Natural disasters can cause considerable damage to both people and their property. For instance, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, hailstorms in 2017 caused 22 billion dollars of damage to crops, people, and property altogether. Hailstones can leave scratches and dents on the finish and can break the windows of your car, enough for the vehicle to be branded with a salvage title. Forewarned is forearmed, so in this blog, we’re compiling a handy guide on how to protect your car from hail.
Check the weather forecast before hitting the road
Inclement weather is a common sight across the USA, so you always have to check the weather before you’re getting ready to drive. No matter if it is daily errands or a long trip, make sure you know what the weather will be like where you’re going. For example, in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming, heavy hail or ice storms occur with a higher frequency, so knowing the weather forecast will help you adjust your driving style according to the situation on the road. If you’re going through a thunderstorm, heavy rain, or hailstorm, slow down and be careful on the road.
Find a shelter both for yourself and your car
The best you can do to protect your car from hail is to pull over and find shelter if you’re driving. A gas station or underground parking is the right place to wait until the hailstorm is over. When you see the large hailstones coming down, and there is no visible shelter near, just drive into the hailstorm at a low speed. It can prevent scratches and cracks on the side windows made of thinner glass than the windshield. Then find a safe place as soon as possible. Park your car in the garage if a hailstorm starts when you’re at home. If you don’t have a garage, look for a nearby underground parking lot. If that isn’t an option, you can try parking near a taller building that shelters your car from the direction the hail is falling.
Cover your car
To protect the finish of the car from hailstones, cover it quickly. Take a standard car cover, available for most vehicles, or buy a generic aftermarket one. You can use blankets if you don’t have a car cover. They won’t protect the whole car but can absorb hail impact and prevent chipped paint or cracked windows.
Contact your insurance company
Sometimes hail damage is completely unavoidable, so you have to contact your insurance company to make sure you won’t get stuck on the road in a car that’s been damaged to the point you can’t drive it. Ask the representative about the coverage you have, including roadside assistance. Usually, insurance companies offer different coverage packages, including claims for vandalism, natural disasters, and theft. Double-check your coverage and upgrade your insurance if it doesn’t cover hail damage.
Bottom Line
This article will help you prevent the destructive impact of inclement weather conditions and keep your car safe from hail. If you’re interested in buying a hail damaged car, start looking for the best deals with Salvagebid. With a regularly updated inventory, we have thousands of clear and salvage title cars for sale. To start bidding, you’ll have to register with us, upload a copy of your government-issued ID or passport, and place a security deposit. You can reach us via our contact form or give us a call at + 1 (360) 347-1300 (6:00 AM – 3:00 PM PST, Monday to Friday). Our team will be happy to answer all your questions.