You can do everything right behind the wheel and still be hit by a driver who has no insurance, or not nearly enough. When that happens, the coverage that protects you isn’t the other driver’s policy. It’s your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, often called UM/UIM. Here’s how it works in Nevada and how to tell whether you have it.
What is uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage helps pay for your injuries when you’re hit by an at-fault driver who has no auto insurance. It can help with costs like:
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Medical bills
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Lost wages if you can’t work
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Pain and suffering, depending on your policy
Depending on your policy, UM coverage may also apply if you’re injured by a hit-and-run driver who can’t be identified.
What is underinsured motorist coverage?
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage helps when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are too low to cover your costs. Nevada’s minimum bodily injury limit is $25,000 per person, and a serious injury can cost far more than that. UIM can help cover the gap, up to your own UIM limits.
Why UM/UIM matters for Las Vegas drivers
Nevada is an at-fault state, so if another driver causes a crash, their liability insurance is supposed to pay for your injuries. That system works only if the other driver has enough coverage. When they don’t, you could be left with medical bills and lost income, and limited options to recover them.
Las Vegas has heavy traffic, busy freeways, and plenty of out-of-state visitors on the road. UM/UIM is one of the few coverages that protects you from someone else’s choices about their insurance.
Is UM/UIM required in Nevada?
No. UM/UIM is optional in Nevada, and insurers generally must offer it when you buy a policy. If you declined it in the past, maybe to lower your premium, it’s worth revisiting, especially if your health insurance has a high deductible or you’d struggle to miss work.
What UM/UIM typically doesn’t cover
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Damage to your car. In Nevada, UM/UIM generally applies to injuries. Damage to your vehicle from an uninsured driver is typically handled through your collision coverage, subject to your deductible.
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Injuries to an at-fault driver. UM/UIM applies when the other driver is at fault.
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Amounts above your limits. Your UM/UIM limits set the maximum your policy will pay.
Coverage varies by policy and carrier, so review your own policy language.
Who UM/UIM can protect
Depending on your policy, UM/UIM may cover:
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You and family members in your household
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Passengers in your covered vehicle
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You when you’re a pedestrian or cyclist hit by an uninsured driver
How to choose your UM/UIM limits
Many drivers choose UM/UIM limits that match their bodily injury liability limits. That way, you protect yourself at the same level you protect others. Consider:
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Your health insurance deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
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How long you could go without income
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Whether anyone in your household drives or rides with you often
An agent can show you how different limits affect your premium, so you can find the right balance.
How to check whether you have UM/UIM
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Find your auto policy declarations page in your carrier’s app or your email.
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Look for “Uninsured Motorist,” “Underinsured Motorist,” or “UM/UIM” in the coverage list.
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Note the limits, usually shown as two numbers, like $100,000/$300,000.
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If it’s missing or the limits are low, ask your agent about adding or increasing it.
Frequently asked questions
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Nevada?
No, it’s optional, but insurers generally must offer it. Many Las Vegas drivers choose to carry it.
Does uninsured motorist coverage pay for my car?
In Nevada, UM/UIM generally covers injuries rather than vehicle damage. Collision coverage typically pays to repair your car after an accident with an uninsured driver, minus your deductible.
Does UM cover hit-and-run accidents?
It may, depending on your policy. Report a hit-and-run to police right away and notify your insurance company as soon as you can.
What’s the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured coverage applies when they have insurance but not enough to cover your costs.
Check your UM/UIM coverage with InsureWise
Not sure whether your policy includes UM/UIM, or whether your limits are enough? InsureWise is an independent insurance agency in Las Vegas that compares auto insurance from multiple carriers. We’re at 3295 N Fort Apache Rd #120 in northwest Las Vegas, serving drivers across the valley, including Summerlin and Centennial Hills. Se habla español. Request an auto insurance review or call (702) 620-4825. Coverage varies by policy and carrier.
