Here's what you need to know when driving in Nevada
Across the Silver State, there are 71,315 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you prepped, then you take the wheel.
Affordable Insurance Premiums in Nevada
What's the cheapest car insurance in Nevada?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travelers | $921 |
| 2 | Safeco | $1,333 |
| 3 | USAA | $1,343 |
| 4 | Progressive | $1,359 |
| 5 | Allied | $1,452 |
| 6 | State Farm | $1,502 |
| 7 | MetLife | $1,599 |
| 8 | American Family | $2,066 |
| 9 | Mercury | $2,396 |
| 10 | Farmers | $2,432 |
Compare cheap rates from top companies now!
Cheap Insurance for Good Drivers in Nevada
Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. Nevada drivers without a recent at-fault accident typically save 34% on their car insurance premiums — a bit better than the 32% US average. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $367 | 19.44% |
| No Accidents | $784 | 34.02% |
| Good Credit | $2,160 | 58.69% |
Cheap Insurance for Young Drivers in Nevada
Young drivers (those between the ages of 16 and 25) pay extraordinarily high auto insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teens pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Nevada, the typical teen driver pays more than $6,200 annually, far exceeding the national average and about four times as much as a typical Nevada driver.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $6,642 | $8,947 |
| 17 | $6,195 | $6,973 |
| 18 | $6,157 | $6,163 |
| 19 | $5,412 | $3,765 |
Cheap Car Insurance for Bad Drivers in Nevada
If you have a clean driving record — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably enjoy relatively cheap car insurance rates. Conversely, a bad driving record will cause your costs to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 37% after a DUI, 34% after an at-fault accident, and 19% after a speeding ticket in Nevada. The post-citation penalties assessed by car insurance companies in Cornhusker State roughly align with national averages. If you have a clean driving history, be sure to inquire about your insurance company's safe driver discount.
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $2,304 | 34.02% |
| DUI | $2,445 | 37.83% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,887 | 19.44% |
| Bad Credit | $3,680 | 58.69% |
Best Car Insurance Companies in Nevada
Every auto insurer advertises its low rates. But as with any product, the most affordable car insurance option is not always the finest choice. Considering the financial stakes, it's worth doing your research to discover an auto policy that protects your car adequately in the event of a collision. Exercise some patience and look for the best value, rather than settling for the cheapest car insurance you can find.
Review local and national insurance companies' financial strength and claims satisfaction ratings to better understand the level of service you can expect. Claims satisfaction — measured by J.D. Power — is ranked on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and ranging from "Poor" to "Superior" — assesses an insurer's financial strength and ability to meet its policy and contractual obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
| Allied | 3 | Superior |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| Bristol West | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Country | 3 | Superior |
| Encompass | Not Rated | Superior |
| Farmers | 3 | Excellent |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| Mercury | 2 | Superior |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| Nationwide | 4 | Superior |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| State Farm | 3 | Superior |
| Travelers | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
See insurance rates for Nevada's best companies!
What is the Best Car Insurance Coverage in Nevada?
The required minimum insurance level in Nevada is $25,000 Bodily Injury per person, $50,000 Bodily Injury per accident, and $20,000 Property Damage per accident.
If you elect the minimum coverage level in Nevada, you could owe an average of $1,128 per year. This is more costly than the national average by 72%. If you want better auto insurance coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against the costs of car-vs.-car accidents, theft and vandalism, or weather conditions. However, better insurance coverage has a price: in Nevada, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,677, 49% more than basic insurance coverage. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 59% more than for liability-only coverage.
Compare average costs for liability-only and comprehensive coverage levels below.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| Nevada | $1,128.31 | $1,677.11 | $1,791.33 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Nevada Auto Insurance Laws
State minimum insurance requirements in Nevada
In Nevada, each driver must maintain auto insurance at or above the below levels:
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage $20,000 per accident
Optional coverage in Nevada (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Medical and Funeral Services
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
Driving Laws in Nevada
Nevada texting and driving laws
- Ban on hand-held cell phones
- Ban on text messaging for all drivers
Nevada DUI laws
The DUI lookback period in Nevada is seven years. Multiple offenses within this timeframe subject you to harsher penalties.
