UPDATED: JUNE 15, 2023 | 2 MIN READ
At any point in the year, intense weather conditions can cause severe damage to homes, cars, and neighborhood streets. An unexpected hailstorm can severely damage your car by causing large dents, breaking your windows, and chipping your paint.
Under rare circumstances, hail damage could even total your vehicle. Although hail storms can be dangerous, there are many ways to protect you and your car from any damage caused.
Preventative Measures Against Hail Damage
Avoiding or less hail damage when you take preventative measures beforehand is possible. Taking the extra step to prepare against hail damage can save you plenty of time and money that you would otherwise spend on repairs.
Check the Weather
The key to preparing for a hailstorm is knowing when it’s likely to happen. If you live in a region like the Rocky Mountains, where hail storms are common, consider signing up for weather alerts that notify you of upcoming storms. Knowing when a hail storm may strike gives you more time to protect your vehicle against it.
Find Coverage For Your Vehicle
The easiest way to avoid hail damage is to park your car in a covered area. If you don’t have a garage at home, leave your car in a parking garage.
Another option is to purchase a car cover, which can be a good investment for the overall maintenance of your car. If you don’t have time to move your car or buy a cover, you can get creative by draping blankets or floor mats over your vehicle for protection.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is a type of auto coverage that helps to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged in a non-collision incident.
It covers damage caused by vandalism, fires, or intense weather like hail. You’re likely required to register for comprehensive coverage on a lease or finance. Car owners should speak directly to their auto insurance provider about adding it to their policy.
What To Do During a Storm to Prevent Hail Damage
Hail storms and other severe weather conditions can be startling, but knowing what to do when it happens can prevent you from feeling panicked or stressed.
Get Off The Road
If you’re driving during a hail storm, you must try to get off the road as soon as you can. Roads can quickly become slippery, and the velocity of your moving vehicle and the impact of falling hail can intensify any car damage.
Try finding a covered area where you can wait out the storm, such as an overpass, a gas station, or a parking garage.
Keep Away From Windows
Glass windows often break from the impact of falling hail, and broken shards can cause serious injury if they hit the skin.
If you’re inside a car during a hail storm, push your seat back so you are lying down and you’re distanced from the windows. At home, tape off windows and stay at a distance from them while the storm is passing.
Stay Informed
During a hailstorm, try to stay informed about the storm’s severity and its effects. If possible, find out how long it’s predicted to last and when it’s safe to head outdoors again.
Car Hail Damage Repair
If your car gets seriously damaged during a hailstorm, there are plenty of ways to repair it. Also, you might not need to foot the bill if you have hail insurance coverage.
Paintless Dent Repair
Many auto body shops offer Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) services, which are more affordable and take less time than traditional repair methods. Mechanics can reshape the metal around the dent when your car’s paint is still intact. This option works best for smaller-sized dents.
Filler/Body Panels
If the damage to your car is severe, a car mechanic may suggest a more extensive repair option. This includes filling the dent or replacing a cracked windshield.
Fillers made of glaze fill in car dents before being sanded down and painted. This is a great option for small to medium-sized dents, but larger dents may require you to replace your car body panels entirely.
Do-It-Yourself Repair Kit
If going to an auto body shop isn’t in your plans, it’s possible to lessen the depth of car dents by using a hail damage repair kit. Kits usually come with suctions or adhesive to push dents outwards.
A repair kit can range between $30 to $80 and can be purchased online or at a local auto parts shop.
FAQs
What type of car insurance covers hail damage?
Comprehensive coverage pays for hail damage to your vehicle. If the hail breaks the glass, you also need full glass coverage.
What’s the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Comprehensive coverage pays for losses to your vehicle that don’t result from an accident. Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle if you’re in an at-fault accident.
How do I know if my car is covered from hail damage?
Look at the coverages listed on your car insurance policy to see if you’re covered for hail damage. Comprehensive coverage and full glass coverage pay for hail damage claims.
Protecting Your Car From Future Hail Damage
With these tips in mind, you will be equipped to prevent car damage or find the best repair options. In a hail storm, you should prioritize the safety of yourself, your family, or your pets before considering your car. To ensure you have protection from hail damage, get a car insurance policy with comprehensive coverage.
