Auto insurance determines how — and whether — you get compensated after a crash. These are the questions we hear most often from Nevada drivers, answered in plain English.
Is Nevada an at-fault or no-fault state?
Nevada is an at-fault state. The driver who causes an accident is responsible for the resulting harm, and their liability insurance is the first source of compensation for the people they injure. There is no requirement to turn first to your own insurer for injury claims, as there is in no-fault states.
What insurance is required in Nevada?
Every registered vehicle must carry liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage — commonly written 25/50/20 (NRS 485.185). Nevada verifies coverage electronically through its NVLIVE system, so a lapse in coverage is quickly flagged and can lead to registration suspension and fines.
Is the minimum coverage enough?
Frankly, no. A single emergency room visit, an ambulance ride, and a few follow-up appointments can exceed $25,000, and a serious injury can exceed it many times over. Carrying only the minimum also exposes you personally if you cause a crash. We generally suggest drivers carry the highest liability limits they can reasonably afford — and just as important, matching uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
What is uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and do I need it?
UM/UIM coverage protects you when the driver who hits you has no insurance, not enough insurance, or leaves the scene in a hit-and-run. Given the number of uninsured drivers on Nevada roads and the low legal minimums, UM/UIM is often the coverage that actually pays our clients’ claims. It also generally covers you as a pedestrian or cyclist, and in some cases household family members. It is inexpensive relative to the protection it provides; Nevada insurers must offer it, though you may decline it in writing.
What about Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage?
MedPay pays your initial medical bills after a crash regardless of who was at fault, up to the limit you purchased, with no requirement to wait for the other driver’s insurer. It is a useful supplement, especially while a liability claim is pending.
The other driver’s insurer called and wants a recorded statement. Should I give one?
Not before speaking with an attorney. The adjuster works for the other driver’s insurance company, not for you, and the purpose of the statement is to find ways to minimize or deny your claim. You have no obligation to give one. See our general FAQs for more on this.
What if I was driving a rental car or was hit by a tourist in a rental?
Rental car situations layer several possible coverages: the renter’s personal auto policy, coverage provided by the credit card used, and any coverage purchased at the rental counter. These cases take sorting out, but there is almost always a path to coverage. Las Vegas sees more rental-car crashes than nearly any city in the country, and our office handles them routinely.
Have a question not answered here?
Every crash is different. Call 702-737-0000 for a free consultation — we are happy to review your situation and your coverage and tell you honestly where you stand.