Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Nebraska in 2025
Nebraska law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under Nebraska Revised Statutes Sections 60-501 to 60-569, known as the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, vehicle owners must establish financial responsibility before operating a motor vehicle in the state. The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance throughout Nebraska.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Nebraska Revised Statutes Section 60-501 to 60-569 establishes definitions for the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, including requirements that no person may operate a motor vehicle in Nebraska unless financial responsibility has been established.
Vehicle owners must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the registration period. Operating a vehicle without established financial responsibility constitutes a violation of Nebraska law and may result in suspension of driving privileges, vehicle registration suspension, and reinstatement fees. Nebraska law enforcement officers may request proof of insurance during traffic stops, and failure to provide proof may result in citations and fines.
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-3918
Official Website: Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Nebraska Revised Statutes Section 60-509 establishes minimum coverage amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance. The Nebraska Department of Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the state. Nebraska requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $50,000 total |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
The minimum coverage requirements apply to liability insurance only. Nebraska law does not mandate collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or medical payments coverage, though lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage for financed vehicles. Uninsured motorist coverage is required unless the insured rejects it in writing. Underinsured motorist coverage must be offered by insurance companies, but may be declined by policyholders.
Nebraska Department of Insurance
1526 K Street, Suite 200, Lincoln, NE 68508
Phone: (402) 471-2201
Official Website: Nebraska Department of Insurance
Proof of Insurance Documents
Nebraska requires vehicle operators to carry proof of motor vehicle liability insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. The following formats are accepted:
- Certificate of insurance issued by any insurance carrier authorized to do business in Nebraska showing policy number, coverage dates, vehicle year, make, model, and VIN information
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device, smartphone, tablet, or laptop
- Insurance policy document issued by an authorized insurance company showing current coverage
- Insurance binder providing temporary proof of coverage while the permanent policy is processed
- Certificate of self-insurance issued by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles for qualified entities
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Proof of financial responsibility.) is required on all vehicles registered in the State of Nebraska and must be carried in the vehicle at all times, with the following exceptions:
- All trailers, as the pulling unit, insurance must provide coverage for the trailer
- Snowmobiles
- Boats
- Dealer-plated vehicles
- Campers on the back of trucks, though proof is required for the truck on which the camper is placed
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance when registering a vehicle for the first time in Nebraska or when renewing an existing registration.
New Nebraska residents must establish Nebraska insurance coverage and register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. New residents must obtain Nebraska insurance before completing vehicle registration at their local county treasurer's office.
Online renewals require active insurance coverage in the state verification system. The Department of Motor Vehicles confirms insurance status electronically before processing registration transactions.
