Hail are gusty winds are the primary threats for Monday’s storms. Here’s how to prep your vehicle for the storm.
ST. LOUIS — Meteorologists are warning St. Louis residents to prepare for large hail as severe storms are forecast to hit the St. Louis region on Monday afternoon, putting countless vehicles at risk of costly damage.
With big hail comes big problems. According to Progressive Insurance, hail can total a car more easily than you’d think. Hail typically hits an entire vehicle, creating widespread damage that can be challenging to repair — from cracked windshields to bent frames and, in rare cases, engine damage.
For drivers without access to covered parking, there are still steps you can take before the storms arrive to help protect your vehicle and reduce repair costs.
Avoiding hail damage while parked
To stream 5 On Your Side on your phone, you need the 5 On Your Side app.
Download the 5 On Your Side app
The most effective way to protect your car from hail damage is to park under a carport or in a garage. If that’s not an option, consider parking in a public parking garage. While there may be a fee, it’s likely far less than the cost of hail damage repairs.
If covered parking isn’t available, AAA offered a few tips to help shield your car and lessen the toll on your wallet:
- Buy a hail cover: These specifically designed covers cost about $100, can be kept in your trunk and prevent more severe damage during a storm.
- Use blankets or towels: Place thick blankets or towels over your hood, roof and trunk. Instead of using rocks or tape to hold them down, tuck them into the edges of your doors, hood and trunk.
- Car floor mats: Remove the floor mats from your car and place them rubber-side up on your windshield.
- Pull in your side mirrors: Protect the glass in your mirror by pulling them in as much as possible.
- Invest in comprehensive auto insurance: Collision and liability insurance do not cover hail damage, and the average cost of a hail damage repair is $6,543. Even with comprehensive coverage, you might be left paying out of pocket if your deductible is higher than the cost of the repair.
What to do if you’re out driving in a hailstorm
If you’re caught on the road when a hailstorm hits, AAA recommends turning on your low beams and paying attention to those around you before slowing down to minimize the force from the hail. When you can, pull under a covering, like a gas station, and wait until the storm passes before getting out of the car to assess the damage.
Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.