Collision Repair and Your Right-to-Know
Did you know that the average person is involved in an accident once every seven years? Given the rarity of the experience, it’s no wonder that most people are unsure of what actions to take in the aftermath of an accident.
A good collision repair shop will help guide you through the repair process and work to protect your safety and the value of your vehicle. At Bill Pearce Collision Center we’ll help you understand and navigate insurance policy issues, rental car coverage, the difference between aftermarket vs OEM parts, total-loss concerns and more.
Our goal is to help you resolve your accident in the most efficient, safe and worry-free manner possible.
Wherever you decide to take your car, be sure that you’re taking it to a shop that is qualified to perform safe and effective repairs using OEM endorsed methods and materials. Improper repairs can both compromise your safety and substantially lower the value of your car. Your Vehicle and safety aren’t toys to be played with.
Finally, understand your rights under Nevada State Law. Below are details of Nevada’s Right-To-Know laws, which are designed to protect the interests of consumers.
AS A CONSUMER YOUR RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED BY NEVADA STATE INSURANCE LAW. THE LAW PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING:
You have the right to have your automobile repaired at the registered shop of your choice. Your insurance company cannot legally direct you otherwise.
You are not required to have your automobile repaired or appraised at a shop recommended by your insurance company.
You are not required to obtain more than one estimate.
You are entitled to have your vehicle repaired to its pre-accident condition.
Make sure your Collision Repair Center does not fix your vehicle with after market, used or rebuilt parts without your authorization.
Know that it is against the law for any collision repair facility to bury or absorb a deductible of an insurance policy for a covered automobile.
You are not required to take your car to an insurance company’s drive -in claim service.
Your insurance company must negotiate in good faith. You are entitled to a prompt, fair settlement to repair your car to its pre-accident condition.
You may appoint your repair shop to act as your “Designated Representative,” to protect your interest and negotiate a fair claim settlement with your insurance company.
The insurance company may not issue a check in payment of a claim, implying acceptance of such as final or binding. All damage related to a claim must be paid for.
Below are the actual Nevada Revised Statutes regarding Anti-Steering Laws
Anti-Steering Regulations
NRS 690B.016 Prohibition against knowing recommendation of unlicensed body shop or required patronization of particular body shop.
1. An insurer of motor vehicles shall not:
(a) Knowingly recommend to an insured, or direct an insured to, a body shop in this state which is not licensed pursuant to NRS 487.630; or
(b) Require an insured to patronize any licensed body shop in this state in preference to another such business, except in accordance with the regulations adopted pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 7 of NRS 487.002.
2. For the purposes of this section, an insurer is entitled to rely upon the validity of the license number included by the body shop on its estimates and invoices for repairs.
(Added to NRS by 1989, 1002, 2045)