Nevada Car Insurance (Coverage, Companies, & More)

The above table shows you things to pay attention to, including factors that may affect your car insurance.

Here’s an interesting tidbit: did you know that more people in Nevada drive a RAV4 than any other car? Even though it seems like a simple fact, the average cost for more affordable models of car will be cheaper than if you’re paying a lot more per month. There are quite a few companies who take things like that into consideration when going over what will be your monthly auto insurance coverage.

Nevada is a diverse driving state with many miles of desert highway. You may think of Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. You may also think of heists, casinos, and luxury living. But Nevada is much more than that.

The state known for its urban strips is also home to well-worn as enduring, rural highways. It is home to the famous reality television show Pawn Stars and dozens of luxury resorts, but also infrastructural wonders like the Hoover Dam!

Enter your ZIP code above to get started with finding your best rate in the Silver State!

Are there any cheap Nevada Car insurance and rates?

We know that finding the right car insurance can be stressful. Helping you discover which types of coverage work for you, and how this coverage can fit into your lifestyle, is paramount to great service.

We understand that researching car insurance takes energy, but we are here to provide straightforward information and save you time. Depending on your goals, we can help you make the right decision.

Let’s look at how much, on average, Nevada’s drivers spend on car insurance per year.

According to Trusted Choice, Nevada pays 2.7 percent less than the average American for car insurance. The state has the 23rd most expensive premiums in the U.S.

Keep reading to learn more about Nevada’s state insurance requirements, what your rates might look like, and more.

What is Nevada’s car culture?

Books and movies may have provided a glimpse into what Las Vegas car culture is like, but how accurate is it?

As it turns out, Nevada drivers are into looks and practicality.

Outside of its major cities, Las Vegas and Reno, are miles and miles of rural, mountainous desert. As mentioned before, the most popular vehicle in Nevada is the RAV4, a good car for those seeking off-the-map adventures.

The state is home to NASCAR events, which take place at the famed Las Vegas Motor Speedway. More racetracks are being built as we speak to accommodate demand and fill the racing niche.

Multi-millionaire John Morris is building a record-breaking racetrack in Pahrump, NV. He is hoping it’ll be the longest racetrack in the world, completed in the year 2020.

Reno is also host to the National Car Museum, which has almost 200 classic cars within its walls! Don’t forget about Pawn Stars, the reality television show that showcases dozens of hot rods and motorcycles; the show is filmed in the Las Vegas strip.

How much coverage is required for Nevada minimum coverage?

Nevada drivers must fulfill certain minimum coverage. That means the driver would need to carry liability insurance cover bodily injury (BI) and property damages if an accident were to occur.

The table below shows the minimum coverage required for all Nevada drivers.

The IIHS is a good resource, providing data on the percentage of uninsured motorists in your state. Nevada ranks somewhere in the middle, with 10.6 percent of its drivers uninsured. If you choose to not insure yourself while driving, you are breaking liability laws.

In 2018, new requirements were posted on the Nevada DMV website. To summarize, the new minimums, are “25/50/20” or $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for all persons for bodily injury per crash and $20,000 for property damage per crash, as stated in the table. These minimums have gone up significantly due to increased medical coverage expenses in the state.

What are the forms of financial responsibility in Nevada?

If you’re in an accident or you get pulled over, law enforcement will ask you to show proof that you have the required insurance.

According to the Nevada Division of Insurance, “proof of financial responsibility” means proof of ability to pay the damages for liability if one is in an accident involving their own vehicle. Basically, owning, operating, or maintaining a vehicle carries an added level of responsibility for drivers.

The table below shows the types of financial responsibility that are accepted in Nevada.

Single-limit coverage is the amount required to fulfill all expenses involved in an accident. This includes coverage for vehicle damage, premises damage, and rental car coverage. Combined single-limit coverage (bodily injury and property damage protection) increased in July of 2018.

Split-limit coverage has different maximum dollar amounts the insurer will pay for different parts of a claim. You can see that these are $20,000 for single-limit and “25/50/20” for split-limit coverage.

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What percentage of income goes toward premiums in Nevada?

In the table above, we covered the percentage of income that Nevada drivers paid over a three-year period. For your comparison needs, we have also provided those same numbers of the average American driver and shown the percent difference.

In 2014, Nevada drivers spent 30 percent more of their income on car insurance than the average American. This number has grown steadily since 2012, when the same group paid only 24 percent more than the average U.S driver. As a whole, Nevada ranks in the top 10 states for the percentage of income its residents spend on premiums.

What are the average monthly car insurance rates in NV (liability, collision, comprehensive)?

Knowing the rates for the main kinds of insurance coverage is the first step in you making an informed decision about which insurance company and coverage type are right for you.

