Nevada Car Insurance Guide (Cheap Rates + Best Companies)

Searching for the best Nevada car insurance rates can be a stressful experience. Even if you know what to look for, you can still get lost along the way or end up meeting some dead ends. Without a road map to guide you, you may wind up on a road to nowhere that leads to disappointment and frustration.

That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide. It’s here to help you, the fearless researcher searching for information to help you make the right decision for your car insurance needs without all the hassles and the hype. You might be looking for Interstate Auto Insurance in Reno, NV, or Geico in Vegas.

We know your time is valuable and that you can’t afford to waste it, so we’ve gathered vital data on Nevada car insurance laws, driving and safety laws,  auto insurance coverage requirements, and more factors that affect the price of car insurance. We’re almost ready to make the first stop along the journey to affordable Nevada car insurance.

But first, find out how much you can save on Nevada car insurance — get car insurance quotes for Nevada car insurance rates for FREE. Enter your ZIP code above to get started.

How to Get Nevada Car Insurance Coverage & Rates

Is car insurance expensive in Nevada? With Las Vegas being the Entertainment Capital of the World and Reno is known as The Biggest Little City in the World, it’s not hard to imagine you’ll find plenty of amusement here.

However, when it comes to shopping for car insurance, it’s not always fun and games. Thinking about the coverage you need, the research involved, and what it takes to get set up with a provider can make you feel overwhelmed.

But there’s no need to break into a sweat. We’ve completed the hard work for you. From state car insurance requirements to coverage options, state and insurance laws to statistics, we’ve got all the information you need.

Let’s get ready to learn more about your car insurance options.

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

Your average monthly car insurance rates by coverage may be cheaper than expected for additional coverage like comprehensive. Review rates for car insurance coverage below:

How much is car insurance in Nevada? The table below contains the most recent average rate data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Overall, the average cost of a combined or full coverage policy — just over $1,100 — is $200 less than the annual U.S. average of $1,311. Expect Nevada car insurance rates to rise significantly in 2019 and later.

As we mentioned earlier, mandatory liability coverage protects you from damages in an accident someone else caused.

Nevada car insurance laws don’t require collision coverage, but it’s helpful to have it for damage protection regardless of who is at fault. It will cover the cost of repairs or the replacement of your vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage insures you in case of theft, or damage to your vehicle from other causes — such as hail damage, a flood, or a fire.

Full or combined coverage includes all three types of insurance, and, depending on your options, might be the most affordable choice for the most protection.

Read on to find out about additional liability coverage options.

What are the average monthly car Insurance Rates by age & gender in NV?

Which gender and age pay more for car insurance? Drivers under 25 years old are often in the highest risk class. See if the gender stereotype (males vs female car insurance rates) holds true in Nevada.

We partnered with Quadrant Data to provide the premium data in the tables below.

As you can see, men pay more for car insurance than women, and inexperienced teen drivers usually pay the highest rates. The rates begin to nosedive slightly by age 25 and continue as the driver ages.

From ages 35 – 60, there isn’t much of a cost difference. For instance, Mid-Century Insurance Company charges 35-year-old male drivers nearly $90 more yearly than female drivers of the same age. Other carriers charge them the same rates.

Below, the table shows average annual rates for each age group by gender. Sometimes, age affects the cost of premiums more than gender does.

What are the car insurance rates in Nevada’s 10 largest cities?

Below, we’ve compared the average annual premium rates for the most and least expensive Nevada cities.

Unsurprisingly, the cities with the highest populations generally post higher rates than those with fewer citizens. This shows how much the area where you live can affect rates. For example, the cost difference between the most expensive premium, in Las Vegas, and the cheapest, in Carlin, is a whopping $4,000.

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What are the cheapest car insurance rates by ZIP code?

Let’s take a bigger view of the difference in average annual premium costs for ZIP codes throughout Nevada. If you can’t find your town on the list, try searching in the bar above.

What are the cheapest car insurance rates by city?

Let’s explore the cheapest rates in Nevada by city.

Who has the cheapest car insurance in Nevada? As you can see, the cheapest auto insurance nevada”}” data-sheets-userformat=”{“2″:513,”3”:{“1″:0},”12″:0}”>cheapest auto insurance in Nevada seems to be in Fallon.

