Driving Without Insurance in Nevada

You could face severe consequences if caught driving without insurance in Nevada, including a misdemeanor conviction. Drivers may be subject to penalties if they have a lapse in coverage, as the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles keeps track of registered cars and policies with the Nevada Liability Insurance Validation Electronically (NV LIVE) system.

You may also be subject to penalties enforced by a court in addition to the established penalties for driving without insurance. These penalties are as follows:¹

What Proof Is Required?

When you purchase auto insurance from your provider, it will verify your coverage electronically with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Your provider will give you digital or physical copies of your insurance ID card, which you’ll need to keep in your car. You’ll also need to show proof of insurance when you register a vehicle in the state of Nevada.

What Happens if I Don’t Have Proof of Insurance?

Nevada requires drivers to carry proof of coverage at all times when on the road. If you’re pulled over without proof of insurance, you may be able to have the citation dismissed if you appeal the fine and provide valid proof of insurance in court. Contact the court clerk listed on your citation to verify the documentation they require, the exact process to follow, and any fees you might need to pay. If you don’t present proof, you’ll be assessed the fines and penalties above.

If your car is inoperable or in storage, you must sign and present a Dormant Vehicle Affidavit (NVL 003) and cancel your registration before canceling your insurance. You may keep the license plates to re-register the vehicle.² If your insurance lapsed while your car was broken down, fines will still apply; however, the affidavit may lower the reinstatement fee to $50.

Paper or Electronic?

In cases where you need to show your proof of insurance to a law enforcement officer, Nevada accepts both paper and electronic versions.

If you’re caught driving without car insurance in Nevada or have a lapse in coverage for more than 90 days, you’ll need an SR-22 for a minimum of three years.

You’re also required to get an SR-22 if you have a lapse in coverage for the third time within five years, regardless of how long the lapse was, or if you’re involved in an accident and don’t have insurance.

While it might be more challenging to buy auto insurance after a lapse in coverage, there are still ways to get coverage. Expect your premiums to go up, as drivers with coverage lapses are usually considered high-risk.

If standard providers reject you or quote you exorbitant rates, look into companies for high-risk drivers. If you only had a lapse in coverage for a short period, contact your old provider to see if it will reinstate your policy. Otherwise, compare premiums from at least three companies and see which ones offer the lowest rates.

As a last resort, the state offers a Nevada Automobile Insurance Plan to ensure all drivers have mandatory liability insurance. It is part of the Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans (WAAIP), a processing center connecting drivers to insurance companies willing to provide coverage.

To find a provider through the insurance plan, call the WAAIP at 800-227-4659 or email at waaip@aipso.com.³ Its processing center can help high-risk drivers find coverage so they can get on the road.

Minimum Coverage

Nevada requires all drivers to have these minimum coverage limits on their policies:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability (one person/one accident)
• $50,000 in bodily injury liability (two or more persons/one accident)
• $20,000 in property damage liability per accident

Registration

To register your car in Nevada, you’ll need proof of insurance and an odometer reading. Vehicles must be registered within 30 days of purchase for new cars. If you’re a new resident of Nevada, you must register your out-of-state vehicle within 30 days of becoming a resident.⁴

You can register your car or renew your registration online or in person at a DMV office. Note you’ll have to pay a registration fee.

If you’re caught driving without insurance or let your insurance lapse in Nevada, you’ll face heavy fines and penalties, including potential license suspension.

While the required minimum coverage is relatively low, average insurance rates in Nevada are higher than the national average. Driving without insurance will lead to even higher premiums. If you’re unable to find coverage, the Silver State does offer a Nevada Automobile Insurance Plan, so you can find a provider even with multiple lapses or violations.

If you leased or financed your vehicle, your lender will often require collision and comprehensive in addition to state-required liability coverage. Even if not required, purchasing comprehensive coverage is a good idea since the state has some of the highest auto theft rates in the country.