Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Matters More Than Ever in Las Vegas
With Expired Temp Tags and Fake Plates on the Rise, Too Many Drivers Have No Insurance
Las Vegas roads are no stranger to chaos—crashes, reckless drivers, and now a troubling new trend: more vehicles are being spotted with expired temporary tags, counterfeit dealer plates, or no license plates at all. According to the Nevada DMV, this isn’t just a paperwork issue—it’s a red flag for a much bigger problem: many of these drivers don’t have insurance.
At Lasso Injury Law LLC, we’ve handled countless cases where responsible people were left footing the bill after being hit by someone who had no coverage or not nearly enough. That’s why we urge every Nevada driver to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Because out here, relying on someone else to be insured just isn’t enough.
What’s Behind the Rise in Unregistered and Uninsured Vehicles?
According to a report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada’s DMV has seen a surge in expired temporary tags and fake out-of-state plates. Some drivers are trying to avoid registration costs. Others are operating vehicles they can’t legally insure due to suspended licenses. Enforcement is limited—Metro officers are often tied up responding to crashes and emergencies, rather than checking every expired paper plate.
That means more unregistered and uninsured drivers are slipping through the cracks. And when they cause a crash, the consequences land squarely on the innocent party.
Why You Need Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
Nevada law doesn’t require you to carry UM/UIM coverage, but if you don’t, you’re taking a major risk. Here’s what this coverage does:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your full losses.
Without this protection, you could be left paying out of pocket, even if the other driver was 100% at fault.
Most Drivers Don’t Carry Enough Insurance—And It Shows
Nevada’s minimum liability insurance requirement is just $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. That’s not enough to cover a hospital stay, let alone ongoing treatment or lost income. And now, with more drivers skirting registration laws entirely, the risk of getting hit by someone with no coverage is higher than ever.
Even if the other driver hands over a valid insurance card, it doesn’t guarantee they’re properly covered. Their policy could be expired, canceled, or maxed out in minutes.
How UM/UIM Can Protect You in the Event of a Crash
UM/UIM coverage can be a financial lifeline. It covers:
- Emergency room visits, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Ongoing treatment and medication
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Future loss of earnings if you're unable to return to work
This coverage follows you, not just when you’re driving your own car, but even if you're a passenger, a pedestrian, or riding a bike when the crash happens.
Don’t Count on the DMV or Law Enforcement to Catch Every Bad Actor
Even the DMV admits they don’t have the staff or tools to crack down on every fake or expired tag. Law enforcement officers are focused on urgent calls, and many unregistered vehicles go undetected unless there’s already a crash.
This means you can be doing everything right—driving safely, following the rules—and still get blindsided by someone who shouldn’t be on the road at all. If that happens, the difference between financial ruin and financial recovery may come down to whether you had UM/UIM coverage.
What to Do After a Crash With an Uninsured Driver in Nevada
If you’re in a crash and the other driver has no insurance or questionable registration:
- Call the police – Always make a report, even if the damage seems minor.
- Document everything – Take photos of both vehicles, the license plate (or temp tag), and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention – Some injuries take time to appear. Don’t wait.
- Don’t talk to their insurance company – If they even have one, let your attorney handle all communication.
- Talk to a lawyer who knows how to deal with these cases – You may have more options than you think.
Al Lasso Fights for the Injured, Even When the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance
At Lasso Injury Law LLC, attorney Al Lasso and his dedicated legal team have been standing up to insurance companies for years, and we don’t back down. We know how to get results for people hit by uninsured or underinsured drivers, because we’ve seen firsthand how unfairly victims are treated.
If you’ve been injured in a Las Vegas crash and don’t know where to turn, we’ll give you straight answers. We’ll review your coverage, explain your options, and take on the fight—so you don’t have to. To find out how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us today for a free consultation. It costs you nothing to talk with us, and we don't get paid unless we win your case.
"Mr. Lasso has been my attorney for probably close to a decade, or maybe a little more, and I absolutely unequivocally would recommend him for anyone's legal needs, especially vehicle accidents ...he has absolutely changed my life for the better and I am still moving forward with my life because of Lasso Injury Law." — Matthew T., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
