Hail

Hail can total a vehicle in minutes. Best protections:

• ·Get under cover: Parking garage, carport, gas station canopy — any overhead structure
• ·Use blankets or floor mats laid over the windshield and hood if no cover available
• ·Hail car covers (padded, about $50-100) are worth the investment if you're in hail-prone areas
• ·Do NOT park under trees — falling branches in hailstorms cause more damage than the hail itself

Hail size and damage potential:

• ·< 1 inch (quarter-size): Minor. Can damage plants and chip paint
• ·1 inch (half-dollar): Moderate. Can crack windshields, dent cars
• ·1.75 inches (golf ball): Severe. Can cause serious injury if you're outside, significant vehicle and roof damage
• ·2.75+ inches (baseball+): Catastrophic. Can cause fatal injuries, shatter car windows, destroy roofs

Any hail is dangerous if you're unprotected. Even marble-sized hail at high wind speeds can injure. If a hail warning is issued, get indoors immediately — don't try to watch.

If you can't get indoors during hail:

• ·Seek any overhead cover: Bus stop, awning, bridge underpass, dense tree canopy (as last resort)
• ·Protect your head — use your arms, a bag, jacket, anything as a shield
• ·Crouch down to make yourself a smaller target
• ·Turn your back to the hail — protect your face and eyes
• ·If nothing else is available, get under your car (not in it if windows are breaking)

After the hailstorm, watch for injuries — hail impacts can cause bruising and lacerations that you might not notice due to adrenaline. Check for broken glass before walking.

After a hailstorm, check for damage (from the ground if possible):

• ·Gutters and downspouts: Dents, dings, or granules (sandpaper-like material) accumulated in gutters
• ·Roof surface: Look for dark spots, missing granules, cracked or broken shingles
• ·Vents, skylights, and AC units: Check for dents, cracks, or broken seals
• ·Siding and window frames: Dents or chips in aluminum or vinyl siding

Document everything with photos before making any repairs — your insurance company needs evidence. Most policies cover hail damage but have specific deadlines for filing claims. Get a professional roof inspection — some damage isn't visible from the ground.

Usually yes, but with important details:

• ·Standard homeowner policies typically cover hail damage to your home and structures
• ·Auto insurance covers hail damage under your comprehensive coverage (not collision)
• ·Some policies in hail-prone states have separate hail deductibles (often 1-2% of home value)
• ·Filing deadline: Most insurers require you to file within 1 year, but file as soon as possible

Steps: Document all damage with photos/video → file a claim → get a professional inspection → get multiple repair quotes. Don't sign anything with a storm chaser roofer until your adjuster has visited.