No time to take cover? How to protect your vehicle during a hail storm

HOUSTON – If you’re from Texas, then you are no stranger to severe weather and its damaging impact on vehicles and property — especially as hail season typically runs between March and May.

During a hail storm, the first thought that runs through my mind … oh hail no! My car!

Especially for those who do not have a covering or a garage to keep their vehicle safe during a hail storm. Or maybe you were driving home and started to hear those terrifying sounds of frozen ice hitting the roof of your vehicle and windshield.

Here are 9 steps you can take to prevent hail damage to your vehicle, per McCarthy Collision Centers:

1.) Buy a hail car cover. It may prevent shattered windshields and hail dents on your vehicle — or at least minimize it. There are several options on Amazon to buy one depending on your budget or your nearest Home Depot.

2.) Try a thick blanket. You may not have time to buy a hail cover but if you have some thick blankets to spare — try throwing them on top of your vehicle and windshield. Remember to tuck the ends of the blanket to the doors, under the hood, inside the truck and even the windows. Be sure the close them tightly, ensuring you have access to access to door handles to reenter your vehicle once the storm passes.

3.) Use floor mats or rugs on windows. If you don’t have a thick enough blanket, try using your vehicle’s floor mats as a hail windshield cover. Place the softer, carpeted side on the window and the hard rubberized side facing up.

4.) Cardboard boxes could work. Just make sure the boxes are thick and sturdy — the thin ones will disintegrate when it gets wet. It’s better to use a thicker panel of cardboard, like corrugated appliance box, which offers survivability in hailstorms.

5.) Bath or beach towels. For the towels, use the same tactic as the blankets and fold all towels into the car securely. You may have to get creative and use more towels, depending on the size of your vehicle.

6.) Fold your side mirrors in. Hail can easily crack side-view mirrors.

7.) If you’re caught in the middle of a hail storm while driving, safely pull over and take cover. Parking under a tree or near trees can help break the fall of some of the hail’s impact. Just be cautious if the storm has high wind, as some trees could possibly topple over — then you have a bigger problem. Park under a tree at your own risk.

8.) If you own an SUV with a roof rack or crossbars, try placing plywood on the top of it. This will offer a little more protection from hail dents on your roof and windshields. Always sure the plywood properly if you’re experiencing windy conditions.

9.) Drive to the nearest indoor parking garage.

What to do if it’s too late?

If the damage is already done, here are several steps to take as soon as you have storm damage.

The Texas Department of Insurance helps people navigate what to do after a storm hits.

• Call your insurance company to report the damage.

• Take pictures and video of the damage and don’t throw anything away until your insurance adjuster tells you.

• Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage. Remove standing water. Cover broken windows and holes to keep the rain out.

• Keep a list of the repairs and save receipts. Don’t make permanent repairs before the insurance adjuster sees the damage.

Helpful information to know about filing storm damage claims.

• Keep a record of everyone you talked to with your company.

• Be ready to answer questions about the damage.

• Ask about an advance payment if you need help quickly.

• Ask about living expenses. Most policies will cover some of the costs you have if you are unable to live in your home because of damage that is covered by your insurance. Keep your receipts for these costs.
• Don’t sign over insurance checks to contractors. The Better Business Bureau says you should get an invoice from the contractor and pay them directly (preferably with a credit card, which offers additional fraud protection over other forms of payment). Don’t sign any documents that give the contractor any rights to your insurance claims. If you have questions, contact your insurance company or agent.

TDI has several resources that can help storm victims including what to know about deductibles. TDI can provide contact information for your insurance company or help with questions about how to file a claim. Call the Help Line from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time, Monday to Friday: 800-252-3439. You can also check the Better Business Bureau for contractor reviews or warnings.