Like the data above, large cities like Las Vegas have higher rates than smaller towns, such as Paradise Valley.

What are Nevada’s minimum coverage for auto insurance policies?

Minimum coverage and rates vary from state to state. Compare state to state below:

It’s unsafe to drive without insurance, and in Nevada, you must have it if you drive. Nevada state insurance laws require drivers to buy car insurance in the following minimum coverage amounts:

More about these coverages and why you need them appear below.

• $20,000 per accident to cover the total property damage from an accident the driver caused
• $25,000 per person to cover the bodily injury or death of any person from an accident the driver caused
• $50,000 per accident to cover total bodily injury liability or death liability that occur from a crash the driver caused

Liability coverage exists to cover things like property damage expenses, medical bills, and other costs a driver, passenger, or pedestrian who suffers losses incurs in an accident you cause.

But those requirements are just the minimum. To better protect yourself and others, it makes sense to buy more coverage than required, if you can afford it.

Also, in Nevada, whoever causes an accident is responsible, or “at fault,” for any damages. If you lack enough coverage to pay for all the costs, you may need to pay out of pocket.

Your insurance won’t cover damages someone else causes. For more protection, you may need MedPay, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or collision coverage.

This video further explains liability insurance in Nevada:

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Are there forms of financial responsibility for auto insurance premiums?

If an officer pulls you over in Nevada, you’re required to show proof of insurance, such as your insurance card or the declarations page of your current insurance policy.

Your card is also acceptable in electronic form on a mobile device, too. It should be easy to read and show your name and policy information, just like the paper card.

There’s also the LIVE program from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which can verify your coverage in real-time.

Otherwise, if you can’t provide proof or aren’t covered, an officer may give you a ticket.

If your license has been revoked, an SR-22 form is your proof of financial responsibility until your license is reinstated. The Nevada DMV requires drivers to update these forms for three years, otherwise, the DMV will suspend their licenses, and a new three-year period to maintain the SR-22 will begin.

If you are required to maintain an SR-22 filing as a condition of your reinstatement, you must maintain it for three years from the date you reinstate your driver’s license.

The DMV asks drivers to ensure they have the correct address on their driver’s licenses to ensure they receive DMV notices.

What percentage of income are car insurance rates?

The average Nevada resident’s annual 2017 disposable income — after they paid taxes — was $46,159.

With an average yearly cost of roughly $1,100, Nevada residents spend about 3 percent of their income on car insurance premiums. Average car insurance rates in Nevada cost on average $200 less than the national average of $1,311 per year.

From 2012 – 2014, car insurance premium costs in Nevada rose by about $60, while the percentage of the income spent remained steady.

Their average cost of premiums was higher than those of neighboring states California, Idaho, Utah, Oregon, and Arizona.

Arizona came close to matching the percentage that Nevadans pay for insurance, but the rest of the border states paid rates closer to 2 percent from 2012 – 2014. All border states had average annual premium rates under $1,000.

Out of an average monthly income of $3,850 to cover expenses such as housing and food, $92 of Nevada drivers’ earnings go to insurance.

Is there additional car insurance coverage?

The table below, filled with data from NAIC, shows Nevada car insurers’ average loss ratios for Medical Payments (MedPay) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

An insurer’s loss ratio compares how much they earn in premiums to the amount paid in claims. For example, a loss ratio of 60 percent means the company pays an average of $6o in claims for every hundred dollars in earned premium.

As shown above, some Nevada car insurers had loss ratios over 100 percent. A ratio over 100 reveals that the company paid more in claims than it earned on premiums, which signals they’re taking a loss on those claims. For the most part, the table shows that Nevada car insurance companies have made profits despite the claims filed.

On the other hand, the table also shows Nevada auto insurance companies are enjoying average gains to losses in a healthy range for MedPay coverage. The NAIC’s 2018 Auto Insurance Database Report has loss ratio data for Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

MedPay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) cover the costs of injuries you or your passengers suffer from an accident, regardless of who caused it. It will also cover you if you’re in a pedestrian/motor vehicle accident.

If you get in an accident with an at-fault motorist who lacks coverage or doesn’t have enough of it to pay the cost of damages, then uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance will cover those costs.

Nevada currently ranks 29th nationwide for uninsured motorists.

More coverage is optional, but it’s worth considering for greater protection after an accident.

