Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance Coverage Offers Crucial Protection — Even In Hit-And-Run Accidents
The Required State Minimum Coverages Aren’t Enough
When people shop for car insurance, they often look for coverage that either looks a lot like “what they’ve always had,” or they shop solely by price, choosing the least expensive coverage they can get. Even if one thinks they are a great driver with a perfect record, this isn’t the best approach, for a number of reasons.
For instance, the state’s required minimum coverage isn’t enough to cover the cost of a car replacement. In Nevada, the minimum auto coverage is known as 25/50/20: $25,000 for bodily injury (per person), $50,000 for bodily injury (per accident), and $20,000 for property damage (per accident). Considering the substantial cost of medical care, and that the average new car costs $50,000 in 2026, Nevada’s minimums might only cover the cost of the most minor of accidents.
Most Drivers Are Underinsured, Many Are Uninsured
This all leads to a real issue: most Nevada drivers are underinsured. Worse, almost 9% of Nevada drivers evade state law and carry no insurance at all. What this means is that while you may be an excellent driver, you remain at the mercy of those who aren’t.
This is especially true if you do not deliberately add uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage to your policy. Remember: UM/UIM coverage is an optional component of your own car insurance policy that protects you and your passengers if you’re hit by a driver who either has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your injuries and damages. It also covers you and your passengers in the event that you are in an accident with what is a sharply increasing number of hit-and-run drivers.
What Happens if You Are Hit By an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver in Nevada?
Imagine you’re in a crash that’s either not your fault or caused by a hit-and-run driver. Normally, the other driver’s insurance pays for your medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident.
But what if the at-fault driver is:
- Uninsured (UM): The at-fault driver has zero insurance.
- Underinsured (UIM): The at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are too low (e.g., only $25,000) to cover your serious injuries (e.g., $150,000 in medical bills) or repair your vehicle.
- Someone who leaves the scene of the accident
Without sufficient uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy, you’d be stuck paying out of pocket or suing the driver personally (who likely has no assets anyway). Since minimum liability is 25/50/20, if you’re hit and have $100,000 in injuries, the other driver’s insurance pays only $25k. Your UIM can cover the remaining $75k (up to your policy limit).
In an era when an increasing number of drivers do not have sufficient coverage, or no coverage at all, UM/UIM is the easiest way to protect yourself with an added layer of coverage.
Pro Tip: Always add UM/UIM coverage with limits as high as you can afford. It’s often cheap and one of the smartest add-ons for Nevada drivers. We recommend $100,000/$300,000 minimums for high-risk Las Vegas roads.
Does the Same Apply to Motorcycles?
Motorcycle riders in Nevada must carry the same minimum liability insurance as automobile owners, covering injuries or property damage to others if the rider is at fault in a crash. However, your standard liability policy won’t protect you or your bike if you’re the one causing the accident. The Nevada Division of Insurance strongly urges motorcyclists to add uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
As Motorcycle and Auto Accident Lawyers in Las Vegas at Sam & Ash Injury Law, we’ve helped countless riders and drivers recover compensation for hit and run accidents in Nevada with the uninsured or underinsured. If you’re hit by someone without insurance, UM/UIM can be your lifeline. Our refreshed guide for 2025-26 explains how it works, what to do if injured by an uninsured motorist, and steps for legal action — all to ensure you get What’s Right.
What to Do If Hit by an Uninsured, Underinsured, or Hit-And-Run Driver in Nevada
- Prioritize safety: Call 911, get medical help, and document injuries — even minor ones can worsen.
- Gather evidence: Photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries; witness statements; police report (required for claims over $750).
- Notify your insurer: File a UM claim immediately — provide proof of the other driver’s lack of insurance.
- Avoid DIY negotiations: Insurers (even yours) may undervalue UIM claims; consult a lawyer to maximize payout for medicals, lost income, and pain.
- File within limits: 2 years from the accident for personal injury (NRS 11.190).
- Seek judgment: If won, seize assets like wages or property — but success is rare without deep pockets.
- Third-party claims: If a casino valet or faulty road contributed, pursue premises liability.
Injured by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver in Las Vegas? We offer a free 24/7 consultation. We’ve secured millions for drivers in similar cases, navigating Nevada’s at-fault system and complex insurance coverages to hold all liable parties accountable. Call (702) 820-1234 today. At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we fight — you win.
