Written by Dylan Saatdjian
Insurance Expert
Starting or running a small business in Nevada is exciting—but it comes with risks. From customer injuries to cyberattacks, the threats facing entrepreneurs today are more complex than ever. The right business insurance can mean the difference between a minor setback and financial disaster.
Let's break down the essential insurance policies every Nevada small business owner needs, what they cover, and how much they typically cost.
The foundation of business protection
General liability insurance is the most important policy for small businesses. It protects you from lawsuits and claims related to bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury.
$400-$800
per year for $1M/$2M coverage
Cost varies by industry, revenue, and location
Why It's Essential:
Many landlords and clients require proof of general liability insurance before signing contracts. Without it, you could be personally liable for lawsuits that could bankrupt your business.
Critical for service-based businesses
Also called Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, this policy protects your business if a client claims your professional services caused them financial harm.
Consultants
Business, IT, marketing advisors
Tech Companies
Software developers, designers
Real Estate
Agents, property managers
Financial Services
Accountants, bookkeepers
Healthcare
Therapists, practitioners
Legal Services
Attorneys, paralegals
Average Cost: $500-$1,500/year for $1M coverage
Protects your physical assets
Commercial property insurance covers your business building, equipment, inventory, furniture, and computers from damage or loss due to fire, theft, vandalism, and covered weather events.
Average Cost: $500-$2,500/year depending on property value and location
Required by law in Nevada
Nevada Law Requires:
If you have even ONE employee in Nevada, you must carry workers' compensation insurance. Penalties for non-compliance include fines up to $15,000 and potential criminal charges.
Workers' comp covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee gets injured or sick on the job. It also protects your business from employee lawsuits related to workplace injuries.
Average Cost: $0.75-$2.50 per $100 of payroll (varies by industry risk level)
Essential if you use vehicles for business
If you use vehicles for business purposes—delivery, client visits, hauling equipment—you need commercial auto insurance. Personal auto policies don't cover business use.
Covers damage/injury you cause to others
Repairs your vehicle after accidents
Theft, vandalism, weather damage
Average Cost: $1,200-$2,400/year per vehicle
Instead of buying general liability and commercial property insurance separately, consider a Business Owner's Policy (BOP) that bundles both together.
Separate Policies:
$900-$3,300
per year
BOP Bundle:
$500-$1,500
per year (save 30-40%)
A BOP is perfect for small businesses with low-to-moderate risk, including retail stores, offices, restaurants, and service businesses.
Tech/IT Services
Low physical risk, high E&O need
$1,200-$2,500
Retail Store
Moderate risk, customer traffic
$1,500-$3,000
Restaurant/Food Service
Higher risk, employee injuries
$3,000-$5,000
Contractor/Construction
High risk, equipment, vehicles
$4,000-$8,000
Professional Services
Office-based, E&O critical
$1,000-$2,000
If you operate outdoors in Las Vegas summers, ensure your workers' comp policy adequately covers heat-related illnesses. Nevada OSHA has strict heat illness prevention requirements.
Nevada's entertainment and gaming industry businesses need specialized liability coverage. Standard policies may exclude alcohol-related incidents.
Nevada's data breach notification laws are strict. If you store customer data, consider cyber liability insurance ($1,000-$7,500/year depending on exposure).
Many Nevada business licenses require surety bonds. Contractors, mortgage brokers, and auto dealers must obtain specific bonds to operate legally.
Building a successful business in Nevada takes hard work, dedication, and smart risk management. The right insurance coverage ensures that one lawsuit, accident, or disaster doesn't undo everything you've built.
Don't wait until you need insurance to get it—by then, it's too late. Start with the essentials (general liability and, if applicable, workers' comp), then add coverage as your business grows.
Get a free business insurance quote tailored to your industry and needs.