DMV stops mailing insurance forms

Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2003 | 9:03 a.m.

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has temporarily stopped mailing requests to motorists for proof of insurance as part of renewing registrations.

The department began reviewing incomplete insurance records in October 2002 and hundreds of insured motorists received requests to verify insurance information.

"We regret the inconvenience our effort to improve the insurance verification program has caused many long-time Nevadans and their insurance companies," DMV Director Ginny Lewis said in a statement.

The department will continue to mail requests to motorists when insurance companies send notice that a drop or lapse in insurance coverage has occurred, Lewis said.

To assist in correcting the DMV's incomplete records, the department has sent a second request to insurance companies asking that they submit their entire business book.

"Our insurance database is only as complete and accurate as the information provided to us by the insurance companies," Lewis said.

Last year the state identified 46,773 motorists whose registrations were reinstated after they were suspended for not having insurance, compared to 19,582 in fiscal year 2001.

In addition to keeping uninsured motorists off the road, reinstatement revenues totaled $8.4 million, more than double the DMV's $3.8 million projection. Most of this revenue goes to the state highway fund and is used to improve state roads.

The department urged motorists to complete and return insurance verification requests, even in cases where the policy has been in effect over a long period.

The department will then validate the motorist's information with the insurance company. In cases in which a motorist or an insurance company fails to respond to the request, the DMV is required by law to suspend the vehicle registration.

For specific questions, motorists may call (800) 344-0483 or e-mail info@dmv.state.nv.us. The department's website is www.dmvnv.com.