The data above is provided by 2015 NAIC statistics. They are based on the state minimum coverage rates. As you can see, liability, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage have different premiums. If you opt for comprehensive coverage you will be protected against non-collision events like theft, fire/water damage, and accidents involving wild animals.

What additional liability is available in Nevada?

You also have the option to add additional liability coverage beyond the standard policies shown in the table.

This might include:

• Personal injury protection, also known as no-fault insurance, which helps cover medical expenses for all individuals involved in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
• Medical payments (MedPay) coverage, which pays for costs incurred by the insured driver and any passengers in the insured’s vehicle for injuries sustained in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which will pay for medical expenses or damage if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured individual.

Now that we have listed the types of additional protections, it’s time to explain loss ratio.

How is loss ratio relevant?

A company’s loss ratio reflects the percentage of premiums that a company pays out in claims. A loss ratio over 100 percent means that the carrier didn’t collect enough premiums to pay for all its claims, which could lead to a rate increase. A loss ratio under 45 percent means that the carrier may have overpriced its policies, collecting more premiums than it’s paying out.

While the NAIC does not currently have data on personal injury protection or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in Nevada, they do provide data on the average loss ratio for the MedPay liability protection.

Check out the table below:

The table above calls out loss ratios for MedPay in Nevada, which are in the high range. The higher loss ratios are likely due to recent increased medical coverage expenses in the state.

What add-ons, endorsements, and riders are available in Nevada?

Classic car owner? Renting a vehicle for work?

If you find yourself in a particular group, you may need add-ons to your current insurance policy.

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-Owner Car Insurance
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Classic Car Insurance
• Pay-As-You-Drive or Usage-Based Insurance

Do gender and age affect my car insurance in Nevada?

When it comes to car insurance rates, Nevada currently has no laws in place to protect against gender discrimination. Other states, like California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, have outlawed these practices.

One key tool is seeing exactly how rates by gender and age differ by company. Check out the table below:

Read more: Mid-Century Insurance Company Car Insurance Review

According to the table above, teens paid up to three times more for car insurance than other age groups with the same insurance provider. If you are a 25-year-old single man or woman looking to save, Travelers and Progressive are good options.

Quadrant data is based on actual purchased coverage by the state population and includes rates for high-risk drivers and others who pay more than the state’s core requirements.

What are the cheapest rates by ZIP code in Nevada?

Do you ever wonder what your neighbors pay for car insurance? What about someone who lives across the state?

The table above shows the top 25 highest rates by ZIP code. Wondering about the 25 lowest ZIP codes?

If you live in the ZIP code 89101, you will be paying an average of 120 percent more than if you lived in the cheapest ZIP, 89406. That’s a difference of $4,075.

What are the cheapest rates by city in Nevada?

Of the many cities in the Silver State, you can certainly expect some areas to cost more than others when it comes to paying for car insurance. Let’s take a look at the top 25 most expensive cities for car insurance premiums.

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Read more: The Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance

As you can see, Las Vegas has the highest insurance premiums in the state. According to Census.gov, the entertainment capital of the world has a population of 644,444. Pictured below are 25 lowest rates in Nevada.

Owyhee, which has a population of 1,104, is part of the Duck Valley Reservation. Those who live there pay about $3,411 per year for insurance. Fallon City residents also pay around the same amount, making it an affordable place to live.

What are some of the best Nevada car insurance companies?

If you are shopping for car insurance in Nevada, there are plenty of companies from which to choose. While some folks need more coverage for professional purposes, others may be interested in getting insurance after an accident, DUI, or speeding ticket.

We agree that finding the right insurance is hard. If you are looking to compare rates, customer ratings, complaint data, or premiums, look no further. We have compiled all of the current data about car insurance companies in your state, including some interesting facts including details on the top 10 car insurance companies in Nevada.

Read more:

• Top 10 Nevada Car Insurance Companies
• Nevada General Insurance Company Car Insurance Review
• Nevada Capital Insurance Company Car Insurance Review

What are the financial ratings of the largest car insurance companies in Nevada?

Knowing the financial health of a company can make or break your decision to go with them. According to A.M. Best, some companies have better financial outlooks than others.

Below, we show companies with a good “financial report cards,” as well as whether their outlooks are stable or unstable. Choosing a company with a stable outlook can affect your own rates in the long run.

Geico, State Farm, and USAA all earned an A++ rating from A.M. Best. All companies listed had stable outlooks, which is a good marker.

Which car insurance companies have the best ratings in Nevada?

Once you know which company can offer you the best premium rates and financial stability, it’s time to consider overall customer satisfaction. According to a 2019 J.D. Powers press release, customer satisfaction with car insurance is high.

The companies with the best customer satisfaction ratings in the Southwest region of the nation are provided below.

J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking – Southwest Region

You may be wondering: what do these rankings mean?

