DMV Fines
There is always the running joke of how “everyone” hates the DMV, whether it is the long wait in line or the difficulties when it comes to registering a vehicle. Unfortunately, most Nevadans are unaware of another potential problem: DMV fines regarding a lapse of auto insurance coverage.
In the state of Nevada, the day that you register an automobile, motorcycle, boat or RV, you must maintain continuous insurance coverage on that vehicle or the DMV will impose a hefty fine. Even one (1) day of insurance lapse can cost you a fine of $250.00, per vehicle, and this is for the first offense.
How can you avoid these ghastly fines? Remember to pay your insurance premium on time! Signing up for automatic payments, taken directly from your checking account or debit/credit card, will ensure that your premium is paid on time each month. Additionally, most insurance companies offer a discount on your premium when you sign up for automatic payments.
If you cannot pay your insurance bill, contact your insurance agent before your policy cancels. Some companies will allow you to pay late, susceptible to a late fee. Nevertheless, please contact your insurance agent to discuss your options.
Additionally, turning in your license plates before your insurance expires is another way to avoid DMV fines. Also, if you sell a vehicle or if your vehicle breaks down and cannot be repaired, turn in the plates to the DMV before canceling your insurance. The DMV will impose a fine if the license plates are not turned in, even if your vehicle is not operating.
Please take note of your renewal date on your insurance policy! Your renewal date is typically the only time when the company does not offer a grace period and/or extension on a payment due. Your renewal payment must be paid on or before the renewal date, as this payment starts your new insurance policy term.
Having a lapse of insurance can cost you a pretty penny! Please note the following breakdown of DMV fines for lapse of insurance coverage; these apply for first-time offenders only. Multiple offenses result in higher fines and penalties. Ouch!
1-30 day lapse = $250.00 fine, per vehicle
- 31-90 day lapse = $500.00 fine, per vehicle
- 91-180 day lapse = $750.00 fine per vehicle, along with a mandatory SR22 filing for three (3) years
- 181+ day lapse = $1,250.00 fine per vehicle, along with a mandatory SR22 filing for three (3) years.
If you receive a postcard from the DMV indicating that they need to verify insurance, do not disregard! It is easy to verify your insurance, whether online or completing the information on the postcard. If necessary, please contact your insurance agent for assistance.
If you have a lapse of insurance coverage and receive a fine from the DMV, pay it as soon as possible! Once the DMV detects a lapse of insurance, or does not receive requested information from you (i.e. the completed postcard), they will suspend your registration. If you are pulled over, the officer may issue a costly ticket for driving on a suspended registration.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact your insurance agent or visit www.dmvnv.com for more information.
Brought to you by Insurance Specialists.
Insurance Specialists helps clients avoid costly fines from the DMV by running weekly reports on pending cancel for non-payments as well as renewals for clients insurance policies. We call every client and let them know their status to ward off those steep fines. Please call us today to get a quote for insurance and let us help you from receiving a fine from the DMV.