What to Know About Car Repairs After a Nevada Car Accident

Are you wondering what to do about car repairs after a Nevada car accident? If you have been injured in an accident, the situation is stressful enough without the added headache of car repairs and insurance claims. If you’ve been in a car accident in Henderson, Las Vegas or any where in Nevada, you’re probably wondering: Who pays for the repairs? Can you choose your own repair shop? What happens if your car is totaled? At Anthem Injury Lawyers, we’re here to help you understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to vehicle repairs after an accident.

❓Which Insurance Pays for Car Repairs?

In Nevada, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is generally responsible for paying for the repairs to your vehicle. Nevada follows an at-fault or tort-based insurance system, meaning the person who caused the accident is legally responsible for any resulting damages.

However, depending on the circumstances, here’s how payment may work:

• If you’re not at fault, then the other driver’s liability insurance should cover your car repairs.

• If you’re at fault (or if fault is disputed) the your own collision coverage (if you have it) can be used to cover repairs, subject to your deductible.

• If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage (if applicable) may help cover the cost.

💡 Helpful Tip: Always get a copy of the police report and take photos of the damage to support your claim. You can request a crash report in Nevada at: Nevada Highway Patrol Crash Reports

🚘 Do You Have to Use the Insurance Company’s Recommended Repair Shop?

No. Under Nevada law, you are not required to use a repair shop recommended by the insurance company. You have the right to choose your own body shop to repair your vehicle. Insurance companies may suggest “preferred” or “in-network” repair shops, but this is only a recommendation—not a requirement.

However, be aware:

• Using a preferred shop may make the claims process faster.

• Independent shops may provide more personalized service and may advocate more for repairs than replacements.

✅ Nevada DMV Reminder: See Nevada’s stance on repair shop rights at the Nevada Body Shop Customer Bill of Rights

🚙 What If You Need a Rental Car?

If your vehicle is undrivable after the accident, you may be entitled to a rental car, either through the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own coverage:

• Other driver’s insurance: If they accept liability, they should provide a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.

• Your own policy: If you have rental reimbursement coverage, your insurer will pay for a rental car—usually up to a daily dollar limit (e.g., $30–$50/day).

Always confirm:

• How long the rental is covered.

• Whether you can choose the rental company.

• What size or type of car is included.

😩 What If Your Car Is Totaled?

If the repair costs exceed the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle, your insurance company may declare the car a total loss. In that case:

• You receive a payment for the ACV of the car (minus your deductible if using your own insurance).

• You may have to sign over the title of the car to the insurance company.

• If you still owe money on the car loan, then gap insurance (if you have it) may help cover the difference between what you owe and what the insurer pays.

💰 Learn more about Nevada’s total loss laws here: Nevada Revised Statutes on Total Loss

📝 Additional Tips for Property Damage Claims in Nevada

• Document everything. Take photos of your vehicle, save repair estimates, rental car receipts, and correspondence with insurance companies.

• Act quickly. Insurance companies often have deadlines for submitting estimates or rental car requests.

• Watch out for lowball offers. Some insurers may undervalue your car or suggest subpar repairs. You can dispute valuations and estimates – it is your right under Nevada law.

• Know your rights. Nevada law protects you from being pressured into accepting unfair repair terms or settlements.

If you’re dealing with a car accident that wasn’t your fault, our experienced team at Anthem Injury Lawyers can help you navigate your property damage and injury claim. We’ll work to ensure you get the compensation you deserve while protecting your rights every step of the way.

Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident in Las Vegas or anywhere in Nevada, contact our office today for a free consultation. We help locals and tourists alike recover for medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

📞 Call us at (702) 857-6000
📨 Or contact us online