Nevada's Insurance Regulatory Framework
The Nevada Division of Insurance, within the Department of Business and Industry, regulates all insurance business conducted in the state under the Nevada Insurance Code (NRS Chapters 679A through 697). The Commissioner of Insurance, appointed by the Governor, oversees licensing, rate regulation, market conduct, and consumer protection.
Nevada's insurance market has grown dramatically alongside the state's population boom. The Division processes thousands of licensing applications annually while maintaining rigorous standards for solvency, market conduct, and consumer protection. Nevada is also a premier domicile for captive insurance companies under NRS 694C, competing with Vermont and the Cayman Islands for captive formations.
All insurance producers, companies, and intermediaries must be licensed before transacting business in Nevada. The Division enforces compliance through regular examinations, market conduct investigations, and coordinated action with the NAIC and other state regulators.
License & Registration Types
The Division issues 10 categories of licenses and registrations, each with distinct requirements.
Insurance Producer License
Required for all individuals and entities that sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance in Nevada. Covers agents and brokers across all lines of authority — life, health, property, casualty, personal lines, and surplus lines. Prelicensing education, state examination, and background check required.
Surplus Lines Broker
Licensed to procure insurance from non-admitted carriers for risks that cannot be placed with admitted insurers. Must hold a resident producer license, pass a separate surplus lines exam, maintain a trust account, and conduct documented diligent searches before placing coverage.
Managing General Agent
Licensed to manage all or part of an insurer's business, including underwriting authority and claims handling. Must have a written contract with the appointing insurer, maintain E&O coverage, and submit audited financial statements.
Third Party Administrator
Registration for entities that administer insurance claims or self-funded benefit plans. Must maintain fiduciary accounts, E&O insurance, fidelity bonds, and detailed records of all administered plans and claims activity.
Certificate of Authority
Required for any insurance company to transact insurance business in Nevada. Involves detailed financial review, actuarial opinion, plan of operation, rate and form filings, and biographical affidavits for all officers and directors. The most comprehensive application in insurance regulation.
Bail Bond Agent
License for individuals acting as bail bond agents, requiring prelicensing education, state exam passage, surety insurer appointment, fingerprinting, and background investigation. Bail enforcement agents (bounty hunters) have separate requirements.
Viatical Settlement Provider
License to purchase life insurance policies from terminally or chronically ill policyholders. Must maintain anti-fraud plans, use approved disclosure forms, and deposit funds with escrow agents. Strong consumer protection requirements.
Health Discount Plan
Registration for organizations offering health discount plans (not insurance). Must clearly disclose that the plan is not insurance, maintain provider networks, and post a surety bond. Marketing materials are subject to Division review.
Captive Insurer
License for captive insurance companies domiciled in Nevada. Requires minimum capital/surplus, actuarial feasibility study, business plan, pro forma financials, and management agreements. Nevada is a premier captive domicile.
Title Agent / Title Insurer
License for title insurance agents and insurers. Must be appointed by a title insurer, maintain trust accounts for escrow funds, obtain E&O insurance and fidelity bonds, and designate licensed escrow officers.
Related Permit Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the Division of Insurance
1818 E. College Pkwy., Suite 103
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 687-0700
3300 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 275
Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 486-4009