If hail is forecast in South Africa, move your car under solid cover before the storm arrives and avoid unnecessary travel. If hail begins while you drive, slow down smoothly, leave a larger following gap and stop only in a genuinely safe place away from moving traffic, trees, power lines and floodwater.
Information checked: 10 October 2026. Follow live instructions from the South African Weather Service, emergency services and your insurer.
Original Motordeal Premium safety graphic.
Before hail: a five-minute plan
Check an official warning. Use the South African Weather Service website, WeatherSMART app or verified SAWS channels.
Move the car early. Use a garage, carport or sound covered parking. Never race an approaching storm.
Close the vehicle. Shut windows and the sunroof. Secure loose items near the parking area.
Check insurance. Comprehensive cover may include hail, subject to policy terms and excess. Third-party-only cover generally does not pay for hail damage to your own car. Confirm your policy.
Prepare contacts. Charge your phone and save insurer and roadside-assistance numbers.
If hail starts while you drive
Hail can behave like loose ice on the road. An Arrive Alive safety notice from June 2026 reported crashes near Bloemfontein where accumulated hail reduced traction. Treat white or slushy road surfaces as a serious grip warning.
Reduce speed progressively. Avoid harsh braking, acceleration and steering.
Increase the following gap and use dipped headlights.
Stay in your lane and watch for standing water, branches and stopped vehicles.
If grip or visibility becomes unsafe, pull fully away from live traffic only where stopping is legal and safe. Avoid low areas, trees, unstable structures and power lines.
Remain inside the closed vehicle during lightning unless officials direct otherwise. Never stop under a bridge or in a live lane merely to protect paintwork.
Safety warning: Never enter live traffic to cover the vehicle, inspect dents or collect hailstones. People come before paintwork.
What to check after the storm
Wait until danger has passed and check the surroundings before getting out.
Photograph every side, close damage views and the wider location.
Check glass, lights, mirrors, cameras and sensors. Do not drive if visibility, glass stability or safety equipment is affected.
Look for water entry and warning lights. Do not remove trim or disturb airbags and wiring.
Contact the insurer before authorising repairs. Keep claim references, estimates and invoices.
Can hail dents be repaired without paint?
Sometimes. Paintless Dent Repair may suit panels where the paint remains intact and safe access is possible. Cracked paint, sharp creases, stretched metal, broken glass or damaged sensors may need conventional work. Modern vehicles can also need camera or sensor calibration after body or glass repairs.
Buying or selling after hail damage
Ask for repair invoices and inspect the roof, bonnet, boot lid, pillars and finish in clear light. Consider a professional inspection after extensive damage. Sellers should disclose known material damage honestly.
