Hail season is in full bloom and thunderstorms capable of producing icy chunks large enough to damage your car are more frequent. It could be costly if you get caught in one.

The American Automobile Association and StormWise says the average car repair for hail damage is more than $6,500. Extreme hail can produce damage in excess of $15,000!

So how big does hail have to be and what kind of damage could it produce:

The biggest thing to protect your car from hail is to avoid storms that produce it. If you are at home or work, parking your car in a garage is the easiest and safest solution. Using a hail cover can also protect parked cars.

If you are caught outside in a hailstorm, stopping under gas station awnings might provide some protection but never stop under bridges and overpasses. This makes you and your vehicle vulnerable to being hit by traffic.

Finally, check your automobile insurance to make sure you have the correct coverage. Acts of nature like hail damage are covered under the comprehensive section of the insurance, so make sure to carry this type of coverage. If you don’t have coverage, any hail damage will be out of pocket.

Track all of the big storms in your area using the WeatherRadar.