Nebraska Car Insurance Requirements

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

Every vehicle registered in Nebraska must carry a minimum level of liability insurance and a separate uninsured motorist coverage. Driving without proof of insurance is a misdemeanor under state law, and the Nebraska DMV's Financial Responsibility Act lets the state suspend a license and registration for any driver who fails to maintain coverage after a reportable accident or major violation.

Nebraska minimum liability limits

The state-mandated minimum policy is 25/50/25:

$25,000 bodily injury per person.
$50,000 bodily injury per accident (total of all injured persons).
$25,000 property damage per accident.

These limits cover damage that the insured driver causes to others. They do not cover damage to the insured's own vehicle — collision and comprehensive coverage are separate, optional products that most lenders require during a financed vehicle's loan period.

Mandatory uninsured motorist (UM)

Nebraska is one of the states that requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage at 25/50 — $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. UM coverage pays the insured's own injury costs when an at-fault uninsured driver causes the accident. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is optional but commonly added at the same limits.

Proof of insurance

A current insurance card or digital proof on a smartphone must be carried in the vehicle and presented on demand to law enforcement, when registering the vehicle at the county treasurer, and when applying for a Nebraska driver's license. The Nebraska DMV operates an electronic insurance verification system that periodically queries insurers for active policies tied to a registered VIN. A negative verification triggers a notice to the registered owner.

SR-22 financial responsibility

An SR-22 is a certificate filed by an insurance company with the Nebraska DMV proving that a driver carries liability coverage at or above the state minimum. It is required for:

Reinstatement after a DUI conviction.
Reinstatement after a 12-point suspension.
Reinstatement after a chemical-test refusal revocation.
Issuance of an Ignition Interlock Permit during revocation.
Reinstatement after a non-payment-of-judgment suspension.

The SR-22 must remain in effect for three years from the eligibility date. If the underlying policy lapses, the insurer notifies the Nebraska DMV and the suspension immediately resumes. SR-22 policies usually cost more than standard policies, but the certificate itself is just a filing fee of $25-$50.

Penalties for driving uninsured

Driving without insurance in Nebraska carries:

A Class V misdemeanor on the first offense, with a fine of up to $100 and possible license/registration suspension.
Reinstatement requires the SR-22 filing and a $50 reinstatement fee.
If the driver was at fault in an accident while uninsured, the state may also suspend the license under Nebraska's Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act until the driver posts a bond or pays a judgment.

Choosing a policy

Many Nebraska policyholders carry coverage well above the 25/50/25 minimum because of how quickly medical and vehicle repair costs can exceed those numbers in a serious accident. Common upgrades:

100/300/100 liability for households with assets to protect.
UIM matching the bodily injury limits to avoid coverage gaps after an accident with an underinsured at-fault driver.
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage of $5,000-$10,000 to fill gaps in health insurance copays.
Comprehensive and collision for newer vehicles, especially given Nebraska's exposure to hail damage.

Insurance and the driver record

Insurers re-rate annually using a 3-year or 5-year window from the Nebraska driver record. A single 3-point conviction can produce a 15-30% premium increase; a DUI typically doubles or triples premiums and may move the driver into a non-standard pool. Comparison shopping at renewal is the best counter to a major rate change.

Out-of-state policies and new residents

A new Nebraska resident has 30 days to bring their auto policy and registration into compliance with Nebraska's 25/50/25 + UM 25/50 minimum and to register the vehicle at the county treasurer. Many national carriers can simply update the policy state, while regional-only insurers may require switching providers.