Out of nowhere, hail the size of golf balls is slamming down. People are sprinting to their cars, slipping and sliding across the parking lot. Someone is throwing a floor mat onto their windshield, another is dragging a cardboard box over their hood. It’s total chaos and no one knows exactly what to do, but everyone’s on the same mission: save the car!

A sudden hailstorm can leave your car with dents, cracked windshields, and expensive damage within minutes. However, with a little preparation and quick thinking, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your car looking brand new. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about hail damage, how to protect your car, and what to do if you get caught in a storm.

Quick Facts About Hail Damage

Hail damage happens when chunks of ice — ranging from the size of a pea to a softball — fall from the sky during storms. The larger the hail, the more severe the damage. On a car, hail damage usually looks like small to medium-sized dents across the body, chipped paint, broken mirrors, and cracked or shattered windows. Sometimes, if the hail is big enough, it can even total a vehicle.

Even hailstones as small as a marble can leave visible dents, while golf ball-sized hail can break glass and crush metal panels. According to insurance studies, the average hail damage repair can cost between $2,500 and $5,000 — and that’s for moderate damage. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead.

Can You Prevent Hail Damage to Your Car?

The answer is yes — to a large extent. Protecting your car from hail is all about being prepared and acting quickly when storms are approaching. A combination of physical protection and smart parking choices can dramatically lower your risk.

 Ways to Protect Your Car from Hail Damage

Hail Covers and Blankets

One of the easiest ways to defend your vehicle is to invest in a hail car cover. These specially designed covers are made with thick, impact-resistant padding that absorbs the force of falling hailstones. A good quality hail cover can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and is a smart purchase if you live in a hail-prone area.

Another excellent option is a hail blanket. These are heavy-duty blankets designed for quick deployment before a storm hits. They’re especially useful if you’re caught away from home and need fast protection.

If you don’t have a professional cover or blanket handy, don’t panic — you can still create makeshift protection using common items. Floor mats or rugs can be placed over your windshield, sunroof, and hood to shield critical areas. Cardboard boxes flattened and layered over your car can also help cushion impacts. Towels and thick household blankets, layered several times, are better than nothing when a storm is fast approaching. Focus especially on covering your car’s windows and roof — the most vulnerable areas.

Smart Parking Tactics

Where you park during a storm can make a major difference. If you can’t get indoors, try to park under a tree. While not a perfect solution because tree branches can break during a storm, thick foliage can soften the hail’s impact.

Better yet, know in advance where the nearest indoor parking garage is. During hail season, it’s smart to plan your route with this in mind. Some people even pay a small monthly fee for reserved spaces in covered garages just for hail protection.

In addition, there are portable hail shelters — quick-assembly tent-like garages — that can be used at home if you don't have a permanent carport.

Repairing Types of Hail Damage

If your car does suffer hail damage, the type of repair needed depends on the severity. For minor dents where the paint isn't broken, Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is often used. PDR gently massages the metal back into shape without needing fillers or repainting, helping preserve your car’s original value. More severe dents, cracked panels, and shattered windshields usually require professional bodywork, which can involve replacing parts and repainting.

While there are some DIY hail repair kits available — like suction tools or heat methods — they don't always work well on deep dents or larger damaged areas. Attempting DIY repairs can sometimes make things worse if you're not careful. For smaller dings, a DIY kit might be worth trying, but for anything major (or if you want the best results), it’s usually smarter to let the professionals handle it. Knowing when to tackle it yourself and when to call in the experts can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.

How to Fix Car Hail Damage

First, as soon as it’s safe, take clear photos of the hail damage from multiple angles — close-ups of dents, cracks, and wide shots of the overall car. These photos will be important evidence for your insurance claim. Next, contact your insurance company before starting any repairs. Most companies will send out an adjuster to inspect the damage firsthand. It’s important not to touch or fix anything yet, as unauthorized repairs might affect your coverage.

Depending on your policy and the severity of the damage, your insurer might suggest or even require you to use specific repair shops that specialize in hail damage restoration. This is where finding the right auto mechanic becomes crucial. Not all body shops have experience with hail-specific repairs like Paintless Dent Repair (PDR), which can make a huge difference in the quality and cost of the final result. Look for a reputable mechanic who not only works with insurance claims but also has solid experience dealing with hail damage. Reading reviews, checking certifications, and asking if they offer a warranty on their work can save you from future headaches. Remember — your car deserves careful, skilled hands, especially after a beating from Mother Nature.

Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

Hail damage is generally covered by comprehensive car insurance. This is an optional coverage you add to your auto policy, and it protects against things like theft, fire, falling objects — and yes, hail. If you only have liability coverage, however, hail damage will not be covered. It’s a good idea to check your policy ahead of time, especially before hail season arrives.

Is It Worth Fixing Hail Damage on My Car?

If your car is relatively new or still under warranty, it’s almost always worth repairing hail damage. Even small cosmetic dents can significantly lower your car’s resale or trade-in value, and leaving damage unrepaired can sometimes void parts of a warranty. Plus, if you’re leasing the vehicle, you're often required to fix any damage before returning it.

On the other hand, if your car is older and the hail damage is mostly cosmetic, you might decide it's not worth the high repair costs. Many owners of older vehicles choose to live with minor dents, especially if the cost of fixing them exceeds the car’s current market value.

However, it's important to remember that unrepaired hail damage can also impact your car insurance. Some insurance companies may reduce future payouts if they believe new damage can’t be distinguished from old damage. In certain cases, they might even raise your premiums slightly, since visible damage could signal a higher risk. That’s why it's smart to weigh not just the repair costs, but also how your car’s condition affects your insurance rates — both now and in the future.

Conclusion

A little preparation can go a long way in saving your car — and your wallet — from hail damage. Invest in a hail car cover or blanket, think smart about where you park, and have backup protection plans like floor mats and towels ready. Most importantly, make sure your car insurance includes comprehensive coverage. When the next hail storm rolls through, you’ll be glad you took the extra steps to protect your vehicle. Don’t have car insurance yet? Protect your ride before the next storm hits, click here to get a quote

Did you find this guide helpful? Leave a comment below