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My Car Looks Like a Golf Ball: What Springfield Drivers Should Do Next After the April Hailstorm

A historic hailstorm hit the Springfield area on April 28, 2026.

Not-so-fun-fact: The National Weather Service confirmed record-breaking hailstones up to 4.75 inches in diameter—for you GenX’ers – that is the size of a compact disc. The hardest hit areas were the Springfield-Branson National Airport and South Campbell Avenue.

If your vehicle was parked or your were driving through this storm, we are talking to you! This article will help you navigate insurance claims, understand the insurance hail damage estimation process, and avoid paying undue money out of pocket for repairs that SHOULD be covered under your policy.

1. Document the Hail Damage Thoroughly (Before Taping Up Windows)

Before making any quick fixes or scheduling repairs, create a comprehensive visual record of the hail damage using your phone. Why? This creates a “timestamp” of when you documented the hail damage.  Insurance companies rely heavily on detailed evidence to process claims efficiently.

*** This also protects you when the adjuster tries to “deny” damage that YOU know happened due to the storm. ***

  • Take Wide Shots: Capture photos of the entire vehicle from all four corners to show the full scope of the damage.

  • Get Close-Ups: Take photos of deep panel indentations, fractured structural pillars, and shattered glass.

  • Document the Interior: If a sunroof or windshield was damaged by hail, document any water infiltration, soaked carpets, or damp electronics caused by the heavy rainfall that followed the hail.

  • Keep a Paper Trail: Save all receipts for all materials, such as heavy-duty plastic wrap, painters tape, or tarping used to protect the vehicle from future storms.

2. Navigate the “Cosmetic Total Loss” Evaluation

It’s mechanically sound but looks like a dented up tin can. Because the April 28 storm produced giant, high-velocity hail, many vehicles in Springfield, Battlefield, Republic, and Brookline look like the surface of a golf ball. When every single body panel is dented, the cost of traditional bodywork can quickly surpass the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle, leading insurance adjusters to declare it a “total loss.“

(See our TOTAL LOSS guide here.)

Mechanically Sound but Cosmetically Trashed by Hail: What are my options?

If your car is mechanically flawless but cosmetically devastated, you generally have two paths:

Option Process Best For
Accept the Full Payout Insurance pays the pre-storm cash value (minus deductible) and takes ownership of the car. Drivers wanting to replace their vehicle entirely without dealing with salvage paperwork.
Owner Retention Route You keep the car. Insurance pays the cash value minus deductible and minus the salvage value. Drivers with a paid-off, reliable car who are okay with dents after fixing the glass.

Note on Missouri Titles: If you choose owner retention on a vehicle that insurance deems a total loss, Missouri law requires the vehicle to be transitioned to a “Prior Salvage” or “Salvage” title. This will affect future resale value and may impact your ability to carry comprehensive coverage on the vehicle moving forward.

3. Verify Insurance Coverage and Review Policy Dates

With catastrophic hail events, insurance companies experience high claim volumes.

  • Confirm Comprehensive Coverage: Hail damage is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision. Filing a comprehensive claim for a hail event does not (typically) raise your premium rates the way an at-fault accident does.

  • Check for Deductible Fluctuations: Review your policy declarations page to confirm your exact comprehensive deductible.

  • Verify Policy Continuity: Ensure your policy was fully active with no gaps or pending lapses at the exact timeframe of the storm. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) monitors claims processing to ensure companies handle claims in good faith; if you encounter an unfair technical denial regarding timing, you can file a formal consumer inquiry through the state.

4. Protect Yourself from Out-of-Town “Storm Chasers”

The sheer volume of hail damaged vehicles in Springfield has drawn out-of-town dent repair companies.

🚩 To ensure your consumer rights and vehicle safety are protected, look out for these red flags:

  • Lack of a Physical, Verifiable Warranty: Any auto hail repair should come with a lifetime warranty. If a company operates out of a temporary tent or a rented lot with no permanent local presence, enforcing that warranty if a panel warps or paint ripples months down the road becomes incredibly difficult.

    In other words, here today – gone tomorrow.

  • Unmarked Vehicles and Out-of-State Plates: Verify the business’s background, physical address, and reviews before handing over your keys or signing an insurance check over to a third party.

Moving Forward Responsibly (And Safely)

Local, established auto hail repair facilities in the Springfield area are facing long waitlists due to the widespread & severe hail damage. While the delay is inconvenient, rushing into a contract with an fly-by-night PDR company can lead to bad repairs and add more time to an already stressful situation.