J.D. Power ranks customer satisfaction using a 1,000 point scale. Companies with ratings above 850 are considered among the best; 840-849 are better than most; 815-839 are about average; 800 and under are below average.

*USAA earned the highest financial rating (877). Coverage through USAA is a provider open only to U.S. military personnel and their families.

Which car insurance companies have the most complaints in Nevada?

Is your insurance company working for you and your specific needs?

Above, we covered customer satisfaction, which is based on how well insurance companies communicate and work to resolve their customers’ complaints. Next, find out how many complaints a company receives, how satisfied their customers are, and whether or not your current company responds well.

Complaint ratios are calculated to indicate the number of complaints a company receives, relative to its size. All complaint ratios start at 1.0 as the baseline. This indicates an average number of complaints. The higher the complaint ratio, the greater the number of complaints.

The table above shows State Farm as the leading contender, earning just a 0.57 complaint ratio. They also occupy the largest amount of market (19.6 percent).

What are the cheapest car insurance companies in Nevada?

Now that we have looked at company complaint data, let’s check out how Nevada car insurance companies measure up in terms of affordability. Companies like USAA, Depositors, and Geico offer highly competitive rates.

The most expensive insurance company in Nevada is Safeco Ins Co.

Does my commute affect my car insurance rate in Nevada?

In a world of logic, the rule would go: the more time you spend behind the wheel, the greater your risk of having an accident.

If you have a long commute to work, the table below is a helpful tool for determining which insurance company to choose.

Allstate, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Progressive, and Travelers do not show any rate change between a 10-mile commute and a 25-mile commute, while the remaining four companies do show an increase for the 25-mile commute.

Can coverage level change my car insurance rate with companies in Nevada?

Do you know which level of car insurance coverage you need? Some companies’ rates vary greatly across the board. Check out the below table to compare high, medium, and low coverage premiums in Nevada.

Looking at the table above, you may notice some significant gaps between certain companies’ high and low pricing options. For example, Allstate’s high coverage premium is 28.6 percent higher than its low coverage premium. In another comparison, we see that Nationwide’s rates don’t change much; low and high-coverage options only have a 4 percent difference.

How does my credit history affect my car insurance rate with companies in Nevada?

Did you know that your unique credit history may have an impact on your future insurance premiums? Credit history is a big factor for insurance companies when they begin adjusting your rates.

According to an Experian report, the average credit score of Nevada residents is 686. What about the state of the rest of the country’s credit?

The same report shows that the average American has a credit score of about 675. Let’s have a look at Nevada’s rates for good, fair, and poor credit, by company:

What does all this mean for you?

If you have a poor credit score and are looking to save money, the best option is Progressive; their rates increase only 18 percent, to $4,430.10 for someone with a less-than-stellar credit history. The sharpest increase was with State Farm, showing a nearly 300 percent increase from “good” to “poor” credit (that’s $7,916.37!).

Here are the Nevada state averages, for all companies:

• Good Credit (670 or above): $3,718.67
• Fair Credit (580-669): $4,388.45
• Poor Credit (300-579): $6,295.99

How does my driving record change my rates with car insurance companies in Nevada?

You may wonder, can I get the affordable coverage with a spotted driving record? Although you may not get the best of both worlds, it is possible to find an insurance company that meets your specific needs, depending on your driving history.

Check out the table below:

For varying driving records, USAA is your best bet. Their rates do not change much for your first speeding ticket or accident but do jump significantly for DUI’s.

Have you recently gotten a DUI? American Family, Geico, and Nationwide have the greatest increase for your first DUI, increasing your rate by about 40 percent. On the other hand, Progressive offers the cheapest option ($4,249) if you’ve had a DUI.

Check out the table below, which compares percent increases for each type of driving offense:

How does speeding, a DUI, or an accident increase your rates?

• With Nationwide, American Family, and State Farm rates increase by 10 percent and under for speeding.
• Geico increases rates by as much as 95 percent for people with DUI’s.
• Lastly, an accident can increase your rate by as much as 62 percent (Geico) or as little as 17 percent (Allstate).

All in all, it’s a good idea to consider your own driving record and which rates work best for you.

Which car insurance companies are the largest in Nevada?

The motto in Vegas is, “go big or go home,” but is the same true for car insurance companies?

Although it may seem counterintuitive, size does matter when it comes to car insurance companies. Knowing the percent of the market that a company has, combined with the loss and complaint ratio data we discussed earlier, is a good way to place your bet.

The largest companies in Nevada and the market share of each is listed in the table below.

State Farm group holds the top spot for direct premiums written, at 19.06 percent of the market share. Geico comes in second at 14.09 percent of the market share.

How many car insurance companies are available in Nevada?

There are 882 insurance companies in Missouri. Nine are considered domestic insurers (an insurer that was incorporated in Nevada), while the remaining 873 are termed foreign insurers (an insurer that was incorporated in a different state).

