The sky darkens and the wind picks up. As a smattering of rain begins to fall, you hear a subtle clink against your window. Then another, but louder this time. Before long, the heavens unleash a barrage of hail. You clench your teeth as images of cracked windows and marble-sized dents flood into your mind. Hail damage is a reality that most of us have had to deal with, especially here in Colorado. 

For those lucky readers who have never encountered hail, it is one of the most damaging aspects of nature. Tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, and hurricanes may be more destructive, but hail accounts for billions of dollars in damage to property and crops.

This destructive force of nature is largely unavoidable, but there are some steps that you can take to keep your car safe from hail damage. We’ve outlined the three most important steps below.

1. Seek Covered Parking

Covered parking is hands-down the most effective method to prevent hail from damaging your car. An enclosed garage is ideal, but a carport also offers an acceptable level of protection. Strong winds may still carry hail into the sides and lower parts of your car, but it is much better than leaving your car out in the open. Parking underneath of a tree also provides some protection, but be sure to exercise caution— a tree branch crushing your roof is hardly better than hail damage.

2. Think Ahead (and On Your Feet)

Not everyone has access to a garage or carport. Maybe there isn’t one on your property, or you may have two cars but only space for one in the garage. Whatever the reason, if you know that a hailstorm is on its way, travel to a public parking garage. Sure, you may have to pay $25 to park, but it’s a small price to pay compared to suffering hail damage.

Unfortunately, hail can strike without warning, and it might catch you while you’re on the road. If you become caught in a hailstorm, try to find an underpass where you can temporarily find shelter. If no cover is available, pull off to the side of the road and park your vehicle with the hazard lights on. Continuing to drive during a hailstorm is not only dangerous, but the added velocity of your car will worsen the hail damage.

3. Use Blankets or a Hail Jacket

When parking under shelter isn’t an option, the next best thing is to create a shelter. You can build a makeshift cover for your car with towels, blankets, bed sheets and floor mats. The idea is to fold towels and blankets to create a thick cushion, and then place these on the roof, hood, and trunk of your car. The bed sheet is necessary to keep everything in place. Just spread the sheet out like you’re making a bed on top of your car and close your doors, trunk, and hood over the excess. Floor mats can be used to cover your windshield and rear window glass. Just be sure to cover them with sheets as well so the storm doesn’t blow them away. 

An easier option is to purchase a hail covers for your car. These covers are specially designed to absorb and distribute the impact, reducing overall damage. If you live in an area where hail is a frequent problem, consider purchasing a hail cover to keep in your car. It will come in handy if you ever get caught in an unexpected hailstorm.