What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Hail Damaged Vehicles?

In order to prevent hail damaged vehicles, there are several things you should try. Check out this guide for our greatest tips.

It's hailing outside. Do you know where your vehicle is?

From tiny pellets to massive stones, hailstorms can take on many different forms. The unifying characteristic they all share is the damage they can create. If you've ever parked outside or driven through such as storm, you know that hailstones can leave dings, dents, and scratches all over any surface they impact.

Thankfully, there are certain steps you can take today to prevent these problems from occurring in the future. Today, we're exploring the proactive measures that can help you avoid hail damaged vehicles as much as possible.

Adjust Your Driving Times

Of course, the best way to avoid hail damage and keep vehicle repairs down is to avoid getting behind the wheel during adverse weather. If possible, try not to drive during times when you know it will be hailing, or at least during the peak periods of the storm.

While some spontaneous storms may occur without warning, most are predictable via weather forecasts. Not only does staying put help protect your vehicle, but it also keeps you safer on the road! Hailstorms can make the roads slick and reduce your visibility, increasing your risk of a collision.

Whether you're commuting to work or running errands, check the weather on your phone or TV before you head out. This step is especially smart if you live in a state that sees a large number of hailstorms annually, such as Texas, which has more than 450 hail events per year!

Keep Your Vehicle Covered

Even when you're not on the road, hail can still damage your vehicle if it's parked outside. This is why we recommend parking under a carport or inside a garage, at least during hail season or any time you know a storm is on the horizon.

If you're away from home and can't access such storage options, look for temporary shelter, such as a gas station. Pull under an overhead canopy and wait for the storm to pass before driving away. If none are nearby, you can also pull off the road under a bridge or overpass for similar protection.

Use a Hail Cover

If your property doesn't have any type of designated parking space, you can also invest in a specially designed vehicle hail cover to minimize the impact.

These will prevent hail from coming into direct contact with your vehicle, which can save your windshield and every other surface. While some major storms may still cause a degree of damage, these can do a great job of preventing deep scratches and dents that the stones can cause.

These covers come in many different forms, from multi-layer options to more expensive inflatable designs. Choose one that's easy to install on your vehicle and fits your budget. If possible, look for an OEM hail cover that's made specifically for your vehicle model.

Use Blankets

In a pinch, heavy moving blankets can also protect your vehicle from hail damage. As these aren't exactly designed for this purpose, you'll need to take extra steps to secure them.

Layer your blankets snugly around your vehicle to make sure they stay in place. Tuck the ends of the cover into the door, inside the trunk lid, and under the hood before closing those spaces tightly. Leave the door handles free so you can access your vehicle when the storm is over.

You may need to add several layers of blankets to keep them from flying up. Note that despite what you might read online, it's not a good idea to duct tape the blankets in place. While this might keep them steady in a storm, think about the process of peeling the tape off once the sun comes back out.

The adhesive on the tape can peel away the paint on your vehicle, which defeats the purpose of protecting it in the first place. Strategically tucking and securing your blankets is a much safer and easier method.

Try Cardboard Boxes

For extra padding and security, you can even add flattened cardboard boxes underneath your hail cover or blankets. Make sure that the boxes you select for the job are thick and sturdy so they won't disintegrate if the hailstorm also includes rain.

You can use bungee cords or ropes to adhere the cardboard to your vehicle. Simply lay the pieces where they need to go and pull the cords over the roof, attaching them to the door handles on each side.

Use Your Floor Mats

Don't have access to blankets or boxes? If so, look inside your vehicle before the storm starts. Your floor mats can offer a degree of protection when necessary.

Place the soft, carpeted side of the mat against your windshield and leave the hard rubber side facing out. This can help prevent cracks from forming in the glass if hail impacts it.

Tuck in Your Mirrors

Many people go to great lengths to secure the top and sides of their vehicles from any signs of hail damage but neglect their two side mirrors. While you might not be able to protect these completely, don't forget to turn them inward.

These mirrors are relatively thin and flimsy, and they're very susceptible to cracking during a hailstorm. Though turning them does expose their painted backsides to any flying debris, it keeps the delicate reflective surface safe.

Invest in Insurance Coverage

If your area sees a significant number of hailstorms each year, be sure your auto insurance covers hail damage. Most full-coverage comprehensive policies include this but basic auto liability policies might not.

This would leave you responsible for repairing dents or replacing your auto glass in the event of damage. Check with your insurance agent and consider upgrading your policy if you're lacking this important coverage.

Find Repairs for Hail Damaged Vehicles

Despite your best efforts, the reality is that your vehicle may still experience hail damage. We can't predict or prepare for everything, and hailstorms are notorious for occurring when we least expect them.

That's why it's important to have a local repair shop you can trust. At Express Hail Repair, we can repair hail damaged vehicles in just 48 hours! We'll even give you a free rental car to use while you wait.

To learn more or schedule a service, book a free, one-hour custom estimate!

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