Everything you need to know about your repair, your rights, and what makes HiStar different.
Insurance, Claims & Your Rights
Absolutely. We understand that collision claims often involve bodily injury components, and we work cooperatively with personal injury attorneys to provide the documentation they need — repair records, photos, supplement histories, and damage assessments. Getting your car fixed correctly is part of building a complete picture of what this accident cost you.
Yes. We handle the insurance process on your behalf — communicating with adjusters, submitting supplements, and documenting everything your insurer needs. You do not have to be the go-between. Our job is to make this as stress-free as possible so you can focus on getting back to normal life.
No. Nevada law prohibits an insurer from denying your claim solely because you chose an independent shop. They must pay for a proper repair regardless of where you take your vehicle. If you encounter resistance, document every conversation and contact the Nevada Division of Insurance.
No. In Nevada, you have the legal right to choose your own repair shop. Nevada Revised Statute 690B.016 prohibits insurance companies from requiring you to use a specific shop as a condition of your claim. Your insurer may suggest a shop from their Direct Repair Program (DRP) network — but that is a recommendation, not a requirement. You always have the final say. Choose the shop that is right for you, not the one that is most convenient for your insurer.
It depends on the extent of the damage, your deductible, and your claims history. For minor cosmetic damage below or near your deductible, paying out of pocket may make sense to avoid a rate increase. For anything structural, mechanical, or involving another party, filing a claim is usually the right move. Come in for a free estimate first — once you know the actual repair cost, you can make an informed decision.
A DRP shop has a contractual agreement with one or more insurance companies. In exchange for referrals, the shop agrees to pricing caps, repair timelines, and insurer audits. This can create a conflict of interest — the shop’s relationship with the insurer may influence how aggressively they advocate for your vehicle. DRP shops are not automatically bad, but you should understand the relationship before handing over your keys. HiStar is not bound by DRP agreements. We work for you.
Actual cash value is what your insurance company determines your vehicle was worth immediately before the accident. If repair costs exceed a percentage of ACV (which varies by insurer), your car may be declared a total loss and you receive a settlement instead of a repair. ACV calculations can undervalue your vehicle. You have the right to dispute the ACV with documentation of your vehicle’s condition, recent comparable sales, and added features or upgrades.
Diminished value is the reduction in your vehicle’s market value after a collision — even after repairs are made perfectly. A vehicle with an accident history is worth less than one without, and in many cases you can file a diminished value claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. Nevada allows diminished value claims for third-party claims. If you have questions about this, your attorney or a public adjuster can help you pursue it.
Steering is when an insurance company pressures or misleads you into using a shop from their preferred network — sometimes implying that using another shop will cause delays, reduce your payout, or cause coverage problems. In Nevada, this practice is illegal under NRS 690B.016. If an adjuster discourages you from using the shop of your choice, ask them to put it in writing. They will not, because they cannot legally do it. Know your rights.
Subrogation is the process by which your insurance company seeks reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurer after paying your claim. It typically happens in the background and does not affect your repair. If your insurer successfully subrogate, you may also recover your deductible. You generally do not need to do anything — but your attorney, if you have one, should be aware of any active subrogation.
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Call HiStar Auto Center for a free estimate. We handle the process. You get your life back.










