Spring is the season for storms, and many times this means hail. While the average hailstorm lasts about 6 minutes, the National Weather Service estimates that hail causes roughly $1 billion in damages each year.

Many people know that hail can severely damage the roof and siding of homes and businesses, but not everyone considers their vehicles to be at risk.

Hailstones can shatter windshields, side view mirrors and headlights and leave noticeable damage to the body of a vehicle. To safeguard yourself during the hail season, the Better Business Bureau suggests the following:

• Before the hail storm. Learn to recognize the weather conditions that spark hailstorms.

As a precaution, if weather forecasters are predicting a hailstorm, pull cars, boats, and RVs into a garage, covered parking lot or other substantial covering.

If your only choice is to leave your parked car exposed to the elements, you may want to cover the hood, roof and trunk with thick blankets as protection against possible hail.

• During a hail storm. Once hail has begun to fall, do not go out into the storm to protect your vehicle or other property. You could be injured.

If you are driving, and a safe place (like inside a garage, under an overpass or a service station awning) is in view, drive there as soon as possible.

If you cannot find a sheltered area, carefully pull completely off the highway to the side of the road. Keep head and face away from windows.

Do not leave the vehicle until after it stops hailing.