Can Hail Damage the Windshield?
2 Answers
Under normal circumstances, hail has the potential to damage a car. Falling from a high altitude with significant kinetic energy, hail can be quite destructive. Generally, hail can cause damage to vehicles, particularly to the windshield and paintwork, but the extent of damage depends on the size of the hailstones. Below are the methods for claiming insurance for hail damage and protective measures during a hailstorm: Methods for Claiming Insurance for Hail Damage: If your car is damaged by hail, the first step is to verify the following two points: whether the car is covered by comprehensive insurance (also known as collision insurance), and whether the insurance policy is still valid. Upon discovering hail damage, do not move the vehicle immediately. Instead, locate the insurance policy to check if it includes comprehensive coverage and confirm that the policy is within its validity period. Currently, most auto insurance policies in the country have a one-year term, so it's easy to verify. Protective Measures During a Hailstorm: Park the car in a garage or under a sheltered area as quickly as possible. If a garage is not available, park under a bridge or a covered structure, but be cautious of falling objects from above. If there is no sheltered parking at home, use an umbrella or a thick quilt to cover the car for protection.
Absolutely can get wrecked! Last week I saw a dozen cars in my neighborhood get absolutely demolished by hail. Windshields are laminated glass, sure, sturdier than side windows, but they still can't hold up against ping pong ball-sized hailstones. The impact force from hail falling from high altitude is terrifying—glass can instantly develop spiderweb cracks or even get punctured. The weather bureau had issued a warning about 5cm-diameter hail that day. My neighbor's car roof and windshield were completely dented, and the insurance adjuster was running around exhausted. Now we all check the weather forecast before parking—best to find an underground garage, or at least cover the car with a protective tarp if parking outdoors.
