Can I Minimize Hail Damage?

 Before hail starts coming down, you need to think “roof” and “car.” Am I covered?

When thunderstorms roll in, experienced residents of our area know the odds are good you may literally find yourself asking, “What the…hail?” Have I called Cloverleaf Insurance 1-800-530-5822?

Yes, hail—that frozen nemesis of crops, roof shingles and auto bodies—is not an uncommon cause of property damage in these parts. Short of moving to a less hail-prone locality, what steps can you take to at least minimize the damage from an artillery barrage of ice stones? Experts say the best tips require thinking “roof” and “car.”

• Car. There are various car covers available that claim to offer protection, but the experience of users and experts agrees with the Insurance Information Institute: The only sure damage prevention option is to park the car under fixed cover, such as a garage or carport
•  
• Roof. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, you should look for roofing materials that offer both optimal protection from high winds and hail, such as ASTM-rated Class G or H for high wind and UL Laboratories Class 4 for impact resistance