Hail comes with a cost. Every year, it causes about $1 billion in damage to property and crops. For anyone who lives in an area affected by hail, it will be something you need to deal with sooner or later, whether the damage is to your roof or to your car.

Cars in the “hail alley” states (including Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado) can expect some seven to nine hail storms every year. Even in states where hail is less frequent, a single storm can leave you with dents and dings that are expensive to fix.

Don’t Delay
Most dents from hail take about 10 minutes to remove. While these dents are only about the size of an American quarter, they aren’t something you want to put off repairing for too long. If the “dimple” is large enough, it can begin to rust later, especially if the paint has been affected. Rusting will decrease the value of your vehicle over time, and it’s often easier to pay money upfront to fix a dent with paintless dent removal than it is to replace an entire roof five years down the line.

How can you prevent hail from hitting you in the future? Car covers are one approach. Ranging in price from $50 to $500, car covers can be placed over your car to prevent hail from striking your vehicle directly. Make sure that any car cover you use adheres well to the car, as hail storms are often accompanied by strong winds. If you use an adhesive to keep it on, make sure the adhesive doesn't damage your paint.

Is a Hail Car a Good Deal?
If you’re shopping around for a used car and are considering purchasing a hail damaged vehicle, keep in mind that repair shops will usually do any minor repair work possible before trying to sell the car. If the dents and dings are still visible, it’s unlikely that they can be fixed with easy, paintless dent removal, which you’ll need to consider when evaluating the ultimate cost of the vehicle.

Unfortunately, it's possible to sustain damage to your car without even getting in the driver's seat, or encountering another vehicle. Taking care of hail damage when it happens is important for ensuring your car's longevity.