Boat Insurance In Nevada: What's The Law?

If you own a boat in Nevada, you may be wondering if you need insurance. Well, the good news is that the state of Nevada does not require boat owners to have boat insurance. However, there are certain situations in which you may be required to obtain insurance. For example, if you plan on docking your boat at a marina or taking out a loan with your boat as collateral, then you will likely need to have a valid boat insurance policy in place. Additionally, all boaters born after January 1, 1983, must have a Nevada Boater Education Card to operate any motorized watercraft over 15 HP. So, while insurance is not mandatory, there are certain requirements and regulations that boat owners in Nevada need to keep in mind.

Boat insurance is not mandatory in Nevada

Although boat insurance is not compulsory in Nevada, there are various boating laws and regulations that must be adhered to. These include age and operator restrictions, such as the requirement for operators of personal watercraft (PWC) to be at least 14 years old. Additionally, those born after January 1, 1983, who operate motorized watercraft over 15 HP, must have a Nevada Boater Education Card. This card must be carried on board the vessel and presented for inspection if requested by an enforcement officer.

To obtain a Nevada Boater Education Card, individuals must complete a boater safety course approved by the Nevada Department of Wildlife. The course can be taken online through providers such as Boat-ed.com and BOATERexam.com, and there is no minimum age requirement to enroll. The certification exam can be attempted multiple times, and individuals must score at least 80% to pass.

In addition to the age and certification requirements, Nevada has regulations regarding personal flotation devices (PFDs). All vessels, except sailboards, must have a Type I, II, or III PFD that is readily accessible for each person on board. Recreational boats exceeding 16 feet in length must also have a US Coast Guard-approved Type IV PFD, such as a ring buoy or seat cushion. These safety measures help ensure the well-being of boaters and passengers in Nevada.

Marinas may require insurance for docking

Furthermore, commercial docks must be vigilant about multifaceted risks, including damage to vessels belonging to renters and the health and safety of individuals using the marina. As a result, marina insurance is essential to protect the business from liabilities. This insurance is often referred to as "Marina Operator's Legal Liability Insurance" or "MOLL." It provides coverage for the three "Cs" of storing boats: care, custody, and control.

Other types of insurance that marina owners may want to consider include:

• Bumbershoot insurance or a marine umbrella policy for when accidents cause damages exceeding coverage limits.
• Marine cargo insurance for shipments lost at sea or damaged in transit.
• Accidental pollution insurance for incidents where pollution originates from the marina, such as fuel spills.
• Worker's compensation to cover employees in case of injury on the job.
• Commercial property insurance to extend coverage to docks and boathouses.
• Commercial flood insurance to prepare for weather damage and rising water levels during coastal storms.
• Hired vessels insurance for any damage to workboats or barges hired for work at the marina.
• Business interruption insurance to cover lost revenue if the marina is damaged and unable to operate for a period.

The cost of insurance for a marina will depend on various factors, such as the presence of a refueling station or watersports activities, location, and the provider.

Banks may require insurance if a boat is used as collateral

Nevada does not require boat insurance, but if you want to dock your boat at a marina, you may be required to have it. Banks may require insurance if a boat is used as collateral. This is because boats are a significant investment and can be costly in the event of repairs or accidents. A good insurance policy also protects against liability if someone is injured while riding in or operating the boat.

If you are financing the purchase of a boat, your bank will require proof of insurance for the watercraft. The policy will typically need to cover the full value of the boat, and the bank may set minimum coverage requirements. Additionally, the bank will need to be listed as a lienholder on the policy, making them a co-payee on any compensation from an insurance claim.

Before purchasing boat insurance, it is essential to consider if you need coverage year-round, as well as the discounts and programs available. It is also crucial to understand how much liability and medical coverage is sufficient. In the case of an emergency, you should know if your policy covers towing services. Familiarizing yourself with the process of filing and settling a claim is also recommended.

Collateral Protection Insurance (CPI) is a type of insurance that lenders purchase to protect themselves against potential losses. While CPI is not legal insurance and does not provide coverage for the borrower, it reimburses the lender for losses incurred due to inadequate insurance coverage. The cost of CPI is passed on to the borrower through increased loan payments.

Nevada has age restrictions for operating a boat

Nevada does not require boat insurance, but some circumstances may require it. For example, if you wish to dock your boat in a marina or use it as collateral for a loan, you will need to obtain a valid boat insurance policy.

Age Restrictions for Operating a Boat in Nevada

For a PWC, the operator must be at least 14 years old and have a boating safety education certificate. Each person on board a PWC must also wear a USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD).

For a vessel towing someone on water skis or a similar device, the operator must be at least 16 years old. However, if the operator is at least 14 years old, they may operate the boat if there is someone on board who is at least 18 years old to supervise.

In addition to these age restrictions, Nevada also has a boating education requirement for some individuals. All boaters born after January 1, 1983, must have a Nevada Boater Education Card to operate any motorized watercraft over 15 horsepower on interstate waters. This includes lakes and rivers such as Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Tahoe, and the Colorado River along certain sections.

Boater safety courses are required for some operators

The requirement to take a boater safety course applies to both residents and non-residents of Nevada. There is no minimum age requirement to take the course, but there are age restrictions for operating a personal watercraft (PWC). In Nevada, you must be at least 14 years old to operate a PWC while unaccompanied by an adult. If you are between the ages of 14 and 16, you must have a supervising adult on board who is at least 18 years old.

Once you have completed the boater safety course, you will receive a Boater Education Card, also known as a Boating License. This card must be carried with you whenever you are operating a vessel, and you may be fined if you fail to produce it when requested by an enforcement officer. The card is valid for a period of time specified by the issuing authority, typically a few years.

In addition to the boater safety course, Nevada has several other regulations in place to ensure safe boating. These include requirements for personal flotation devices, restrictions on boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and speed limits for personal watercraft. By following these regulations and completing the required safety course, boaters can help ensure that their time on Nevada's waterways is safe and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions