Nevada is the 16th least expensive auto insurance state in the United States. With an annual average insurance rate of $1341, Nevada’s insurance rate is around $150 less than the national average.
Las Vegas, however, has an annual average insurance rate of $1869. Las Vegas and North Las Vegas are the two most expensive zip codes in Nevada. If you live here and get into an accident or are convicted of an alcohol-related offense, your insurance premiums will witness an astronomical increase. Let’s consider these two factors and their effect on insurance premiums.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is an offense in Nevada, and Nevada has an implied consent and open container law that aim to discourage inebriated driving. Operating a vehicle under the influence of prescription drugs is also considered an offense. If you’re convicted of one of these offenses, your insurance premium will increase from $1869 to $3476 in Las Vegas.
The table below shows the average premium increase after a DUI conviction –
| City/State | Zip code | Average Annual Premium ($) | Average Premium after DUI conviction ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elko | 89801 | 1,006 | 1,871 |
| Carson City | 89701 | 1,030 | 1,916 |
| Virginia City | 89440 | 1,078 | 2,005 |
| Reno | 89501 | 1,100 | 2,046 |
| Sparks | 89431 | 1,119 | 2,081 |
| Mesquite | 89027 | 1,198 | 2,228 |
| Boulder City | 89005 | 1,245 | 2,316 |
| Nevada | 89820 | 1,341 | 2,494 |
| Henderson | 89002 | 1,371 | 2,550 |
| North Las Vegas | 89030 | 1,867 | 3,473 |
| Las Vegas | 89101 | 1,869 | 3,476 |
The premium increase after an increase depends on the magnitude of damage caused by the accident. If you were involved in an accident that caused major property damage or serious injuries, your premium could double.
The table below shows the premium increase after one or two accidents –
| City/State | Zip code | Average Premium($) | Average premium after one accident ($) | Average premium after two accidents ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elko | 89801 | 1,006 | 1,239 | 1,848 |
| Carson City | 89701 | 1,030 | 1,269 | 1,892 |
| Virginia City | 89440 | 1,078 | 1,328 | 1,981 |
| Reno | 89501 | 1,100 | 1,355 | 2,021 |
| Sparks | 89431 | 1,119 | 1,378 | 2,056 |
| Mesquite | 89027 | 1,198 | 1,475 | 2,201 |
| Boulder City | 89005 | 1,245 | 1,533 | 2,287 |
| Nevada | 89820 | 1,341 | 1,652 | 2,464 |
| Henderson | 89002 | 1,371 | 1,689 | 2,519 |
| North Las Vegas | 89030 | 1,867 | 2,299 | 3,430 |
| Las Vegas | 89101 | 1,869 | 2,302 | 3,434 |
It is evident from the above tables that a DUI conviction is more expensive insurance-wise than two accidents on your record. If you are convicted of a DUI, you could try to bring down your insurance rates by taking a defensive driving course. It could help lower your premiums, as well as make you a better driver.
