When you’re trying to save on auto insurance, opting out of uninsured motorist coverage may seem like a no-brainer. It’s easy to assume that most other drivers carry auto insurance just like you do, therefore you won’t need it.
Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Nevada is home to many uninsured (UI) and underinsured motorists (UIM). Opting out of UI and UIM coverage can put you in a bad financial position.
Why UI and UIM Coverage Matter
When it comes to underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, Nevada presents a catch-22.
The state of Nevada leads the country in auto insurance rates as of 2026, with full coverage auto policies costing an average of $335/month. That’s over $100 higher than the national average.
Faced with such high insurance rates, it’s common for a Nevada driver to choose to take their chances as an uninsured driver. And with a larger than usual number of uninsured drivers on the road, your chances of getting into an accident with an uninsured driver are higher than they would be in other states as well.
The Trouble with Your Uninsured Motorist Claim
In an accident with an uninsured driver, your trouble begins when you decide to file an uninsured motorist claim or UIM claim.
You may call around to several personal injury attorneys, thinking that of course someone will gladly take your case, especially if the evidence strongly suggests the uninsured driver is at fault. But as you talk to attorneys, you realize that telling them “an uninsured driver hit me” actually slams the doors shut.
When you tell an auto injury lawyer that “an uninsured motorist hit me,” they will often hear “We won’t be able to recover our damages.”
The reason for this is simple. An uninsured driver is likely to be uninsured for a reason. The reason is typically because they don’t have many assets or much income.
Even if they do have enough assets and/or income to cover the damages incurred in their accident with you, the state of Nevada allows most car accident damages to be discharged in bankruptcy.
In other words, you can’t get blood from a stone. Therefore, most auto injury attorneys will not take your case if you’re seeking damages from an accident with an uninsured driver.
What You Need to Know about Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
The best way to protect yourself from financial losses from uninsured driver accidents is to make sure you’re covered. Don’t just opt in to UI and UIM coverage. Make sure your policy covers more than the minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident.
Property damage and medical costs can rapidly exceed those limits after a major accident. If the major accident was caused by an uninsured driver, you may not be able to recover the difference with minimum coverage alone.
Bottom Line: The Truth about Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Ultimately, the truth about uninsured motorist coverage in Nevada is that as long as insurance rates remain high or continue to increase, Nevada will be home to higher numbers of uninsured drivers than other states.
Higher numbers of uninsured drivers means higher chances of getting into an accident with an uninsured driver. Each accident with an uninsured driver costs the other party’s insurance carrier more money. These additional costs only drive insurance rates up even higher as policy holders pay for the uninsured.
Opt in to UI and UIM coverage. Choose higher coverage than the minimum offered. UI and UIM coverage are relatively inexpensive and will pay off in the event of an uninsured motorist claim.
If you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured driver, reach out to our office today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to discussing whether we can help you recover your damages.