Every insurance company that sells policies in Nevada is required to act in compliance with Nevada insurance laws, whether they are domestic or foreign. To learn more about those Nevada insurance laws, keep reading.

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Is there more to know about Nevada driving and insurance laws?

Finding car insurance is a tough endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be risky business.

Our goal is to provide resources to help you be safe and make informed insurance decisions so that you come out on top. Below, we have collected all the legal information you need to help you be safe and make informed insurance decisions. Let’s have a look.

What are the car insurance laws in Nevada?

Every state has its own specific guidelines for auto insurance. We’ve already looked at the minimum requirements for insurance so you can drive legally in Nevada. But what about the laws of the land?

Other areas to cover include correct licensing procedures, windshield requirements, speed limits, and other state specifics. A knowledge of these requirements will not only allow you to be a better driver on the road but make the most informed decision when it comes to personal auto insurance.

First, let’s take a look at state laws and the origins of these laws so you can become an informed driver.

How are state laws for insurance determined?

While there are many ways to learn about how states determine their insurance guidelines, one valuable resource is the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) website. There you can discover a wealth of information, including abrief history of insurance law in the U.S.

Nevada’s driving laws begin with a bill that is put before the state legislature. The state legislature considers the necessity, benefit, etc. of the law. If they agree it’s both necessary and official, it will become law. Thus, Nevada drivers are expected to meet what is stipulated by the law.

Insurance is regulated on a state level, and certain mechanisms used to regulate the rates that insurance companies are allowed to charge consumers. For example, Nevada is a Prior Approval state, meaning that insurance companies must first obtain state approval for any rate change.

Approval is often stipulated by the insurer’s ability to explain why a rate change is necessary. Nevada also has several safety-related laws. The next few sections will help you familiarize yourself with these laws.

Is there any coverage for windshields?

Different states have various laws surrounding windshield coverage. For example, tinted windshields may be okay in one state, but are prohibited in others, like Tennessee.

For Nevada drivers, there are no specific laws regarding windshields. If you choose a repair shop other than the one suggested by your insurance, you can expect to pay a difference in the quote.

Specifications about the use of aftermarket or OEM parts are not generally made, either. An OEM part is one that has been made by the “Original Equipment Manufacturer,” or your car’s manufacturer. These are different than parts made by an “After Market Manufacturer,” or by a third party.

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Are there options for high-risk insurance?

Safe driving is taken seriously in most states. You may have a less than clean driving record, and as a result, have difficulty obtaining an insurance policy through regular means. You are considered to be a high-risk driver if you have a poor driving record, multiple DUIs, etc.

An SR-22 is a form specifically designed for high-risk drivers. It should be filed by an insurance carrier and sent to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), where state law enforcement officers can verify that drivers’ ability to maintain minimum insurance requirements.

In Nevada, drivers who acquire an SR-22 are required to maintain it for a period of three years. According to the Nevada DMV, “The continuous three-year requirement begins from the date you reinstate your driver’s license.”

A failure to maintain your SR-22 continuously, your insurance provider may notify the state, and your license could be suspended.

Although filing extra forms may seem like a big deal, the extra step can protect you if you are involved in an automobile accident and need to file a claim.

Can you find low-cost insurance?

Some states have programs in place that help low-income drivers get car insurance. Unfortunately, Nevada does not currently have a government-sponsored program for this specific purpose which means that there is less of an average cost and more of a sweeping spectrum.

In July 2018, the state raised the minimum MedPay liability coverages.

Residents experienced a sweeping increase in healthcare costs, leading to a resultant impact on insurance coverage. The impact of other insurance sectors will continue to change as rates fluctuate across the board.

Is there any automobile insurance fraud in Nevada?

Insurance fraud is a crime in Nevada and is considered a class D felony. Outlined on Findlaw.com, we learn that a person who has committed insurance fraud may face up to four years in prison and a fine of $5,000.

Insurance providers can violate the law by misrepresenting sales or presenting inappropriate coverage information.

Car insurance fraud includes a wide breadth of actions, but the most common are misrepresenting facts on insurance applications, submitting claim forms for injuries or damage that never occurred, or billing an insurer for a medical procedure that was not performed.

In Nevada, insurance fraud can occur in many different ways. Examples of insurance fraud include:

• Property fraud: Exaggerating the amount of damage incurred to your home, car, or other possession; deliberately damaging possessions for reimbursement by the insurance company, or seeking reimbursement for a lost or stolen item that was neither lost nor stolen.
• Casualty fraud: Exaggerating injuries due to an accident to increase the funds you receive from the insurance company, or even faking an accident to file a claim

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What are the annual fraud statistics for Nevada?

According to the Nevada Attorney General, the office received 1,443 complaints in 2015, of which 41 became convictions. Over $393,888 of restitutions were also ordered for the same fiscal year.

