How to act in case of hail

According to a study by CNR-ISAC, in 2023 Italy was the European country most affected by significant hailstorms in terms of size and intensity. You’ve likely seen the news reports and perhaps even found yourself in a car during such an event, frightened by the possible consequences for yourself and the vehicle you were driving. Today, we want to give you some tips on the precautions you can take to protect yourself while renting a car.

What to Do Before You Travel

The number one piece of advice is to always check the weather conditions before you set off: reading bulletins from the competent meteorological offices and updates from Civil Protection is a sensible practice to avoid many dangerous situations from the outset. Additionally, when the vehicle is not in use, keep it sheltered from possible bad weather: parking in a garage or under a canopy can significantly reduce the risk of hail damage.

What to Do if It Hails While You Are Traveling

In the unfortunate event that you find yourself in a car during a hailstorm, it is essential to know how to behave to minimize possible hail damage. Here are some tips: 

1. Reduce speed safely without braking abruptly to maintain control of the vehicle and avoid losing traction.
2. Pull over to a safe place such as a service station, a rest area, or a garage. Avoid stopping under trees, as branches could fall during the hailstorm.
3. Protect the vehicle by finding shelter, if possible, under a roof, bridge, or covered area. If no shelters are available, park the car away from objects that could damage it.
4. Close all windows to reduce the risk of hail damaging the interior of the car.
5. Use blankets or mats, if available, to cover the windshield and the roof of the car to create minimal protection from hail damage.

In case of weather bulletins predicting hail or other adverse weather conditions, we still recommend avoiding unnecessary travel and especially following the directions of the competent authorities: do not underestimate the alerts and do not try to defy the odds in areas that have been closed to traffic due to weather conditions. By doing so, you can really enjoy your trip safely.