Nevada Auto Insurance Requirements: Minimum Coverage (2026)

Quick Answer: Nevada Minimum Auto Insurance

Nevada law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with these minimum limits:

This is commonly written as 25/50/20.

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What Nevada Law Requires

Nevada operates under a traditional "fault" system for auto insurance, meaning the driver who causes an accident is responsible for damages. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 485 mandates continuous liability coverage for all registered vehicles.

Required Coverage:

• ✅ Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person
• ✅ Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per accident (total for all injuries)
• ✅ Property damage liability: $20,000 per accident

Not Required (But Recommended):

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (strongly recommended)
• Collision coverage (required by lender if financing)
• Comprehensive coverage (required by lender if financing)
• Medical payments coverage
• Personal injury protection (PIP)

Who Must Carry Insurance:

• All registered vehicle owners in Nevada
• Anyone driving on Nevada roads
• Out-of-state visitors (must meet Nevada minimums while driving in state)
• Commercial vehicle operators (higher limits required)
• Rideshare drivers (TNCs like Uber/Lyft have specific requirements)

Nevada DMV Verification: Nevada uses an Insurance Verification Program that electronically checks your insurance status. If a lapse is detected, the DMV will send a warning letter before suspending your registration.

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Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Nevada

Nevada enforces mandatory insurance through both criminal penalties and administrative consequences:

Additional Consequences:

• $250 reinstatement fee to restore registration
• SR-22 filing may be required for 3 years
• Vehicle may be impounded
• Points added to driving record
• Insurance rates significantly increase

At-Fault Accident Without Insurance:

• Full personal liability for all medical bills and property damage
• Victims can sue for damages exceeding policy limits (if any)
• License and registration suspended until proof of financial responsibility
• Potential criminal charges in serious accidents
• Wage garnishment possible for unpaid judgments

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Why Nevada's Minimums May Not Be Enough

Nevada's 25/50/20 limits were established years ago and don't keep pace with modern costs:

Medical Costs in Nevada:

• Average ER visit in Las Vegas: $3,000-$5,500
• Ambulance transport: $1,000-$2,200
• Hospital stay (1 day): $15,000-$28,000
• Serious injury treatment: $100,000-$400,000+
• Long-term care/rehabilitation: $500,000+

Vehicle Costs:

• Average collision repair: $4,800-$9,500
• Totaled vehicle replacement: $28,000-$50,000+ (average new car)
• Luxury vehicle repair: $15,000-$45,000
• Tesla/EV repair costs: Often 20-40% higher than comparable gas vehicles

Recommended Coverage Levels:

Nevada's uninsured driver rate is approximately 10-12%, making UM/UIM coverage an important consideration.

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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Nevada

Nevada doesn't require UM/UIM coverage, but insurers must offer it. You can decline, but must do so in writing.

Why UM/UIM Coverage Matters:

• Protects you when hit by an uninsured driver
• Covers the gap when at-fault driver has insufficient coverage
• Applies to hit-and-run accidents
• Covers passengers in your vehicle
• Available for both bodily injury and property damage

Stacking in Nevada: Nevada allows "stacking" of UM/UIM coverage if you have multiple vehicles on your policy. This multiplies your coverage limits by the number of insured vehicles.

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SR-22 Requirements in Nevada

When SR-22 is Required:

• DUI/DWI conviction
• Driving without valid insurance
• Accumulating too many points
• At-fault accident while uninsured
• Certain serious traffic violations
• Failure to pay a traffic judgment

How SR-22 Works: An SR-22 is a certificate filed by your insurer with Nevada DMV proving you carry required coverage. The DMV is notified immediately if your policy lapses.

Duration: Typically required for 3 years from date of conviction/violation

Cost: $15-$50 filing fee plus significantly higher premiums (expect 50%-150% increase)

SR-22 Cancellation: If you cancel your policy or let it lapse during the SR-22 period:

• Your insurer notifies Nevada DMV within 10 days
• License suspended immediately
• Must restart the 3-year period when reinstated

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Nevada-Specific Insurance Considerations

Las Vegas Strip and Tourism:

• Heavy tourist traffic increases accident risk
• Rental car accidents are common
• Higher rates in Clark County (Las Vegas area)

Desert Climate:

• Extreme heat can cause tire blowouts
• Flash flooding in monsoon season
• Dust storms reduce visibility
• Comprehensive coverage recommended for weather damage

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) in Nevada: Nevada has specific insurance requirements for TNCs:

• Period 0 (app off): Personal insurance only
• Period 1 (app on, no ride): TNC provides contingent coverage
• Period 2/3 (ride accepted through drop-off): TNC provides $1,000,000 liability

Drivers should confirm their personal policy covers rideshare use or purchase a rideshare endorsement.

