Do some countries require liability insurance?

[gilgsn]

Just wondering, after watching a video showing officials asking for insurance in Spain... More concerned about in between the Bahamas and Panama.

Gil.

[barnakiel]

Not sure about just cruising but we were asked to produce ours when taking the canal.

b.

[chuckr]

We have sailed to I would guess 30 different countries and have yet to check in without being asked for our insurance.

[gilgsn]

We have sailed to I would guess 30 different countries and have yet to check in without being asked for our insurance.

Interesting thanks, but was it required and a condition for entry?

Gil.

[boatman61]

If your using ports of entry at each country its the minimum requirement..
If your not... your in the ****..😂

[chuckr]

as Boatman said - is it required -- simply put yes

[conachair]

I can't remember ever being asked for insurance when checking in while anchored. Marinas always ask.

[tomfl]

Lots of folks go to the Bahamas with no insurance. Also would note that checking at a place like Morgan's Bluff where they don't normally come to your boat, in fact they may not eve look at it, as opposed to Nassau where they might board is common in the Bahamas. Also would note in the Bahamas the length of your cruising permit seems to vary depending on when (time of day) and where you check in. Been told Cuba does not ask for insurance. As others have posted if you anchor, or in some cases take a mooring ball it is different than if you go to a dock in a high end marina.

So to answer your question in two words, it depends.

[travellerw]

I entered both Mexico and the USA this year. Both occasions I was NOT asked for insurance. In Mexico I produced it "just because" and was told "No senior, not required".

[tomfl]

Originally Posted by travellerw

I entered both Mexico and the USA this year. Both occasions I was NOT asked for insurance. In Mexico I produced it "just because" and was told "No senior, not required".

Are you a senior in high school or college?

[Canibul]

Why would a country care one way or another if you will receive an insurance settlement back home if you damage your boat while sailing?

[wgoodbye]

Originally Posted by travellerw

I entered both Mexico and the USA this year. Both occasions I was NOT asked for insurance. In Mexico I produced it "just because" and was told "No senior, not required".

Boats entering Mexican ports are required to carry civil liability (third party) coverage for potential damages to third parties. You might get away with not having it, but just like driving in Mexico without liability coverage will get you thrown into a Mexican jail if you damage property or hurt someone and don't have proof of liability coverage, the same thing will happen with a boat if you have an accident. Mexican civil liability coverage can only be issued by a Mexican insurance company.

[Southern Star]

They don't care about you damaging your own boat, but they do care about liability coverage should you injure someoene, damage someone else's boat, or leave a wreck that requires clean-up.

[George DuBose]

For what it's worth, most European countries require that you carry liability insurance. Five million Euros in The Netherlands.

The insurance on loss of the boat is not required.

I pay about 200 euros a year for 12000 euros against loss of my vessel and the liability of 5 mil.

[Cheechako]

Never had or was asked for insurance in the Caribe. Not recent though.