Could we not keep the same "harsh" plan, and then let others provide and purchase such insurance on their own? Why does the insurance have to be mandated?

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petcat 3 days ago | parent [-]

Because the company will file bankruptcy and nobody will get anything. Requiring insurance up front at least provides some coverage for liabilities.

It's why you can't legally drive without insurance. It's not for you or your car, nobody cares about that. It's for the other people and their property.

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watwut 3 days ago | parent [-]

Driving badly or dangerously gets you in prison. Insurance is not there to ensure road safety. Road safety is enforced by punishments.

	▲	petcat 3 days ago \| parent \| next [-]
		Nobody is talking about criminal wreckless driving. We're talking about assurances that you're going to be able to cover damages if you rear-end a sedan and cause $8,000 in repairs. That's why you're required to drive with insurance coverage.
	▲	tedd4u 2 days ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		I would draw the comparison to malpractice insurance for doctors. Gun owners should be required to buy something like it. And police departments.