If you live in Nevada and you want to report insurance fraud, contact the Insurance Fraud Unit (IFU) of the Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford. You can report fraud using the File a Complaint form, or reach these department locations by phone:

• Carson City Office: 775-684-1100
• Las Vegas Office: 702-486-3420
• Reno Office: 775-687-2100

What is the statute of limitations in Nevada?

How long do you have to file a car accident lawsuit in Nevada? Nevada law requires you to file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident for personal injury protection, and three years for property damage. years

A statute of limitations is the period of time one has to file and resolve their claim, or file a lawsuit to preserve the statute.

After two to three years (depending on your type of claim), you are barred from filing a lawsuit. For other types of cases, there are different time limits. Regardless, it’s important to be aware of the distinct time constraints so that you have ample time to prepare to file a lawsuit.

Are you wondering if you have a viable case? If your car accident case involves an injury or disputed matters, you should consider contacting an experienced car accident attorney in Nevada. Talking to an attorney can help you take action before you’ve lost your chance.

Are there any Nevada-specific laws?

Truancy is taken seriously in Nevada. In fact, a bill was passed on January 1, 2014, that can delay young drivers from reaching a key milestone — if they miss a significant number of school days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV7JARm1hO0

Student drivers who already have a license, and subsequently do not attend school on a regular basis, may face license suspensions. You can find more information on this interesting law here.

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What are the vehicle licensing laws in Nevada?

Does Nevada take part in the REAL ID Act?

Nevada is compliant with the REAL ID Act. When you renew your license, you have a choice between a license that complies with the Real ID Act or a standard Nevada license.

A REAL ID license will be required in the future for federal purposes such as boarding aircraft and is marked with a gold circle and star cut-out. This means that federal agencies can accept Nevada drivers’ licenses as a secure form of identification at federal organizations like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), other federal facilities.

Nevada is working hard to keep its residents informed on renewal options.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB77N8dGCTY

More information can be found at the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

If you plan on getting a REAL ID-compliant license in Nevada, you will need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue Office. They handle most driver and vehicle services in the state, with the exception of license examinations. You will have to show the following documents one time at a state DMV office :

• Proof of identity,
• Social security number and
• Residential address

See the REAL ID Act in Nevada for more information and a list of acceptable documents.

Are there any penalties for driving without insurance?

If you own and operate a vehicle, you are required to have skin in the game: insurance coverage.

Nevada law requires that all drivers and owners of vehicles have some type of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. This means a motor vehicle liability insurance policy that meets the minimum liability insurance requirements.

So what happens if you are stopped and cannot provide valid proof of insurance?

According to the Nevada DMV, your first violation can result in the following:

• A $250-$1,000 fine
• SR-22 filing (if more than 90 days without insurance)
• Suspension of registration
• Reinstatement fee of $250

You must keep some proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times, whether electronic or paper. If an accident is involved, an SR-22 filing is required for proof of liability insurance.

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Are there any teen driver laws?

Teens in Nevada are excited to get on the road. But before they can join the ranks of the fast and furious, certain requirements must be met.

Nevada has a multi-step program that is designed to gradually introduce teen drivers to the rules of the road. According AAA, the first step is to acquire a learner’s permit, which teens can apply to at age fifteen and a half. Several documents are needed to get a learner’s permit. These include:

• Proof of residency and identity
• Presence of a parent or guardian
• Pass vision and written tests
• Have a parent/guardian sign on financial responsibility section

The minimum age for obtaining a learner’s permit is 15 and a half, but the holding period for this type of license is six months. In Nevada, drivers with a learner’s permit must get a minimum number of driving hours (50 hours and 10 nighttime hours), and enroll in a local professional driver’s course (30 hours of classroom instruction).

At 16, if the teenager has met the learner’s permit requirements, they can apply for a minor license. A minor license requires six months of learner’s permit holding, no alcohol or driving-related driving charges. They will also need:

• A completed “Beginning Driver Experience Log”
• Signature of parent/guardian
• Pass behind-the-wheel drivers test

Please note that teen drivers with a minor license are not permitted to drive between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. or transport people under the age of 18 (except family members) for the first six months.

What is the final step for teen drivers in Nevada?

The Full Driver License is available at age 18. If the applicant has passed the first two stages of licensure and has no DMV or court-ordered violations, they are then permitted to drive as an adult in the state of Nevada. (For more information, read our “Can you drive by yourself with a permit?“).

Are there specific older driver license renewal procedures?

Are you over the age of 65 in Nevada?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the license renewal procedures for older drivers are different from that of the general population. While the general population has a cycle of eight years (starting on all licenses in 2018), people over 65 must follow these general procedures:

• Renew their licenses every four years
• Vision test at every renewal (aged 71 and over)
• Can renew online or by mail every other renewal cycle

The Nevada DMV provides a list of options on their license renewal page. People looking to renew their licenses can do so online, by mail, or at a DMV office within the state.

