Auto insurance requirements in Nevada
The state of Nevada requires every driver to carry car insurance when behind the wheel. Proof of this coverage must available for display to law enforcement officials at their request. To stay on the right side of the law, check out Nevada’s minimum car insurance requirements below as well as some additional coverage options that can help keep you protected.
|
|
|
However, if you are financing or leasing your vehicle, your lienholder or leasing company could require you to carry other coverages.
Liability coverage in Nevada
Liability insurance pays for bodily injury and property damage that you cause in an at-fault accident. It also pays for lost wages and pain and suffering endured by those you harm. It’s important to remember that your liability coverage will never pay for your injuries or damage to your property.
What are state-mandated car insurance limits?
Limits are the maximum amount that a car insurance company will pay to cover a claim. You’ll often hear the amounts of state-required insurance referred to as limits as well. Each state sets its own limits. In Nevada, those limits are written out as 25/50/20, referring to bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage, respectively. Read more about how these coverages break down below:
- $25,000 in bodily injury per person is the total amount an insurer will pay for injuries you cause to any one person.
- $50,000 in bodily injury per accident refers to the maximum amount your insurer will pay for all injuries that you cause in an accident.
- $20,000 in property damage is the total amount that your insurance company will pay out for all property that you damage in an at-fault accident.
Do Nevada’s required minimums provide enough coverage?
Nevada’s minimum auto insurance requirements are roughly on par with most states. However, that does not mean that they provide sufficient coverage. Bodily injury limits can be reached quickly with even moderate injuries, especially if you injure more than one person. Also, $20,000 in property damage coverage is hardly enough to cover the cost of a new vehicle, leaving you at risk to cover other damages out of your own pocket.
Increasing your liability limits is highly recommended. Most insurance professionals would suggest limits of at least 50/100/50. Those with more assets — a house, for instance — would do well to go even higher. Also, keep in mind that liability provides no coverage for you or your passengers, so other coverage options should be considered to add further protection.
Nevada’s penalties for driving without proof of insurance
Nevada law requires all drivers to carry insurance. Nevada has an intricate system for issuing penalties based on the duration of your policy lapse. If found to be driving without adequate coverage, you can expect the following penalties.
1ST OFFENSE
| Length of Lapse | 1-30 days | 31-90 days | 91-180 days | 181 days or more |
|
Reinstatement Fee |
$251 |
$251 |
$251 |
$251 |
|
Fine |
N/A |
$250 |
$500 |
$1,000 |
|
N/A |
N/A |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Totals |
$251 |
$501 |
$751 |
$1,251 |
2ND OFFENSE (WITHIN FIVE YEARS)
| Length of Lapse | 1-30 days | 31-90 days | 91-180 days | 181 days or more |
|
Reinstatement Fee |
$501 |
$501 |
$501 |
$501 |
|
Fine |
N/A |
$500 |
$500 |
$1,000 |
|
SR-22 |
N/A |
N/A |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Totals |
$501 |
$1,001 |
$1,001 |
$1,501 |
3RD OFFENSE (WITHIN FIVE YEARS)
| Length of Lapse | 1-30 days | 31-90 days | 91-180 days | 181 days or more |
|
Reinstatement Fee |
$751 |
$751 |
$751 |
$751 |
|
Fine |
N/A |
$500 |
$750 |
$1,000 |
|
SR-22 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
License Suspension |
Min. 30 days |
Min. 30 days |
Min. 30 days |
Min. 30 days |
|
Totals |
$751 |
$1,251 |
$1,501 |
$1,751 |
Optional car insurance coverage in Nevada
While liability is the only required coverage in Nevada, most insurers will offer a wide range of options that you can add. Find out more about the most popular options below:
- Collision: This coverage assists you after your vehicle is damaged due to a collision with a fixed object or another vehicle.
- Comprehensive: This coverage helps cover perils that are non-collision related, though it does cover collisions with animals. Other examples include weather damage and theft.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage: If you are injured by another motorist who cannot pay due to lacking sufficient insurance, this coverage steps in to help pay your medical expenses.
- Medical Payments: Commonly known as Medpay, this coverage goes toward paying the medical expenses of you and your passengers in the event of an accident. Medpay can be applied regardless of who is at fault in the accident.
- Gap Insurance: This form of insurance covers the difference in what you owe for your vehicle and its actual cash value. This can help prevent you from owing more on your vehicle than what it is worth.
- Roadside assistance: Many insurers offer coverage for breakdowns or other issues that can occur while on the road, including flat tires, dead batteries, and towing.
Why it's important to adhere to Nevada’s car insurance requirements
Keeping the right amounts of car insurance is crucial not only for staying legal in Nevada but it’s also important in protecting you and your assets. It’s highly recommended that you increase your liability limits and consider adding additional coverage options to avoid gaps that could put you at risk. The Zebra is a great way to compare insurance quotes side by side to find the best rates and the right policy for your needs.
Looking for a new policy? Compare rates side-by-side.
Sources