Getting caught in a hailstorm while driving is one of those heart-pounding experiences no one ever wants—but it happens. One moment you’re cruising along, and the next, chunks of ice are pelting your windshield like nature’s baseballs. Not only is it loud and stressful, but hail can also cause serious damage to your car and even injure you if you don’t take the right precautions.
The good news? With a little preparation and some quick thinking, you can protect yourself and your vehicle when hail suddenly strikes. Let’s walk through exactly what to do when driving in a hailstorm—and what mistakes to avoid.
Key Takeaways: Driving in a Hailstorm
- Slow down immediately and keep extra space between you and other vehicles.
- Pull over to a safe spot as soon as possible.
- If you can, seek covered shelter like a parking garage.
- Stay inside your vehicle until the storm passes.
- Never stop under an overpass or in a low-lying area.
- Always check the weather before hitting the road.
1. Slow Down, Pull Over, and Keep Your Distance
When hail starts falling, resist the urge to “push through it.” Hailstones fall fast, and when combined with your vehicle’s speed, the impact can double the damage.
👉 Step one: Ease off the accelerator and put plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Drivers around you are just as startled, and sudden braking or swerving could lead to an accident.
👉 Step two: Pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. The side of the road or a designated turnout is far safer than trying to keep driving blind through pounding hail.
For updated road safety advice, you can also check National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) resources.
2. Get to Covered Shelter—But Choose Wisely
If you can spot a parking garage, carport, or gas station awning, that’s your best bet. Covered shelters will protect your car from dents and broken windows.
🚫 Avoid stopping under trees. Falling branches can cause more damage than hail.
🚫 Don’t park under flimsy structures. They can collapse under the weight of accumulated hail or heavy winds.
3. Stay Inside Your Car
It might be tempting to dash for cover, but leaving your vehicle during a hailstorm is a recipe for injury. Some hailstones can be as large as golf balls—or bigger—and falling at 30–40 mph.
Your best protection is your car. Stay buckled, keep calm, and wait it out.
4. Use Your Windshield as Protection
Here’s a little-known trick: position your car so the hail hits the front windshield. Why? Because windshields are reinforced to withstand heavier impact than your side or rear windows.
If you’re parked and worried about shattered glass:
- Recline your seat or crouch down to protect your head and face.
- Use a blanket, jacket, or even your car mats to shield yourself.
- Always keep your back to the windows.
For more storm safety tips, the Insurance Information Institute has excellent resources on severe weather preparedness.
5. Don’t Stop Under an Overpass
This one is crucial. Many drivers instinctively think pulling under an overpass is safe—but it’s actually dangerous. Why?
- Traffic bottlenecks create accident risks.
- Reduced visibility can cause collisions.
- Flash flooding often accompanies hailstorms, and overpasses can trap you in rising water.
Instead, find an open area away from moving traffic and avoid low-lying zones where water can quickly accumulate.
6. Stay Ahead by Watching the Weather
The best defense against hail is preparation. Before hitting the road, check your local forecast using trusted resources like NOAA Weather Radar or the National Weather Service.
Some smart steps to take ahead of time:
- Keep a blanket and flashlight in your car.
- Store your insurance details and emergency contacts somewhere easy to access.
- If you live in a hail-prone area (like Texas, Nebraska, or Kansas), consider a comprehensive car insurance policy that covers hail damage. You can compare options through resources like Progressive or Geico.
Final Thoughts
Hailstorms can pop up out of nowhere, and while they might only last a few minutes, those minutes can be intense. The key is to stay calm, stay inside your vehicle, and prioritize safety over speed.
Your car can be repaired—but your health and safety are irreplaceable. By knowing what to do when driving in a hailstorm, you’ll be better prepared the next time the skies turn stormy.
