Nevada Trucking Insurance Requirements: Current Minimums and Proposed Changes

Current Nevada Insurance Requirements

Nevada commercial trucking insurance minimums follow federal standards. There have been no changes to these requirements in recent years, despite proposed legislation.

Both interstate and intrastate carriers operating vehicles over 26,001 lbs follow these minimums. There is no separate Nevada requirement that exceeds federal standards.

The SB 180 Proposal (Withdrawn)

In early 2025, Nevada Senate Bill 180 proposed doubling intrastate trucking liability insurance from $750,000 to $1.5M through phased increases. The bill was withdrawn from consideration on May 8, 2025, and did not become law.

The proposed timeline was:

• $1M by January 2026
• $1.25M by January 2028
• $1.5M by January 2030

This timeline never took effect. Nevada intrastate minimums remain at $750,000 for general freight.

Why Carriers Should Maintain Higher Limits Anyway

Although SB 180 did not pass, most commercial carriers operate above the minimum required limits for practical business reasons:

Load Board Access

Major freight brokers and load boards require minimum insurance levels to access their freight:

• Many require $1M minimum auto liability
• Some require $1.25M or higher for certain freight types
• Operating at $750K minimum excludes you from these opportunities

Adequate Protection

A single serious accident can generate claims that exceed $750,000:

• Medical expenses for multiple injured parties
• Property damage to multiple vehicles
• Lost cargo value
• Legal defense costs

Higher limits protect your business assets and personal assets from catastrophic loss.

Typical Coverage Levels in Practice

While the minimum is $750,000, most carriers operate at higher limits:

Premium increases are not linear — doubling your limit does not double your premium. The jump from $750K to $1M typically adds 15-25% to your premium, depending on your specific risk profile.

Choosing Your Coverage Level

Consider these factors when selecting liability limits:

Your Freight Type

• High-value electronics, pharmaceuticals: carry higher limits
• Standard dry van freight: $1M is usually sufficient
• Heavy equipment, specialized cargo: consider $1.5M+

Your Territory

• Local/regional Nevada operations: standard limits work
• Long-haul transcontinental: higher limits provide better protection
• Urban delivery (Las Vegas, Reno): consider higher limits due to traffic density

Your Business Goals

• Want access to premium freight? Brokers will specify minimum coverage
• Building toward government contracts? Many require $1M+
• Planning to scale up? Start with higher limits to simplify growth

How Nevada Compares to Neighboring States

All western states maintain alignment with federal minimums. This simplifies regional operations — you don’t need to adjust coverage levels when crossing state lines (unless hazmat or other special cargo requires higher limits).

Getting the Right Coverage for Your Operation

Nevada’s insurance requirements are straightforward: $750,000 minimum for general freight, with higher minimums for specialized cargo. Most carriers exceed these minimums for business reasons, not legal compliance.

When shopping for coverage, consider:

1. What freight you haul — higher-value cargo justifies higher limits
2. Where you operate — long-haul and urban routes carry different risks
3. Who you work with — brokers and load boards set their own minimums
4. Your risk tolerance — adequate protection vs. minimum legal compliance

Working with an Agent

Trucking insurance is specialized. Not every insurance agent understands motor carrier operations, FMCSA requirements, or how to structure coverage for commercial freight.

Look for agents who:

• Specialize in commercial trucking, not just commercial auto
• Understand the difference between interstate and intrastate authority
• Can explain how your operations affect your premium
• Work with multiple carriers to find competitive rates

RMS specializes in trucking insurance across the western states. We work with carriers operating in Nevada and can help you determine the right coverage levels for your specific operation. Call (208) 800-0640 or request a quote online.

Nevada-Specific Insurance Considerations

I-80 Long-Distance Operations

The 410-mile I-80 corridor across Nevada is sparse desert with long stretches between services. Carriers operating this route should consider:

• Physical damage coverage for breakdowns in remote areas
• Towing and labor coverage — tow truck responses can be expensive from distant towns
• Cargo insurance for freight that may sit alongside I-80 during mechanical delays

Las Vegas Metro Area

Urban freight operations in Clark County face different risks:

• High traffic density increases accident exposure
• Property damage claims can be higher in urban areas
• Consider higher liability limits for metro-focused operations

Intrastate vs. Interstate Authority

Nevada does not impose state-specific insurance requirements above federal minimums for intrastate carriers. If you operate only within Nevada, you follow the same $750,000 minimum as interstate carriers. This simplifies authority decisions — choose based on operational scope, not insurance costs.