What are the rules for new residents?

Are you new to the Silver State? We have good news for you.

New residents are required to provide specific forms, but we have gathered all of the information you need in one place. As a first-time license applicant in Nevada, you are required to provide the following:

• Proof of identity
• Name changes (if applicable)
• Social Security number
• Proof of your residential Nevada address (two documents)

If you have any further questions on documents or other processes, please consult the Nevada DMV new residents section on their site.

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What are the license renewal procedures?

License renewals are more necessary than they are exciting. To stay up-to-date on your license, read on.

As we covered earlier, Nevada is transitioning to an eight-year renewal period, as opposed to their previous four-year cycle. The Nevada DMV will send out a renewal notice no later than 30 days before the expiration of a licensee’s license.

According to AAA, these longer renewal periods do not apply to motorists over 65 or immigrants; they are issued different license types. In fact, these groups will still need to renew every four years.

To renew your license, you can either mail in the portion from your original notice, access the online portal, or visit a DMV branch office to renew in person.

What is the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS)?

Nevada takes its driving laws seriously. That is why the state has an extensive points system set in place, known as the Demerit Points System. If you are caught acting out while driving, points can and will be added to your record.

Below are some examples of offenses and their penalty:

As you can see, different violations each add their own point score on your driving record.

When you receive 12 or more points in a 12-month period, your license will be. suspended for six months. It’s important to prevent any further driving violations while you wait for the demerits to be deleted.

What are the rules of the road in Nevada?

Factors such as your location, personal driving record, and coverage type impact your premiums.

Six major factors affect auto insurance rates in NV. Which car insurance factors will affect your rates the most? Find out below:

But did you know that adhering to the rules of the road are equally important?

Is Nevada a fault or no-fault state?

Nevada is an at-fault state. This means that when you’re in an accident, there will be an investigation to discover who caused it.

The person responsible for the accident will then be financially responsible for injuries, damages, and other harms that occurred as a result. It’s important to know about the ways you might be held financially responsible, and the coverage that offers you the necessary protection.

According to the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety, state law requires that all owners and motor vehicle drivers have some type of liability car insurance coverage.

Not all states are at-fault states. However, there are other laws that are mostly standardized throughout the nation, like those related to seat belts and car seats.

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What are the seat belt and car seat laws?

The CDC notes that child seats are required for all children age five and under, or those weighing less than 60 pounds.

In Nevada, seat belts or child passenger safety devices are required for all vehicle occupants. The state’s car seat and child-seating laws are as follows:

• Children five years old or younger and less than 60 pounds require a child safety seat
• Children younger than seven (but are at least 57 inches tall) may use an adult belt
• For four-seven years old, a booster seat is recommended

There is a $25 fee for failure to buckle-up; for children under age six not secured in a child safety seat, fines could total $500.

Active October 1, 2019, moped drivers are required to wear a helmet. The law, provided by the Nevada DMV traffic laws page, will also apply to vehicles with three wheels, handlebars, and a saddle seat. Helmet use is not required in three-wheeled vehicles with an enclosed cab.

Are there any keep right and move over laws?

In Nevada, drivers are required to keep right if they are moving slower than the left-lane traffic.

Active July 1st, 2017, a new law makes it illegal to drive below the speed limit in the passing lane. Drivers should also give right-of-way to emergency vehicles, moving into a different lane and slowing their vehicles significantly.

Do the speed limits vary?

With all of the racetracks and muscle cars in Nevada, you may be tempted to speed.

The state has set speed limit laws to combat unsafe driving habits. If you’re caught driving over the speed limit, you can be ticketed, receive a point against your license, and face monetary fines. Your insurance company can also raise your rates.

The maximum speed in the state is 80 mph. This is for rural interstates; urban interstates have a speed limit of 65 mph. Other highways and access roads have maximum speed limits of 70 mph.

These limits are designed for travelers of urban strips as well as enduring, rural highways. Nevada speeding law requires drivers to be mindful of the traffic, pedestrians, and wildlife around them.

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Are there any ridesharing rules?

Ridesharing can look unique by state. If you are one of the 10.5 percent of Nevada residents that commute, there are a few options.

While no insurance companies individually back ridesharing services in Nevada, Las Vegas is quickly becoming an innovator for ridesharing services. According to the Las Vegas Sun, Uber and Lyft will soon have a new competitor: Tryp Technologies.

Instead of taking a cut of every ride, Tryp Technologies drivers pay a flat $199 monthly fee and then keep 100 percent of the fare. The new rideshare service also opens up job opportunities for drivers.

Is there any automation on the road?

