Nevada's Uninsured Driver Problem
Nevada has one of the higher rates of uninsured drivers in the country, and even insured drivers often carry only the state minimum of 25,000 dollars per person. After a serious crash, those limits are quickly exhausted, leaving victims with bills far exceeding the at-fault driver's coverage. This is exactly the gap that uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage is designed to fill.
How UM and UIM Coverage Works
If you carry UM/UIM coverage, your own insurer steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver's insurer up to your policy limits. UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene; UIM coverage applies when the at-fault driver's limits are too low to cover your losses. Many Nevada drivers have this coverage without realizing how valuable it can be.
When Your Own Insurer Becomes the Opponent
A UM/UIM claim is made against your own insurance company — and despite the relationship, insurers often resist paying. They may dispute the severity of your injuries or the value of your claim. Nevada law requires insurers to act in good faith, and an attorney can hold them to that obligation, pursuing a bad-faith claim if the insurer unreasonably denies or delays a valid claim.
Maximizing Your Recovery
Recovering full UM/UIM benefits requires careful documentation of your injuries and losses and a clear understanding of how your policy applies. In some cases, coverage from multiple policies may stack to increase the available limits. Acting within Nevada's deadlines and preserving evidence are essential to a strong claim.
Injured in Nevada? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may pay for your injuries up to your policy limits. Hit-and-run crashes are also typically covered by UM coverage.
UIM coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your losses. Your own policy can make up the difference up to its limits.
You have a contractual right to the coverage you paid for. An attorney can help you pursue a valid UM/UIM claim and address any bad-faith conduct by the insurer.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Nevada attorney.