The video below details how much car insurance Nevada drivers need:

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Are there car insurance add-ons, endorsements, and riders?

Here are more coverage options you can add to a basic Nevada car insurance policy:

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

To get the best Nevada car insurance quotes, you’ll likely have to go to one of the top Nevada car insurance companies. Read on to learn about the best in the state.

What are some of the best Nevada car insurance companies?

With so many insurance providers available in The Silver State, finding the best one for you and your needs can be confusing.

Now, you can breathe easy. Here we’ll cover insurer reviews and ratings to help you break down the pros and cons of each and narrow down your choices.

Keep reading to discover more about the top carriers in Nevada.

What’s the financial rating of the largest car insurance companies?

A.M. Best rates insurers based on their financial strength. Let’s see how the largest ones rank in Nevada.

State Farm and USAA are among those that received the highest rating of “A++,” showing they have strong financial resources and can pay large amounts of claims.

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Which car insurance companies have the best ratings?

J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study measures insurance companies’ overall customer satisfaction ratings yearly.

Of the top 10 companies, The Hartford and State Farm earned five of J.D. Power’s “Power Circle ratings,” which means their service is “among the best.”

Which car insurance companies have the most complaints in Nevada?

The Nevada Division of Insurance’s 2018 Consumer Complaint Report reveals which companies receive the most complaints.

Customer complaints are an essential factor in a company’s customer service, but it’s among many others to consider when you choose a carrier.

Read more: American Access Insurance Review

Which are the cheapest car insurance companies in Nevada?

Let’s find out which insurers have the most and least expensive premiums in The Silver State.

USAA has the cheapest rates, which are an average of $2,300 less than the most expensive carrier, Allstate.

A recent U.S. News and World Report study revealed that USAA has the cheapest car insurance rates for young adults, at an average of $1,073 per year.

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What are the commute rates by car insurance provider?

How far you drive regularly can also factor into your rates. Let’s see how distance can affect them.

For the most part, only a few companies charge higher rates for 10-mile versus 25-mile commutes, such as American Family and State Farm.

What are the coverage level rates by car insurance company?

Depending on how much coverage you have, you may end up paying more or less for your premiums.

Generally speaking, the highest coverage is often the most expensive; however, it offers full protection. Some drivers choose to go without it to pay less, but they may not have to. With some insurers, like Nationwide, the cost difference between the highest and lowest levels of insurance is only about a few hundred dollars.

Does credit history affect car insurance rates?

How well your credit score ranks is yet another factor that can raise or lower insurance premiums. Let’s see how it changes for drivers with poor, fair, and good credit.

As shown, Nevada is among the states to let insurers use credit history to set their rates. Insurance companies can consider drivers with poor credit more of a risk.

A driver with poor credit can pay several thousand dollars more for insurance than one with good credit. In some cases, like with State Farm, the difference can cost as much as $8,000.

A study by Experian revealed that the average Nevadan has a VantageScore of 655, which is fair, and three credit cards in their name, with a balance of $6,401.

To round out our data about the factors that most affect car insurance rates, next, let’s look at driving record rates.

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Does driving record affect car insurance rates?

Your driving record has a major effect on your rates. Looking at the prices below, you can see it makes sense, financially, not to engage in risky driving habits.

The more serious penalty of a DUI tends to cost more than that of a speeding ticket. With Allstate, the cost between a clean record and a DUI can amount to nearly $2,000.

The video below goes into more detail about how your driving record affects your insurance rates.

Which are the largest car insurance companies in Nevada?

Let’s see which insurers in Nevada have the greatest market share.

Large national insurers State Farm and Progressive have the highest market share, the highest loss ratios, and the highest amount of direct premiums written.

What’s the number of car insurers by state?

The term “domestic” refers to insurance companies formed in Nevada. “Foreign” companies were founded outside of the state.

An overwhelming majority of insurers from out of state operate in Nevada.

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What are the Nevada laws?

Nevada drivers have a duty to drive safely and obey state driving laws. With all the laws on the books, it can be hard to meet that obligation.

We’ve sifted through the legal mumbo-jumbo to find the laws you most need to follow to ensure you and others stay safe. We’ll start with insurance laws and then cover driving and safety laws.

Let’s read on to find out more about them.

What are the car insurance laws?

