ODESSA, Texas — Severe storm season is upon us, and the risk of hail damage follows right behind it.
Ector and Howard County rank in this year's top 100 counties most at risk of hail damage, according to a recent study from Roof Gnome.
For those without a garage or car port sheltering their vehicles, thinking outside the box might just be the answer.
"If there's warnings that are put out that day to watch out for severe storms, try to have your car close to a building or maybe somewhere where it's partially covered and protected from bad weather," said Willie Balerio, the owner of the Original Dent Shop in Odessa.
According to Balerio, it's best to avoid seeking cover under trees.
"Big heavy blankets might help, but if the winds flowing really hard 30 miles an hour, unless you secure that blanket, it'll fly off, so make sure you have it fully secured," said Balerio.
The owner of the dent shop shared his customers have come up with creative but safe ways to shield their vehicles, including covering their vehicle with foam padding and covering it with a tarp. Others have used thick, cardboard boxes.
"Some of these will protect your car's paint, but not the metal," said Balerio.
But if your car does end up taking a beating from the hail..."contact your insurance company and let them write you an estimate. That's the fastest way to try to get into repairs when someone is contacting them first," said Balerio. "They'll tell you what how their procedure is. That way, when you do go to a shop of choice, you have all that paperwork or an estimate in hand. It'll be the smoothest and easiest way to take care of a claim."