Protect your vehicle and your peace of mind by sealing open windows against the elements or simply parking your vehicle in the garage and find a reputable and local auto hail repair shop…

(shameless name drop) like The Hail Shop USA!

We have been in the auto hail repair business for nearly 3 decades, we are an established local business, we stand by our work with a lifetime warranty, and we will treat both YOU and your vehicle with utmost respect.

Schedule Your Hail Damage Inspection or call us today at 417-861-6432 to discuss your options.

Navigating Auto Hail Claims In A Catastrophic Event

On March 15, 2024, O’Fallon, MO, was hit by a massive hail storm that left thousands of its residents scrambling for answers about what to do next about their hail-damaged cars and personal property damage.  We have gathered as much information as we could to help ease the hail claims process.

Other cities that have declared a ‘catastrophe’ location are Wentzville & St Peters.

In today’s article, we will cover what to do if your vehicle has been damaged in a hail storm, both from your insurance company’s perspective and from an auto body shop or paintless dent repair shop.

Steps to Take After A Catastrophic Hail Storm

Insurance Company & Auto Hail Damage Claims

  1. Mobile Catastrophe Claim Teams. State Farm and American Family have on-location adjuster stations set up around O’Fallon, one in the Home Depot parking lot and another in the CarShield overflow lot. You will need to schedule an appointment before you visit.
  2. File a hail claim as soon as possible. Contact our local agent, file a claim, and schedule a time to visit a Mobile Catastrophe location or your address. You will need the date of the occurrence, your policy number, and your vehicle make/model/year.
  3. Be prepared for a ‘total loss.’ Due to the size of the hail, wind conditions, and the amount of time the hail fell in O’Fallon, Wentzville, and St. Peters, many vehicles are being written as a total loss. Adjusters are issuing checks for ‘total-loss’ vehicles on-site. Learn more about a ‘total loss’ determination and your options.
  4. Repair checks issued on-site.  For the vehicles that can be repaired, insurance companies are issuing checks on-site to expedite the hail damage repair process. As convenient as this may sound, take a minute to read more about how this might affect you and the repair of your vehicle.
  5. Crash wrap is provided. This storm also broke windshields, sunroofs, and side mirrors. You can pick up some crash wrap at these on-site catastrophe centers.

The Hail Shop Hail Catastrophe Advise

  1. Mobile Catastrophe Claim Teams. Mobile Catastrophe Claim Teams are convenient for getting your vehicle estimate fast. With convenience does come a few draw backs. Number one, adjusters are not experienced hail damage inspectors. In a majority of Catastrophe parking lot estimates, damage is missed and NOT written into your initial estimate. This essentially means that the insurance company is agreeing to pay for the damage ‘seen.’ On average, 30-45% of hail damage is missed upon further inspection at a O’Fallen paintless dent repair or auto body shop.
  2. File a hail claim as soon as possible. Filing a hail claim ASAP is suggested. After a major catastrophic event that resulted in widespread & severe damage, there will be thousands of claims. Dent repair shops get backed up fast. Repair times become longer.
  3. Be prepared for a ‘total loss.’ Multiple factors contribute to a ‘total loss’ claim. The cost to repair windshield damage, multiple dents per panel, paint damage, dents on the body lines, and interior damage (broken sunroofs = water damage to the interior) can add up fast. If your vehicle is written as a ‘total loss,’ we suggest you do your research. Check CarFax to get an idea as to the fair-market-value. You do have the right to negotiate the settlement check amount.
  4. Repair checks issued on-site.  As mentioned in point 1, be prepared to get a check that doesn’t cover the cost to repair 100% of the hail damage. Ask the adjuster what your options are. Can I get a second opinion from an O’Fallon paintless dent repair shop? What happens if the repair shop finds more damage? What is the wait time for supplement approvals? If I take this check today, does that mean any additional damage won’t be paid for? Who is my contact, i.e., adjuster?
  5. Crash wrap is provided. This is a very good option and is highly recommended. What is not recommended is assuming that you have to use an O’Fallon auto body or PDR shop that is on your insurance “Preferred Partner” shop list, or DRP. Learn more.

Who is The Hail Shop?

We are a full-service paintless dent repair shop specializing in auto hail repair. We offer free inspections, free vehicle pick-up and delivery, and free loaner cars. With a complete auto hail repair, you won’t pay a deductible. To schedule your free inspection, you can call us at 314-252-8851 or use our online scheduling form.

