Nevada "Automobile Insurance Fraud" Laws (NRS 686A)

Explained by Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyers

Car and auto insurance fraud cases are very common in Nevada, especially during times of recession.  Factors such as unemployment, buyers’ remorse, and rising gas prices may drive good people to try to collect on their car through insurance fraud. 

A person commits car insurance fraud in Nevada if they try to obtain benefits from their auto insurance carrier that they’re not legally entitled to.  Common acts that may qualify as auto insurance fraud in Las Vegas include:

• If your car is stolen, claiming that valuables (such as a set of golf clubs) were in the trunk when they really weren’t.



• If your car is damaged, claiming that the cost to fix it is more than it actually is.



• Abandoning your vehicle and claiming that it was stolen (this is called “owner give-ups”).



• Buying a car only to burn it and then claim that someone else burned it.  (In 2007, Las Vegas had 140 burned car claims, and authorities believe most of those were fraudulent claims.)



• If you’re in an accident, claiming you were physically injured when you really weren’t.

Nevada courts take auto insurance fraud cases very seriously.  They’re prosecuted by the Nevada Attorney General.  And a conviction may carry felony penalties of several years in Nevada state prison and thousands of dollars in fines. 

However, several defense strategies exist that your attorney may use to try to get your case dismissed or reduced to lesser charges.  And if the state’s evidence is weak, it may be in your best interest for your attorney to fight for a “not guilty” verdict at trial.

If you’ve been arrested for auto insurance fraud in Las Vegas, it’s important you retain counsel at once to safeguard your rights.  Call our Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers at 702-DEFENSE (333-3673) for a free consultation.  We may be able to keep you out of jail and your record clean.

Return to our main page on Nevada fraud crimes.

To learn about California auto insurance fraud law, go to our information page on California auto insurance fraud law.

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