Nevada has recently expanded their laws to accommodate the fast-growing technology. As one of the first cities in the nation to test self-driving Uber and Lyfts, they’ve now expanded their mandates to allow for more autonomous vehicle testing. The Nevada DMV page has great info.

What are the safety laws in Nevada?

In Nevada, you must follow the appropriate guidelines to keep yourself and others safe. We touched on road safety laws earlier, but other factors, like driving while intoxicated, should also be taken seriously.

Are there any DUI specific laws?

A DUI conviction can happen quickly. First, you have a few drinks with friends. Next thing you know, you put the keys in the ignition to drive home. A law enforcement officer may pull you over, and administer tests to check your BAC.

Driving under the influence leaves you open to harm, and also added penalties like fines, jail time, and license suspensions.

According to Responsibility.org, 28.8 percent of driving fatalities in the state of Nevada were alcohol-related (in 2018). This is compared to 29.3 percent, which is the alcohol-impaired group of the national composite.

The BAC limit in Nevada is 0.08, while the high BAC limit is 0.18. This is significantly higher than other states’ high BAC limits. Below shows examples of alcohol-related penalties one may face for first, second and subsequent offenses.

Please note that for those facing their third DUI offenses, one must have acquired three DUI’s in seven years to face the above penalties.

Marijuana-Impaired Driving Laws

Although marijuana has been approved for recreational use in Nevada, you still cannot smoke it in public, or drive under the influence of the drug. The state website has a wealth of information on the safe and accepted uses of marijuana. (For more information, read our “Car Insurance for Impaired Drivers“).

Nevada law permits drivers to transport with a sealed container of marijuana, which should be kept away from both the driver and minors. The on-person limit is 28 grams, and the THC limit is two nanograms, which applies even when a driver is not visibly intoxicated. (For more information, read our “Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies That Accept Permits“).

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What are the laws for distracted driving?

Distracted driving laws vary from state to state, but one thing remains consistent:

Even five seconds of averting your gaze from the road is enough to harm your life and others.

According to IIHS, Nevada has imposed a handheld ban, for all drivers. Texting while driving is also taken seriously, and is considered a primary offense.

Remember, keeping your eyes on the road could save your life.

Is there anything else to keep in mind about driving in Nevada?

Keeping your eyes on the road allows you to be a defensive, not reactive, driver, and could save your life. But what about factors like vehicle theft, fatal crashes from speeding, and crashes by light condition?

Does vehicle theft occur in Nevada?

If you think you’re immune to automobile theft, think again. FBI Stats show that owning certain vehicles or living in particular ZIP codes can increase the chances of having your vehicle stolen.

The sheet below displays the top 10 most sought-after vehicles in Nevada by make, model, and year.

Understanding this information is as easy as one, two, three. The data is recent, collected in the year 2015. Check out the first column for rank, the second column for make/model, the third column for vehicle year, and the last column for the number of thefts.

Are you surprised that the most commonly stolen vehicle in Nevada was the 1996 Honda Accord? A practical vehicle, the Honda Accord was stolen 1,048 times in 2015. The Honda Civic was also a popular choice for larceny, with 1,011 lost to the crime.

The FBI provides data on the number of state-wide automobile thefts in Nevada, showing where each theft happened.

The left column shows cities in which auto-theft occurred, the middle column shows the population of that city, and the right-hand column displays the number of thefts in a given year (2017).

How many road fatalities occur in Nevada?

When people step into their vehicles, they rarely think about the fact that driving can be dangerous, and even fatal. Fatalities happen most frequently due to negligent or reckless driving, driving while impaired by a substance, or by other factors such as wet or icy roadways.

Defensive driving can keep you safer while you’re enjoying the sights and sounds of Nevada.

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What is the most fatal highway in Nevada? 

With an average of more fatalities than any other in the state, I-80 is the most fatal highway in Nevada.

Are there any fatal crashes because of weather or light conditions?

The conditions in which we drive can significantly affect our safety. Changes in light, precipitation, and other weather are huge factors to look out for. This table provides data on the number of fatalities in 2017 due to lighting and weather conditions.

The table above shows that most accidents happened during daylight hours when conditions were normal. The second worst time for accidents was in the rain, with dark-but-lighted conditions.

What are some fatalities (all crashes) by county?

The NHTSA Crash Report provides a list (see below table) of the road fatalities in Nevada by county, from 2014-2018.

In 2018, Clark County experienced the most crash-related deaths, at 220 people. The second-highest number by county was Washoe, at 44 deaths, followed by Nye with14 crash-related deaths each. These numbers are higher than they were in 2017 by about 10 percent.

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What do Nevada traffic fatalities look like?

Traffic fatalities can happen at any time of day, to anyone, anywhere. They can happen at a busy, crowded intersection, or on a rural desert highway. This table shows the number of urban and rural traffic fatalities in Nevada between 2014-2018.

