Nevada Car Insurance Laws: How Much Coverage Do I Need?

All Nevada drivers must have liability coverage following a 25/50/20 pattern to comply with state-mandated limits.
Written by Sarah Gray
Edited by Jessica Barrett
Nevada law requires all drivers to have liability
car insurance
coverage with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage and $20,000 in property damage coverage.

Nevada auto insurance requirements

Nevada car insurance
laws require all drivers to carry liability coverage that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum limits:
  • $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $20,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
If you cause an accident, your liability insurance covers expenses incurred by the other party in the following ways:
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In the state of Nevada, you’ll be responsible for all medical bills and property damage expenses above and beyond your liability coverage limits.
Jerry can help you match your state's minimum and help adjust your coverage for you!

Is minimum liability coverage the most cost-effective option?

No. In most cases, it’s more cost effective in the long run to opt for both higher liability coverage limits and physical damage coverage for your vehicle.
Here’s why:
  • If you’re at fault in a serious car accident, Nevada state minimum coverage may not be enough to protect you from paying out of pocket. According to data published by the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average bodily injury liability claim in 2021 was $22,734, while the average property damage claim was $5,314.1 Claims following severe accidents were much higher—so without higher liability limits, you may not have enough coverage to avoid getting sued.
  • No physical damage coverage for your vehicle. Liability coverage offers no coverage for your vehicle’s damage or your injuries following an at-fault accident. It won’t cover damage due to weather, vandalism, or theft either.
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Expert Insurance Agent Insight

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Vice President Insurance Operations
A general rule that I recommend is to carry enough coverage to protect your current and future assets – at least $100,000/$300,000 of liability coverage is recommended, but you may need more coverage depending on your financial situation.
Our recommendation for Nevada drivers:
  • $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage
  • $100,000 of property damage liability coverage
  • Collision coverage
    and
    comprehensive coverage
    to repair or replace the vehicle in the event of a total loss
  • Uninsured motorist
    coverage matching the policy’s property damage liability limits
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The Jerry app ensures Nevada drivers receive tailored insurance recommendations to meet their needs.
Emphasizing the importance of comprehensive coverage for both financial and legal security, we provide users with valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness of various insurance options.
According to our data, minimum liability insurance in Nevada typically costs about $156 per month or $1,876 per year. Nevada drivers can expect to pay an average of $239 monthly or $2,870 annually for a
full-coverage auto insurance
policy. 
Despite the added short-term cost, the financial and legal security offered by higher liability limits and physical damage protections makes full coverage the more cost-effective option. 
To keep your full coverage insurance costs low, select a higher deductible for comprehensive and collision policies.
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Remember: Your auto insurance rates will vary greatly depending on such factors as your age, gender, ZIP code,
driving record
, and vehicle type.
The Jerry app assists you in securing a cost-effective rate by comparing car insurance quotes from various providers before finalizing a policy.
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If you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender will require you to maintain comprehensive and collision coverage insurance until you've paid off or returned the car.

Optional coverages in Nevada

Increasing your liability limits is just one way to ensure you’re financially protected in case of an at-fault accident. Here are some additional coverages that can make your Nevada car insurance policy more effective:
If you finance or lease your vehicle, you may also consider adding
gap insurance
if you still owe more on the vehicle's
actual cash value
. Gap coverage will pick up the difference, so you won’t be left with a car payment if your vehicle is totaled or stolen. You’ll be offered gap insurance at the dealership, but it’s much cheaper to
purchase from your insurance company
.

Penalties for driving without insurance in Nevada

Nevada operates a tiered penalty system to punish drivers who operate a vehicle without proper auto insurance coverage and/or
proof of insurance
. The
Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
offers a full breakdown on its website, but here is a quick overview:
  • $250 to $1,000 fine for first offense
  • Fines up to $1,750 for additional offenses
The following penalties and fees may apply with each offense:
You’ll also have to
file an SR-22 certificate
with the Nevada DMV, usually for three to five years.  

FAQs

Is car insurance mandatory in Nevada?

Yes. Nevada’s car insurance coverage requirements include at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $20,000 in property damage liability insurance. By carrying these coverages, Nevada drivers demonstrate their ability to take financial responsibility if they cause an accident.

Does Nevada require full coverage insurance?

No. Comprehensive, collision, and other types of insurance often included in full coverage policies are not included in Nevada’s minimum requirements for insurance. Liability is the only type of coverage required by law; however, if you lease or finance a vehicle, your lender will probably require full coverage.

Is Nevada a no-fault car insurance state?

No, Nevada is not a “
no-fault” state
for car insurance. Nevada is a tort or “
at-fault” state
, so the “at-fault drivers must cover property damage and medical expenses for not-at-fault parties following an accident.

How long can you go without having car insurance in Nevada?

Driving without insurance for any length of time is illegal in the state of Nevada. Additionally, vehicle owners are required to have all registered vehicles insured at all times. 

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