No. As with most states, Nevada law does not require boat owners to have liability insurance. However, it is still a good idea to obtain insurance in case there is an accident.
1. Is boating insurance ever necessary in Nevada?
Banks will probably require a boat owner to get insurance if the owner has a loan out on the boat. And there may be some marinas that require boat owners to carry insurance in order to dock their boats there.
2. Does homeowner’s insurance cover boats?
Some homeowner’s insurance cover small or low-valued boats. Otherwise, boats are usually not covered by homeowner’s policies.
3. What kind of boating insurance is there?
Some boating insurance policies allow the owner to insure the boat for its current market value in case the boat gets totaled. Insurance companies refer to this as ACV, short for actual cash value. Other policies will insure the boat for a previously agreed upon value, called “stated value.”
The majority of boating insurance qualify as “all risk” policies, which cover everything from fire, vandalism, sinking, and boat theft to physical injuries. A good insurance policy will also cover the cost of any fishing or sports equipment on the boat.
4. Do I need boating insurance on Lake Mead if I cross into Arizona?
No. Like Nevada, Arizona law also does not mandate liability insurance. Therefore, boaters can travel throughout Lake Mead without insurance.
5. Other Nevada boating laws
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1983, is required to complete a boating education course before he/she can operate a motorboat with more than 15 horsepower on Nevada’s interstate waters.
Children 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket on boats except when they are in an enclosed cabin.
Owners of motorized boats (including jet skis) are required to register them with the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
6. Popular Nevada boating areas
Learn about suing for boating injuries on Lake Mead or filing a lawsuit for boating injuries in California.
