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Summary
If you drive without insurance in Nevada, you can face fines, license and vehicle registration suspension, reinstatement fees, and a mandate to fill out an SR-22 form.
Table of Contents
What Happens if You Drive Without Insurance
Nevada law NRS 485.185 requires all registered vehicles and their drivers to have liability insurance. Without it, the driver can face serious repercussions such as fines, suspension of vehicle registration, and the requirement to fill out SR-22 forms.
First Offense
In Nevada, if you are caught driving without minimum liability insurance for the first time, you may face legal consequences such as:
- Fines ranging from $250 to $1,000
- Suspension of your registration until you provide proof of insurance
- License suspension
- License reinstatement fee of up to $250
Second Offense
If you are caught a second time without auto insurance, you may be facing penalties such as:
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Extended registration suspension
- Suspension of driver's license
- Reinstatement fees of up to $500
Third and Subsequent Offense
If, for a third or more time, you are caught driving a motor vehicle without the minimum insurance coverage amounts, you may face serious consequences such as:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Increased suspension time of car registration
- Extended suspension of driver's license
- Mandatory SR-22 form filling for up to three years
What Are the Nevada Insurance Requirements
Under NRS 485.187, Nevada law mandates all drivers to have a car insurance policy which includes:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death or two or more persons
- $20,000 for property damage coverage
Failure to follow these legal requirements for minimum coverage could result in legal penalties, so it's highly recommended that you contact your insurance company to ensure you can legally drive.
What Happens if You Drive Without Insurance and Get Into an Accident
Being an uninsured driver in car accidents is a situation that can result in severe financial burdens and legal consequences.
Under NRS 485.301, all drivers must show proof that they meet the legal requirement of auto insurance, and if you're driving uninsured and get into a car accident, you may face:
- Out-Of-Pocket Costs: Without an insurance company bearing most of the financial responsibility resulting from a car accident, you'll be left to pay for the other parties' medical expenses, property damage, and other damages out of pocket, which can be a serious financial burden.
- Suspension of Your License and Vehicle Registration: Your vehicle registration and driving privileges may be revoked as a consequence of you getting into a car accident as an uninsured driver.
- Fines and Fees: Uninsured motorists who are involved in a car accident will likely be fined, and if this is not their first offense, they may face higher fines. In addition, they can face a reinstatement fee if their license or registration is suspended.
- Increased Car Insurance Rates: If an uninsured motorist who gets into a motor vehicle accident seeks to obtain insurance coverage, they will face increased auto insurance premiums from insurance providers for their lapse in insurance and getting into an accident.
If you are an uninsured or underinsured motorist in a car accident, we would like to help you.
Contact a Las Vegas car accident attorney from our law firm today at (702) 566-3600 for a free case evaluation.
What Happens if You Drive Without Insurance and Get Pulled Over
Getting pulled over as an uninsured motorist in Nevada is a serious offense that can result in:
- Fines: You may receive a fine ranging from $250 to $1,000.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Law enforcement may impound your vehicle to avoid the risk you pose as an uninsured driver.
- SR-22 Form: You may be required to fill out and submit an SR-22 form to the Nevada DMV.
- Increased Premiums: A ticket for driving without insurance will be recorded on your driving record, increasing the price of any future car insurance rates you receive.
How Long Can You Go Without Insurance in Nevada?
Nevada does not provide a grace period for lapses in insurance coverage.
Once your vehicle is registered and on a public road, you must meet the specific requirements outlined in Nevada's insurance laws.
How Does Nevada Track Car Insurance
Nevada uses a system known as the Nevada LIVE (Liability Insurance Validation Electronically) program to track motor vehicle insurance.
This system relies on the fact that insurance companies are required to report policy information, such as renewals and cancellations, to the DMV in real-time.
In addition to tracking insured drivers, the Nevada LIVE program can instantly detect a lapse in coverage and report it to the DMV.
Do You Need Insurance To Drive Someone Else's Car
In Nevada, you typically do not need your own insurance to drive someone else's car, as you'll be protected under their coverage.
However, it's important to understand that specific circumstances may affect whether the person's insurance covers you.
When Are You Protected Under Someone Else's Auto Insurance
When driving someone else's car, you'll be protected under their coverage if:
- The vehicle owner gives you permission to drive their car.
- You are driving the vehicle for personal use and not commercial purposes.
What To Do if You're Caught Driving Without Insurance
Getting caught driving without insurance is a stressful experience that can be made worse if you do not know what to do.
Following getting caught without the minimum coverage requirements, you should:
- Quickly Address the Ticket: You'll most likely be ticketed for driving without coverage, so it's essential to take care of the ticket as soon as possible.
- Obtain Coverage Promptly: To avoid further complications, contact insurance companies and obtain coverage from the one that best suits your needs.
- Reinstate Your Registration and License: If your registration or license was suspended, you should prioritize paying the reinstatement fees and removing the suspension.
- Talk to a Legal Professional (if Involved in an Accident): If you were involved in a car accident without coverage, you should immediately speak with an experienced attorney to learn how to mitigate the damage of any lawsuits filed against you.
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Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
