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Nebraska is one of the states that pairs standard liability limits with mandatory uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The minimum is 25/50/25, and every policy must also carry UM/UIM of $25,000 per person and $25,000 per accident. Because those UM/UIM numbers are lower than the bodily injury limits, it is worth reading your declarations page to see exactly what each line says.
Nebraska also ties insurance closely to registration. You must present proof of financial responsibility when you register a vehicle, and photocopies of an insurance certificate are not accepted. The Department of Motor Vehicles maintains an insurance database, fully operating since July 1, 2004, that insurers report to on a regular cycle, so a brand-new policy may not show up immediately. Skipping the proof requirement is not minor: registering without coverage is a Class IV misdemeanor, and a no-proof conviction suspends driving privileges until you file an SR-22 for three years.
| Minimum liability | 25/50/25 (BI per person / BI per accident / PD, in $1,000s) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: $25,000 per person / $25,000 per accident |
| Fault system | At-fault (tort) |
| Credit-based insurance scores | Allowed |
| SR-22 / proof of financial responsibility | After a no-proof-of-insurance conviction, the DMV requires an SR-22 on file for three years from the citation date before driving privileges are reinstated. |
Nebraska minimum liability limits
To register and drive a car in Nebraska you need at least this much liability coverage:
- $25,000 for injuries to one person in an accident you cause.
- $50,000 in total for injuries to everyone in that accident.
- $25,000 for damage to other people's property, such as their car.
Tip: The minimum is a legal floor, not a recommendation. If a serious crash costs more than your limits, you could be personally responsible for the rest. See how much liability coverage you may need.
Other required and offered coverage
Besides liability, Nebraska requires:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: $25,000 per person / $25,000 per accident
Insurers are not required to offer UM/UIM limits above $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident (Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-6408).
Learn more about uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection.
Is Nebraska a no-fault state?
Nebraska is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other people's injuries and property damage, which is normally paid by that driver's liability insurance. Injured people can claim against the at-fault driver's insurer or, in some cases, sue.
Nebraska uses modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar: your recovery is reduced by your share of fault and barred if you are 50% or more at fault (Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-21,185.09 and following).
Read more: at-fault vs. no-fault states explained.
Can insurers use your credit in Nebraska?
Status: Allowed. Nebraska Department of Insurance consumer materials say insurers may use an insurance credit score as a rating factor where state law allows. We did not find a Nebraska-specific limit on that use.
See how credit affects car insurance for the bigger picture.
Penalties for driving uninsured in Nebraska
Paying registration fees without a current liability policy or proof of financial responsibility is a Class IV misdemeanor, and the penalty is mandatory. A no-proof-of-insurance conviction automatically suspends driving privileges, and reinstatement requires an SR-22 and a $50 fee.
Nebraska DMV keeps an insurance database, operational since July 1, 2004, that insurers update on a regular cycle (not daily). It is used for registrations and online renewals, but it does not replace a written proof of insurance.
After a no-proof-of-insurance conviction, the DMV requires an SR-22 on file for three years from the citation date before driving privileges are reinstated.
If you are ordered to file proof of insurance, see what SR-22 insurance is.
Tips for Nebraska drivers
- Carry an original proof of insurance for registration. Nebraska DMV does not accept photocopies; it accepts an original certificate, an electronic image of it, or an SR-22.
- Compare your UM/UIM line with your liability limits. The state minimum for UM/UIM ($25,000/$25,000) is lower than the bodily injury minimum ($25,000/$50,000), and insurers need not offer UM/UIM above $100,000/$300,000.
- Expect a short delay before a new policy appears in the DMV database. Insurers report on a regular cycle, not daily, so keep your proof of insurance handy during renewals.
- Know that crashes can trigger suspensions even without a ticket. Nebraska DMV can suspend privileges after a crash if no proof of financial responsibility is provided, using a $2,000 damage threshold for crashes on or after July 18, 2026.
- Remember the alternatives to insurance exist but are rarely practical. The DMV also accepts a $75,000 surety bond, a $75,000 cash deposit, or self-insurance for owners with at least 26 registered vehicles.
When you shop, compare quotes from several insurers using the same limits and deductibles, so the prices are like-for-like.
Official resources
- Insurance regulator: Nebraska Department of Insurance
- Motor vehicle agency: Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Your state insurance department can answer questions about your rights and handle complaints about insurers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Nebraska?
Nebraska requires bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, property damage liability of $25,000, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $25,000 per accident. Those numbers are legal minimums, and the Nebraska Department of Insurance notes they may not cover all damages in a serious loss.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Nebraska?
Yes. Nebraska requires UM and UIM coverage as part of the minimum insurance, at $25,000 per person and $25,000 per accident. You can ask for higher limits, but under state law the insurer does not have to offer more than $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. Ask your agent how your limits are set.
What happens if I'm caught without insurance in Nebraska?
A no-proof-of-insurance conviction automatically suspends your operating privileges. To get them back you must show an SR-22 kept on file for three years from the citation date and pay a $50 reinstatement fee. Registering a vehicle without a current policy is separately a Class IV misdemeanor, and the penalty is mandatory.
How does Nebraska check that my car is insured?
The DMV maintains an insurance database that insurers update on a regular cycle, in operation since July 1, 2004. It is used when vehicles are registered, including online renewals. Because reporting is not daily, a new policy may take time to appear, and the DMV says the database does not replace your written proof of insurance.
Sources
- Nebraska Department of Insurance – Important auto insurance and types of coverage
- Nebraska DMV – Insurance requirements (proof of financial responsibility)
- Nebraska DMV – No proof of insurance conviction
- Nebraska DMV – Insurance database
- Nebraska Legislature – Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-6408 (uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages)
- Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer – Contributory negligence/comparative fault laws in all 50 states
General information only. State rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Nebraska Department of Insurance or your insurer before you buy. This page is not insurance or legal advice.