(http://camdenblogs.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/hail.jpg) Image courtesy of Maggie Smith/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net   With apartment living, garages are a luxury many people can't afford.  Some communities don't even offer garages as an option for residents.  I am one of those people with a car that isn't exactly brand new (okay, it's a 2003) so I don't really see the need to protect it from the elements.  However, if you only pay for state minimum auto insurance coverage (without comprehensive coverage) you probably don't have protection from hail damage.  This fact can send apartment residents in a frenzy when the sky turns black and the weather person says all exposed vehicles within the city limits will soon be obliterated by bowling ball-size ice.  We survived a threat of hail here in Austin on Saturday and I decided to research forms of vehicle protection online.  What I found was a company called HailBlankets.  They make multi-layered vehicle covers specifically designed to cushion the impact of hail.  Simply enter your vehicle information into the site and it will show you the size of the cover that suits your needs.  Okay, so the cover that fits my car is $361.10 which may or may not be a little steep.  However, it may pay for itself if you escape hail damages during your first use.  It supposedly folds to fit in your trunk where you can keep it to forever be prepared.  Of course, garages have obvious advantages over car covers, such as reserved parking, room for storage, and better vehicle protection.  If you don't need all that and you simply want to avoid a huge repair bill or your friends dubbing your ride the "golf ball," check out some different vehicle protection/insurance options and pick the best solution for your needs.