Las Vegas Insurance Rates Extremely High But Nevada DMV Is Cracking Down
It seems like living in Las Vegas, our car insurance now goes up every few months. I’m SO sick of it, and I’m sure you are, too.
Las Vegas Insurance Rates: Why So High?
I ask my insurance agent “why so high?’ One day they say it’s because of the zip code I live in. The next time they say it’s because of all the uninsured motorists. Then next time it’s because of all the stolen vehicles. Thee next time they tell me, because Las Vegas is so transient. So why is it – REALLY?
Las Vegas has some very high car insurance rates, for a host of reasons. Officials at the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles say there is a rise in crimes among motorists across the state. The department says it is cracking down on drivers operating uninsured and unregistered vehicles throughout Nevada.
“We know we have got ongoing problems with out-of-state residents who have moved to Nevada and don’t switch over their vehicle registration, by law they have 30 days and we know a lot of them don’t do it,” Nevada DMV Enforcement Division Chief JD Decker said.
The department says that southern Nevada – particularly Las Vegas – had the most drivers operating uninsured and unregistered vehicles throughout the state. The uptick was first noticed the uptick after DMV offices closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But it just hasn’t gotten better – and that affects ALL of our rates in a big way. Since COVID, many people have just forgone registering their vehicles. Or they bought cars that couldn’t pass smog, and they can’t register them. So drivers shy away from state laws and regulations – and just don’t do it. UGH!
Las Vegas Insurance Won’t Go Down Unless Illegal Drivers Are Stopped
Chief Decker points out the fact that there a so many vehicles without license plates, with temporary tags or counterfeit dealer temporary tags that make it look like the car was purchased recently. The tags are purchased on social media (insert angry emoji here), and they try to target those. But there are just over two dozen patrol officers to catch these people – and it’s not enough.
So Las Vegas insurance, and registration rates go up for everyone, because of all the illegal vehicles. It raises the rates for insurance throughout Nevada for everyone because of those vehicles. It also impacts a lot of other state services because DMV registration fees go towards road repairs.
I’m pissed, and so are others! Because WE basically pay for others, with higher rates on our own insurance, in order to protect ourselves.
That ‘uninsured motorists’ cost is figured into your policy. We pay more because of them. It’s frustrating as hell, but there is nothing we can do about it. LVMPD and the DMV are the ones who need to crack down on it.
If You See Something Say Something
Chief Decker said the DMV relies heavily on local law enforcement to help crack down on drivers driving uninsured or unregistered vehicles. But he pointed out the fact that the community can also help by submitting a tip through the DMV’s smog spotter link.
If you see a polluting vehicle polluting the air, you can report them. Chances are, the vehicle is not registered or insured.
In the meantime, keep an eye on your insurance rates.
