Why Hail Netting Is the Smartest Hail Protection System for Auto Dealerships

Auto dealerships face unique risks when it comes to severe hailstorms. With hundreds of high-value vehicles exposed in open lots, dealerships are especially vulnerable to hail damage that can crush inventory, spike insurance costs, and disrupt operations. Here's why hail netting systems offer the best protection compared to other hail mitigation options.

🔍 Risk Landscape for Dealerships

• In 2018, a Colorado hailstorm caused nearly $200,000 in vehicle damage across Schomp Automotive's lot, triggering multiple claims and a 400% monthly premium increase (from $28,000 to $141,000). Source: Hail No
  
  
• Other insurers have reported steep increases in hail claims—many dealership premiums now reach $250,000 to $1M+ annually. Source: GoAutoNews Premium 

With rising insurance costs and unpredictable weather causing millions of dollars annually in damage, dealerships can’t afford to take risks.

Related Articles >> Why Every Car Dealership Needs Hail Protection & How Car Dealerships Can Prepare for Peak Hail Season

⚖️ Comparing Hail Protection Options

Hail Netting Systems (e.g. Hail No®)

• Installation & Design: Lightweight, modular systems can be installed quickly, within weeks of permit approval—no heavy construction needed. Source: Hail No 
• Customization: Fully scalable to fit lot size, layout, and vehicle type. Expandable and brand-coordinated.
• Durability & Maintenance: Engineered to withstand hail (2"), wind (120 mph), and snow loads (30 psf). UV-stable, with minimal upkeep. Source: Hail No
• Cost & ROI: Lower initial cost, often paid off within 1–2 years via insurance premium reductions (~40%) alone, with the bonus of damage avoidance. Source: Hail No

Fixed Canopies & Hail Shelters

• Installation & Design: Structurally rigid, often requiring permits, heavy materials, and long lead times.
  
  
• Customization: Less adaptable to changing lot layouts. Retrofitting is complex and expensive. Source: Hail No
  
  
• Durability & Maintenance: High durability, but retractable components may need frequent servicing.
  
  
• Cost & ROI: High upfront investment; ROI depends on scale and usage patterns.
  
  

Temporary Covers (Tarps, Shade Cloth, Blankets)

• Installation & Design: Require manual deployment for each vehicle—inefficient for large lots.
  
  
• Customization: Not scalable; impractical for auto dealership inventory.
  
  
• Durability & Maintenance: Susceptible to tears and wind damage. High labor and upkeep.
  
  
• Cost & ROI: May seem inexpensive upfront, but labor and replacement costs quickly add up.
  
  

Learn More >> Comparing Hail Netting to Other Hail Protection Systems: Which Solution Is Right for Your Business?

💡 Why Auto Dealerships Prefer Hail Netting

• Inventory Protection: Preventing dents preserves resale value, brand trust, and boosts curb appeal.
  
  
• Insurance Savings: One Colorado dealership cut premiums by 40% and avoided $600K in annual losses. Source: Hail No
  
  
• Faster ROI: Systems typically pay for themselves in under two years—especially in hail-prone regions.
  
  
• Business Continuity: No downtime or disruption during installation; daily operations continue unabated.

Hail Netting Makes Sense for Dealers

Hail netting offers a perfect blend of protection, affordability, and flexibility—essential for dealerships where inventory exposure equates to high stakes. While permanent canopies offer solid protection, their cost and lack of adaptability make them less practical for many lots. Temporary covers may help in emergencies but aren’t scalable.

For auto dealerships that want long-lasting, scalable, insurance-saving protection, hail netting is the superior choice.