When you’re in a car accident, one of the most important pieces of information comes from the police report. One part that many people don’t fully understand is the vehicle damage rating. This rating helps show how bad the damage is to each vehicle, where it happened, and how the crash occurred. Insurance companies and attorneys often use this information when figuring out who’s responsible and how much a claim might be worth.
Knowing how to read your vehicle’s damage rating can help you better understand your case after a crash in Henderson or anywhere else in Nevada.
What Is a Vehicle Damage Rating?
The vehicle damage rating is a part of the police report that shows:
- Where the vehicle was hit
- How much damage was done
- What type of impact occurred
This information helps officers, insurance adjusters, and others understand the crash scene and the seriousness of the damage.
Officers use codes to describe what part of the car was damaged and how bad the damage was. These ratings often come in three parts: direction of force, damage location, and severity level.
Direction of Force: Where the Impact Came From
The direction of force tells you which way the car was hit. Officers often use a clock-style system to show this. Think of your car as a clock:
- 12 o’clock is the front of the car
- 6 o’clock is the back
- 3 o’clock is the right side
- 9 o’clock is the left side
For example:
- A 6 means you were rear-ended.
- A 12 means you were hit head-on.
- A 3 or 9 means a side impact.
This gives people looking at the report a quick idea of how the crash happened.
Damage Location Codes: Where the Car Was Damaged
Police reports also use letter codes to show which part of the car was hit. Some common examples include:
- F – Front of the car
- R – Rear of the car
- L – Left side
- RF – Right front
- LR – Left rear
You may see a code like 5-RF, which means the car was hit in the right front with a certain severity (5).
Severity of Damage: How Bad the Impact Was
The severity rating usually goes from 1 to 6, with:
- 1 = Minor damage, like a dent or scraped bumper
- 2-3 = Moderate damage, some repairs needed
- 4-5 = Major damage, parts might be crushed or bent
- 6 = Severe damage, the car may not be drivable or might be totaled
This scale helps show whether a car can still be driven or if it needs major repairs. A higher number can also point to the strength of the impact, which may relate to injury claims.
Four Car Damage Categories Used by Insurance Inspectors
In addition to the 1–6 severity scale, insurance adjusters may use four letter categories to describe the overall condition of the car after a crash:
- N (Normal) – Minor damage, car is still drivable
- S (Structural) – The structure or frame is damaged, but it can be fixed
- B (Break) – Not safe to drive; parts may be reusable
- A (All) – Total loss; car is destroyed beyond repair
These codes may appear in insurance files or adjuster reports, not always in police reports. But they still affect your claim.
Why the Damage Rating Matters
Damage ratings are more than just numbers and letters. They affect:
- How your insurance company views your claim
- Whether a car is considered repairable or totaled
- How much you might get paid for repairs or injuries
- Whether the crash is seen as minor or serious
For example, a light bump (rated 1-F) might lead to a small repair bill, but a 5-R could show major rear damage that could connect to back or neck injuries.
What Else Is in the Police Report?
In addition to the vehicle damage rating, the police report may include:
- A description of how the crash happened
- Weather and road conditions
- Any traffic laws that were broken
- Statements from drivers or witnesses
- Notes about things like speeding, distraction, or drunk driving
These details help build the full picture of what caused the accident. If another driver was at fault, this part of the report may help prove it.
What If the Police Report Is Wrong?
Sometimes mistakes happen. A police officer might write down the wrong damage code, or miss part of the story. If you spot something that doesn’t look right, you should:
- Ask for a correction as soon as possible
- Provide photos of your vehicle that show the actual damage
- Give a written statement to explain your side of the story
You can also request a copy of the report from the local police department in Henderson. If needed, a lawyer can help you request corrections or challenge an incorrect report during a claim.
Police Reports and Insurance Claims
Insurance adjusters use the police report as a starting point. But they may also inspect your car themselves or ask for repair shop estimates. If the damage rating doesn’t match the photos or repair bills, it could lead to delays or denied claims.
That’s why it helps to understand what the codes mean, and why checking for accuracy matters.
Call Us If You’ve Been in a Car Accident in Henderson
If you’ve been in a crash, the police report might feel confusing—but it plays a big role in your insurance claim or injury case. The vehicle damage rating helps tell the story of how the crash happened and how serious it was.
Our team can look at your report, explain what it means, and help you figure out your next steps. If you’re having trouble with your insurance company or think the report is wrong, we’re ready to step in and help.
Call Friedman Injury Law today at (702) 970-4222 for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your case and how we can support you.
