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East Coast, West Coast, or in between— hail can strike anywhere— sometimes quite unexpectedly. Annually, hail causes $1 billion in damages, mostly to roofs and cars. To avoid injury, the first thing you should do in a hailstorm is get inside. However, if you have adequate warning, you can protect your car by parking it in a garage or covering it with heavy blankets. If, on the other hand, the hailstorm strikes while you're in your car, there are certain precautions you should take to keep yourself safe from harm.

• Do not get out of your car. Your safety is far more important than material damage, so let your car absorb the impact of the hailstones.
• If you're able to safely pull over, you're much more likely to avoid an accident. If you can pull into a covered area, such as an overpass or parking structure, you'll be able to keep vehicle damage to a minimum.
• Keep your car angled so the hail hits the front of your car. Windshields are reinforced, but side and rear windows are not.
• Keep your back to the windows and lie down if you can. If you have a blanket, cover yourself to prevent broken glass from hitting you.

Dented hoods, broken windows— although you may be safe from harm, your car might not fare as well. If your car gets caught in a hailstorm, you could have a hefty auto insurance claim on your hands. Although car damage can be a headache, if you follow Esurance's tips on repairing hail damage, you'll be back on the road in no time.

• If any of your car's windows have been broken, remove the glass carefully to avoid injury.
• Call your insurance company immediately to report the damage. If you're an Esurance policyholder, you can report claims 24/7 either online or over the phone at 1-800-926-1175. Typically, your comprehensive auto insurance coverage will help pay for damages caused by severe weather and natural disasters.
• Find a body shop you trust. If you don't have a preferred body shop, Esurance can help you locate one that's close to your home or work. Estimates written by shops affiliated with Esurance are free. And if you choose to have your vehicle repaired at one of the shops affiliated with us, it's likely that you'll get your auto insurance claim resolved faster.
• Discuss your repair with your insurance company and your body shop. Hail damage to sheet metal may need to be hammered and painted. However, trained technicians may recommend Paintless Dent Removal (PDR). PDR is fast and effective, and it won't disturb the factory finish on your car.
• Make sure you're satisfied with the repairs and check for any remaining dents before you take your car back. If possible, get a written guarantee from the shop before you leave.

You can't control Mother Nature, but you can control your car's well-being. When you report a claim to Esurance, you can rest assured your car will be back on the road fast. Get a quote today and see how much you could save on reliable auto insurance with Esurance!