Nevada Insurance Scam Protection
Learn to verify agents, spot fraud, and protect yourself from insurance scams in Nevada
Insurance fraud costs Nevada residents millions every year. Whether you're shopping for auto insurance in Las Vegas, life insurance in Reno, or homeowners coverage in Henderson, scammers are waiting to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. This guide helps you identify red flags, verify legitimate agents, and protect yourself from insurance fraud in Nevada.
If You've Been Scammed
Nevada Division of Insurance
Call: 1-888-872-3234
File a Complaint Online
Submit Official Complaint →Report to Law Enforcement
Contact your local police department or Nevada Attorney General
Common Insurance Scams in Nevada
Fake SR-22 Insurance Certificates
Scammers target drivers needing SR-22 filing (often after DUI) by offering "cheap" SR-22 certificates without actual insurance. Victims discover the fraud only when pulled over or trying to reinstate their license.
Red Flags:
- "Certificate only" without policy
- Price significantly below market ($50 vs. $1,200+)
- No Nevada Division of Insurance license
- Payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
Nevada-specific: All SR-22 filings must come from insurers licensed by Nevada DOI. Verify at doi.nv.gov.
Ghost Broker Operations
Unlicensed "agents" sell fake or severely altered insurance policies, often targeting Las Vegas rideshare drivers or commercial vehicle owners who need immediate coverage.
Red Flags:
- Meeting in parking lots or coffee shops instead of office
- Suspicious policy documents (typos, wrong logos)
- Can't provide Nevada insurance producer license number
- Prices "too good to be true"
Fake Earthquake Insurance After Tremors
After seismic events in Reno or Carson City, scammers pose as agents offering "special" earthquake insurance. Real insurers often have 30-60 day moratoriums after quakes.
Red Flags:
- Unsolicited door-to-door sales after earthquake
- "Limited time" pressure tactics
- Immediate coverage promises (real insurers have moratoriums)
Medicare Advantage Phone Scams
Scammers target Nevada seniors with fake Medicare Advantage plans, collecting Social Security numbers and banking information under false pretenses.
Red Flags:
- Unsolicited calls claiming to be from "Medicare"
- Asking for Social Security number or bank account
- Pressure to enroll immediately
- "Free" offers requiring payment information
Identity Theft Through Fake Quotes
Fake insurance websites collect personal information (DOB, SSN, address) under the guise of providing "free quotes," then use data for identity theft.
Red Flags:
- Website asks for SSN before providing quote
- No physical Nevada address listed
- Poor grammar, unprofessional website
- No verifiable company license information
How to Verify Legitimate Insurance Companies & Agents
Step-by-Step Verification Process
Check Nevada Division of Insurance License
All legitimate insurance companies and agents must be licensed in Nevada. Use the official verification tool:
Verify License NowSearch by company name, agent name, or license number. Active licenses show current status and any disciplinary actions.
Request Producer License Number
Every Nevada insurance agent has a unique producer license number. Ask for it and verify it matches their identification.
Verify Company Address & Contact Info
Legitimate companies have physical Nevada addresses (not just P.O. boxes) and working phone numbers.
- Look up the address on Google Maps
- Call the main office number (not just agent's cell)
- Check for legitimate website with HTTPS security
Review Policy Documents Carefully
Legitimate policies include specific details and official company letterhead.
- Policy number and effective dates clearly stated
- Coverage limits match Nevada minimum requirements
- Professional formatting, no typos
- Contact information matches DOI records
Confirm Payment Methods
Legitimate insurers accept standard payment methods and provide receipts.
✓ Legitimate Payments:
- • Check or money order
- • Credit/debit card
- • Electronic bank transfer (ACH)
- • Company website payment portal
✗ Red Flag Payments:
- • Gift cards
- • Wire transfers (Western Union)
- • Cryptocurrency
- • Cash only (no receipt)
Universal Red Flags Checklist
If you encounter ANY of these warning signs, stop immediately and verify before proceeding:
10 Tips for Choosing a Legitimate Insurance Company
1. Verify Nevada DOI Licensing First
Before any conversation, check the company and agent on doi.nv.gov. This single step prevents most scams.
2. Compare Multiple Licensed Providers
Get quotes from at least 3 different licensed insurers. If one is dramatically cheaper, investigate why.
3. Check Financial Strength Ratings
Use A.M. Best, Moody's, or Standard & Poor's to verify the insurer's financial stability. Look for ratings of A- or higher.
4. Read Online Reviews (Carefully)
Check Google, BBB, and Nevada DOI complaint records. Watch for patterns, but remember some negative reviews are normal.
5. Understand Nevada-Specific Requirements
For auto: 25/50/20 minimum. For SR-22: Electronic filing with DMV. For earthquake: Separate endorsement. Legitimate agents know Nevada law.
6. Visit Physical Office If Possible
Especially for large purchases (homeowners, commercial auto). A real office in Las Vegas, Reno, or Henderson is reassuring.
7. Ask About Claims Process
Legitimate companies explain how to file claims, typical response times (Nevada law: 20 days to acknowledge, 30 to resolve), and claims support.
8. Review Policy Before Signing
Nevada law gives you a "free look" period (typically 10 days). Read the entire policy. If something seems wrong, use this window to cancel.
9. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off—too pushy, too cheap, too complicated—walk away. Legitimate agents welcome your questions and verification.
10. Keep All Documentation
Save emails, policy documents, receipts, and agent contact information. This protects you if disputes arise.
How to Report Insurance Fraud in Nevada
If you suspect insurance fraud or have been a victim, report it immediately. Multiple agencies investigate insurance fraud in Nevada:
Nevada Division of Insurance
Phone: 1-888-872-3234 (Toll-free)
Online: File a Complaint
Primary resource for license verification, consumer complaints, and enforcement actions.
Nevada Attorney General's Office
Phone: 702-486-3420 (Las Vegas)
Phone: 775-684-1100 (Carson City/Reno)
Handles criminal fraud investigations and consumer protection violations.
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)
Phone: 1-800-835-6422
Online: Report Online
National organization working with law enforcement to combat insurance fraud.
Local Law Enforcement
Las Vegas Metro Police: 702-828-3111
Reno Police: 775-334-2115
For immediate threats, identity theft, or criminal activity.
Official Nevada Resources
Nevada Division of Insurance
License verification, consumer complaints, and fraud reporting
Visit Nevada DOI →Nevada Attorney General - Consumer Protection
Criminal fraud investigations and consumer rights
Visit AG Consumer Protection →Protect Yourself from Insurance Fraud
Always verify licenses before purchasing insurance in Nevada