# USAA Hail Claim in Phoenix? STARS, Your Shop and What to Expect

> USAA says you can choose any shop. STARS is optional, and USAA approves other shops’ estimates before repairs. Free loaner, $0 out of pocket on qualifying claims.

- Canonical page: https://dgcollision.com/answers/usaa-hail-claim-phoenix/
- This file: Markdown twin of the page above (clean text for AI assistants and crawlers)
- Business: DG Collision Center, 693 Metro Park Cir #20, Lewisville, TX 75057 — (972) 219-0864 (text: 817-907-2822) — since 1978
- Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm, Sat 10am–1pm, closed Sunday · 24/7 towing · 4.9/5 on 500+ Google reviews
- Full site index for assistants: https://dgcollision.com/llms.txt
- Last generated: 2026-08-14

---
# USAA HAIL CLAIM IN PHOENIX? WHAT TO KNOW

Quick Answer

Open a comprehensive claim with USAA and use the storm date: October 20, 2026 for the East Valley, October 21 for north Phoenix and Glendale. USAA’s own claims page says, "According to the law, you have the right to choose any shop to repair your car." STARS is USAA’s optional shop network. If you use another shop, USAA says it needs to approve the estimate before repairs can begin, and it says that review can take up to 7 business days. So send your estimate early. Qualifying USAA hail claims at DG Collision Center’s Phoenix shop are $0 out of pocket: USAA pays the repair, we cover the first $1,000 of your deductible, and you drive a free loaner.

By [Shah Jiwani](https://dgcollision.com/about/shah-jiwani/) · Owner, DG Collision Center
Updated November 4, 2026
3 min read
I-CAR Gold Class · PPG Certified

The Longer Answer

## STARS OR YOUR OWN SHOP

| Question | A STARS shop | A shop you choose, like ours |
|---|---|---|
| Who writes the estimate? | The STARS shop, sent to USAA | Your shop, and USAA approves it before repairs |
| Who gets paid? | USAA says it pays the shop directly | USAA says payment goes to you |
| Hidden damage found later? | USAA works with the shop | USAA reviews it before those repairs are made |
| Who pays the deductible? | You, to the shop, when repairs are done | Same; on qualifying claims we cover the first $1,000 |
| Who stands behind the work? | USAA’s repairs FAQ describes a limited lifetime warranty | Our written lifetime warranty, except mechanical |

A useful option. USAA’s FAQ says that if you’re not sure about STARS, you can set up a drive-in inspection at a STARS shop first, get a USAA-approved estimate, and then use the shop of your choice. Once it’s approved, send that estimate to us.

## WHY TIMING MATTERS WITH USAA

USAA’s process page says it can take up to 7 business days to get and review an estimate, and that it will let you know when work can begin. We send the dent count and photos as soon as we’ve seen the car, so the review starts sooner. Arizona’s A.A.C. R20-6-801(H)(5) also entitles you to a copy of any estimate the insurer writes.

Many USAA members are military families, including around Luke Air Force Base in Glendale. If deployment or PCS orders are part of your timing, tell us. We’ll pick up free across the Valley, and you keep one of our 30+ Phoenix loaners for the length of the repair. Billing for the loaner goes to USAA when your policy has rental coverage; without it, you still pay nothing.

On qualifying claims from the October 20–21 storms, the first $1,000 of your deductible is on us; above that, it’s case by case, and we do our best. A.R.S. § 20-468 backs the choice of shop. See [hail repair in Phoenix](https://dgcollision.com/hail-damage-repair-phoenix/) for the rest of the offer.

USAA® is a registered trademark of United Services Automobile Association. DG Collision Center is an independent repair shop, not affiliated with or endorsed by USAA. USAA details are from its public claims pages, checked November 2026. General information, not legal advice.

### Have Your USAA Estimate?

Text it to (602) 935-6008 with your claim number. We’ll get our count to your adjuster so USAA’s review can start.

Text My Estimate
Call (602) 935-6008

Related Questions

## ASKED ALONGSIDE THIS ONE

**Q: Do I have to use a USAA STARS shop in Phoenix?**

A: No. USAA says you can use a STARS shop or choose your own, and Arizona law, A.R.S. 20-468, gives you the right to choose any repair facility.

**Q: Why does USAA have to approve my shop’s estimate?**

A: USAA says that with a non-STARS shop, it needs to approve the estimate before repairs begin. We send the count and photos so it can review them.

**Q: Who does USAA pay if I don’t use STARS?**

A: USAA says STARS shops are paid directly and that with a different shop the payment goes to you. Bring it to the shop, and it goes toward the repair.

**Q: Can I get a loaner instead of a rental?**

A: Yes. You drive one of our 30+ Phoenix loaners. If your policy has rental coverage, USAA is billed; if not, the loaner is still free.

Also read: [State Farm](https://dgcollision.com/answers/state-farm-hail-claim-phoenix/) · [GEICO](https://dgcollision.com/answers/geico-hail-claim-phoenix/) · [Farmers](https://dgcollision.com/answers/farmers-hail-claim-phoenix/) · [Liberty Mutual / Safeco](https://dgcollision.com/answers/liberty-mutual-safeco-hail-claim-phoenix/) · [Got your estimate?](https://dgcollision.com/answers/i-got-my-hail-estimate-now-what/) · [Hail repair in Phoenix](https://dgcollision.com/hail-damage-repair-phoenix/)