Should Boat Liability Insurance be Mandatory ?

[ssteelheadsteve]

Some recent posts have made me aware that some folks may not be concerned about the safety of others on the water.
Have you ever been hit by a unisured or underinsured motorist ? Had to pay the Bills for someone elses mistake ? Had a problem with a boater or motorist who could not get insurance yet was still operating a boat or Car ?
What are your thoughts ?
SHOULD BOAT LIABILITY INSURANCE BR MANDATORY ?

[Phish_on]

I hate insurance companies. And I find government intervention distasteful.

If you don't have insurance, aren't you an idiot? I guess that's your point ... my car got hit by an idiot, and I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have had insurance if it wasn't required by law.

As soon as I got a boat, I thought "what happens if I ram into some million dollar boat?" and I got me some insurance. Cheap, compared to auto coverage, eh?

[WaterDog]

I don't see where operating a boat is any different than driving a car. Everyone should demonstrate some minimum amount of competentancy in knowledge of the rules of the road and in handling skills. With that said, YES, everyone should have liability at minimum.

If you can afford the boat, you can afford the insurance! Besides, in this day and age, why take the chance.

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EAT, SLEEP, FISH!

[nivtup]

Yes you should have insurance.

No the government shouldn't require that you have it.