Under the right conditions, hailstorms can happen just about anytime and anywhere. In fact, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there were more than 4,400 hail events across the United States in 2022 alone. And when hail stones are large enough, they can cause catastrophic and costly damage to homes, vehicles, and other personal property. On average, repairing hail damage to a home's roof costs about $4,250 plus expenses for a total roof replacement can be much higher.

The good news? There are some steps that you can take to protect your own home and vehicle(s) from expensive hail damage. The key is to think ahead and be as proactive as possible.

Protecting Your Home From Hail Damage

A little bit of preventive maintenance can go a long way toward minimizing hail damage to your home in the event of a major storm. Roofs are most susceptible to hail damage, so make sure you have your roof thoroughly inspected by a reputable roofing company at least once each year. This will alert you to any potential issues or minor repairs that you can make to strengthen your roof and prolong its life.

It's also a good idea to weatherproof your home. Windows and window screens can easily be broken and torn by falling hail. Consider installing shutters that you can use to protect your windows during a major storm with hail potential. If your windows are on the older side and you're considering replacement, opt for an impact-resistant window that will be more resilient in a hailstorm.

Protecting Your Car From Hail Damage

If there's a covered space (such as a garage or carport) where you can park your car prior to a potential hailstorm, this is ideal. If you live in an area near a public parking garage and there's enough notice, you might even consider paying a few bucks to park your car in a covered spot during the storm!

Even if you don't have access to covered parking, however, there are some steps you can take to protect your vehicle from hail damage.

Consider, for example, investing in a hail cover for your vehicle. This product is designed to be secured directly over your car in the event of a storm, providing multiple layers of cushioning and protection against falling hail. In a pinch, even just placing some of your car's floor mats on the windshield may prevent it from cracking or shattering.

The Bottom Line on Minimizing Hail Damage

Hail damage can be a pain to deal with, so taking some basic precautions to minimize damage is always a good idea. Of course, you never know what Mother Nature may have in store—which is why having the right auto and homeowners insurance coverage is so important. This way, if your property does suffer hail damage, you can enjoy some added protection and peace of mind. Get in touch with one of our local agents to start your quote today!