Usually not. The uninsured motorist coverage built into Nevada auto policies covers bodily injury, not your car. When an uninsured or underinsured driver damages your vehicle, the repair money usually comes from your own collision coverage, an optional uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) add-on if your insurer offers it and you bought it, or the at-fault driver personally.
This guide stays focused on your car. For injuries, see how uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage works in Nevada, including hit-and-runs and claims with your own insurer.
Does Nevada's Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cover Your Car?
No. Under NRS 690B.020, the uninsured vehicle coverage Nevada policies must include protects insured people who are legally entitled to recover damages for bodily injury, sickness, disease, or death. Nothing in that requirement extends it to damage to your vehicle.
That's why the terms matter. "UM" on a Nevada declarations page usually means uninsured motorist bodily injury. Coverage for your car, if you have it through this route, will be listed separately as uninsured motorist property damage.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage?
Uninsured motorist property damage coverage pays to repair your car when a driver without insurance causes the crash. Some versions also help when the at-fault driver has some property damage coverage, but not enough. It's an optional add-on in Nevada, and availability and terms vary by insurer.
Before counting on it, check your policy for:
- The limit. UMPD is capped, often at a modest amount.
- The deductible. Some UMPD coverage has one, and some doesn't.
- Hit-and-run rules. Many UMPD provisions require the other driver or vehicle to be identified.
- Rental or loss of use. Some policies include it, and others don't.
What Is the Difference Between UMPD and Collision Coverage?
Collision coverage pays for damage to your car in a crash regardless of fault. UMPD pays only when another driver caused the crash and didn't have enough insurance. For most Nevada drivers, collision does more of the work.
| Feature | Collision | Uninsured Motorist Property Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Who has to be at fault | Anyone, including you | The uninsured or underinsured driver |
| Hit-and-run with unknown driver | Generally covered | Often excluded unless the driver is identified |
| Single-car crash | Covered | Not covered |
| Deductible | Yes | Depends on the policy |
| Maximum payout | Your car's actual cash value | Your UMPD limit |
| Available in Nevada | Widely | Depends on the insurer |
| Feature | Collision | UMPD |
|---|---|---|
| Who has to be at fault | Anyone, including you | The uninsured or underinsured driver |
| Hit-and-run with unknown driver | Generally covered | Often excluded unless the driver is identified |
| Single-car crash | Covered | Not covered |
| Deductible | Yes | Depends on the policy |
| Maximum payout | Your car's actual cash value | Your UMPD limit |
| Available in Nevada | Widely | Depends on the insurer |
If your car is financed or leased, your lender likely already requires collision. In that case, UMPD mostly matters for covering your deductible.
What If the At-Fault Driver's Property Damage Coverage Is Too Low?
This is the "underinsured" version of the problem, and it's common. Nevada only requires $20,000 in property damage liability per crash under NRS 485.185. The Nevada Division of Insurance explains that this minimum has applied since 2018. And that $20,000 is shared by everyone whose property was damaged in the crash.
The Insurance Research Council reports that about one in three drivers nationally were uninsured or underinsured in 2023, so gaps like this aren't rare. Here's how a gap plays out on a hypothetical crash:
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Your truck's damage (repairs or total loss value) | $32,000 |
| At-fault driver's property damage limit pays | $20,000 |
| Remaining gap | $12,000 |
| Your collision coverage pays the gap, minus a $500 deductible | $11,500 |
| Left for you to recover from the at-fault driver | $500 |
- At-fault driver's property damage limit: #8a8a8a
- Your collision coverage: #72251B
- Your deductible (recover from driver): #e0b4ad
When your insurer pays under collision, it will often try to recover what it paid from the at-fault driver. If it recovers, ask whether your deductible is reimbursed too.
Can you sue the other driver for the rest?
Yes. You can pursue the at-fault driver personally for any uncovered amount, including your deductible. Under Nevada's statute of limitations, NRS 11.190, you generally have three years for property damage. Claims up to $10,000 can be filed in small claims court under NRS 73.010, including in the township where the crash happened. Keep in mind that a driver without insurance often has little to collect from.
What Should You Do If an Uninsured Driver Damages Your Car?
Start with the scene steps in this Nevada car accident checklist, then focus on the vehicle claim:
- Photograph the damage and the other car's plate before either vehicle is moved, if it's safe.
- Get the other driver's information, even if they say they have no insurance.
- Report the crash to police and file any required DMV report.
- Call your insurer to open a collision or UMPD claim.
- Choose your own body shop. Under NRS 690B.016, you can have repairs done at any licensed body shop, and your insurer can't require you to use a particular one.
- Photograph damage and plates: Before either car is moved, if it is safe
- Get the other driver's information: Name, address, plate, and any insurance, even if they say they have none
- Report to police: And file any required DMV crash report within 10 days
- Open a claim with your insurer: Collision, or UMPD if your policy includes it
- Pick your own body shop: Any licensed shop you choose (NRS 690B.016)
- Track the 30-day clock: Insurers generally must approve or deny within 30 days (NRS 690B.012)
How long does your insurer have to decide?
Under NRS 690B.012, insurers generally must approve or deny a policyholder's claim within 30 days and pay within 30 days after approval, with interest if payment is late. If the claim stalls without good reason, you can file a complaint with the Nevada Division of Insurance.
What if your car is totaled?
Nevada treats a car as a total loss when repair costs reach 65% or more of its pre-crash value under NRS 487.790, not counting paint, certain electronics, or towing. The payout is the car's actual cash value, which is why the gap between that value and the at-fault driver's limits matters so much with newer vehicles. For how a totaled car fits into the rest of your recovery, see this guide to the car crash aftermath.
How Can Meesha Moulton Law Help After a Crash With an Uninsured Driver?
If the crash only damaged your car, your insurer and small claims court are usually the right path. If anyone was hurt, the injury claim is where the real money is, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is often the key to it. Meesha Moulton personally reviews every case, and consultations are free for personal injury matters.
Learn more about working with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer, or request a free consultation if you or a passenger was injured.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uninsured Motorist Property Damage in Nevada
Is uninsured motorist property damage coverage required in Nevada?
No. Nevada requires insurers to include uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage unless you reject it in writing, but that coverage doesn't pay for vehicle damage. Uninsured motorist property damage is an optional add-on that some insurers offer and some don't.
Does uninsured motorist coverage pay for my car in Nevada?
Usually not. Nevada's uninsured motorist coverage is bodily injury coverage. Your car is typically covered by collision insurance, a separate UMPD add-on if you have one, or the at-fault driver's property damage liability if they carry any.
Is UMPD or collision coverage better?
They do different jobs. Collision covers your car in almost any crash, including ones you cause and single-car crashes, but it has a deductible. UMPD only applies when an uninsured driver is at fault and may have a low limit. Drivers who already carry collision mainly use UMPD, if it's available, to avoid paying the deductible.
What if a hit-and-run driver damaged my car?
Collision coverage generally applies to hit-and-run damage, subject to your deductible. Many UMPD provisions require the other driver or vehicle to be identified, so check your policy. Report the hit-and-run to police right away, since insurers often ask for a report number.
What happens if the other driver only has $20,000 in property damage coverage?
Their insurer pays up to $20,000, shared among everyone whose property was damaged. Your collision coverage can pay the rest, minus your deductible, and you can pursue the at-fault driver personally for anything left over. Claims up to $10,000 can go to small claims court in Nevada.
How long do I have to file a property damage claim in Nevada?
Nevada generally allows three years from the crash to file a lawsuit for vehicle and property damage. Insurance claims under your own policy have their own notice requirements, which are usually much shorter, so report the crash to your insurer promptly.
