How to protect your car from the storm
Especially in recent years, the number of cars that have requested insurance assistance for damage caused by atmospheric agents has increased by 15% compared to the early 2000s. Surely much of the credit is due to climate change but another substantial portion is due to misinformation from motorists. Have you ever wondered how to prevent these disasters? Not the atmospheric ones, of course, we mean the damage to the car. After all, most of the time a good hail cover is enough
Table of Contents
Anti-hail cover: what it is
Not everyone is lucky enough to park their car in the garage during a storm. Hail cover is the right solution for these people.
It is a sheet, usually waterproof and padded, which is used to prevent the hail-car impact from cracking the windows or denting the bodywork. Let me be clear though: the level of protection offered by hail covers will ultimately depend on the type of cover and the size of the hail.
Hail covers are unlikely to prevent damage from very large hail stones, however, they can greatly reduce the level of damage.
The price will depend a lot on the quality and characteristics of the cover and on whether it is made to measure or not. In fact, there is a high degree of customization possible, even in terms of materials and padding as well as the methods of attachment to the car.
What to look for in anti-hail coverings
When purchasing a hail cover it is good to consider the following characteristics of the object.
First of all the general quality of the product, for example, the fit, the seams, the extension capacity, the thickness of the padding, and the type of materials used. It is also good to check that it has adequate anchoring points to avoid collisions between the car cover and bodywork or the loss of the cover in the presence of strong winds. Then check the quality of the seams and the estimated lifespan of the fabric as it must withstand shocks and very strong winds.
Also, consider the size and weight of the hail cover. Always remember that it must be stored properly in the summer months or when not in use. Storing bulky covers directly in the car can be problematic if you don’t have enough space in the trunk or dedicated additional space. Another thing to take into consideration is that the manufacturer of the cover also guarantees resistance to UV rays and that there is a guarantee to cover the manufacturing defects of the product.
Choose a hail cover that fits perfectly to the vehicle: if it is too large and it may flap or fly off, if too small it will not completely cover the lower sections of the panels.
Hail covers – tips and advice
A good tip is to practice mounting the cover regardless of the need. In fact, it may take a few attempts to understand how to position it effectively without too much effort. Also, avoid dragging the upholstery on the ground when placing or removing it as it may collect sand or debris that could scratch the car paint. Be aware that heavier or bulky hail covers may require more than one person to place or remove them and, above all, to fold them before putting them away.
If you want to keep it for a long time, even in case of light rains, to be safer, remember to regularly remove the cover to allow the evaporation of moisture to prevent rust or humidity from damaging the paint.
How to protect your car regardless of the hail cover
In these cases, the motto is: plan ahead. If a storm or bad weather is forecast, make arrangements to park the vehicle under cover, try to postpone or delay a planned trip, or make arrangements to use alternative modes of transportation.
If you find yourself in the middle of a storm and have no way to place the hail cover on the vehicle, look for alternatives such as a covered parking lot, an awning at a gas station, under a bridge, etc. Safety should always be your top priority, so seek shelter where you don’t cause problems for other drivers.
Never park under trees: the branches could come off and damage your car.
Also make sure your insurance covers these kinds of events. But most of all, be sheltered and safe.