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In Nevada, you must carry the minimum liability insurance coverage to pay for damages or injuries you may cause in a car accident. According to NRS 485.185, the minimum liability coverage limits are:
$25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
$50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons
$20,000 for property damage
These requirements are commonly referred to as 25/50/20 insurance coverage.
What Happens If You Don't Have Car Insurance in Nevada?
Driving without liability coverage in Nevada is illegal.
Nevada law requires all Nevada drivers to carry liability coverage and be financially responsible if they get into a car accident.
If you drive without car insurance coverage in Nevada, you may be subject to penalties, impacts on insurance premiums, and negative effects on your driving record.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Nevada
If you are caught driving without insurance, you can face fines, suspension of registration, and proof of financial responsibility through an SR-22 form.
Fines and Fees
First Offense: According to NRS 485.317, you may face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000
Second and Subsequent Offenses: Higher fines and penalties, including possible jail time for repeat offenders.
Vehicle Registration Suspension
Under NRS 485.320, your registration can be suspended, and you cannot drive your vehicle until you provide proof of insurance and pay any fees.
SR-22 Requirement
In some cases, you may be required to file an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. This shows you have the required car insurance coverage, which must be maintained for a certain time, usually three years (NRS 485.307).
Impact on Driving Record and Insurance Premiums
Driving without the minimum Nevada auto insurance coverage can have long-term effects on your driving record and insurance costs:
Driving Record
Driving without auto insurance is an offense that will be recorded on your driving record, which a law enforcement officer or insurance company can access.
Higher Insurance Premiums
Once you obtain auto insurance, your car insurance company may increase your premiums due to the lapse in coverage and the associated risk perceived by insurers.
Can You Insure a Car That Is Not in Your Name in Nevada?
Yes, you can insure a car that's not in your name in Nevada. However, there are conditions and considerations.
Here's a breakdown of when you can insure a car not in your name in Nevada, along with the requirements and how to do it.
Insurable Interest
Insurance companies require the person purchasing insurance to have an "insurable interest" in the vehicle.
This means you have to have a financial stake in the car, so you have a reason to want to protect it from damage or loss.
If you drive the car regularly or are financially responsible for it, you likely fall under insurable interest.
Requirements and Considerations
When insuring a car not in your name, certain conditions and documentation may be required:
Permission from the Owner: To insure a car, you will generally need the owner's written permission.
Primary Driver Information: Your insurance provider will need information about who will be the vehicle's primary driver.
Title and Registration: Your insurance carrier might require the person insuring the vehicle to be listed on the title or registration, or they might need to see proof of insurable interest.
Policy Specifics: The insurance policy must reflect who owns the vehicle and who is the primary driver to avoid issues with claims.
Proof of Insurable Interest: Proof of insurable interest can be shown by proving regular use of the car, financial responsibility for it, or a contractual obligation to maintain minimum coverage.
How to Insure a Car Not in Your Name
To insure a car that is not in your name in Nevada, follow these steps:
Get Written Permission: Get a written agreement from the car owner to allow you to insure the car.
Contact Insurance Companies: Contact different insurance providers to discuss your situation and find one to insure you.
Provide Necessary Documentation: Be prepared to provide proof of insurable interest, such as usage agreements, registration details, and primary driver information.
Review and Compare Policies: Review and compare policies to find the best terms and coverage for your situation.
Is Nevada a No-Fault Car Insurance State?
Nevada is not a no-fault car insurance state. This means that, under the fault system, the driver at fault for a car accident in Nevada is responsible for paying damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and repair bills.
Can You Get Car Insurance Without a License in Nevada
Yes, you can get car insurance without a license in Nevada. However, it may be more difficult.
Insurance companies offer policies for unlicensed drivers in certain situations. For example, you may need insurance for a car you own but don't drive or a car intended for a licensed driver in your home.
To get collision coverage without a license, you'll need to list a primary driver with a valid license, and you may need to explain your situation to the insurance company.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
When it comes to car insurance, you need to know the different types of coverage to ensure you’re covered on the road. Here are the main types of car insurance coverage:
Liability Coverage
Bodily Injury Liability: Bodily injury liability covers injuries you cause to others in an accident. It pays for the medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees in the event you get sued.
In Nevada, the minimum is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
Property Damage Liability: This covers damage you cause to someone else’s property.
Nevada requires a minimum of $20,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays for damage to your own car caused by a collision with another car or object, like a tree or guardrail.
This coverage is especially useful if you have a newer or more expensive car since it helps pay for repairs or replacement.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage covers your car from non-collision-related incidents, such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, fire, and falling objects. It gives you peace of mind knowing you’re covered in many possibilities.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This type of coverage is important when you get into an accident with a driver who has no insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Underinsured motorist coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are too low to cover your expenses.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Medical payment coverage, or MedPay, pays for medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. This includes hospital visits, surgeries, X-rays, and more. It’s extra financial protection for medicals.
Can You Use Digital Proof of Car Insurance
In today's digital age, the convenience of having essential documents accessible on your smartphone is becoming increasingly common. This includes proof of car insurance, which traditionally has been a paper document that drivers must always keep in their vehicles. The question many drivers ask now is whether digital proof of car insurance is legally acceptable.
Legality of Digital Proof of Insurance
As of now, all 50 states and the District of Columbia allow drivers to use digital versions of their car insurance proof.
This means you can show an electronic version of your insurance card on your smartphone or other electronic devices during traffic stops, at the scene of an accident, or when registering your vehicle.
Nevada's Law on Digital Proof of Insurance
Nevada is among the states that permit drivers to use digital proof of insurance.
This change reflects the state's acknowledgment of technological advancements and their convenience.
As long as your insurance company provides a digital version of your insurance card, you can use it instead of the traditional paper card.
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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.
