Tips to Prevent Hail Damage on Your Car

Do you think about protecting your vehicle from hail? Hail can cause dents, crack glass, chip paint, and decrease the value of your vehicle. Here are some ways to protect your ride from hail damage:

• Weather check. Stay up to date on the weather forecast and sign up for weather alerts so you know in advance of a hailstorm. Plus, having a pulse on the weather will make you ready for small talk.
• Cover it. Keep your vehicle in a garage. If you do not have a garage, a carport or other type of covered parking spot can offer protection. Car covers or blankets may help but are not as effective as structural shelter.
• Move it. If you are driving in a hailstorm, safely pull over to a covered spot. This may be under an overpass, along the side of a building, or a covered parking area like a shopping center or gas station canopy.

In a pinch, you could put the car’s floor mats on the windshield, roof, or hood (with the grip side down) to help lessen hail damage.

• You first. Your safety is more important than damage to your vehicle. Use your best judgment. If it is not safe to pull over or get out of your vehicle, don’t. Vehicles can be fixed and replaced.
• Insure it. If your auto insurance policy has Comprehensive coverage, sometimes called Other Than Collision coverage, it can pay for car damage caused by hail. You would be responsible for paying any Comprehensive deductible out of your pocket. If you're unsure of your deductible or whether your auto insurance policy pays for hail damage, ask your professional insurance agent.

If your vehicle has been damaged by hail, contact your auto insurance agent or insurance company. Check out the testimonials and reviews about Acuity’s claims service online to see how we rank!