Car insurance is sure to play a big part after any kind of traffic accident in Nevada:
Nevada follows a traditional "fault" system when it comes to financial responsibility for losses stemming from a car accident: injuries, lost income, vehicle damage, and so on. This means that the person who was at fault for causing the car accident is also responsible for any resulting harm.
From a practical standpoint, this usually means the at-fault driver's insurance carrier will pay car insurance claims and settlements to others harmed by the crash, up to the driver's liability coverage limits.
In Nevada, you typically have a number of options for getting compensation for your injuries or vehicle damage after a car accident:
Note: In no-fault car insurance states, a claimant doesn't usually have this same range of options, but Nevada drivers don't need to worry about no-fault after an in-state accident.
Nevada requires vehicle owners to carry liability auto insurance that meets at least the following minimums:
So, what is liability coverage? It pays the medical bills, property damage bills, and other costs of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who are injured or have their vehicle damaged in a car accident you cause, up to coverage limits. You can (and in some situations should) carry more coverage to protect you in case a serious crash results in significant car accident injuries and vehicle damage. Once policy limits are exhausted, you are personally on the financial hook, so higher insurance limits can help protect your personal assets in the event of a serious crash.
Your liability coverage will kick in if any family member is driving your vehicle, or if you've given someone else permission to use it. It will likely also cover you if you get into an accident in a rental car.
Remember that liability coverage doesn't apply to your own injuries or vehicle damage after a Nevada car accident. You'll need different (additional) coverage for that if you're involved in a car accident and no one else's coverage applies to your losses.
For example, collision coverage (optional in Nevada, though sometimes required under the terms of a vehicle lease or financing agreement) can pay for repairs to (or replacement of) your damaged vehicle after a car accident.
Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage In Nevada?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is not required in Nevada, but it can protect you and your passengers if the at-fault driver has no insurance, or if you're the victim of a hit and run. Keep in mind that UM does not cover vehicle damage after an accident.
Yes. Nevada drivers can display car insurance information on their phone or other device, if they're asked for proof of insurance by a law enforcement officer. According to the Nevada DMV:
Of course, you can still carry a physical copy of your insurance card and produce it when asked for proof of insurance.
According to the Nevada DMV, the state has no "grace period" when it comes to lapses in car insurance coverage. Even a one-day lapse in coverage could result in a possible suspension of your registration, plus a minimum $251 reinstatement fee. Beyond that, Nevada follows a tiered system when it comes to fees and fines for driving without insurance, depending on:
Check the Nevada DMV insurance lapse penalties chart for more details.
Keep in mind that fines and other administrative penalties will likely pale in comparison to the financial hit you could take if you're in a car accident and you don't have car insurance.
Get more details on car insurance in Nevada, straight from the state, by checking out the Nevada Division of Insurance's Understanding Auto Insurance page, and the Nevada DMV's Auto Insurance resources.
After a Nevada car accident, you might need more than just the basics on how car insurance works in the state. Especially if you've been injured, it might make sense to discuss your situation, and your options, with an experienced legal professional.
Learn more about when you might need a car accident lawyer's help, and what to expect from your first meeting with a car accident attorney. And if you're ready to connect with a Nevada car accident lawyer now, you can use the features right on this page.