“Aggravating circumstances,” such as DUI while transporting a minor, a BAC of 0.18% or higher, or DUI that causes injury or death, may also lead to enhanced penalties.
First-time DUI offenses in Nevada lead to:
- Two days to six months in jail
- 96 hours of community service in lieu of jail
- $400 to $1,000 in fines
- 90-day license revocation
- Mandatory attendance in driving school
- Possible requirement to complete a substance abuse treatment program
- May be required to use an ignition interlock device for three to six months
Ticket Impact on Auto Insurance Rates in Nevada
If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance costs will probably go up. By how much depends on the violation, your car insurance company's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a look at car insurance costs in Nevada after some common violations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $3,138 | 64% | $1,223 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $2,882 | 51% | $968 |
| DUI | $3,053 | 59% | $1,138 |
| Racing | $3,138 | 64% | $1,223 |
| Reckless Driving | $3,138 | 64% | $1,223 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $3,138 | 64% | $1,223 |
| At-Fault Accident | $2,874 | 50% | $959 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $2,512 | 31% | $597 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $2,730 | 43% | $815 |
| Passing a School Bus | $2,566 | 34% | $651 |
| Improper Passing | $2,449 | 28% | $535 |
| Following Too Closely | $2,449 | 28% | $535 |
| Speeding | $2,415 | 26% | $501 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $2,449 | 28% | $535 |
| Illegal Turn | $2,449 | 28% | $535 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $2,423 | 27% | $509 |
| Failure to Yield | $2,449 | 28% | $535 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $2,442 | 28% | $527 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $2,442 | 28% | $527 |
| Distracted Driving | $2,299 | 20% | $384 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $2,197 | 15% | $282 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $2,026 | 6% | $111 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $2,134 | 11% | $220 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $2,026 | 6% | $111 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $2,005 | 5% | $90 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,936 | 1% | $21 |
Get Nevada car insurance now!
Nevada Car Insurance FAQs
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Nevada?
Travelers ($460) and Safeco ($666) offer the cheapest car insurance policies in Nevada. Other cheap providers include USAA, Progressive and Allied.
How much is car insurance in Nevada?
Your insurance rate will vary based on you and your location. For the average driver with no tickets or accidents, a six-month policy in Nevada costs $895.
Why is Nevada car insurance so expensive?
Car insurance in Nevada is 28% more expensive than it is across the U.S. This is due to the number of claims and uninsured drivers in the state. If you're looking to lower your premium, use our comparison tool to view your options side-by-side.
Yes. To register a vehicle in Nevada, you will need proof of insurance as well as title and inspection documentation.
How much does car insurance cost in Nevada cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Fallon, Nevada, and the most expensive in Spring Valley, Nevada.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spring Valley | $2,853 |
| 2 | Paradise | $2,755 |
| 3 | Sunrise Manor | $2,699 |
| 4 | Las Vegas | $2,640 |
| 5 | Enterprise | $2,628 |
| 6 | North Las Vegas | $2,539 |
| 7 | Henderson | $2,312 |
| 8 | Pahrump | $2,000 |
| 9 | Boulder City | $1,981 |
| 10 | Reno | $1,733 |
| 11 | Sparks | $1,722 |
| 12 | Sun Valley | $1,716 |
| 13 | Spanish Springs | $1,682 |
| 14 | Mesquite | $1,640 |
| 15 | Carson City | $1,525 |
| 16 | Fernley | $1,501 |
| 17 | Dayton | $1,469 |
| 18 | Spring Creek | $1,459 |
| 19 | Elko | $1,454 |
| 20 | Fallon | $1,427 |
Recent Nevada Car Insurance Questions and Answers
My car was bought in Mexico but the title is from Nevada. Can I bring it back to the U.S. and get it insured?
Was I right to file a claim with my insurance when I was not at fault? Will my premiums go up?
My son got a DUI, I will be selling the vehicle & removing him from my Geico policy. Do I need to report it to Geico?
Do I have to add my adult son to my insurance if he'll be driving my car while visiting?
Nevada Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the Nevada area, while also getting an insider view of the Silver State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.