Abstract: A rapidly installable for protecting upwardly facing horizontal surfaces of a motor vehicle from falling hail. The barrier may comprise a cover sheet which covers upwardly exposed surfaces of the motor vehicle and an absorbent panel capable of resisting impact of hail. The absorbent panel may comprise an array of parallel cushion panels having a folding joint disposed between each two adjacent cushion panels. The cushion panels may be enclosed within a sleeve which protects them from liquid and solid contaminants, and preferably, ultraviolet rays. The sleeve may comprise one common sleeve, or plural sleeves each enclosing one or more cushion panels. The barrier may include magnets enclosed within the sleeve or sleeves for adhering to steel vehicle bodies, and straps bearing connectors for engaging axle components of the motor vehicle.