Rural Nevada:

• Lower premiums outside Las Vegas and Reno
• Limited repair shop options
• Longer emergency response times
• Wildlife collision risk (deer, wild horses)

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How to Get Nevada Auto Insurance

What You'll Need:

• Valid Nevada driver's license (or out-of-state if new resident)
• Vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year)
• Driving history (last 3-5 years)
• Current address and where vehicle is parked

Documents to Keep in Vehicle:

• Insurance ID card (physical or digital)
• Vehicle registration
• Valid driver's license

Digital Proof Accepted: Nevada accepts digital insurance cards on smartphones. Officers can verify coverage electronically through the state verification system.

For New Residents: You have 30 days after establishing Nevada residency to:

• Obtain a Nevada driver's license
• Register your vehicle in Nevada
• Obtain Nevada auto insurance

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Alternatives to Traditional Insurance

Certificate of Self-Insurance: Nevada allows self-insurance for vehicle owners with 25+ vehicles who can demonstrate net worth of at least $100,000. Not available for individual drivers.

Cash Deposit: You can deposit $50,000 in cash with the Nevada DMV instead of carrying insurance. However:

• This only covers one vehicle
• You're still personally liable beyond the $50,000
• Not practical for most drivers

Surety Bond: A $50,000 surety bond can substitute for insurance, but:

• Annual premiums apply
• Usually more expensive than insurance
• Personal liability remains

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FAQ

What does 25/50/20 coverage mean?

25 = $25,000 max per person for bodily injury 50 = $50,000 max per accident for all injuries combined 20 = $20,000 max for property damage per accident

Example: You cause an accident injuring two people. You're covered up to $25,000 per person, with a total cap of $50,000. If their combined medical bills exceed $50,000, you're personally liable for the remainder.

Does Nevada require uninsured motorist coverage?

No, but insurers must offer it. With 10-12% of Nevada drivers uninsured, UM coverage provides important protection. You can reject it in writing, but this is generally not advisable.

Can I drive in Nevada with out-of-state insurance?

Visitors: Yes, if your insurance meets Nevada's 25/50/20 minimums.

New residents: You have 30 days to obtain Nevada insurance after establishing residency.

California residents: Special note—California policies typically meet Nevada minimums, but verify your coverage.

What happens if I let my insurance lapse in Nevada?

• Insurance company notifies Nevada DMV electronically
• DMV sends warning letter within 30 days
• Registration suspended if no proof provided
• $250 reinstatement fee
• SR-22 may be required
• Fines up to $1,000 if caught driving

How much does auto insurance cost in Nevada?

Average Costs (2026):

• State minimum (25/50/20): $65-$130/month
• Full coverage (recommended limits): $140-$280/month
• High-risk drivers (SR-22): $250-$450/month

Factors Affecting Nevada Rates:

• Location (Las Vegas highest, rural areas lower)
• Age and driving experience
• Credit-based insurance score
• Vehicle type and value
• Driving record
• Annual mileage

Ways to Save:

• Bundle home and auto policies
• Multi-vehicle discount
• Good driver discount (3+ years no accidents/tickets)
• Good student discount
• Defensive driving course
• Pay-in-full discount
• Compare quotes from multiple insurers

Do I need insurance on a car I don't drive?

If registered in Nevada, yes. Options:

Option 1: Maintain liability insurance (required for registered vehicles)

Option 2: Cancel registration with Nevada DMV and surrender plates. Vehicle cannot be driven or parked on public roads.

Option 3: Store the vehicle and cancel registration—no insurance required for unregistered, stored vehicles.

Does Nevada have no-fault insurance?

No. Nevada is a traditional "fault" state. The driver who causes an accident is responsible for damages. Injured parties file claims against the at-fault driver's insurance or sue directly.

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Summary: Nevada Auto Insurance Requirements

Key Takeaways:

• ✅ 25/50/20 liability coverage required by law
• ✅ Nevada is a "fault" state—at-fault driver pays
• ✅ Penalties: Up to $1,000 fines, registration suspension, possible jail
• ✅ State minimums may not cover modern accident costs
• ✅ UM coverage not required but strongly recommended (10-12% uninsured rate)
• ✅ SR-22 required for DUI, uninsured driving, and serious violations
• ✅ Digital proof of insurance accepted
• ✅ Las Vegas area has higher rates due to traffic density

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Nevada auto insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal or insurance advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles or Nevada Division of Insurance, and consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: January 2026 Sources: Nevada DMV, Nevada Division of Insurance, Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 485