Protection during a hail storm

Julie Akin • September 10, 2019

Protection during a hail storm

A close up of a car 's roof with hail damage Protection during a hail storm

Staying safe on the road during a hail storm

It may sound surprising, but there are approximately 3,000 hailstorms in the United States each year, many occur right here in Arizona. The size of hail can widely vary – from golf-ball size to softball size. And when it starts building up size, hail can cause not just severe property and vehicle damage, but also bodily harm and even death. On average, hailstorms annually cause over $1 billion in damage to property, approximately 1,500 injuries and 80 deaths annually.

 

One of the most frightening places to be during a hailstorm is on the road in your car. Obviously your vehicle is at great risk of damage, but even more importantly, you are in danger in the event you can’t see well enough to drive or your windows are broken in by the power of the storm.

 

At Budget Insurance & Tucson Insurance Solutions we want to ensure you, your loved ones, and your vehicle stay safe when hailstorms happen. Here are some pointers for navigating a hailstorm while on the roads in Southern Arizona:

 

  • Carrying a blanket in your car can help protect you from glass injuries in the event the hail breaks your windows or windshield.

 

  • Turn on your low-beam headlights, and slow down.

 

  • Make sure you have more distance than usual in front of you so you have ample space to brake if necessary.

 

  • Another low-cost option that will at least save your windshield glass is using your floor mats to cover your windshield glass. While it won’t protect your side glass or your car’s body, it may keep the windshield from cracking and/or breaking, allowing you to drive your car away after the hailstorm passes.

 

  • If there is enough space on the shoulder of the road, pull over.

 

  • Turn on your hazard lights, regardless of whether you are pulled over or moving slowly; this will help other vehicles to see you and avoid accidents.
  • If there is a covered shelter to pull underneath, do so; this will reduce the damage sustained by your vehicle.

Does My Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

It depends. If you are carrying comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, chances are you’re covered for any repair costs after paying your deductible. If you lease or have a loan on your car, you’re required by law to carry both comprehensive and collision coverage. Once you fully own your vehicle, you’re not required to carry comprehensive (or collision) coverage so if you've removed this from your policy, no coverage will be provided.

 

At Budget Insurance & Tucson Insurance Solutions we hope you stay hailstorm-free this season!

 

Contact Us!
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May 9, 2025
To update you on what is happening at the Lukeville/Sonoyta border crossing for our insureds traveling to Rocky Point: Depending on the officer, Mexican authorities (Guardia Nacional) are enforcing the FMM and passport requirements, but not consistently. Some travelers have reported crossing as usual without passports, and officers simply waived them through. Others have reported obtaining FMMs at the border, with all travelers carrying passports. If travelers are transparent and declare any alcohol they’re bringing into Mexico, they are being charged a 114% tax. However, some people reported having alcohol but were waived through by officers and did not pay the tax. It appears enforcement depends on the officer, and tourists are currently taking their chances. It comes down to each traveler’s level of confidence and risk tolerance, as enforcement is not yet consistent. Our company’s recommendation is to follow the law: Process the FMM online Print the form Stop at the INM (Immigration) office at the border to get it stamped Reminder: The FMM tourist permit is only for foreign citizens, not for individuals with dual citizenship. Here is the link to obtain the FMM online (in case travelers ask where to process it before crossing the border): https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html The INM Immigration Office is located in the Aduana building. For your reference, the Gastrak/Sanborn’s location in Lukeville and the Aduana building (just to the left after crossing the border) are highlighted. Additional reminders for this border crossing: All vehicles must have a current, original, valid registration OR the original title/notarized copy. Digital copies or images are not accepted. If the vehicle is not owned by the driver (e.g., a company vehicle, borrowed from family or friends), a notarized letter of permission from the owner is required to take the vehicle into Mexico. Border Hours: U.S. and Mexican authorities have agreed that the Lukeville–Sonoyta border crossing to Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) from March 7 to October 10, 2025.
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