Protection during a hail storm

Staying safe on the road during a hail storm

It may sound surprising, but there are approximately 3,000 hailstorms in the United States each year, many occur right here in Arizona. The size of hail can widely vary – from golf-ball size to softball size. And when it starts building up size, hail can cause not just severe property and vehicle damage, but also bodily harm and even death. On average, hailstorms annually cause over $1 billion in damage to property, approximately 1,500 injuries and 80 deaths annually.

One of the most frightening places to be during a hailstorm is on the road in your car. Obviously your vehicle is at great risk of damage, but even more importantly, you are in danger in the event you can’t see well enough to drive or your windows are broken in by the power of the storm.

At Budget Insurance & Tucson Insurance Solutions we want to ensure you, your loved ones, and your vehicle stay safe when hailstorms happen. Here are some pointers for navigating a hailstorm while on the roads in Southern Arizona:

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Carrying a blanket in your car can help protect you from glass injuries in the event the hail breaks your windows or windshield.

Turn on your low-beam headlights, and slow down.

Make sure you have more distance than usual in front of you so you have ample space to brake if necessary.

Another low-cost option that will at least save your windshield glass is using your floor mats to cover your windshield glass. While it won’t protect your side glass or your car’s body, it may keep the windshield from cracking and/or breaking, allowing you to drive your car away after the hailstorm passes.

If there is enough space on the shoulder of the road, pull over.

Turn on your hazard lights, regardless of whether you are pulled over or moving slowly; this will help other vehicles to see you and avoid accidents.

If there is a covered shelter to pull underneath, do so; this will reduce the damage sustained by your vehicle.

Does My Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

It depends. If you are carrying comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, chances are you’re covered for any repair costs after paying your deductible. If you lease or have a loan on your car, you’re required by law to carry both comprehensive and collision coverage. Once you fully own your vehicle, you’re not required to carry comprehensive (or collision) coverage so if you've removed this from your policy, no coverage will be provided.

At Budget Insurance & Tucson Insurance Solutions we hope you stay hailstorm-free this season!

Our knowledgeable agents, can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give one of our 4 Tucson locations a call. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!