Boat Insurance in Nevada

What Are Nevada’s Boat Insurance Laws?

Nevada does not require boat insurance by state law for recreational boating. However, if you finance your vessel or plan to dock at a marina on Lake Mead, Lake Tahoe, or other popular waterways, proof of insurance may be required. Even without a legal mandate, having a policy is a smart way to protect your boat and reduce financial risk from accidents or liability claims.

What Are Nevada’s Minimum Boat Insurance Requirements?

There are no state-enforced minimum insurance requirements for boats in Nevada. That said, if your boat is financed or kept at a marina, you may be required to carry:

• Liability coverage to help pay for injuries or damage you cause to others
• Hull coverage to help pay for repairs or replacement of your vessel after an accident or loss

Some marinas may also ask for proof of insurance before assigning a slip or storage space.

How Much Is Boat Insurance in Nevada?

Insurance rates in Nevada are generally moderate due to seasonal boating and mostly freshwater use. Here’s a typical range:

• Smaller boats (under 26 feet): $150–$350 annually for basic liability and optional property protection
• Larger vessels or high-value boats: $400–$1,000+ annually depending on size, usage, and storage location

Premiums can increase if your boat is used frequently in high-traffic zones or stored outdoors without security.

How Do I Lower My Boat Insurance in Nevada?

You can reduce your premium by taking a few strategic steps:

• Opt for a higher deductible to reduce your monthly or annual costs
• Complete a state-recognized boater safety course—some insurers may offer a discount
• Store your boat securely in a garage, locked trailer, or monitored marina
• Avoid high-risk uses like racing or commercial rentals—these are often excluded from standard policies
• Bundle coverage with your home, auto, or RV policies for possible multi-line discounts

Additional Requirements: Are You Financing a Boat?

If you’re financing your boat, your lender will expect you to carry extended coverage to protect the vessel. This typically includes:

• Hull coverage based on either agreed value or actual cash value (Agreed value may pay a pre-set amount if the boat is totaled; actual cash value deducts depreciation)
• Protection against non-collision losses like theft, fire, or storm damage
• Liability insurance

Additional protections like towing, salvage, or fuel spill liability may also be required, especially for more expensive vessels or boats docked long-term in marinas.

How to Get Boat Insurance in Nevada

Purchasing a boat insurance policy in Nevada is quick and straightforward. You can:

• Call us at (1-877-240-4678)
• Get a free online quote in minutes through our portal

Be ready to share your boat’s make, model, year, hull ID, storage location, and intended use.

Nevada Boat Registration Information

All motorized boats used in Nevada must be registered with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). Registration is valid for one year and includes a Certificate of Number and decals that must be properly displayed on both sides of the boat.

To register, you’ll need proof of ownership, a completed application, payment, and a valid hull identification number (HIN).

How Does Boat Insurance Differ Depending on Where I Live in Nevada?

Your location and boating habits can impact your insurance cost and policy needs:

• Lake Mead & Colorado River Region: Higher rates due to dense boat traffic, theft risk, and year-round access
• Las Vegas Valley: Moderate premiums but increased storage-related risks if parked outdoors
• Northern Nevada or Rural Areas: Lower premiums, especially for boats used seasonally or stored indoors

Many marinas in Nevada also request proof of insurance annually for slip assignments or storage contracts.