Claims Guidance

Nevada Car Insurance Claims Process: Complete Guide

Step-by-step guide to filing auto insurance claims in Nevada. Learn what to do immediately after an accident, how to document everything properly, navigate the claims process, and maximize your settlement while avoiding common mistakes.

Just Had an Accident? Do This First:

  1. 1. Check for injuries — Call 911 if anyone is hurt
  2. 2. Move to safety — Get out of traffic if possible
  3. 3. Call police — Nevada requires police report for damage over $750
  4. 4. Document everything — Photos, videos, witness info
  5. 5. Exchange information — License, insurance, contact details
  6. 6. Call your insurer — Within 24 hours (required by most policies)
24-72hrs

Typical Claim Response Time

7-14 days

Average Minor Claim Settlement

30-90 days

Major Claim Settlement Range

Step-by-Step Claims Process in Nevada

Follow this comprehensive guide to navigate your auto insurance claim from start to finish:

1

Immediate Actions at the Accident Scene

Safety First

  • • Check yourself and passengers for injuries
  • • Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured
  • • Turn on hazard lights and set up flares/triangles if available
  • • Move vehicles to shoulder if safe and traffic allows
  • • Never leave the scene (Nevada hit-and-run = felony)

Call Police

Nevada Law (NRS 484E.010): You must report accidents involving:

  • • Any injury or death
  • • Property damage over $750 (very low threshold)
  • • Disabled vehicles blocking traffic

Tip: Even if damage seems minor, call police. You need an official report for your claim. Las Vegas Metro/NHP will respond; rural areas may require self-reporting at DMV within 10 days.

Exchange Information

Collect from ALL other drivers:

  • • Full name, phone number, address
  • • Driver's license number and state
  • • Insurance company name and policy number
  • • Vehicle make, model, year, color, license plate
  • • VIN (if accessible)

Warning: If other driver has no insurance, get their full information anyway. Your uninsured motorist coverage will apply (see our uninsured motorist guide).

Document Everything

Take Photos/Videos of:

  • • All vehicle damage (multiple angles, close-ups)
  • • Vehicle positions immediately after accident
  • • Skid marks, debris, broken glass
  • • Traffic signs, signals, road conditions
  • • Weather conditions
  • • License plates of all vehicles
  • • Insurance cards of other drivers
  • • Driver's licenses (if permitted)

Pro Tip: Take more photos than you think you need. Capture context (street signs, buildings) to show location. Modern smartphones automatically timestamp photos — this helps prove sequence of events.

Get Witness Information

  • • Ask bystanders if they saw the accident
  • • Get full name, phone number, email
  • • Ask if they're willing to provide statement to insurance/police
  • • Record their account on your phone (with permission)

Witnesses are invaluable if liability is disputed. Independent third-party accounts carry significant weight with insurers and courts.

What NOT to Do: Don't admit fault, apologize, or discuss insurance limits. Don't sign anything except police reports. Don't post on social media. Don't accept cash settlements on the spot.

2

Report the Claim to Your Insurer

When to Report

Immediately — within 24 hours. Most insurance policies require "prompt" or "immediate" notification. Waiting can:

  • • Delay your claim processing
  • • Give insurer grounds to deny coverage
  • • Let evidence disappear or memories fade

Important: Report even if you're not sure you'll file a claim. Reporting doesn't automatically raise rates — filing a claim might, but reporting creates a record.

How to Report

Phone

Call claims hotline (24/7 for most insurers). Fastest method.

Online

Log into insurer's website/app. Upload photos immediately.

Agent

Contact your local agent who can guide you through process.

Information to Provide

  • • Your policy number
  • • Date, time, and location of accident
  • • Description of what happened (stick to facts)
  • • Other driver's information and insurance
  • • Police report number (if available)
  • • Witness contact information
  • • Photos and videos
  • • Description of vehicle damage
  • • Any injuries (yours or others)

You'll Receive

  • • Claim number (write this down!)
  • • Claims adjuster name and contact info
  • • Instructions for next steps
  • • Timeline estimates
  • • Information about rental car coverage (if applicable)

Should You File Through Your Insurance or Theirs? If other driver is clearly at fault and has insurance, you can file through their insurer (third-party claim). If fault is unclear, file through your own (first-party claim). Your insurer will subrogate (recover costs) from at-fault party's insurer if they determine you weren't at fault.

3

Claims Investigation & Adjuster Inspection

What Happens

The claims adjuster investigates to determine:

  • • Coverage: Does your policy cover this type of damage?
  • • Liability: Who was at fault?
  • • Damages: How much will repairs cost?

