NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Large hail can cause significant damage to your car and there’s a chance that it’s headed to our area. When it’s a possibility Nashville mechanic Robert Shelton says you want to have a plan for both yourself and your car.
“When you get up to golf ball size hail and stuff, when you could put it in the palm of your hand. Ain’t nothing you can do about that when it falls,” Shelton said.
To avoid taking a trip to the auto shop, Shelton says your car should be in a garage.
If that isn’t an option or if you’re on the road when it starts to hail, he says to pull into a gas station or under a bridge, anywhere that can cover your car.
“If they know it’s coming, then get into a car wash, one of the ones that you do it yourself. They could pull inside there. Try to get somewhere undercover where it doesn’t tear the car up,” Shelton said.
He also recommends closing your side view mirrors to protect the glass.
If you car does get damaged, comprehensive insurance will typically cover it, but liability insurance will not. Home insurance may also cover any metal roof or gutter damage that can happen with hail.
But more important than your car or home, Shelton says, is yourself.
“If you can’t save your car, save yourself. Don’t worry about it. Cars can always be replaced, so get yourself inside of a store somewhere where it’s more safe than being in a car,” Shelton said.
As a last resort you can put moving blankets on top of your car and windshield but that is not guaranteed to protect them.
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