Car insurance laws are one of a seemingly endless number of factors that can have an impact on car insurance rates.

Let’s dig deeper to discover more about Silver State insurance laws, from how they’re determined to the time limits for filing accident claims.

Keep reading for some interesting insurance insights.

How Nevada Car Insurance Rates are Determined

The Nevada Division of Insurers sets state insurance rates per the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ guidelines.

As an example of a recent insurance law change, as of July 1, 2018, all Nevada drivers must carry the minimum liability coverage amounts of 25/50/20.

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How to Get Windshield Coverage

The state of Nevada doesn’t have any laws specific to windshields.

Though insurers might not require you to go to a certain repair shop, you might have to make up the difference in the repair costs.

One way to make sure you get windshield coverage is to buy comprehensive insurance. Not all carriers cover windshield damage, but you can find out how they handle claims to find the right policy for you.

How to Get High-Risk Insurance

Having several major violations on your driving record, whether they’re speeding tickets or DUIs, can make it harder to get car insurance. If you manage to qualify, your premiums may exceed average prices.

In that case, you can look into qualifying for high-risk insurance. Part of the Western Association of Auto Insurance Plans (WAAIP), the Nevada Automobile Insurance Plan (NAIP) maintains a high-risk pool of drivers.

You may be assigned an insurer and need to meet certain eligibility requirements to enter.

As we mentioned earlier, Nevada drivers who’ve had their licenses revoked must file an SR-22 form with the DMV as proof of financial responsibility.

How to Get Low-Cost Insurance

Nevada doesn’t currently offer any low-cost insurance programs.

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Is there automobile insurance fraud in Nevada?

The state of Nevada classifies automobile insurance fraud as a Category D felony, with penalties including up to four years of imprisonment and fines of up to $5,000. Those who commit fraud may need to pay restitution to the victim.

Insurance fraud often happens when someone files a false claim with their insurance company to receive benefits or payouts.

These are some of the fraudulent insurance acts that can lead to convictions in the state of Nevada:

• Making a statement to an insurer you know hides or leaves out certain facts or includes untrue or deceptive information about any matter related to the issuing of an insurance policy.
• Filing a statement you know hides or leaves out specific facts or includes false information about any matter related to that claim.
• Planning or engaging in a false or deceptive statement with another person to make a claim for a payout, have a policy issued, or get another benefit.
• Knowingly acting with the intent to mislead or defraud an insurance company to get a policy or a benefit under the policy.

With all the risks and penalties involved, it’s not worth committing insurance fraud.

The State of Nevada’s Insurance Fraud Unit (IFU) investigates insurance fraud claims. Contact them through the following means to report fraud:

• Online form
• Website: ag.nv.gov
• Phone numbers: 775-684-1100 (Carson City office),702-486-3420 (Las Vegas office), Reno office: 775-687-2100

The IFU’s annual report shows that in the fiscal year 2018, they received 1,421 total fraud complaints, which is about the average number they get every year.

The video below explains more about insurance fraud and the consequences in The Silver State:

Is there a statute of limitations?

The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a lawsuit. This differs from the amount of time you have to file an insurance claim with your carrier.

Nevada law limits auto accident personal injury claims to two years from the date of the incident. This also applies to wrongful death cases.

The limit for property damage claims or civil suits is three years since the accident.

Despite the time limits, it’s in your best interest to file earlier rather than later — the longer you wait, the worse off you may be: you can lose track of eyewitnesses, their testimony can become less reliable over time, and evidence can degrade.

What are the vehicle licensing laws?

Vehicle licensing laws outline the requirements drivers must comply with to drive in the state of Nevada. Before we get into safety laws, these are the fundamentals drivers need to know and understand so they can pass the legal requirements to take the road.

Let’s get ready to learn more about these regulations.

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Does Nevada require a real ID?

Per the federal Real ID Act of 2005, as of October 1, 2020, the State of Nevada will require Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards for boarding domestic commercial plane flights. Military bases and other secure federal locations already require these forms of ID.

Nevada Real ID cards feature a gold circle and a star cutout in the upper right corner. Non-compliant cards bear the phrase “NOT FOR FEDERAL OFFICIAL USE.”