Vehicle Inspection

Adjuster will inspect your vehicle to assess damage. Options:

  • • Drive to claims center: Fastest option. Bring all documentation.
  • • Mobile inspection: Adjuster comes to you (home/work). Schedule within 1-3 days typically.
  • • Photo estimate: Upload photos through app. Used for minor claims or when vehicle not driveable.
  • • Body shop inspection: If already at repair shop, adjuster visits there.

Timeline: Inspection typically scheduled within 24-72 hours of claim filing. Rush available for urgent cases.

Damage Estimate

Adjuster creates repair estimate including:

  • • Parts needed (OEM vs aftermarket)
  • • Labor hours at prevailing rate
  • • Paint and materials
  • • Rental car duration (if coverage applies)

Can You Disagree? Yes! If repair shop's estimate exceeds adjuster's, request supplement. You can also request second opinion. Shop has right to negotiate with insurer.

Total Loss Determination

Nevada uses 100% threshold — if repair costs exceed vehicle's actual cash value (ACV), it's totaled.

If totaled:

  • • Insurer pays ACV minus deductible
  • • ACV = market value before accident (not replacement cost)
  • • You can negotiate if you disagree with valuation
  • • Consider GAP insurance if you owe more than ACV (GAP insurance guide)

Adjuster Tips: Be courteous but brief. Stick to facts, don't speculate. Save all communication. If adjuster seems unfair or dismissive, escalate to supervisor. You can also hire public adjuster (costs 5-15% of settlement but may increase payout).

4

Claim Approval & Payment

Claim Decision

After investigation, insurer will:

  • • Approve full claim: Agree to pay repair/replacement costs minus deductible
  • • Approve partial claim: Pay some but not all damages (e.g., pre-existing damage excluded)
  • • Deny claim: Refuse to pay citing policy exclusions, lack of coverage, or fraud suspicion

Nevada law requires insurers to approve/deny within reasonable time (typically 30 days). Delays beyond this may violate bad faith laws.

Payment Options

Option 1: Direct Payment to Repair Shop

Insurer pays shop directly (minus deductible you pay). Most common for larger claims. Ensures work is done to insurer's standards.

Option 2: Check to You

Insurer issues check for repair amount. You choose repair shop or pocket money if vehicle driveable and cosmetic. If lien on vehicle, lienholders must also be on check.

Option 3: Reimbursement

You pay shop upfront, submit receipts, insurer reimburses. Used when insurer requires estimates or you choose non-network shop.

Deductible Payment

You pay deductible directly to repair shop OR insurer deducts from settlement check.

Example: $5,000 damage, $500 deductible = you receive $4,500. If other driver is at fault, your insurer may waive deductible or recover it through subrogation and refund you later.

Payment Timeline

  • • Minor claims: 7-14 days from inspection
  • • Major claims: 14-30 days
  • • Disputed/complex claims: 30-90+ days
  • • Total loss: 14-30 days for settlement offer

If Claim is Denied: Request written explanation. Review denial letter carefully — it must cite specific policy language. You can dispute by providing additional evidence, filing complaint with Nevada Division of Insurance, or hiring attorney. Many denials are reversed on appeal.

5

Vehicle Repairs & Claim Closure

Choosing a Repair Shop

Your right: You can choose ANY licensed repair shop in Nevada. Insurer cannot require you to use their preferred shops.

Network/Preferred Shops

Pros:

  • • Direct billing (no upfront payment)
  • • Lifetime warranty on repairs
  • • Faster claims processing
  • • Guaranteed quality standards

Cons:

  • • May use aftermarket parts
  • • Insurer has more control
Your Choice Shop

Pros:

  • • Use trusted shop or dealership
  • • Can insist on OEM parts
  • • More control over process
  • • Build relationship with shop

Cons:

  • • May require upfront payment
  • • Potential estimate disputes
  • • Warranty from shop, not insurer

During Repairs

  • • Supplements: Shop may find hidden damage. They'll request supplement from insurer (common, not a problem).
  • • Rental car: If you have rental coverage, you're covered during repairs. Typical limits: $30-50/day for 30 days.
  • • Quality check: Inspect work carefully before taking vehicle. Test drive, check paint match, verify all damage fixed.
  • • Documentation: Get final invoice, warranty information, and repair details.

Claim Closure

Once repairs complete and paid:

  • • Insurer closes claim file
  • • You receive claim summary for records
  • • Claim will appear on CLUE report for 5-7 years
  • • May affect future rates (especially at-fault claims)

Important: Save ALL documentation (estimates, invoices, photos, correspondence) for at least 5 years. Needed for future reference, resale, or dispute.

Diminished Value Claims

Even after perfect repairs, your vehicle is worth less due to accident history. In Nevada, you can file diminished value claim to recover this loss.

