Mary: As Jake said, we have been required to have insurance for the Major events. They don't always ask to see the Policy, but at NAF 18's they took our Policy #, checked the coverage limits. We were told in advance we would not be allowed to race without it. They meant it.

We write it into the Race Registration for our local events, like they do at Spring Fever, and signing the registration form is also acknowledging that you have insurance and agree to be financially liable for damage caused. We do not check policies, however. One would wonder if the Sail Club could be held liable for damages by a competitor for that should someone turn out to have lied on the registration form. It is a litigious world. If it came down to the good graces of a sailing club or $15000 damages to my racing cat, I know which choice I'd make.

I posted this from the other Thread, too, seemed to belong here better.

NO, Mike: [color:"red"] Was State Farm that wouldn't pay. And you are Right, THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY CHEAP!![/color] [color:"brown"] Think they are expecially cheap beacause they refused when I asked for my premiums back since they did not provide the coverage I had contracted for. I had discussed my needs specifically with my agent at length when I purchased coverage [/color]
I had never filed a boating claim through them before, I actually did my I-20 insurance through them because so many sailors had good reports from them. Changed to Boat US afterwards. Hopefully they would respond differently if I were to file a claim. The people at Boat US were knowledgable about sailboat racing, and cooperative, unlike Jake's experience.
(Of Course, State Farm was pretty nice too, until I asked them to pay off on my policy)