Colorado is one of the most hail-prone states in the U.S., and with March’s record-breaking heat, 2026 is on track to bring significant hailstorms.
The following tips can help you avoid auto glass damage – and protect you from out-of-pocket costs if you do need to repair or replace your windshield.
Inspect Your Windshield for Chips
Before storm season starts, and any time you’re caught in a hail storm, inspect your windshield and other auto glass for small chips and take your vehicle in right away if you spot any issues.
Delaying windshield chip repair can:
- Cost you more money in the long run
Small chips can often be fixed, but if not done quickly, they can spread into large cracks that require costlier full windshield replacement. - Leave you more vulnerable in an accident
Your windshield provides structural support, so a damaged windshield increases the chance of injury in a collision. - Result in fines or increased liability
Colorado law requires auto owners to repair chips or cracks that obstruct their field of vision. Failing to do so can result in fines – or even put you at risk for liability in a collision.
Pro Tip: Don’t believe anyone who says they can sell you “chip-resistant glass.” You’ll usually pay more for glass that breaks just as easily (or even more easily!) than traditional glass. We replace these “extra tough” windshields more often than other types – and have even pulled them broken out of the crate. OEM glass often offers better protection for less money.
Rethink Your Parking Habits
Hail moves in fast in Colorado. Have a plan of where to park your vehicle before storms move in.
- Park under cover whenever possible
If you have access to a garage or carport, park in it whenever possible. Even if you’re not able to fit your whole vehicle, get as much of it under cover as you can and cover the rest with a heavy blanket when hailstorms hit. - Have a plan if you’re caught without cover
Keep a couple hail blankets in your trunk so if you’re out and about when a storm rolls in, you can pull over and throw them on. They don’t need to be anything fancy – a couple of Uhaul moving blankets can do the trick. Double them up for extra protection and either secure them with ratchet straps or tuck the blankets into your hood, trunk, and car doors to keep it from blowing away. - Don’t park under trees unless it’s your only option during a hailstorm
Though it’s tempting to always find a spot in the shade, trees can drop limbs or debris on your vehicle. That said, if it’s your only option when hail is coming down, the tree can help cushion the blow a bit.
No matter how careful you are, you can never fully avoid hail in Colorado. That’s why you need strong comprehensive insurance.
Review Your Car Insurance Policy
Don’t get stuck paying out-of-pocket for a new windshield. Review your insurance policy now and adjust your coverage if needed before you experience hail damage.
Many people don’t realize they have separate collision and comprehensive deductibles. If your comprehensive deductible is high, call your insurance provider and ask what it would cost to lower it. Sometimes you can reduce it to $0 for a negligible monthly premium increase.
Pro Tip: If you experience hail damage, your insurance might try to steer you towards their preferred auto glass vendor. If they do, push back. You have the right to choose which shop you use.
Caught in a storm?
Call us for hassle-free mobile repair and replacement. At Van Go Auto Glass, we provide same-day mobile glass services throughout the Denver and Boulder metro regions.
