How to Find the Best Car Cover for Hail
By John Funk, October 20, 2020
Is there such a thing as a car cover for hail? Does it really exist? If so, how can a car cover be considered “hail-proof”? If you’re from an area that experiences frequent hail storms, you’ll want answers – fast! So, let’s get right on to it.
But first, let’s take a quick peek at some statistics gathered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).
- The U.S. experiences around 6,000 hail storms per year.
- Hail storms can happen any time but the hail season usually lasts from March to July, with May being the peak month.
- The most hail damage occurs at “Hail Alley,” a wide arc which runs from Texas and Oklahoma all the way to South Dakota.
- The state of Texas filed the highest number of hail insurance claims (395,000) for 2013 to 2015, with Colorado and Nebraska tailing behind with 183,000 and 148,000, respectively. (National Insurance Crime Bureau)
- Texas and Colorado also ranked as the top two states with the highest hail loss claims for the years 2017 to 2019.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Hail Damage?
As expected, the more serious the damage sustained by your car, the higher the repair costs. In addition, the repair costs will depend on the number and size of the dents, the parts that were damaged, and the type of insurance you have. Generally, repairing hail dents can cost anywhere from $125 (if your car has a few minor dents) to as high as $2,500.
According to industry estimates, repairing roof damage is more expensive than fixing the dents in the hood or trunk. For example, it will take $300 to fix one to five dime-sized dents and $400 to repair one to five half dollar-sized dents on the roof while it will only cost you $150 to repair the same number of dime-sized dents on the hood. Moreover, you will only need $225 to fix one to five half dollar-sized dents on the hood. See the difference?
Well, that’s just for fixing the dents. If your windshield breaks during the hail storm, you’ll need to shell out an additional $150 to $300 to replace it. As you can see, it all adds up quite quickly.
Repairing hail damage can be pretty expensive, so it’s better to avoid it whenever you can. If you have a garage or a carport where you can keep your car safe during a hailstorm, you’re in luck! Most car owners don’t have one, while one in every four Americans can’t even fit their car in the garage, since it is where they store their household clutter. Not surprisingly, most homeowners consider it the most cluttered and disorganized space in the house.
What can you do if you can’t park your car inside a garage or simply don’t have an indoor space to keep it in? If that’s the case, you may want to consider using a heavy-duty car cover for hail or go for the DIY route and make some homemade hail blankets for your car. These may not provide the same protection as a garage or a carport, but they can help reduce the risk and severity of hail damage and protect your car against smaller hail pieces, especially if you can’t park inside. Remember: Any extra barrier between your car and hail helps lessen the potential damage.
How to Cover a Car from Hail
As mentioned earlier, there are several ways to protect your car from hail damage. Ideally, you’ll want to keep your beloved ride in the garage or carport. After all, that’s where it belongs.
If it’s not possible or if you’re caught in a hail storm while driving, you’ll need to find a temporary shelter (e.g., covered parking lot in nearby malls or shopping areas, under a bridge, gas station canopy, along the side of a tall building, etc.).
Some industry experts and manufacturers also suggest using an inflatable protection system, a unique remote-controlled solution against hail damage. With this system, you can have adequate protection with the push of a button. The downside? Most car owners find it too expensive.
Alternatively, you may want to invest in a heavy-duty outdoor car cover for hail. However, not all car covers are made to withstand hail damage, so choose the thickest weatherproof car cover (with at least five layers of material) you can find.
However, in the event of an extremely heavy hailstorm, even the thickest car cover may not provide ample protection. You may need to rummage through your linen closet and find everything you can (blankets, floor mats, yoga mats, etc.) to help mitigate potential hail damage.
But what if you don’t even have a car cover? In worst case scenarios, anything is better than nothing, so gather everything you have to help absorb the impact of the hail. Layer up old blankets (the more layers, the better) or tarp over the top of your car and cover your windshield and windows. Secure the blankets at the bottom of the car with duct tape to keep them firmly in place.
Need a Car Cover for Hail? Find the Best Deal at Seal Skin Covers
Repairing hail damage can cost more than you imagine, so avoid it whenever you can. Thankfully, you can reduce the impact of hail – with a little help from Seal Skin Covers!
All of our car covers are made with five layers of high-quality materials to provide added protection from light to medium hail, 100% waterproof yet extremely breathable, and guaranteed free of any defects. However, we do stress that a car cover can only do so much, so if the forecast says hail, try to put your car in shelter if you can.
We have full confidence in our products so we are offering a full 30-day return and exchange warranty with every purchase, at no additional cost.
If you have some questions about our products, exchange, and refund policies before making a purchase, please call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST). We would gladly answer all your queries and help you find a car cover that suits your needs.
