How to Protect Your Car from Hail Damage
Though little appreciated, hailstorms can cause serious damage. Record hailstorms have struck the United States over the past few years. On March 19, 2018, for example, hailstones measuring over 5 inches hit parts of Alabama. A different storm in 2010 dropped stones that were more than 8 inches in diameter and weighed almost two pounds. Some hailstorms have ended up causing more than $1 billion in total losses.
Hailstones can damage any property, including your residence, but cars remain very vulnerable to hailstones, which can crack or smash the windows and dent other parts of the car. Although most stones don’t weigh two pounds, they can wreck a car, nonetheless. Below, our Daytona Beach hail damage lawyers identify ways you can protect your car.
Park Your Car in a Garage for the Duration of the Storm
This is the easiest way to protect your car. You should watch the weather and, if you suspect that hailstorm might hit, you can park the car in a garage for the night. This is a cost-effective way to protect your car, though it does require being aware of the weather forecast.
Use a Hail Car Cover
These specialty covers have been designed to protect vehicles from hailstones. They are thicker and more durable than the typical car cover, which is basically a piece of cloth and is designed solely to protect your car from sunlight and dirt. Shop around online and remember that your cover must be designed to protect for hail. Most covers will cost between $150 and $350. Ensure that the cover actually fits your car and provides side protection.
If money is tight, or all you are worried about is damage to the windshield, then you might buy a magnetic windshield cover. This is actually very convenient and is something you can transport around with you in your trunk.
If you don’t have the money for a special cover—or if a storm is bearing down and you don’t have time to pick one up—you can use thick blankets. Make sure they are anchored to your car, since the winds tend to be strong. Progressive recommends using duct tape.
Purchase Comprehensive Insurance
The best protection for any vehicle is insurance. If hailstones damage your car, you can get it repaired and have your insurer pick up the tab.
You’ll need comprehensive insurance, which covers vehicle damage that is caused by something other than a collision. Storm damage falls under comprehensive insurance, which is optional for most people in Florida, meaning the state does not require that you have it. However, if you have a car loan, you should have comprehensive already.
Ready to Make a Claim? Contact Our Law Firm
If hailstones have damaged your property, then Bundza & Rodriguez can help. Our attorneys have negotiated with many insurers in the area. We can aggressively fight for the full benefits you deserve under your insurance policy. Call us today, 386-252-5170, to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.
Resource:
progressive.com/claims/faq/hail-damage/
wunderground.com/cat6/record-hailstorms-and-hailstones-us
https://www.daytonalawyers.com/hurricane-damage-renters-insurance/
