How do I protect my car from giant hail? Move your vehicle under solid cover like a garage, carport, or commercial parking structure. If unavailable, use thick blankets, mattresses, or specialized hail covers before storms arrive.
With giant hail – ice chunks larger than 5 centimeters in diameter – forecast across northeastern NSW today and southeast Queensland tomorrow, thousands of vehicles are at risk of damage. Here’s everything you need to know about protecting your car from hail damage.
What damage does giant hail do to cars?
Giant hail can cause severe damage to vehicles:
- Dented bonnets, roofs, and boot lids
- Smashed windscreens and windows
- Broken side mirrors
- Cracked headlights and taillights
- Damaged paint requiring full panel resprays
Repair costs typically range from $3,000 to $15,000 or more depending on severity. In extreme cases, vehicles can be written off as total losses.
Where should I park my car during a hailstorm?
Best options for hail protection:
- Home garage or carport – Move vehicles inside even if you need to shuffle items
- Shopping center parking – Multi-level car parks offer solid protection
- Service station canopies – If caught driving, these provide temporary shelter
- Commercial parking garages – Worth the parking fee to avoid thousands in damage
- Substantial covered areas – Undercover work parking, friend’s garage
Avoid these locations:
- Under trees (branches can fall and cause more damage than hail)
- Near power lines (dangerous during storms)
- Open carports with insufficient roof coverage
- Fabric/canvas structures (hail can penetrate)
Can I cover my car to protect it from hail?
Yes, but effectiveness depends on the covering:
Effective hail protection:
- Thick blankets (multiple layers)
- Mattresses secured over vehicle
- Commercial hail protection covers (specifically designed with padding)
- Moving blankets (furniture moving blankets work well)
Ineffective protection:
- Car covers (too thin)
- Tarps alone (no padding)
- Cardboard (gets wet and loses protection)
The key is cushioning that absorbs impact. Secure coverings so they don’t blow away – use rope, bungee cords, or weigh down edges.
What should I do if I’m driving when hail starts?
If giant hail threatens while driving:
- DO NOT try to outrun the storm – you could drive into worse conditions
- Find solid shelter immediately:
- Service station canopy
- Bridge underpass (if traffic allows safe stopping)
- Shopping center parking
- Any solid roof structure
- If no shelter is available:
- Pull completely off the road
- Turn on hazard lights
- Move to the passenger side of the vehicle (away from windscreen)
- Cover your head with clothing or mats
- Wait for hail to pass (usually 10-20 minutes)
- Never stop:
- Under trees or power lines
- In the middle of the road
- On blind corners or hills
Does car insurance cover hail damage?
Most comprehensive car insurance policies cover hail damage, but check your policy for:
- Excess amount – what you’ll pay out of pocket
- Coverage limits – maximum payout amount
- Age of vehicle – older cars may have limited coverage
- Requirement for photos – document damage before repairs
Contact your insurer immediately after hail damage occurs and before making repairs.
How do I document hail damage for insurance?
Take comprehensive photos immediately after the storm:
- Overall vehicle from multiple angles
- Close-ups of each damaged panel
- Dents on bonnet, roof, boot
- Broken glass or lights
- Interior damage if windows broke
- Photo of your odometer showing current reading
- Date-stamped photos (most phone cameras do this automatically)
Don’t wash the car before photographing – insurers want to see the original damage state.
Can I prevent hail damage to my home as well?
While this article focuses on vehicles, basic home protection includes:
- Close all windows and blinds
- Secure or bring inside outdoor furniture
- Park cars in garage (move other items out temporarily)
- Stay away from windows during the storm
- Don’t go outside to move items once hail starts
Your safety is more important than property – never risk injury trying to protect belongings during a severe storm.
Where are hailstorms forecast in Australia right now?
Current forecasts show giant hail risk for:
- Today: Northeastern NSW including Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Tamworth, Narrabri
- Thursday: Southeast Queensland including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast
- Check latest warnings: bom.gov.au
The Bureau of Meteorology updates severe thunderstorm warnings as conditions change throughout the day. Set up weather alerts on the BOM app for your location.
What time should I have my car under cover?
Move vehicles to protected areas before storms develop – typically:
- Morning: Secure vehicles if all-day severe weather forecast
- By early afternoon: Latest time to ensure protection (storms often develop 2pm-8pm)
- Never wait until you see the storm approaching – it may be too late
Check the Bureau of Meteorology radar at bom.gov.au to track storm development in real-time.
Taking these precautions could save thousands of dollars in vehicle damage and hours of insurance claim stress. The cost of covered parking or time spent moving items out of your garage is minimal compared to hail damage repair bills.