The program is optional; another acceptable form of federal identification is a passport. However, the Nevada DMV recommends citizens apply for a Real ID-compliant card at their next renewal at no extra cost. They will continue to accept existing cards until October 1, 2020, or their expiration, whichever is sooner.

To apply for a Real ID card, you will need to bring proof of identity and any name changes, proof of your Social Security number, and two residency documents. These documents must be valid originals or certified copies.

The Nevada DMV encourages applicants to make an appointment ahead of time to avoid long lines.

The video below features more information about the documentation required to upgrade to a Nevada Real ID:

And for drivers applying for their first Nevada license, the following video goes over what’s required:

What are the penalties for driving without insurance?

Driving without car insurance coverage is illegal in Nevada. If you’re caught driving without it, you may face penalties of $250 to $1,000 — the amount varies based on how long your coverage lapsed. Is there a Nevada car insurance grace period? In the first 30 days without coverage, the DMV will suspend your license, but you won’t need to pay any fines.

For coverage a Nevada car insurance lapse between 31-90 days, you will pay a $250 fine. Coverage lapses of 91-180 days will incur a fine of $500. For drivers who drive without insurance for 181 days or longer, the penalty is $1,000.

If your coverage lapse is longer than 91 days, you must file an SR-22 form to have your license reinstated. You will also pay higher insurance premiums as a “high-risk” driver. The DMV may also revoke your license and require reinstatement with proof of insurance and payment of fees ranging from $250 to $750.

Law enforcement officials use the Nevada DMV’s LIVE (Liability Insurance Validation Electronically) system to find out if drivers have insurance. They can even check it while they pull over a driver.

We covered acceptable forms of financial responsibility as proof of insurance above. In short, don’t leave home without insurance coverage, otherwise, you may have to pay steep fines.

What are the teen driver laws?

Teen drivers in Nevada must be at least 15 years and six months old to get a learner’s permit. To qualify for a full or restricted license, they will need to comply with the following:

• Hold their learner’s permit for at least six months
• Complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving time, 10 of which must be at night
• Be at least 16 years of age

Intermediate or restricted license requirements stress that young drivers must not drive between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. They also must not carry passengers younger than 18, and even then, they may only be family members.

Below are the requirements young drivers must meet to have the restrictions lifted:

• They must be at least 18 years old to have the nighttime limits removed.
• They must have an intermediate license or be at least 18 years old to have the passenger restrictions lifted (whichever comes first) and no younger than 16 years and six months old.

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What are the license renewal procedures for older drivers?

The Silver State requires older drivers to meet certain license renewal guidelines:

• Renew every four years if they’re 65 or older
• Provide proof of adequate vision at every renewal if they’re age 71 or older
• At age 65 or older, they may renew by mail or online at every other renewal

What is the procedure for new residents?

If you plan to move to The Silver State as a new resident when you apply for a Nevada driver’s license, you must provide the following:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of name change (if applicable)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Proof of Nevada residential address
• An Application for Driving Privileges or ID card

All the documents you provide must be original or certified copies.

– License Renewal Procedures

To renew their driver’s licenses, the general population in Nevada can renew by mail or online if they hold a license with a four-year term. Below are more license renewal requirements:

• Renew every eight years
• Provide proof of adequate vision if renewing in person

What is considered a negligent operator treatment system (NOTS)?

Drivers who disregard others’ safety and disobey traffic laws may face penalties. If they shirk these duties, they’re essentially avoiding their responsibilities and may be found negligent for reckless driving. Nevada classifies reckless driving as a misdemeanor.

State laws define reckless driving as:

• Driving in a heedless and willful manner without regard for the well-being of others or property
• Street racing
• Refusing to yield to or avoiding a law enforcement officer

This video offers more information about reckless driving in Nevada:

Negligent drivers may also incur more traffic violations that could add up to a reckless driving charge. Some of the violations law enforcement officials may cite drivers for if they get into an accident with a bicyclist or a pedestrian are:

• Not yielding to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
• Speeding
• Disobeying a school crossing guard’s directions
• Driving above 15 mph or making a U-turn within a school zone while school is in session

Potential penalties for reckless driving include eight demerits on a driver’s record and the following:

• First conviction: Up to six months of jail time and/or $250 – $1,000 fines; a “reckless behavior” charge also requires 50 – 99 hours of community service
• Second conviction: Up to six months of jail time and/or $1,000 – $1,500 fines; “reckless behavior” adds a penalty of 100 – 199 hours of community service
• Third conviction: Up to six months of jail time and/or $1,500 – $2,000 fines; “reckless behavior” also incurs 200 hours of community service

The Nevada DMV will suspend the license of drivers who receive 12 or more points over the course of a year.

