Property Damage and Auto Accidents
Benson & Bingham > Areas of Practice > Insurance and Property Damage

Along with the aches and bruises that one endures in an automobile accident, the loss of a vehicle can sometimes cause the largest headache.

There are two scenarios in a property damage claim. It is important to understand that an insurance company will treat your property damage claim and your personal injury claims as two separate claims. However, one should not share information regarding their bodily injury claim with the property damage adjuster to avoid providing the insurance company with information to which they are not entitled.

First, if damages to your vehicle exceed a statutory percentage of the total value of your automobile, then your car may be non-repairable or totaled.

Secondly, if the damages to your vehicle do not exceed the statutory percentage then the insurance company must repair your vehicle. In both scenarios you have a right to a rental vehicle.

There are three ways to obtain a rental car. First, even if the accident was not your fault, you can contact your insurance company to see if you have rental car insurance. Your insurance company will then provide you with a rental car, and under the subrogation clause of your insurance contract, seek reimbursement from the “at fault party” or the “at fault parties” insurance company. This is usually the quickest method of obtaining a rental car.

The second method is to wait until the opposing insurance company opens a claim and accepts liability (that their insured caused the accident). This process may take place within two to five days, but in some instances may take as long as 30 days.

The third method to obtain a rental car consists the highest risk. You may purchase a rental car with a credit card and seek reimbursement once liability is accepted. The risks are the “at fault party” does not have valid insurance, denies liability, etc. then you are responsible for paying the rental vehicle.

In both scenarios of the totaled vehicle and a repairable vehicle you only have a right to a rental vehicle for a limited time. With a non-repairable or totaled vehicle, once the “at fault” insurance company has a check available for the fair market value of your totaled automobile you must return the rental car and pick up your check. With a repairable vehicle, once your automobile is fixed, you have a duty to pick up your repaired vehicle and return the rental. In either scenario, should you fail to return the rental car in reasonable time, you will be held responsible for rental fees.

If an insurance company is giving you the run around, it is important to assert your rights to a rental car to avoid missing work, taking the children to school, etc. When you are involved in an accident and it is not your fault, do not allow the insurance company to become more of an inconvenience by depriving you of your rights to a rental car. Contact Benson & Bingham today.

Insurance in Nevada
Vehicle: Under Nevada Law, a driver must maintain minimal liability insurance coverage in the amount of $15,000. This hardly provides coverage for medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. Uninsured / Underinsurance coverage is not required, nor is medical payments covered in an accident. Contact Benson & Bingham today for a free insurance evaluation to make sure you are protected before you talk to your insurance agent. Golf carts and other recreational activities are normally not covered on an automobile insurance policy.

How Access the Value of Your Auto:

A Selection of Insurance Companies' Contact Information in Nevada: