Car icon Insurance Requirements (Proof of Financial Responsibility)

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 (pulling unit insurance must provide coverage for the trailer);
  • Snowmobiles;
  • Boats;
  • Dealer-plated vehicles;
  • Campers on the back of trucks (proof is required for the truck on which the camper is placed).

Proof of Financial Responsibility is presented to the County Treasurer when application for registration is submitted.

 

Acceptable Proof of Financial Responsibility is One of the Following

Certificate of Insurance

Certificate of Insurance issued by any insurance carrier authorized to do business in Nebraska.

Must be original document issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Nebraska. Photocopies are not acceptable. Evidence of insurance may be displayed as an electronic image on an electronic device (i.e. cell phone, tablet, laptop, etc.).

The Certificate of Insurance presented must have the following information:

  • Name of the insurance carrier;
  • Names of insured;
  • Policy number;
  • Year of vehicle;
  • Make of the vehicle;
  • "Model" of the vehicle (e.g., Ford "Mustang") and/or the last three digits of the Vehicle Identification Number;
  • Effective and expiration dates of the liability coverage.

Insurance Policy must be original document issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Nebraska. Photocopies are not acceptable. The names on insurance policy, registration and title do not need to match. However, there must be a detailed description of the vehicle (year; make; model and minimum of the last three digits of the VIN). The Insurance Policy presented must the following information:

  • Name of the insurance carrier;
  • Names of insured;
  • Policy number;
  • Year of vehicle;
  • Make of the vehicle;
  • "Model" of the vehicle (e.g., Ford "Mustang") and/or the last three digits of the Vehicle identification Number;
  • Effective and expiration dates of the liability coverage.

For Fleet vehicles (a group of at least five (5) vehicles that belong to the same owner), when the insurance card does not specifically describe the vehicle, a statement that the insurance coverage applies to all vehicles owned by the named insured in place of an explicit description is acceptable. The named insured must match the registered owner. In a lease situation the registered owner is the lessee.

Bond

Bond issued by a surety company authorized to do business in Nebraska.

Proof of financial responsibility may be evidenced by the bond of a surety company duly authorized to transact business within this state. The bond shall be conditioned for the payment of up to $75,000. It shall be filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles and shall not be cancelable except after ten (10) days written notice to the Department.

Property Bond

Proof of financial responsibility may be evidenced by a bond with at least two individual sureties who each own real estate within this state, which real estate shall be scheduled in the bond approved by a judge of a court of record. The bond shall be conditioned for the payment of up to $75,000. It shall be filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles and shall not be cancelable except after ten days written notice to the Department. Such bond shall constitute a lien in favor of the state upon the real estate so scheduled of any surety, which lien shall exist in favor of any holder of a final judgment against the person who has filed such bond, for damages, including damages for care and loss of services, because of bodily injury to or death or any person, or for damages because of injury to or destruction of property, including the loss of use thereof, resulting from the ownership, maintenance, use, or operation of a motor vehicle after such bond was filed, upon the filing of notice to that effect by the Department in the office of the register of deeds of the county where such real estate shall be located.

Certificate of Deposit

Certificate of Deposit or money or securities.

A certificate of deposit or money of securities is issued by the State Treasurer after the person named therein deposits $75,000 in cash or securities into the custody of the State Treasurer's office. Contact the State Treasurer for additional information. The certificate is valid only if it bears the Department of Motor Vehicles Seal.

Certificate of Self Insurance

Certificate of Self Insurance issued by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. This certificate is valid only if it bears the Department of Motor Vehicles Seal.

Self-Insurance Guidelines:

  • Fees: None
  • Minimum number of registered vehicles required: Twenty-six (26).
  • Types of coverage that can be self-insured: Bodily injury, death and property damage.
  • Required application and/or related forms: Application for Self-Insurance.
  • Initial filing and financial requirements: An applicant must file a copy of its most recently audited financial statement and a list of all vehicles registered in the State of Nebraska.
  • Renewal filing requirements: A certificate is continuous, but audited financial statements and a description of Nebraska registered vehicles must be filed annually with the Department.
  • Grounds for cancellation of a Self-Insurance Certificate: The Nebraska DMV can cancel a Certificate of Self-Insurance upon reasonable grounds. If any final judgment is not paid within 30 days, such failure constitutes reasonable grounds, as does failure to file an annual financial statement or to maintain a minimum number of twenty-six (26) Nebraska registered vehicles.
  • A Self-Insurer must be given five (5) days’ notice of any hearing to cancel its certificate.

Current Self-Insured Entities

 

Questions regarding Proof of Financial Responsibility may be addressed by email or by phone at (402) 471-3918.