June 22 Hailstorm in Scottsbluff & Gering: What Vehicle Owners Need to Know

On June 22-23, 2026, a severe thunderstorm dropped baseball-sized hail — stones up to 2.75 inches — across Scottsbluff, Gering and the Nebraska Panhandle. Local media documented widespread damage to vehicles, windshields, roofs and even a solar farm on the edge of town. If your car, truck or SUV was outside during the storm, here's exactly what to do — and what it will cost you (probably nothing).

How bad was the June 22 storm?

• Hail up to 2.75 inches (baseball-sized) was reported near Scottsbluff on June 22, 2026
• Wind-driven hail destroyed most panels at a 5.2 MW solar farm in Scottsbluff
• Thousands of vehicles across Scottsbluff, Gering, Terrytown and Mitchell were exposed
• Repair shops typically book out 4-8 weeks after an event this size

Hail this large doesn't just leave cosmetic dings. It cracks windshields, breaks trim and can damage panels beyond what traditional body work can economically fix — which is why paintless dent repair (PDR) is the industry-standard response after a major hail event.

Does insurance cover hail damage in Nebraska?

Yes — if you carry comprehensive coverage, hail is a covered peril. Key facts Nebraska drivers should know:

• Hail claims are "not-at-fault" claims. A comprehensive claim for weather damage does not carry the same rate impact as an at-fault collision claim.
• You pay at most your deductible — and many PDR shops, including Storm Shield, offer deductible assistance that can bring your out-of-pocket cost to $0 on approved claims.
• You choose the repair shop. Nebraska drivers pick their own repairer; the insurer cannot force you to use their "preferred" shop.
• Don't wait. Most insurers allow 1-2 years to file, but unrepaired hail damage can be deducted from a future total-loss payout, and repair slots fill fast after a storm.

For a full walkthrough of the claim process, see our insurance claims guide.

What is paintless dent repair (PDR)?

PDR removes hail dents by massaging the metal back to factory shape from behind the panel — no body filler, no repainting, no risk of color mismatch — and it preserves the factory paint and resale value. For hail damage, PDR is typically faster and significantly cheaper for insurers than conventional body work, which is why insurance companies approve it readily. A typical hail repair takes 1-3 days depending on dent count.

What should I do right now? (4 steps)

1. Document the damage — photos of each panel in daylight, plus the storm date (June 22, 2026). 2. File a comprehensive claim with your insurer (State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, USAA, American Family, Farmers and all major carriers cover hail under comprehensive). 3. Get a free inspection — Storm Shield offers free estimates at our shop at 3445 10th St, Gering, NE 69341, or free pickup & delivery anywhere in Scottsbluff, Gering, Terrytown, Mitchell, Minatare, Morrill and Bayard. See our Scottsbluff hail repair services. 4. Beware of storm chasers. After every major hail event, out-of-state crews set up temporary tents, collect insurance checks and leave town before warranty issues appear. Ask any shop: Where will you be in six months if I need a warranty repair? Our answer: right here in Gering — with a lifetime warranty on every repair.

Why Scottsbluff drivers choose Storm Shield

• Local shop at 3445 10th St, Gering — not a pop-up tent
• 10,000+ vehicles repaired and 12+ years of PDR experience
• $0 out of pocket on approved comprehensive claims
• We handle the entire insurance claim from start to finish
• Lifetime warranty on all PDR work
• Free pickup & delivery across the Panhandle

Hit by the June 22 storm? Call (308) 562-5484 for a free inspection or stop by 3445 10th St, Gering, NE.