Negligent drivers may also have their license suspended for anywhere from six months to two years. Furthermore, they may end up having their vehicle impounded for 15 days on a first conviction and 30 days for later convictions.

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What are the rules of the road?

The many laws on the books can be confusing. To which should you pay the most attention?

We’ll cover Nevada’s driving laws next; a helpful refresher for this crucial part of safe driving.

Is Nevada an at-fault or no-fault state?

According to Nevada law, the insurer for the person responsible for causing a car accident must pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages up to the limits of their policy. If you lack enough coverage for those damages, you may have to pay out of pocket.

Sometimes, however, it’s not clear who is at fault; one or both of the parties involved may share part of the responsibility.

Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule laws require an assessment of who is more responsible for a crash to reach a fair settlement. As part of the law, even if you’re partially at fault for an accident — 50 percent or less — you may still receive damages for a personal injury claim.

If you’re found to be more than 50 percent responsible, you can’t collect compensation.

The money awarded in these claims is based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 40 percent at fault, you may receive 60 percent of the settlement; for a claim that would pay $80,000, that would amount to $48,000.

What are the seatbelt & car seat laws?

All vehicle occupants six years old and older must wear a safety belt. Violations incur a fine of $25 for first-time offenders. This penalty is a secondary offense, meaning an officer can’t pull you over for not wearing a seat belt but must catch you for another violation, such as a broken taillight.

Children five years old and younger and who weigh 60 pounds or less must wear a child safety seat. They can’t use an adult-sized belt. The maximum fine for first-time offenders is $500.

Regarding cargo areas of pickup trucks in Nevada, it’s illegal for passengers aged 18 and older to occupy them. Children can ride in cargo areas if the vehicle is used for ranching or farming or in an “authorized parade.” Also, passengers may ride in the truck bed when the vehicle is driven on an unpaved road, or if a camper shell encloses the cargo area.

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What are the keep right and move over laws?

Nevada law states that drivers must keep right if they drive slower than the average speed of traffic around them; they also must yield to the right of way to emergency or official vehicles showing flashing lights and pull to the right or to the edge of the roadway.

Drivers shouldn’t pull back into traffic until these vehicles have passed or unless law enforcement officials have directed them to do so.

What’s the speed limit?

The speed limits on rural Nevada interstates are 80 mph, and 65 mph on urban interstates. Drivers must keep to the speed limit of 70 mph on limited-access roads.

How does ridesharing work?

Nevada also has specific laws regarding ridesharing. These regulations apply to services such as Uber and Lyft, which often require their drivers to carry personal insurance policies at or above the state minimum liability requirements.

Rideshare drivers don’t usually buy personal commercial insurance policies, but some companies, like Uber, provide their drivers with $1 million liability coverage.

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Is there automation on the road?

The Silver State lets driverless vehicles share the road, and drivers of autonomous vehicles must carry liability insurance.

Depending on the vehicle’s level of automation, their drivers may or may not need a license.

What are the safety laws?

As you can see, Nevada has many rules of the road; if you break them, violations can affect your driving record and the cost of your insurance premiums.

Next, we’ll cover safety laws that affect your driving history.

What are the DUI laws?

The table below shows the different levels of Nevada’s DUI penalties and serves to remind offenders not to drink and drive.

For more information about Nevada’s DUI laws, watch this law firm video:

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What are the marijuana-impaired driving laws?

In Nevada, drivers under the influence of marijuana must undergo a blood test if a police officer asks for one. The metabolites, the part of the drug that causes a “high,” can stay in the bloodstream for days or weeks after use.

Drivers who have a detectable level of marijuana or have over the legal limit of the drug’s metabolites in their blood face DUI conviction. These are the state’s legal requirements for a DUI charge:

• Marijuana levels in the urine of at least 10 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml)
• Marijuana levels in the blood of at least two ng/ml
• Marijuana metabolite levels in the urine of at least 15 ng/ml
• Marijuana metabolite levels in the blood of at least five ng/ml

Though the laws allow doctor-prescribed medical marijuana use, if you drive while high, you could still face an arrest. So, to keep out of trouble, it makes sense to stay sober when you get behind the wheel.

