The Nevada Senate has narrowly passed Senate Bill 180 (SB 180), a significant and controversial piece of legislation that could reshape the insurance landscape for the state’s trucking industry.
Quick Summary: Nevada SB 180 – What Trucking Fleets Need to Know
- 🚨 New Law Passed: Nevada Senate approved SB 180 to gradually double liability insurance for intrastate commercial carriers over 26,000 lbs.
- 📅 Timeline: Increases begin at $1M in 2026, reaching $1.5M by 2030.
- 🆙 Why the Change?: Supporters say the 1980-era $750K minimum is outdated and insufficient for modern accident costs.
- 💸 Industry Pushback: Trucking groups warn the bill could force small operators out, raise premiums, and reduce insurance availability.
- 🔍 Who’s Affected?: Around 3,700 Nevada-based carriers, mostly small fleets and owner-operators.
- 💡 How to Prepare: Improve safety programs, use telematics, work with experienced brokers, and explore group or captive insurance models.
- 🏛️ Next Step: The bill heads to the Nevada Assembly for further consideration.
The bill proposes doubling the minimum liability insurance requirements for intrastate commercial motor carriers operating vehicles over 26,000 pounds — a move that has ignited debate over safety, cost, and fairness.
Here’s what fleets need to know:
What’s Changing?
If signed into law, SB 180 would incrementally raise the minimum liability insurance requirements for intrastate carriers over 26,000 pounds as follows:
- Current Minimum: $750,000 (unchanged since 1980)
- January 2026: Increase to $1,000,000
- January 2028: Increase to $1,250,000
- January 2030: Increase to $1,500,000
This would only apply to intrastate operations (carriers operating solely within Nevada), not interstate carriers following federal guidelines — creating a split regulatory environment.
Supporters Say: It’s Time for an Update
Proponents of SB 180, including Sen. Edgar Flores and Teamsters Local 631, argue the increase is long overdue.
Here’s why:
- Inflation Adjustments: The $750,000 minimum was set in 1980 — the equivalent of about $2.7 million in today’s dollars.
- Medical Cost Realities: Trucking accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities; current minimums may not cover medical bills or damages.
- Public Safety: Backers argue higher minimums incentivize better safety practices and ensure victims are fairly compensated.
Sen. Flores noted the bill arose after learning many victims struggle to receive adequate compensation after severe trucking accidents, especially with outdated coverage limits.
Opponents Say: It Will Hurt Small Fleets
Opposition has come from several industry groups, including the Nevada Trucking Association (NTA), OOIDA, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA).
Their key concerns include:
- Premium Increases: Estimates suggest premiums could rise by $1,000 or more per truck annually, with some small fleets seeing hikes of 20–30%.
- Insurance Availability: Carriers may need multiple policies to reach the $1.5M limit due to limited single-policy options.
- Small Carrier Fallout: The NTA warns many small businesses, especially owner-operators, could shut down under the added financial strain.
- Lack of Data Justification: Federal crash data indicates less than 0.1% of truck crashes exceed the current $750,000 coverage threshold.
- Legal System Abuse: Critics believe the bill empowers litigation, not safety, pointing to Nevada’s high volume of civil cases compared to other states.
Who’s Most Affected?
According to industry leaders:
- Of Nevada’s 11,000+ trucking companies, around 3,700 intrastate carriers could be directly impacted.
- Owner-operators and small fleets working on thin margins are most at risk.
- Insurance carriers like Progressive, Travelers, Farmers, and Berkshire Hathaway may adjust underwriting practices or increase rates across the board.
How Fleets Can Prepare or Reduce Premium Costs
If SB 180 becomes law, preparation is critical. Here are steps fleets can take to manage rising insurance costs and protect their business:
1. Focus on Safety and Loss Control
- Implement driver safety training, telematics, and in-cab cameras to monitor risky behavior.
- Establish a safety incentive program and maintain clean CSA scores.
2. Work With Specialized Insurance Brokers
- Partner with brokers who understand commercial trucking and have access to multiple carriers.
- They can structure layered policies or umbrella coverage cost-effectively.
3. Review and Update Policies Annually
- Don’t auto-renew. Shop around each year and reassess limits, deductibles, and endorsements.
4. Join a Risk Retention Group (RRG)
- For some fleets, joining a group that shares risk across members can help reduce premiums.
5. Use Technology to Reduce Risk
- Telematics and speed analytics (like solutions from SpeedGauge) can help monitor speeding trends, leading to better driver coaching and fewer accidents.
6. Consider Captive Insurance Options
- Larger or growing fleets may benefit from forming or joining a captive insurance company to take more control over costs and claims.
7. Document Everything
- Maintain detailed logs of driver qualifications, inspections, maintenance, and safety initiatives to defend claims and demonstrate due diligence.
What’s Next?
The bill has now moved to the Nevada Assembly for consideration. If it passes there and is signed into law, the first change will take effect on January 1, 2026.
The Road Ahead
Whether you view SB 180 as overdue reform or a crushing burden, its passage would mark a fundamental shift in how trucking insurance is regulated in Nevada. While the intent is to ensure better protection and accountability on the roads, the execution may require thoughtful planning, especially for smaller intrastate carriers trying to stay afloat.
Stay ahead of the change. At CNS Insurance, we’re more than just an insurance provider. We’re your partner in navigating the complexities of the trucking industry. Whether you’re looking to reduce costs, enhance coverage, or ensure compliance, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
We can help carriers challenge preventable accident rulings, DataQ submissions, and get you the best insurance rates.
By staying proactive and aligning your insurance with your new state’s requirements, you can keep your business running smoothly while ensuring your assets are protected. Transitioning doesn’t have to be stressful—partner with CNS Insurance and move forward with confidence.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 800.724.5523 or email info@cnsinsures.com.
