According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, hail causes $1 billion in damage to property and crops each year. Thousands of cars require expensive repairs from hail-related damage annually, but there are some steps you can take to combat hail damage and protect your vehicle.
When a hailstorm hits use the following tips to protect your car:
Step 1: Find Covered Parking
If it starts hailing while driving, locate the nearest parking garage or covered area with a GPS to wait out the storm. Malls, banks, apartment complexes and business centers are all great options. Hail can fracture your windows and windshield, put dents in your vehicle’s body and cause other damage that become hazardous to your safety. To minimize damage and protect your passengers, find a safe area to park and wait for the hail to stop.
If you live in an area where hail falls frequently, park your vehicles in your home’s garage. This will prevent your car from getting damaged if a storm hits while your car isn’t in use.
Step 2: Find a Blanket or Hail Car Cover
If you can’t find shelter when a hailstorm is brewing, use blankets, towels or linens to cover your car. These layers will cushion the impact from hail, protecting your vehicle or, at least, reducing some of the damage.
You can use duct tape to secure your blankets and prevent them from blowing away. However, be sure to tape to the bottom of your vehicle to prevent the residue from adhering to your paint.
We recommend leaving these items in your car to prepare for hail in advance. If you don’t have anything to throw over your car during a hail storm, place floor mats over the roof and hood. These aren’t foolproof, for they don’t cover the entire car and may blow away if it’s windy. However, floor mats might protect your vehicle from paint and glass damage.
Step 3: Make Sure You Have a Comprehensive Insurance Policy
Sometimes, hail damage is unavoidable, especially during wicked storms. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover damage from hail, but read yours carefully to double check. If your policy doesn’t cover hail damage, make sure you sign up for coverage as soon as possible.
Repairing Hail Damage at CarTek Collision in Eagle Rock
If your vehicle has been damaged by hail after a storm, CarTek Collision can make any repairs you need. We know how stressful getting repairs for hail can be, but our technicians will do everything they can to get your car back up and running in no time.
Schedule a servicing appointment with CarTek Collision online, or by calling us directly at 323-255-7711. Anytime your vehicle needs maintenance, stop by our showroom, conveniently located at 4802 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles CA to find out what we can do for you.
How to Protect Your Car from Hail Damage