What are the distracted driving laws?

Nevada law prohibits drivers from using hand-held devices while they’re behind the wheel. The Silver State also bans texting for all drivers.

Texting, using the internet, and operating hand-held devices while driving has been illegal in Nevada since 2011. Drivers can talk on the phone with hands-free devices. Drivers who violate Nevada’s distracted driving laws face a $50 fine for the first conviction in seven years, $100 for the following offense, and $250 for all other crimes.

Fines may double if a law enforcement officer catches a distracted driver in a work zone. First offenses are not seen as moving violations.

What’s driving in Nevada like?

Driving in Nevada — and elsewhere — involves certain risks. Among the most dangerous hazards are devastating accidents, which can be every driver’s worst nightmare.

The good news is that in many cases, our fears are not as bad as we imagine them to be. Data can reveal the chances a driver will get into a major accident, and which ones they’re more likely to be involved in.

Below, we’ll cover some of the biggest risks of driving and car ownership in Nevada, including vehicle theft and different types of traffic fatalities.

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Is there vehicle theft in Nevada?

Let’s see which vehicles and model years were most popular with car thieves in The Silver State.

The most stolen vehicle was the 1996 Honda Accord, followed by the 1998 Honda Civic. Sedan cars and a few pickups, such as the 2006 Chevrolet and Ford full-size trucks, made the list.

So, if you happen to own any of these vehicles, you want to take extra precautions to keep them safe from theft.

What’s the number of vehicle thefts by city?

These 2017 FBI crime statistics reveal which Nevada cities saw the most vehicle thefts.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported the highest number of thefts, while Reno and North Las Vegas placed a distant second and third respectively. As expected, Las Vegas, the most populated city — and where most of the cars are in Nevada — attracted more car thieves. You can do things to prevent auto theft, but that doesn’t change the city’s statistics.

What’s the number of road fatalities in Nevada?

Now, we’ll examine how many traffic deaths have happened on Nevada roads in recent years. We compiled much of the data from National Traffic Highway Safety Administration reports, which include the number of fatal crashes by county, road, and vehicle, and person type.

Keep reading to find out more about different kinds of accidents that often occur in Nevada.

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What is the most fatal highway in Nevada?

Interstate 80 (I-80), which runs along Truckee River and Humboldt River, sees an average of 15 deadly crashes per year.

What’s the number of fatal crashes by weather and light condition?

First, let’s explore how weather and light conditions have led to driving fatalities in Nevada.

Most of the crashes happened in normal daylight conditions. Because of the dry climate and higher temperatures in some parts of the state, rain, snow, and sleet weren’t major factors.

What’s the number of fatalities (all crashes) by county?

Below is data that shows all crashes in The Silver State by county.

In keeping with the population rates in Nevada counties, those with more residents, such as Clark County, had far higher fatalities than more rural counties like Pershing.

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What’s the number of traffic fatalities?

The table below reveals how many fatalities occur on urban versus rural roads.

As expected, fatalities in urban areas far surpassed those of rural areas, where fewer Nevadans live.

What’s the number of fatalities by person type?

Motor vehicle accidents involve different types of people. These are the numbers based on the most frequent kinds of crashes.

Many of the accidents affected vehicle occupants, followed closely by non-occupants.

What’s the number of fatalities by crash type?

For a deeper look, these are the fatalities by vehicle crash type.

Single-vehicle accidents far outnumbered the rest.

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Five-Year Trend for the Top 10 Counties

Breaking down the statistics even further, we look at how many accidents occurred over a five-year timespan, from 2013 – 2017, in Nevada counties.

Again, as with prior figures, many of the fatalities happened in the most populous counties. In many areas, namely Clark County, the accident rates increased slightly from year to year.

What’s the number of fatalities involving speed by county?

Unfortunately, speed does kill, and these numbers reveal that harsh and sobering truth. The figures show the total number of crashes for each year from 2013 – 2017 and also the number of fatalities per 100,000 people per year.

Like prior reports, many of the accidents took place in counties with higher populations.

What’s the number of fatalities in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver?

