Short answer: Nevada requires liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage, on every vehicle registered in the state. The policy must be written for Nevada and verified electronically. There's no grace period: even a one-day lapse can bring registration suspension, reinstatement fees and fines, and SR-22 filings.
The required limits
The Nevada DMV lists these minimums:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death, one person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death, two or more people | $50,000 |
| Property damage, one accident | $20,000 |
Rules that catch people off guard
- The registered owner must be a named insured on the policy.
- Electronic verification. Coverage must be confirmed electronically by an insurer authorized in Nevada.
- Nevada policies only. Out-of-state insurance isn't accepted; the policy must be written for Nevada.
- Carry proof. Nevada Evidence of Insurance, printed or on a phone, must be in the vehicle at all times.
- No grace period. The DMV warns that a one-day lapse may lead to suspension and reinstatement fines.
If you're selling a car, moving or storing a vehicle, the DMV's advice is blunt: cancel your registration before dropping liability insurance.
How the DMV finds a lapse
- Verification Request. If the DMV can't verify coverage or sees an apparent lapse, it mails (or emails) a request. You must respond within 15 days of the mailing date.
- Certified letter. If coverage actually lapsed or can't be confirmed, the DMV sends a certified letter, and the registration is suspended 10 days after mailing.
- Suspended registration. You may not drive the vehicle. Officers are required to confiscate plates from a vehicle driven on a suspended registration and may impound it.
The tiered penalty system
Reinstatement amounts depend on how long the lapse lasted and how many prior lapses you've had. For a first offense:
| Length of lapse | Total fee and fine | SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 30 days | $250 | No |
| 31 to 90 days | $500 | No |
| 91 to 180 days | $750 | 3 years |
| 181 days or more | $1,250 | 3 years |
A second offense within five years ranges from $500 to $1,500. A third offense within five years ranges from $750 to $1,750 and adds a three-year SR-22 and a driver license suspension of at least 30 days. These DMV amounts come on top of any court penalties from a traffic citation.
UM/UIM and medical payments must be offered
Under NRS 687B.145, insurers selling auto policies in Nevada must:
- offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage equal to your bodily injury limits, on a form approved by the Commissioner; and
- offer medical payments coverage of at least $1,000.
Neither is required for you to buy, and the insurer doesn't have to re-offer them on a replacement or amended policy. Each renewal must include a copy of the offer forms, and you can add either coverage by asking in writing.
Fault: the 51% bar
Under NRS 41.141, your negligence doesn't bar recovery if it isn't greater than the negligence of the parties you're suing. You can't recover if your share is greater, and any award is reduced by your percentage.
What 25/50/20 doesn't do
- Pay for your own car. That's collision and comprehensive.
- Cover your own injuries when the at-fault driver has no or low coverage. That's UM/UIM.
- Cover expensive property damage. $20,000 may not pay for a newer vehicle.
Scenarios
You sell your car in Reno and cancel insurance first. The registration is still active, so the DMV may treat it as a lapse. Cancel registration or surrender plates before dropping coverage.
A 45-day lapse after a missed payment, first offense. Expect $500 in fees and fines to reinstate, plus proof of current Nevada coverage.
You move to Las Vegas with an Arizona policy. Nevada won't accept it once you register here. Get a Nevada policy.
Bottom line
Nevada is strict about continuous, electronically verified Nevada coverage. Keep your policy active without a gap, and consider limits well above 25/50/20, along with UM/UIM. Compare states on our car insurance minimums by state page.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Nevada, auto insurance and rideshare insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Nevada?
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage.
Does Nevada have a grace period for car insurance?
No. Even a one-day lapse can lead to registration suspension and reinstatement fees and fines.
Can I use out-of-state car insurance in Nevada?
No. Your policy must be written for Nevada by an insurer authorized in Nevada and verified electronically.
How much is the fine for a lapse in Nevada car insurance?
For a first offense, from $250 for a lapse of 30 days or less up to $1,250 for 181 days or more, with SR-22 required for longer lapses.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Nevada?
Insurers must offer it equal to your bodily injury limits, but you're not required to buy it.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.