The old ghosts are making their way back to a good part of Italy, with the danger of hailstorms which, according to meteorologists, is looming. Still mindful of the events of last year, marked by serious events damage to cars, it is advisable to prepare for natural disasters, but how? During this article we will examine every precaution to be put into practice. First of all, we will see the classic covers, from sheets to canopies, capable of guaranteeing adequate protection for cars. So, we will think about DIY solutions, which, even if they are a panacea against all ills, help in the process. Towards the closing lines, we will focus on insurance coverage, which is especially fundamental in this period.
Useful tips
Hail can cause serious damage to the bodywork of your vehicle, especially in the case of hailstones “as big as golf balls”. From there it’s a disaster: from dents to broken glass, the damage report risks reaching considerable figures. Instead of allowing adverse circumstances to take over, there are several measures that can be taken to protect the vehicle from adverse atmospheric phenomena. If possible, park in a garage, under a sturdy roof or in a preliminarily sheltered area. Keep up to date on weather forecast helps to ward off trouble, capable of costing a real fortune. Enable alerts on your smartphone or sign up for a notification service, so you can stay updated in real time on future developments.
Invest in one quality cloth because, ok, inflation requires us to use savings in moderation, but within certain limits. On e-commerce platforms (especially) it happens that you come across items at rock-bottom prices, well below average. Instead of getting excited and sending the order, find out about the actual yield. In your shoes we would take a look at the reviews left by other users, for example on the buying and selling site or on specialized portals. “Testing the waters” by taking a look at the opinions will allow you to orient yourself with knowledge.
It also lends to fixing the sheet, so that it is firmly in place and fully covers the bodywork. In emergency situations, you can use inflatable mattress covers or pool mats. Obviously, these are temporary solutions, useful for reducing the consequences. If hailstorms start while you are driving, try to move away from the affected area as soon as possible. Or, if you can’t, stop in a safe place and wait for the sky to stop hurling its fury. Performing regular maintenance, with a glossy paint job and a layer of wax, can reduce the impact of the kernels.
Anti-hail cover
Choosing an anti-hail cover for your car is essential to protect it from damage caused by the atmospheric phenomenon. There are many options on the market, and it is important to select the right item, in line with the needs and characteristics of the car. Step one: get one of the adequate dimensions. Measure yourself or find the manufacturer’s size chart. Based on your priorities and the climate, decide on the most common materials such as nylon, polyester and cotton. Nylon has the advantage of being resistant, but at the same time light, while polyester is waterproof and cotton is breathable.
Anti-hail covers have one or several layers: the more there are, the greater the protection. Be careful, however, because there is also the downside, in terms of heaviness and cost. Some products have foam or other soft material padding to better protect the paint. It would then be the case that they have straps or elastics in order to secure them firmly, even in the presence of strong winds. Finally, the top of the range proposals boast of additional featuressuch as protection from ultraviolet rays, waterproofness and fire resistance.
Canopies
Anti-hail shelters are also essential structures. Given the high demand, there are various brands and models, of more or less high quality. Before going into detail, it is also worth taking measures to ensure that vehicle doors are opened and closed comfortably. Regarding the materials, it is common to find them metal (steel, aluminium). Robust, durable and hail resistant, they are more expensive than other options, but provide excellent long-term protection.
Offer
On an aesthetic level, those Wood they have considerable charm, also given how well they blend with the surrounding environment. They require more maintenance than metal sheds and are more prone to deterioration over time. The typology in PVC it is light, economical and easy to install. They offer excellent protection from hail, but compared to the alternatives just indicated they lose something in terms of resistance. The sheds in fabric they are light, economical and portable. Ideal for temporary use or covering small areas, they are quite appreciable, although there is better out there to deal with hostile climatic conditions. In this regard, it is preferable to adopt complete protection against snow, rain and sun. If you want more ventilation, opt for one in mesh or with perforated panels. Anti-hail shelters must be securely fixed to the ground or to a pre-existing structure: check the available anchoring methods, such as bolts, pegs and ballasts.
Insurance coverage
In addition to preventive measures (even do-it-yourself, during emergencies) and the use of specific coverage, a further form of protection is insurance (the costs of which have skyrocketed). Make sure your RCA policy includes the guarantee against atmospheric events, which covers damage caused by hail, tornadoes, floods and other natural events. If this is not the case, consider taking out a specific additional policy. Pay attention to the maximum limit: choose one appropriate to the value of your car.
Finally, think about your deductible, of which there are two typologies: fixed, which provides for an amount always charged, regardless of the extent of the damage; variable, with a percentage charge and fixed minimum. The company could compensate the new or market value, limited to visible or even functional problems of the machine. In the event of signs caused by hail, it is important to report the insurance claim within the agreed deadlines. Attach photographic documentation and an estimate of the repair costs.