 

 

How do you properly wash a car?

How to hand wash car wash like a pro

You’ve just had the hail damage repaired on your vehicle and you are ready to get it back to looking new again. Follow these simple steps to properly wash your car like the pro’s at The Hail Shop USA.

Gather the materials you will need to wash your car.

    • A pressure washer, car wash nozzle or a garden hose spray nozzle. 
    • 2 Heavy duty buckets. You can pick-up a 5 gallon bucket at your local hardware store for under five bucks. You’ll use one for soapy water and one as a dirty rinse bucket. It is also great for storing your car washing gear.
    • A sponge.
    • Microfiber wash brush, microfiber applicator, and microfiber cloths. Microfiber will both remove dirt and wick away water simultaneously. Plus, it reduces friction between the towel and your car for a safer way to dry without scratching.
    • Streak-free window glass cleaner.
    • Car washing foam. Car washing foam eliminates dirt, grime and environmental contaminants with massive amounts of dirt fighting, sudsy foam. We like this one sold on Amazon
    • Butter wet wax.

Wash your car like a champion

  1. Spray down the vehicle. Use a pressure washer, car wash nozzle or a garden hose with a spray nozzle (wide spray setting) to rinse most of the dirt, grime, and grit off the entire exterior panels.
  2. Start at the top. Use your microfiber wash brush and extremely sudsy water with your car washing foam to clean the vehicle. Use a side-to-side motion, never circular motions. Start at the roof and then the hood, and then work your way down. After you wash a panel, make sure you rinse your microfiber wash brush in your dirty water bucket to remove any sentiment to avoid scratching your paint.
  3. Wash and then rinse. Repeat. After each individual panel is washed, rinse it to avoid soap streaking. Empty your dirty water bucket between every other panel you’ve washed.
  4. Wash the wells. Dust, debris, and dirt love to live in your door wells and crevices so do not forget to wash them. Use a sponge to clean these areas.
  5. Don’t air dry, hand dry. When you leave a car to dry naturally, it can result in a streaky finish. To avoid streaking, make sure to dry each panel using a microfibre cloth or towel. If you have a leaf blower handy, this can be a great tool to blow out in between the wells. If you don’t, use an old towel to wipe these areas dry.
  6. Clean the glass. Give both the exterior and interior glass a good cleaning with your steak-free glass cleaner. Use a clean microfiber towel to clean all glass and windows.

    Pro-tip: Designate washing zones by color coding your microfiber cloths. For example, use only blue microfiber cloths to clean glass. Use orange for interior detailing and yellow for exterior detailing.

  7. Wax and polish. Once the car is clean, waxing the with Butter Wet Wax will help it look even better, protect the paint from ultraviolet rays, and adds a protective barrier from the elements.

The nations #1 provider of Paintless Dent Repair & Auto Hail Repair.

If your vehicle has hail damage, Auto Hail Repair with the professionals at The Hail Shop USA.

How do I winterize my car?

8 Easy Steps to Winterize Car

Winter is Coming.

You should winterize your car to make sure it is protected and safe to drive this winter.

Basically, you want to winterize your vehicle to protect it from the freezing temperatures and prepare it to handle the adverse road conditions that inclement weather will present. In addition to preparing your vehicle for icy roads, we also recommend preparing yourself. Check out these winter driving tips from AAA. If you’re still uncomfortable driving in winter, consider practicing in an empty, snow-laden parking lot.

When Should I Winterize My Car?

Last week! If you live in the Midwest you probably experienced Winter Storm Bruce on Sunday and wish you’d have already winterized your vehicle. If anything, it was a less-than-gentle reminder to get your car the extra pre-snow lovin’ it needs. We’re not meteorologists but if you’re reading this, cold conditions are probably imminent if not already upon you. Winterize ASAP.

How to Winterize Your Car: 8 Steps

You know your vehicle best, so you know its tendencies. Do the doors and windows get frozen shut? Are your tires or battery old? Does your car tend to slide on icy or wet roads? Tip: Think back to which issues caused you any headaches last winter and focus on those first.

We’ve included a pretty comprehensive list of recommended steps to prepare your car for winter. These are merely an addition to regular tuneup and maintenance that should be performed year-round on your vehicle. You can try to DIY or just make sure your mechanic covers them all if you opt to let the shop winterize.