As we see in the table, total traffic fatalities in Nevada have gone up by 13 percent since 2014. Be sure to adhere to posted speed signs, do not text or use your phone while driving, and drive defensively.

Are there fatalities by person type?

The Nevada NHTSA Crash Report looks at the number of fatalities for 2014-2018 based on the person and vehicle type.

Most fatalities occurred with a passenger car; on average, 91 deaths per year. The second greatest fatality group was pedestrians, at 69 deaths per year.

Are fatalities listed by crash type?

The NHTSA Crash Report by State also outlines fatalities by crash type, occurring between 2014-2018 in Nevada.

As you can see in the table above, a majority of accidents occurred with a single vehicle (182 per year on average). The second-highest fatality group involved a roadway departure, with an average of 123 deaths per year.

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Is there a five-year trend for the top 10 counties?

In this section, we have compiled fatality trends for the top 10 counties in Nevada.

We don’t always know why crashes happen. But in the table below, we can see where the most crashes occurred each year.

Clark County, or the area we know as Las Vegas, has a population of 1,951,269 (according to 2019 census data). Fatalities peaked in 2018 here, and have remained consistently higher than all surrounding counties for the last five-year period.

What are the fatalities involving speeding by county?

Where in the state should you pay the most attention to speeding? The Nevada NHTSA Traffic Report provides data on fatalities involving speeding by county for 2014-2018 so you can be more aware.

The following table shows fatalities by county per 100,000 people.

Speeding-related deaths peaked in 2017, with about 15 percent more deaths in the most dangerous counties (Clark and Washoe).

Do fatalities occur where the crashes involved an alcohol-impaired driver?

A startling number of 21- to 24-year-olds are killed in alcohol-related crashes each year. According to the CDC, 6.7 percent of this demographic’s fatalities are due to alcohol, whereas the national average is only 4.6 percent.

Again, here is a list of alcohol-related fatalities per 100,000 people.

The tables show the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities from 2014-2018 for each county in Nevada. Alcohol-impaired deaths in 2018 were highest in Clark (61), and Washoe (eight).

Read more: White Pine Insurance Company Car Insurance Review

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What can be said about teen drinking and driving?

In most parts of the country, the legal drinking age is 21 — even in the hot destination of Las Vegas.

Responsibility.org reports Nevada’s average for under-21 driving fatalities involving alcohol as 1.2 deaths per 100,000 population, the same as the national average.

According to the FBI, Nevada ranks 25th in the nation for underage DUI arrests, with just 58 minors arrested for DUIs in 2018.

What is the average EMS response time?

AAA Driving Laws website states that in Nevada, drivers approaching and traveling in the same direction as an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights to change to a non-adjacent lane. Even so, EMS may have a tough time when trying to reach remote areas.

Let’s take a look at EMS response time statistics from NHTSA.

It takes EMS personnel longer to reach crashes in desolate areas, but now we also know that more crashes happen in urban areas. Response times differ greatly between urban and rural areas, with the largest gap in “Average EMS notification to EMS arrival.”

On average, it takes EMS services 20.2 more minutes to get to the scene of an accident in rural areas.

What is transportation like in Nevada?

Between location, weather, other drivers, and rush hour traffic, it’s important to know what you can expect when you’re out on the road, because we all have to get around somehow.

What does the average car ownership look like in Nevada?

Nevada is certainly an anomaly in more ways than one. While some drivers opt for practical vehicles like the RAV4, an astounding 22,00 classic cars are registered across the state.

What’s true across the board, however, is that the average Nevada household owns two cars.

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Is there an average commute time?

According to a 2017 Data USA report, the average Nevada residents spent 23.9 minutes traveling, which is 1.6 minutes less than the national average of 25.5 minutes.

What does Nevada commuter transportation look like?

Data USA provides data from 2017 on the percentage of Nevada residents who drive alone, carpool, telecommute, etc. compared to U.S. averages of the same.

Nevada drivers prefer to commute solo, with 78.3 percent of drivers choosing to drive alone, compared to 76.4 percent of average Americans. Also, 10.5 percent of Missouri drivers carpool. Good job, Nevada!

Is there any traffic congestion anywhere in Nevada?

The table below shows recent 2019 data from TomTom.

Las Vegas’ congestion levels are significantly lower than in more populated areas like Los Angeles, which has a congestion level of 42 percent. However, regardless of the congestion level, drivers should always drive defensively and remain vigilant on the road.

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How does all of this conclude?

When you want to make an informed decision when shopping for insurance, driving legally and safely as well as understanding the factors that are involved in how insurance companies adjust your rates is important.

Helping you find and understand this information is the reason we’ve gathered and outlined everything you need to be educated in insurance and driving in Nevada.

While you’re here, try our FREE online tool to compare car insurance rates right now. Enter your ZIP code to get started.

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