Automotive

3 CAR HAIL DAMAGE PROTECTION TIPS

Summertime in Colorado, Texas, Wyoming, and the rest of “hail alley” often brings severe thunderstorms and hail. In fact, a typical Colorado hail season will have three to four catastrophic hail storms — which can cause a lot of damage if you’re unprepared for them.

Fortunately, knowing more about hail can help you prepare better for hail season and mitigate damage. Keep reading for three tips on how to protect yourself and your car from hail.

Tip #1: Invest in a Portable Carport

Do you lack access to a garage or covered area to park your car and are wondering how much hail damage devalues a car? Well, with a portable carport, you don’t have to wonder, because you can protect your car from hail before the storm even starts.

Carports are a great way to protect your vehicle, and they don’t have to be expensive or difficult to install. You can find an inexpensive portable carport at most hardware stores; just make sure it’s rated for hailstorms in your area.

Tip #2: Use a Padded Car Cover

If a carport or garage isn’t a feasible option for you, the next best thing is a padded car cover. This is especially a good option for when you’re out while a hailstorm hits. Just invest in a car cover that’s especially designed to resist hail damage and carry it in the trunk of your car for emergency use.

Tip #3: Stay Alert

The best way to protect your car from hail damage is to simply avoid being caught in a hailstorm in the first place. Set aside a few minutes everyday to listen to your local weather reports so you can prepare for a hailstorm before it happens.

And, if you’re out on a day that carries a risk of hail, you should pay attention to the weather and seek temporary shelter as soon as you see even a little bit of hail. You can do this by going under an overpass or parking in a covered parking area of a local business until the storm passes.

Additional Tip: Wait it Out

If there is absolutely no place to find shelter during a surprise hailstorm, the best thing you can do is get out of your car and move to a safe spot indoors until the storm has passed. While this will cause some hail damage on your car, in most cases, auto hail repair will be covered under your insurance policy as long as you have full or comprehensive coverage.

Even though it may be a hassle to repair your car, since hail storms also are likely to have damaging winds, dangerous lightning, and tornado activity, your primary goal should be personal safety.

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