  1. Check Your Battery

    When temperatures drop, your engine requires more power from your battery to get started. Also when temps drop, voltage from your battery decreases. If the battery can’t give your engine the power it needs, your car will not start. Test the battery with a mechanic or hydrometer. Make sure cables are securely connected to terminals that aren’t corroded. Connections should be clean and secure.

  2. Inspect Windshield Wipers and Fluid

    You can’t drive safely through a winter storm if you can’t see through your windshield. Wipers should be replaced every year. Also consider purchasing winter wipers. Make sure that your wipers are in good shape and your wiper fluid is full. Wipers should not be scratching or making streaks, but making full, smooth contact with your windshield. For fluid, we recommend finding a brand that includes the terms de-icer, freeze-resistant or low freezing point.

  3. Fill and/or Replace Coolant

    It’s extremely important for coolant to be maintained throughout winter months so it can do its job – keep your engine cool without freezing up completely. Check your owner’s manual to see what the antifreeze:water ratio should be for your vehicle so it doesn’t freeze. You can also buy coolant tester at an auto parts shop. Flush your coolant if it’s time to do so (every couple of years).

  4. Check and/or Change Oil

    When the temperature drops, your oil can thicken, making it harder to lubricate the engine and allow it to start your vehicle. Change your oil as usual. Then, check the viscosity and consult your owner’s manual and/or mechanic to see if you should change to a thinner oil for the winter season.

  5. Prepare Tires

    Winter road conditions will be the true test for your tires. Low pressure and shallow tread can both cause you a loss of traction and safe driving. Check the tire pressure and tread depth. Although they can be expensive, if you live in a region with severe weather climate, consider snow or all-season tires.

  6. Lubricate Doors and Other Openings

    Moisture can seep into the cracks of your doors, locks, trunk, hood and windows to later freeze and leave you locked out, unable to roll windows down or unable to access your engine or trunk. Lubricate all weather stripping and window tracks with silicone spray and door-lock lubricant.

  7. Flush Your Heater

    If your heater isn’t working well enough or stopped entirely, the heater core may be clogged. If clogged, warm coolant can’t heat the air passing through. Clean out your heater core tubes so it can use its coolant supply to heat air quickly. Unless you’re experienced, you may want to consult a service station or repair shop for this.

  8. Prepare a Roadside Emergency Kit

    You should have some version of a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle year-round with basic supplies like a first aid kit and flashlight. Additions depend on the available space in your vehicle, where you’re traveling and the climate. However, better safe than sorry. We’ve included the ultimate car emergency kit checklist below so you can build your own roadside survival kit. If you’d rather someone do the compiling for you, you can buy a basic premade auto survival kit for less than $20 and a great one for $40.

Again, these are eight ways to winterize your vehicle that should be added to regular service and upkeep. Don’t forget to make sure brakes, lights, exhaust systems, belts and hoses, etc. are all still working properly per usual. Also keep your gas at least half full at all times during winter months.

Ultimate Car Emergency Kit Checklist

What Goes in an Emergency Car Kit?

  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight (include extra batteries or choose a crank operated version)
  • Reflective triangle
  • Air compressor or fix-a-flat
  • Jumper cables
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Spare tire
  • Car jack
  • Road flares
  • Lug wrench
  • Multipurpose tool
  • Chains (tie and/or tow)
  • Emergency whistle
  • Warm clothes, especially gloves
  • Blanket(s)
  • Bag of kitty litter, salt or sand (in case you get stuck in snow/slush)
  • Ice scraper and brush
  • Small shovel
  • Glycerin (for unfreezing vehicle openings you didn’t lubricate)
  • Coolant
  • Drinking water
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Phone charger (consider solar)
  • Compass
  • Matches
  • Mini fire extinguisher
  • Poncho(s)
  • Tarp
  • Bungee cords
  • Cable zip ties
  • Rags
  • Duct tape
  • Baby wipes

How to increase trade in value of your car?

The Importance Of Keeping Your Car In Tip Top Condition

Before you start trying to sell your car, it is essential to put yourself on the same level as the potential buyer. When you are looking to buy a used car, you don’t want a car that “looks” used.

My father always told me that when searching for a car to buy, always pay close attention to the exterior and interior condition. Why? Because it will probably reflect how well the engine was cared for.

The Rule of Normal Wear & Tear

Unless you lease your car, you might not fully appreciate the meaning of “normal wear and tear.” The moral of this part of the story is to always treat your vehicle like it isn’t yours. Treat it more like it is on a lease.

