DO YOU HAVE TO USE THE INSURER’S HAIL INSPECTION SITE?
You generally have to let your insurer inspect the damage, but a drive-in hail site is usually just one way to do it. Arizona’s claim rule, A.A.C. R20-6-801(H)(3), says insurers “shall not require a claimant to travel unreasonably” to get a repair estimate or to have the car repaired at a specific shop. Ask for the options: a photo estimate, the drive-in site, or an inspection at the shop you choose under A.R.S. § 20-468. If you do go to a drive-in, treat that estimate as a first number. Under PDR lights a shop usually finds more, and it goes to your adjuster as a supplement. At DG Collision Center’s Phoenix shop, qualifying claims are $0 out of pocket.
The Longer Answer
DRIVE-IN, PHOTOS OR THE SHOP
Why the tents go up. After a large hailstorm, some insurers open pop-up drive-in inspection sites to look at thousands of cars quickly. It’s a real convenience when it’s close by. It’s also fast by design: a few minutes per car, often outdoors, under ordinary daylight.
What the policy asks of you. Most auto policies require you to let the insurer inspect the damaged car. That duty is about allowing the inspection, not about a particular parking lot. Photo estimates, field appraisers and inspections at the repair shop are all common.
What the rule protects. R20-6-801(H)(3) bars insurers from requiring unreasonable travel to inspect a replacement car, to get a repair estimate, or to have the car repaired at a specific shop. A site across the Valley from you is worth raising with your adjuster. And R20-6-801(H)(5) entitles you to a copy of whatever estimate the insurer writes.
IF YOU GO TO THE DRIVE-IN
Wash the car first. Dust hides dents, and a clean finish shows more of them. Bring your claim number, license and your own photos from right after the storm.
Get your copy before you leave. You can ask for the estimate in writing. Then text it to us with a few photos.
Don’t treat it as final. A drive-in count is a starting point. We count every panel under PDR lights and send your adjuster the supplement with photos. You open the claim; we handle the documentation and the correspondence.
Or skip the trip. Bring the car to our four-bay shop at 11035 N Cave Creek Rd, or let us pick it up free. Ask your insurer whether it can inspect there or review our photos. On qualifying claims from the October 20–21, 2026 storms, we cover the first $1,000 of your deductible; above that, case by case, and we do our best. General information, not legal advice.
Inspection Scheduled Already?
Text us the estimate they give you. We’ll compare it with a count under our lights and set up the repair, the pickup and a free loaner.
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