In 2023, Lombardy, especially the province of Varese, recorded record car damage from hailstorms and Saharan dust, with significant repair costs, highlighting the impact of adverse weather conditions that seem to never end
The 2023 scored a unprecedented increase in car repairs due to extreme weather eventswith the Lombardy and in particular the province of Varese among the most affected areas. Federcarrozzierithe association of Italian body shops, reported a 50% increase in requests for intervention compared to the last ten years, mainly attributable to intense hailstorms and to widespread Saharan dust. These phenomena have caused significant damage to the cars, from dents and blisters from hail to shattered windows and actual holes in the bodywork.
The official data for 2023 speak of 1,468 episodes of hailstorms intense in Italy, with 596 cases of “very large” hail and 67 episodes of “giant” stones. Costs for car repairs showed a wide range, starting from 900 euros for minimal repairs up to 10,000 euros for severely damaged large vehicles. For damage caused by Sahara dust, interventions have an average cost of between 300 and 500 euros.
In the Varese area, the workshops they had to face a unprecedented question, with waiting times for repairs becoming significantly longer. This situation tangibly highlights the impacts of climate change in the automotive sector, highlighting the need for preventive and adaptation strategies to face future challenges.