We will start by defining the meaning of a lease.

An auto lease is a financial arrangement that enables an individual to obtain a vehicle for use without paying for it entirely. They get access to the vehicle for a certain term and then return the vehicle at the end of that period, sometimes with an option to buy it outright.

When a leasing agency signs an agreement with a lessee, it is made very clear how the vehicle is to be returned.

Auto lease terms and conditions often have penalties for wear and tear or mileage that is put on the vehicle above a predetermined amount. When the lessee returns the vehicle, they might owe additional money beyond their monthly payments.

What is considered normal “wear & tear”?

In general, damages that are small in nature or have a smaller diameter of usually less than ½” will be considered normal wear and tear. While each lessor’s definition can vary, typical examples of normal wear and tear include:

  • Small dings and scratches on exterior panels that can be easily buffed out.
  • Interior spots & stains or damage that can be repaired or removed.
  • Tires that match the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.
  • Minor nicks or scuffs on the wheel covers or wheels.
  • Tread depth over ⅛ of an inch at the most shallow point in the tire
  • Any damage to the windshield that is less than ½ of an inch
  • Cracks in lamps, turn signals, and lights that are less than 2″ in diameter
  • No broken parts or missing equipment

TAKE NOTE: A good rule of thumb is to stay on top of all of the above points while you own the vehicle & BEFORE trying to sell your vehicle. You will not only keep your vehicle looking at it’s best but also ensure you will be getting the most out of your vehicle when it comes time to sell.

Many normal wear and tear items may also include the replacement of light bulbs, tires, and brakes.

When does “normal” wear and tear become “excessive”?

Four or more dents or scratches that break the paint are also often considered excess wear and tear. The average vehicle owner incurs $1,800 in excess wear and tear damages.

In conclusion.

What to take from the car leasing companies rulebook is to keep the wear and tear level at “normal.” We promise that if you keep this mentality, your vehicle will appraise at the top of its game when it’s time to resell.

# Factors Points to Check
1 Mechanical Issues Performance of other car systems such as air conditioning, heating, and brakes.
2 Exterior Issues Check if there are any major dents or scratches. Try to get any big dents fixed and the paint finish repaired.
3 Window or Light Issues Check if any windows are cracked. Check if the bumpers or headlights are cracked.
4 Tire Issues Check the treads on all tires. See if the tires have even wear & tear. Determine if the car pulls to one side or the other when driving.
5 Interior Issues Check the condition of the car’s interior. See if the seats are free of tears, stains, pet or kid residue.

Don’t Put A Dent In The Deal

Those tiny car hail dents or parking lot door dings that used to be barely visible to the naked eye will quickly become a larger and more expensive problem when they get in front of a  car dealer or appraiser.

When it comes to resale, the buyer will search for any signs of wear and tear that they can use to reduce the value of the vehicle. They are good at bargaining.

This is why it is imperative to take care of those seemingly tiny and insignificant dents as soon as possible. Even the smallest dent might push a buyer away from purchasing your car.

They might even pay more for a vehicle with similar characteristics, model, mileage, etc., but it looks in better condition.

Paintless dent repair, your best option to boost resale value.

Just as there is no “good time” to get auto hail damage or a parking lot door ding, there will never be a “good time” to get it repaired. The best approach to take when it comes to protecting any huge investment is to take care of it any damages or updates ASAP.

Paintless dent repair is the fastest and cheapest way to restore your vehicle back to its original pristine condition.

Paint Me Green With PDR

Some give more importance to the paint than the maintenance record sheet or the actual engine’s condition.

The reasons are simple.

  • The quality of re-painting can never be as good as any OEM paint job.
  • The manufacturer paint job keeps your car looking great and shiny.
  • Original factory paint is designed to work as a protective barrier against weather elements and other pollutants.
  • The type and quality of primer applied (Epoxy Resin based) and the method (Electrophoretic Painting) by which it is applied, far outweigh and outperform any conventional metal primers used by the Re-finish Jobbers. *

PDR is also a fast, affordable, and reliable technique for getting rid of the dents and dings on the body panels without affecting its original paint.

Reference: * Quora – Will the paint quality of a repainted car be as good as the original OEM paint job? https://www.quora.com/Will-the-paint-quality-of-a-repainted-car-be-as-good-as-the-original-OEM-paint-job