Hail does not need to be the size of baseballs to damage your vehicle. Even small stones falling at high speeds can leave a lasting impression, quite literally. While most people equate hail damage with obvious dents and broken glass, the evidence is that hail can cause a lot more trouble than what meets the eye.
What Hail Damage Actually Does
The first signs of hail damage are easy to spot: dents on the hood, roof, or trunk lid, and sometimes shattered windshields or broken side mirrors.
But that is only the surface.
Look closer and you might notice chipped paint, which can lead to gradual corrosion if left untreated. Hail can also stress plastic trim pieces or damage sensors in your vehicle’s safety systems. Depending on how your car is equipped, even a hard enough strike could knock a radar sensor or camera slightly out of alignment. You would not know that until your adaptive cruise or lane keep assist starts behaving erratically.
If you drive a newer vehicle with a panoramic sunroof, you have another vulnerability to worry about. Hailstones can crack or spider the glass, and that is not always immediately visible from the inside. Water leaks often show up later.
How to Protect Your Vehicle
If hail is in the forecast, the best protection is to get your car under cover. That might sound obvious, but a few options are worth pointing out:
Garage: The safest spot—total protection.
Carport: Offers good coverage for the top surfaces. But much less secure from wind-driven hail.
Car cover: A padded, weather-rated cover can minimize denting from small to moderate hail. It will not stop everything, but it is better than nothing.
If you live in a hail-prone area and do not have covered parking, consider investing in a portable carport or keeping a thick blanket and waterproof tarp in the trunk. You can throw that over the car and secure them with tie downs if you get caught with no options.
What to Do (and Not Do) in a Hailstorm
If you are on the road and hail starts falling, do not panic—but do take it seriously. Pull over safely and try to find shelter, like under a gas station awning or parking deck. If that is not possible:
- Angle the front of your car toward the hail, if you can safely stop. Your windshield is stronger than the side and rear glass.
- Stay inside. Do not exit the vehicle to check for damage until the storm passes. Bodily damage can range from cuts and bruises to concussions. In some cases, hail can kill.
- Turn on your hazard lights if you are stopped in a safe spot with low visibility.
Do not stop in the middle of the road or under a tree—that just creates a new hazard.
Dealing With the Aftermath: Repair and Insurance Tips
Once the storm passes, take a moment to inspect your vehicle. Look for dents in natural light, or run your hand over the panels to feel for imperfections. Even better, take pictures before you do anything else. Documentation is essential.
Here’s what to do next:
1. Call your insurance company. Hail damage is typically covered under comprehensive insurance. Open a claim and follow their process.
2. Get a professional inspection. Many shops specialize in hail damage repair and use paintless dent removal (PDR) methods that can restore your panels without repainting.
3. Avoid quick-fix pop-out tools or amateur attempts at heating/cooling dents yourself. These usually do not work and may make things worse.
4. Do not delay. Some policies have claim deadlines, and damage can worsen if ignored.
Also, be cautious if your area was hit hard. Hail repair scams do exist. Stick with reputable body shops or insurance-approved vendors.
Parting Thoughts
Hail damage may not seem like a big deal at first, but if left untreated, it can reduce your car’s value and lead to bigger issues down the line. Prevention is your best tool, but if you do get caught, knowing what to do next can make the recovery process a lot smoother.
Stay alert, stay covered, and when in doubt—call your insurer before calling anyone else.
See Also — Tackling Car Window Breakage — Repair and Coverage Tips
