How Much Car Insurance Do I Need in Nevada?

Nevada requires the state's vehicle owners to carry liability auto insurance that meets at least the following minimums:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle
• $50,000 for total bodily injury or death liability in an accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle, and
• $20,000 for property damage per accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle.

Let's take a closer look at the car insurance rules in Nevada and how they're bound to impact a car accident case.

What Does Liability Car Insurance Cover in Nevada?

Liability car insurance coverage 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.

What Are My Claim Options After a Car Accident in Nevada?

In Nevada, you typically have a number of options for getting compensation for your injuries or vehicle damage after a car accident:

• filing a claim with your own insurance company regardless of who was at fault for the crash, if you have personal injury protection or medical payments coverage (for your car accident injuries) or collision coverage (for vehicle damage)
• filing a "third-party claim" directly with the at-fault driver's insurance carrier, or
• by filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver (note that insurance will still play a big part in any court award you might end up receiving, and your case could still reach a settlement at any point).

Can I Show Digital Proof of Car Insurance in Nevada?

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:

• the digital proof of insurance must be provided by your car insurance company, and must include all of the information that's contained on a physical copy of the insurance card.
• drivers assume all liability for any damage to their device, and
• a law enforcement officer is only allowed to view the digital evidence of insurance, and cannot intentionally view anything else on your device.

Of course, you can still carry a physical copy of your insurance card and produce it when asked for proof of insurance.

What Happens If I Drive Without Insurance in Nevada?

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:

• the length of the current lapse of coverage, and
• the number of previous lapses.

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.

Getting Help After a Nevada Car Accident

Get more details on Nevada car accident laws that might affect your situation after a crash.

If you might more than just information, 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.