, and as much of the body as possible. If you want to stop the blankets from flying away (in the case of heavy winds), you can try tucking them into the doors and underneath the hood to keep them secure. You may need multiple blankets to cover your car completely, but in the end, it should still come out cheaper than buying a car cover (which helps if you simply can't or don't want to splurge on one).

4. Fold your side mirrors in.
   

   Hail can be very strong and can easily crack or break side mirrors, which are relatively thin and fragile. Folding your side mirrors in will help to reduce their surface area and make them less likely to be hit by hail. It will also help to protect the reflective part of the mirror, which may be the most expensive part to replace. It's helpful to keep an eye on weather reports so you know when to be proactive, or you can be extra safe and fold them in every time you park your car outside. Whatever works for you!

5. Be cautious of trees.
   

   In a hailstorm, trees can be your best friend or your worst enemy. If there's going to be hail but not much wind, parking under a tree can shield your vehicle and minimize the damage it gets. On the flip side, if there's going to be a lot of wind accompanying the hail, limbs and branches may fall off the tree and cause even more damage to your vehicle. Pay close attention to the weather report. If you know there will be a lot of wind, or if you aren't sure, the safer option may be to stay away from trees if possible. If the tree shields your car from hail but drops a branch on your windshield, you could still end up with damage to your car.

Bonus tip: make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.

Sometimes things happen. And no matter how hard we try, we can't beat mother nature. At least not always. That's why having insurance is important. When it comes to hail protection for cars, you can never be too safe. If you don't have adequate insurance coverage and a hailstorm damages your entire vehicle, you may end up having to pay for repairs out of your own pocket. It's also important to remember that even if you have a car insurance, it doesn't automatically mean you are covered for all types of damage, including hail. If you don't know whether you have coverage for hail, or if you want to add additional coverages to your current policy, consider contacting an independent insurance agent. Independent insurance agents don't work for a specific insurance company, and because they are licensed to write business for multiple providers, they're able to help you navigate your options and hopefully help as you find a policy that's truly best for you.

And if you do use our agent locator to find an insurance agent near you, tell them Foremost^® sent you!

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