Get informed at the right time

Prevention is essential when it comes to hailstorms. By the time large hailstones are already pelting down from the sky, it’s too late to take protective measures. The damage can be expensive. Thanks to weather warning apps, you can take preventive measures to keep hail damage to a minimum. But remember: protecting yourself is always the top priority.

Beware of hail: make sure to get yourself to safety

If hail is approaching, make sure you protect yourself and your loved ones first. Take shelter in a building or a car. Do not go back outside until the hail has passed. Stay out of basements and do not enter cellars or underground car parks. There is a danger that hailstones can block drains and sewers, causing large amounts of rainwater to enter a house.

How to protect your belongings against hail

Hail can be dangerous and the damage it causes can be expensive. Discover how to protect yourself, your home and your vehicle.

Protect your home against hail

• Pull up all blinds, awnings and shutters. Close sunshades and fasten them securely.
• Close all doors and windows. If a window breaks in a hailstorm, you can temporarily protect the interior from hail using your shutters.
• Keep water drains clear at the cellar entrance and on balconies, decks, driveways and paths.
• If your house is damaged during the hail, protect the affected area temporarily from water and wind to prevent further damage. However, under no circumstances should you put yourself in danger.

Protect your car against hail

• Store your vehicle in the garage or park it under a hail-proof shelter.
• If you are on the road, drive under a bridge.
• If you are on the motorway, do not stop under any circumstances.
  If visibility is poor, leave the motorway at the next exit.

Protect gardens against hail

• Secure all loose items in the garden and cover your garden furniture. Also remember to secure your children’s toys. Hail is often accompanied by strong winds. A flying trampoline can be dangerous.
• Put your potted plants under a hail-proof shelter and secure them or bring them inside. If this is not possible, you can try protecting your plants with a plastic sheet. Secure this protective sheet well.

Generali tip: If damage has occurred despite all precautionary measures, report it immediately to your motor, household or building insurance company and ask them to explain how to proceed. Depending on the extent of the damage, an assessment by a claims inspector may take place. Be sure to take photographs of the damage before cleaning up and create a list of the damaged items.