All vehicles registered in Nevada must carry minimum levels of auto insurance. Driving without such minimum requirements or driving with no insurance can result in severe penalties, fines and/or even driver’s license suspension. The minimum auto insurance requirements in Nevada are currently (2010) at least $15,000 in liability insurance for accidents in which one person is injured, $30,000 in liability insurance for accidents in which more than one person is injured and a minimum of $10,000 in general property damage coverage.

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Though it may not seem like it, these requirements are actually quite low and do not include collision or comprehensive coverage – the part of auto insurance which covers damage to you and your vehicle in at-fault accidents. All Nevada drivers are encouraged to purchase auto insurance well above and beyond the minimum standards imposed to ensure that they get adequate protection in the event of an accident. Remember that car accidents can happen at any time and that your auto insurance policy should be enough to protect you in any type of situation.

Average Nevada Car Insurance Rates

As of 2011, the average Nevada car insurance rates are approximately $1,199 per year. While this is somewhat lower than the nationwide average of $1,440, it is still on the higher end of the spectrum as compared to some other states. Most good drivers even pay less than these average auto insurance rates by taking advantage of car insurance discounts and comparing quotes from multiple auto insurance companies before choosing provider.

Many Nevada residents end up overpaying for auto insurance simply because they accept first auto insurance quote offered. This is a big mistake as there are over 100 licensed car insurance companies in Nevada and rates vary from one provider to the next. How do you know if you have the best auto insurance rates if you don’t compare?

Finding the Right Auto Insurance Company

So, you might be asking, how do I take the necessary steps to finding a good insurance provider? Well, your first step is to make or obtain a list of all licensed car insurance companies in your county. You can do this by searching through the phone book or online listings and checking the licensed status of each provider or by simply contacting the local bureau of insurance and asking for a list. The J.D. Power and Associates Company also maintains a list of the most well-known licensed providers. However, this list does not contain the names and information of smaller, more local, and less well known companies, and these providers should not be overlooked. Often times, in an effort to keep up with the competition, local car insurance companies offer much more affordable rates and better customer service than the well-known car insurance brands.

No matter how or where you obtain your list, once you have it your job is to start doing some research. Start by looking at the websites of each provider. If they don’t offer the type of coverage you need or if you are uncomfortable with the level of customer service, their payment options, or anything else, you can cross them off your list. Then, take a look at online reviews written by past or current clients, making sure that they are not testimonials designed simply to promote a particular company. As you read about the experiences others have had, you can cross more providers off your list, especially those that have overwhelmingly negative reviews. Looking at complaint reports from insurance authorities or the better business bureau in your county is also a good idea. While you should pay attention to all grievances filed, make special note of any complaints about the claims handling process, which could indicate customers have been unsatisfied with the amount that their companies ended up settling for.

By the time you finish the above step, your list should be sufficiently narrowed down. It is then your job to request free auto insurance quotes from each provider. You can opt to do this online, over the phone, or in person – whatever is the most convenient for you. However, make sure that you never pay for a rate quote, as this is a good indication that a company has shady business practices. When you have all your rate quotes, simply compare by price and by the level of coverage offered to you to find the best option.

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