In This Article
After a serious crash, an insurer may declare your vehicle a total loss when repair costs approach its value. The payout that follows is frequently lower than what it costs to replace your car — and many Nevadans accept the first number without realizing they can challenge it.
How Total Loss Is Determined
An insurer totals a vehicle when repairs plus salvage value exceed a threshold percentage of the car's actual cash value. That value is supposed to reflect what your specific vehicle — its mileage, condition, and options — was worth just before the crash, not a generic average.
Why First Offers Are Low
Insurers often rely on valuation software that pulls comparable listings selectively, omitting your vehicle's better features or recent upgrades. You can counter with your own comparable listings, maintenance records, and documentation of upgrades to push the number toward fair replacement value.
Don't Let It Affect Your Injury Claim
Property-damage and injury claims are separate. Accepting a total-loss payment for your vehicle does not require you to settle your injury claim, and you should never sign a release that resolves both unless you fully understand it. Keep the two tracks distinct.
Free Claim Review
If an insurer's total-loss offer feels low or is being bundled with pressure to settle your injuries, a free review can help you protect both your property and your injury recovery.