AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hail flavour in Texas typically runs from March through May — and this flavour's been no slouch in pelting the land with ice pellets.

And there'due south likely more on the way.

Texas recently claimed the height spot in a written report from State Farm on states with the highest hail harm claims paid in 2020. Last year solitary, Land Subcontract paid $474 million on dwelling and auto claims, with the average auto claim totaling over $4,400.

So what practise you practise when a garage or a car port aren't options for keeping your machine safe from the elements? Here are a few ideas we've establish across the spider web.

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Moving blankets

The thick polyester blankets you wrap furniture in to prevent scuffs and scratches during a move? Turns out they tin double every bit hail protection, according to several Reddit users.

FILE – In this June xiv, 2006 photo, U-Haul trucks sit on a dealer lot in Des Moines (AP Photograph/Charlie Neibergall)

To do this, use several blankets to coating your car — you tin fifty-fifty put cardboard below it for actress padding! — and use several heavy items to bolster the sheets so they don't fly up or off.

Cheaper (less thick) moving blankets will cost in the $10-$15 range, while thicker, higher quality ones average around $35-45. They can be purchased at near moving supply stores and hardware stores like Lowe's and Habitation Depot.

Some people fifty-fifty recommend, at the to the lowest degree, using regular thicker blankets you may already have at home — if yous don't mind tossing nana's quilt over the hood of your auto.

Paper-thin boxes

If you don't have whatever blankets, one unproblematic and cheap option is whatever common cardboard boxes yous take. Flatten them, either double-folded or single to embrace more area, and apply heavy items to hold the cardboard slats down.

While wetness will exist a business concern, the thick boxes volition hold moisture and likely remain intact.

Potting soil

Georgetown resident Julie Ward used numberless of potting soil to shield her vehicle'southward sunroof in a recent tempest. The thick bags blot the impact and won't impact your wallet: an average purse costs around $14 and can be establish at any shop'south gardening department.

Georgetown resident Julie Ward used bags of potting soil to shield her vehicle's sunroof in a recent storm (Courtesy of Julie Ward)

Too belatedly?

If your vehicle does have a beating, comprehensive auto insurance should cover damage to the body, windshield and interior but prices will be subject to estimates — and several claims could eventually impact what y'all pay per calendar month.

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