Who can file: Only against at-fault driver's insurer (third-party claim). Cannot file against your own insurer in Nevada. Typically 10-25% of pre-accident value depending on damage severity and vehicle age.

Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the claims process. If you had a positive experience, share it with your agent. If negative, file complaint with Nevada Division of Insurance — they take consumer complaints seriously and often resolve disputes.

Common Claims Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these costly errors that can delay your claim, reduce your settlement, or result in denial:

Mistake #1: Leaving the Accident Scene Too Soon

Why it's bad: Nevada law requires you to remain at the scene. Leaving = hit-and-run charges, even if not at fault. Also prevents proper documentation and evidence collection.

✓ Do this instead: Stay until police arrive and complete report. Exchange all information. Take photos. Only leave after fully documented.

Mistake #2: Admitting Fault or Apologizing

Why it's bad: Saying "I'm sorry" or "It was my fault" can be used against you, even if investigation later shows you weren't at fault. Nevada is comparative negligence state — any admission reduces your recovery.

✓ Do this instead: Stick to facts only. "I didn't see you" or "I was looking the other way" = inadvertent admissions. Say: "Let's exchange information and let insurance/police determine what happened."

Mistake #3: Not Taking Enough Photos

Why it's bad: Memory fades. Vehicles get moved. Weather changes. Without comprehensive documentation, it's your word vs theirs. Insurers heavily weight photographic evidence.

✓ Do this instead: Take 50+ photos from every angle. Close-ups of damage AND wide shots showing context (street signs, traffic signals, skid marks). Video is even better. Timestamp proves sequence.

Mistake #4: Delaying Medical Treatment

Why it's bad: Injuries often don't appear immediately (whiplash, concussion, internal injuries). Waiting days/weeks to see doctor = insurer claims injury isn't accident-related. Gap in treatment = claim denial.

✓ Do this instead: Go to ER or urgent care SAME DAY even if you "feel fine." Adrenaline masks pain. Document everything. Follow up with doctor within 72 hours. Consistent treatment = successful claim.

Mistake #5: Posting on Social Media

Why it's bad: Insurance investigators monitor social media. Photos of you hiking/dancing/partying after claiming injury = claim denial. Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted and used against you.

✓ Do this instead: Complete social media blackout until claim closes. Tell friends/family not to tag you. Set profiles to private. Assume everything is monitored — because it is.

Mistake #6: Accepting First Settlement Offer

Why it's bad: First offers are typically low-ball. Insurers expect negotiation. Accepting immediately = leaving money on table. Once accepted, you cannot reopen claim even if more damage discovered.

✓ Do this instead: Review offer carefully. Get independent estimate. Compare to similar vehicles/repairs. Counter-offer if low. Don't rush — you have time to negotiate. Consider attorney if significant injury/damage.

Mistake #7: Giving Recorded Statement Without Preparation

Why it's bad: Adjuster will ask leading questions designed to minimize your claim. Statements are permanent record. Saying wrong thing = reduced settlement or denial. They know what they're doing; you don't.

✓ Do this instead: You're NOT required to give recorded statement to other driver's insurer. Politely decline. For YOUR insurer, prepare answers in advance. Keep it brief, factual. Say "I don't recall" if unsure. Consider attorney guidance.

Mistake #8: Not Reading Your Policy

Why it's bad: You don't know what's covered/excluded. May miss valuable coverage (rental, towing, diminished value). Don't understand deductibles or limits. Can't effectively advocate for yourself.

✓ Do this instead: Read your policy NOW (before you need it). Understand coverage types, limits, deductibles, exclusions. Ask agent to explain confusing parts. Keep policy in glove box for quick reference.

Mistake #9: Not Getting Police Report

Why it's bad: Without police report, it's he-said-she-said. Other driver can change story later. No official record. Insurers heavily weight police findings. Claims without reports often denied.

✓ Do this instead: Always call police if damage exceeds $750 (Nevada law). Wait for officer. Get report number. Obtain copy within 3-5 days. If police won't come (minor damage, no injury), file DMV SR-1 form within 10 days.

Mistake #10: Repairing Vehicle Before Inspection

Why it's bad: Insurer can't verify damage. May deny claim for lack of evidence. Can't determine if damage was from accident or pre-existing. Loses leverage in negotiation.

✓ Do this instead: DO NOT repair until adjuster inspects (exception: emergency repairs to prevent further damage, like towing or weatherproofing). Get approval before any work. Take extensive photos if emergency repairs necessary.

Questions About Filing a Claim?

Our experienced Nevada insurance agents can guide you through the claims process, help you understand your coverage, and advocate for fair treatment.

Review Your Coverage (702) 262-9900

Frequently Asked Questions - Nevada Claims