If you’ve lived in southern Lafayette Parish for any length of time, you know that spring in Louisiana means one thing: storms. From late February through May, our region sees some of the most active severe weather in the country—including hail, high winds, heavy rain, and the occasional tornado.
For Broussard and Youngsville drivers, spring storm season brings real risks to your vehicle. As your trusted auto body shop in southern Lafayette, we’ve repaired countless storm-damaged vehicles over our 40+ years in business. Here’s what you need to know to protect your car—and what to do if Mother Nature wins.
Understanding Louisiana’s Spring Storm Season
Louisiana sits in a prime location for severe weather. Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cooler fronts moving down from the north, creating the perfect conditions for powerful storms. For Broussard, Youngsville, and the greater Lafayette area, this means staying vigilant from March through early June.
Common Storm Threats to Your Vehicle
• Hail damage – Even small hailstones can dent body panels, crack windshields, and chip paint
• Wind-blown debris – Branches, signs, and loose objects become projectiles in high winds
• Flooding – Standing water on roads can cause hydroplaning accidents and water damage
• Fallen trees and limbs – Louisiana’s beautiful oaks can become hazards during storms
• Tornado damage – While less common, tornadoes do occur in Acadiana
Preparing Your Vehicle Before Storms Hit
The best defense against storm damage in Broussard and Youngsville is preparation. Here’s how to get your vehicle ready for spring storm season:
Find Covered Parking
If you have access to a garage, use it—especially when storms are in the forecast. For those without a garage, consider these alternatives:
✓ Carports or covered parking structures
✓ Parking away from large trees that could drop limbs
✓ Using a padded car cover designed for hail protection
✓ Parking on the leeward side of buildings (opposite the wind direction)
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Before storm season arrives, review your auto insurance policy:
✓ Comprehensive coverage typically covers storm damage, including hail, flooding, and fallen trees
✓ Know your deductible amount so you’re not surprised after a claim
✓ Take photos of your vehicle before storm season as documentation of its pre-storm condition
✓ Save your insurance company’s claims phone number in your contacts
Maintain Your Vehicle
A well-maintained vehicle handles storm conditions better:
✓ Ensure your tires have adequate tread for wet roads
✓ Check that windshield wipers are in good condition
✓ Verify all lights are working for low-visibility conditions
✓ Address any existing chips or cracks in your windshield before they spread
What to Do During a Storm
If you’re caught driving when a storm hits in the Broussard or Youngsville area, your safety comes first:
• Pull over safely – Find a sturdy shelter like a gas station, parking garage, or underpass if hail begins
• Avoid flooded roads – Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Just six inches of water can knock you down, and two feet can float a vehicle
• Stay in your vehicle – Your car offers protection from lightning and flying debris
• Turn on hazard lights – Help other drivers see you in low visibility
• Avoid parking under trees – Branches can fall without warning during high winds
Assessing Storm Damage to Your Vehicle
After a storm passes through southern Lafayette Parish, take time to carefully inspect your vehicle:
Check for Hail Damage
• Examine the hood, roof, and trunk in good lighting
• Look at the car from different angles—dents can be hard to spot straight on
• Check all glass surfaces for chips and cracks
• Inspect mirrors and trim pieces
Look for Debris Damage
• Walk around the entire vehicle looking for scratches, dents, or punctures
• Check under the car for any debris that may have lodged underneath
• Inspect wheel wells and bumpers for hidden damage
Document Everything
• Take photos and videos of all damage from multiple angles
• Note the date and time of the storm
• Keep records of any weather alerts or warnings issued for your area
Storm Damage Repair in Broussard and Youngsville
If your vehicle sustains storm damage, prompt repair is important. Left untreated, dents can lead to paint cracking and rust, while damaged glass can spread and compromise your safety.
Our collision repair shop in southern Lafayette Parish offers comprehensive storm damage services:
• Paintless dent repair (PDR) – For hail damage, this technique can restore your vehicle without repainting
• Traditional dent repair – For larger dents and creases that require more extensive work
• Paint repair and color matching – Restoring scratches and chips to factory finish
• Glass repair and replacement – Fixing chips or replacing cracked windshields and windows
• Full collision repair – For major storm damage from fallen trees or debris
Working with Insurance on Storm Claims
Filing an insurance claim after storm damage can feel overwhelming. As a trusted auto body shop serving Broussard and Youngsville for over 40 years, we’re here to help make the process easier:
✓ We work with all major insurance companies
✓ We provide detailed estimates and documentation
✓ We can help explain the claims process
✓ We communicate directly with adjusters when needed
✓ We stand behind our repairs with quality guarantees
Don’t let storm damage claims intimidate you. We’ve helped countless Lafayette Parish drivers navigate the process and get their vehicles restored to pre-storm condition.
Stay Safe This Storm Season
Spring storms are a fact of life in Louisiana, but they don’t have to mean lasting damage to your vehicle. With proper preparation and quick action after a storm, you can minimize the impact on your car—and your wallet.
If your vehicle does suffer storm damage in Broussard, Youngsville, or anywhere in southern Lafayette Parish, we’re here to help. Stop by for a free estimate, or give us a call to discuss your repair needs.
Because when the storms clear, we’ll be here—just like we have been for over four decades—ready to help our neighbors get back on the road safely.
Your trusted collision repair partner in southern Lafayette Parish since 1984.
