This article originally appeared on Nationwide.com on May 22. 2025.
Service sends text alerts to eligible members ahead of expected hailstorms
COLUMBUS, Ohio – With summer just around the corner, most people are looking forward to sunny days and warmer temperatures, but severe storms with hail may also be in the forecast for several states over the next few months.
Hailstorms, with their sudden and destructive nature, can cause significant damage to vehicles and pose risks to personal safety. To address this hazard, Nationwide has partnered with a third party to alert Nationwide members1 when inclement weather is forecast. Those who sign up to receive hail and weather text alerts will be notified up to 30 minutes before a storm producing hail greater than one inch is expected in their area, giving them time to move their cars to a covered location to reduce risk of hail damage. More information for agents is available here.
“Nationwide’s text alert program enables our members to take a proactive ‘predict and prevent’ approach to protecting themselves and their property,” said Jeff Rommel, Senior Vice President, Personal Lines Operations for Nationwide. “Having time to take a few basic precautions ahead of a hailstorm can go a long way in staying safe and preventing damage.”
With hailstones ranging in size from small pellets to baseball-sized chunks, the potential for costly damage is significant. According to Nationwide claims data, the cost of repairing hail damaged cars ranges from $3,000 to $13,000, excluding total losses. Additionally, 20% of Nationwide-insured cars that are damaged by hail are declared a total loss and taken off the road after a hail event.
According to insights provided by Tomorrow.io, the following regions are hail hotspots in the U.S.
- Hail Alley: This region, stretching across parts of eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, and eastern Wyoming, is notorious for its frequent and severe hailstorms. Cities like Cheyenne, Denver, and Colorado Springs often experience multiple hailstorms each year.
- The Great Plains: States like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska experience a high number of hailstorms annually. A favorable overlap of specific atmospheric conditions in this region often creates an ideal scenario for hail. Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita, Kansas City, and Omaha are particularly vulnerable.
- The Midwest: Areas such as Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois also see significant hail activity. The varied weather patterns and frequent thunderstorms in cities like St. Louis, Des Moines, and Chicago contribute to the prevalence of hailstorms.
How to prepare for hail at home:
- Tidy up the garage to park vehicles inside when a hailstorm is approaching. • Before a hailstorm, move vehicles into the garage or a covered spot. Make sure to close the garage door completely.
- Ensure that pets and family are safely indoors before the storm.
How to be protected from hail when on the road:
- Stay inside your vehicle during a hailstorm.
- Drive to a covered spot such as a parking garage to shelter. Do not stop under an overpass or bridge and block traffic.
- Once the vehicle has stopped, ensure safety by shielding your eyes with something like a piece of clothing. If possible, get onto the floor face down or lie on the seat with your back to the windows.
Eligible Nationwide members may click here for more information on how to enroll in the alert program. Nationwide’s hail and weather alert service is available to members in all states except Hawaii, Alaska, Florida and California. Hail is the first type of targeted weather alert offered to eligible Nationwide members, with plans to expand the program to alerts for other perils.
About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.
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