Do hail protectors really work?

Getting your car out of the elements, perhaps by parking in a secure undercover spot during a storm, is a solid plan for avoiding hail damage. But it isn’t always possible if you’re on the go. Hail protectors can be a good option — but do they really work?

It depends on the quality

Hail protectors may not prevent all vehicle damage during a hailstorm, especially from large hail, but they can help to reduce the severity. When looking for a hail protector that suits your vehicle, there are a few things to consider.

Top options

The more expensive protector comes as a form-fitting car cover, with a layer of foam in between the outer layers. The foam is designed to absorb some of the hail stone impact in order to reduce the damage to the vehicle

This type of construction is the more expensive, ranging from around $160 to $350, but might be a good option for protecting a wide range of vehicles from extensive damage.

Other options

The less expensive protectors do not have as much foam or absorbent materials, which may affect the ability to properly prevent impact damage.

How to maximise the effectiveness of a hail protector

Get the right fit

• Hail protectors are made to fit, meaning that you should measure the length, width and height of your vehicle in order to match it to the product description.
• It's also a good idea to purchase protectors with straps or clips to secure them. 

Know where you keep it

• Make sure that you always know where your hail protector is, so that if a last minute storm arises, you know exactly where it is in order to use it.
• If you can, it could be useful to store it in the boot of your car in case you need it whilst out and about.
• Otherwise, if you store it at home, it’s a good idea to make sure you can store it somewhere that is safe from heat, sun or vermin damage.

Practice beforehand

• Make sure you practice putting the protector on before a storm comes. It’s stressful enough to fiddle around with it in stormy conditions, let alone if you’re unsure of how to put it on.
• Sometimes heavy duty or large protectors are easier to use with another person. It’s important to know these things beforehand.
• Try to practice how you would avoid dragging the cover across the car or over the ground as this may pick up dirt or debris that might damage your paint.

Park in a safe spot

• It may not always be possible to park undercover, but it’s always a good idea to try and park, or move, your vehicle to spot that is covered, not near falling debris, or underneath trees.
• This will minimise the chance of not only hail causing damage to your car, but debris or fallen trees/branches causing damage also.

During a storm

• Seek shelter and follow weather apps or listen to the news.
• It’s also a good idea to regularly check the Bureau of Meterology (BoM) website/app for updates on upcoming weather warnings, or the radar as it comes across.
• If you currently use the Suncorp Insurance App, we actively send through weather push alerts as weather warnings arise. This can assist in keeping you up to date on what's occurring in your area.
• We recommend that you don’t cover your car during an active hailstorm — it’s not worth risking your safety.

Explore Suncorp Insurance Car Insurance

Getting the proper coverage

Even the best quality hail protector might not be able to completely protect your car from hail damage. But Comprehensive Car Insurance can give you some peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in the event of a hailstorm. Suncorp Insurance covers accidental loss or damage to your car due to hail or storms. Read the Product Disclosure Statement for details on limits, terms and conditions.

Cover for windscreen and window glass damage

Purchasing this option means that, when the only damage to your car following an incident in the period of insurance is to the windscreen or window glass (including sun roof), we cover the reasonable cost to repair or replace the windscreen or window glass (including sun roof) without you having to pay an excess. Read the Product Disclosure Statement for details on limits, terms and conditions.

Suncorp Insurance Comprehensive Car Insurance

Read more:

• How to protect your car from hail and storm damage
• What happens after a car insurance claim
• What you need to know when registering your vehicle in QLD, NSW, SA or the ACT
  

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Go to suncorp.com.au for a copy. The Target Market Determination is also available.