NRS: Chapter 485 Subchapter 185 – Insurance Required

NRS 485.185 Insurance Required (Nevada Definition)

NRS 485.185 Insurance for payment of tort liabilities arising from maintenance or use of motor vehicle: Coverage to be obtained from insurance company duly licensed and approved; minimum thresholds of coverage.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, every owner of a motor vehicle which is registered or required to be registered in this State shall continuously provide, while the motor vehicle is present or registered in this State, insurance provided by an insurance company licensed by the Division of Insurance of the Department of Business and Industry and approved to do business in this State:
   • (a) In the amount of $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in any one crash;
   • (b) Subject to the limit for one person, in the amount of $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one crash; and
   • (c) In the amount of $20,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one crash, for the payment of tort liabilities arising from the maintenance or use of the motor vehicle.
2. The provisions of this section do not apply to a moped.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1820; A 1981, 1862; 1987, 1090; 1993, 2484; 1995, 2734; 2007, 2049; 2015, 1646, 1768; 2017, 1340)

Nevada car insurance requirements under state law

Every driver in Las Vegas, Reno, and throughout Nevada must understand the state’s mandatory auto insurance requirements. NRS 485.185 establishes the minimum car insurance coverage needed for all registered vehicles in Nevada. This comprehensive guide explains everything Silver State drivers need to know about Nevada vehicle insurance law.

What are Nevada’s minimum car insurance requirements?

Under Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 485.185, all registered vehicles in Nevada must maintain continuous auto insurance coverage through a licensed Nevada insurance provider. Here are the mandatory minimum insurance requirements in Nevada:

• Bodily Injury Coverage: $25,000 per person
• Total Bodily Injury: $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $20,000 per accident

These Nevada auto insurance minimums (known as “25/50/20” coverage) protect Nevada residents from car accidents with uninsured motorist risks and ensure accident victims receive compensation.

Key elements of Nevada’s car insurance law

1. Mandatory Auto Coverage Requirements
   • Continuous insurance coverage is required for all Nevada-registered vehicles
   • Must use Nevada-licensed insurance companies
   • Coverage must remain active while the vehicle is registered or present in Nevada
2. Nevada Insurance Coverage Minimums
   • $25,000 minimum coverage for injury/death to one person
   • $50,000 minimum coverage for injury/death to multiple persons
   • $20,000 minimum coverage for property damage
3. Nevada Insurance Law Exemptions
   • Mopeds are exempt from Nevada insurance requirements
   • No other vehicle types are exempt under Nevada law

How Nevada’s car insurance law works in practice

Auto accident scenarios in Nevada

When a Nevada driver causes an accident, their minimum liability coverage provides:

• Up to $25,000 per injured person
• Maximum total payment of $50,000 for all injuries
• Up to $20,000 for vehicle damage in Nevada

Nevada insurance verification process

• Nevada Highway Patrol checks insurance during traffic stops
• Nevada DMV verifies insurance during vehicle registration
• Penalties apply for Nevada insurance coverage lapses

Nevada Auto Insurance Law: Related Cases

Valdez v. Employers Insurance Company of Nevada

• Case details: https://casetext.com/case/valdez-v-employers-insurance-company-of-nevada/case-details
• Established Nevada minimum coverage requirements are absolute
• Reinforced Nevada insurance carrier obligations

Common questions about Nevada auto insurance requirements

Can I drive in Nevada without car insurance?

No. Nevada law NRS 485.185 requires continuous auto insurance coverage for all registered vehicles in the state.

Are Nevada’s minimum car insurance coverage amounts enough?

While legally sufficient in Nevada, many insurance experts recommend higher coverage limits since accident costs often exceed state minimums.

What happens if my Nevada car insurance lapses?

You may face Nevada DMV fines, registration suspension, and reinstatement fees under NRS 485.187.

Related Nevada insurance laws

1. NRS 485.187
   • Nevada penalties for failure to maintain auto insurance
   • Direct relationship to state insurance requirements
2. NRS 485.190
   • Alternative methods of proving financial responsibility in Nevada
   • Supplements main Nevada insurance requirements
3. NRS 482.480
   • Nevada vehicle registration requirements
   • Connected to state insurance verification process

Additional Nevada auto insurance resources

• Nevada Division of Insurance
• Nevada DMV Insurance Requirements
• Nevada Highway Patrol