This time, we’ll look at how many crashes in Nevada from 2013 – 2017 involved drivers under the influence of alcohol.

Sadly, again, Clark County and other more populated counties dominated the reports.

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Is teen drinking and driving a problem in Nevada?

How many teens have engaged in underage drinking and driving in Nevada? How widespread is the problem? This data addresses that issue.

As shown, the rates of underage drinking and driving equal national rates.

What’s the average EMS response time?

Emergency first responders are on the front lines of an accident scene. These numbers show how long, on average, it takes for them to respond, from notification to arrival at the scene to Nevada hospitals.

Given the distance from EMS locations to rural areas and local hospitals, response and arrival times for accidents in less populated areas tend to be much higher than those in and around cities.

What’s the transit system like in Nevada?

Next, we’ll cover how many cars Nevadans own on average, the length of their regular commute times, and how they get around.

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What’s the percentage of car ownership?

Many people rely on cars for their regular transportation needs. This chart reveals just how many cars Nevadans tend to own.

The state figures match the national ones almost exactly. Most Nevada drivers own an average of two cars, the next highest being one car, and then three. Just under 5 percent of Nevadans own five or more cars.

What’s the average commute time?

Those who drive to work can expect to devote a certain part of their day to traffic. Let’s see how long Nevadans often spend driving along their routes.

The average Nevada resident faces a commute time of 23.1 minutes, which is slightly less than the U.S. average of 25.3 minutes. A small number of Nevadans, nearly two percent, have “super commutes” of more than 90 minutes.

Is there a commuter transit system?

Now, we’ll show the forms of transportation Nevada residents take during their commutes.

Slightly higher numbers of Nevadans drove alone compared to the national average. Compared to this, a much smaller fraction of commuters carpooled or used public transportation.

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Is there a lot of traffic congestion in Nevada?

Transportation in metropolitan areas and traffic congestion go hand-in-hand. Like other states, Nevada has its share of peak traffic times that may lead to delays on the road.

Let’s see how two of the biggest cities in Nevada rank for levels of traffic congestion based on the INRIX 2018 Global Traffic Scorecard.

As with prior traffic data, the areas with the highest population top the reports. In this case, Las Vegas and Reno have the most congested traffic in The Silver State. In 2018, Las Vegans spent 63 hours in congested traffic — INRIX ranks it as the 31st most congested city in the U.S.

Reno rated 51st nationwide, at 52 hours.

The driving speeds at peak and off-peak times were about the same for both cities; during the heaviest time period, in the morning, they were at 30 and 29 mph respectively. Traffic in the evening eased up to nearly 40 mph and rose to nearly 50 mph during off-peak hours.

The cost of the congestion averaged under $1,000 per year per driver in each city.

What’s Nevada’s car culture like?

Popular TV shows shot in Las Vegas, such as “Counting Cars,” “Strip N’ Rip,” and “Pawn Stars,” often feature hot rods and motorcycles that promote the state’s rich car culture. Ice and snow are rare in the southern part of the state; cars there tend not to rust, and remain in good shape, making it an ideal marketplace for classic car collectors.

Read more: The Car Collector’s Online Compendium

According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, more than 22,000 classic cars are registered in Nevada.

Having a classic car license plate lets you avoid smog tests if the car is driven less than 5,000 miles per year. The state also doesn’t monitor the odometers. Among the most popular vintage vehicles in Nevada are the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro and the 1987 Suzuki Samarai.

According to The Hartford, with miles of desert and open road outside Las Vegas and Reno, there are plenty of places to drive and embrace the romance of road trips along lonely highways. Also, the Auto Insurance Center’s 2nd Annual Study of America’s Deadliest Counties and States reports that Nevada is one of the safest states to drive. (For more information, read our “America’s Safest Driving Cities“).

If that weren’t enough, the state is also home to the National Automobile Museum. For a comprehensive look at the history of cars, you can check out the Reno-based attraction houses more than 200 cars from the late 1800s to the space age.

Nevada hosts many race tracks, most notably the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the largest in the country, a track where major NASCAR events take place. There is no shortage of symbols of the state’s passion for cars.

We’ve come to the end of this comprehensive guide to Nevada car insurance, driving and insurance laws, traffic statistics, and more. What do you think? Did you learn everything you needed to know? Are you ready to buy Nevada car insurance?

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