Most, but not all, auto insurance companies in Nevada use your credit score as one criterion when calculating your eligibility and premium. For those that do, a high or low credit score can significantly reduce or increase your rates, respectively. Diligent comparison shopping is the most effective way to counteract the effects of a low score or maximize the money-saving benefits of a high score.
Good-driver and other car insurance discounts itemized below can help you save big on your monthly insurance premium. Eligibility for these discounts should be a major factor when selecting your carrier.
- Multiple Car
- Accident-Free
- Good student
- Military
- Anti-Theft Device
- Anti-Lock Brakes
- Homeowner
- Motor Vehicle Safety Course
- Airbag
- Farm Use
- Mature Driver
Yes! As of late 2015, Nevada drivers are permitted to provide digital proof of coverage. Smartphones and other mobile devices are a convenient way to carry proof of insurance. And, if you’re worried about your privacy, the same state legislation that approves digital insurance cards also prohibits law enforcement officers from looking at anything else on your device.
If you experience a lapse in coverage in Nevada, your driver’s license and registration can be suspended. You may also be subject to fines as high as $1,000. The Nevada LIVE system checks your insurance status periodically throughout the year, which means you’re certain to get caught if you drive without insurance.
Individuals cannot legally operate a motor vehicle in Nevada once they reach the following BAC percentages:
.08%+ at 21 years old or older
.04%+ for commercial vehicle drivers
.02%+ at under 21 years old
While the BAC applies only to alcohol, if a detectable level of any illegal substance is found, you’ll receive the same or greater penalties as you would for alcohol.
Nevada’s “implied consent” law states that if you’re lawfully arrested and there’s probable cause that you’ve been driving under the influence, you consent to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine. Officers are allowed to use reasonable force to make you take the test.
Refusal of a preliminary breath test, even before the arrest, can result in an officer taking your license, arresting you, and transporting you to a police station or hospital for a blood, breath, or urine test.
First-time offenders charged with a DUI in Nevada typically have their license suspended for 90 days and incur a number of fees that can top $200 or go considerably higher depending on certain factors, including whether they are of legal drinking age and whether their BAC was 0.18 or greater. They may apply for a restricted license after 45 days.
With a BAC of 0.18 or more, or at the court’s discretion, first-time offenders may need to have a breath interlock device installed in their vehicle for up to 3 years as well. Additionally, they must attend a Nevada DUI school and may face a short jail sentence or have to fulfill community service requirements. They may also need to attend certain programs or evaluations.
Penalties increase with each subsequent DUI offense.
Driver improvement courses are often referred to as traffic school or defensive driving courses. These classes can be taken as part of a plea agreement, to reduce the number of points on your license, or to reduce your monthly car insurance cost. Nevada traffic school courses are available at select locations, as well through online providers.
Proactive Nevada drivers can take certain steps to pay less each month for auto insurance. Monitoring your credit score and working to maintain a high one or raise it is a useful strategy. So is driving responsibly to keep your driving record clear of points that increase your cost of coverage. Also, comparison shop for the best rates and select a higher deductible in exchange for a lower premium. Ask your representative about discounts for which you may qualify. Don’t become liable for penalties due to lapsed coverage, either.
Nevada allows drivers to reject uninsured motorist coverage in writing. However, the state recommends you carry a minimum of $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident to cover your medical expenses if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.