Thanks for the responses... just so's you know, I'm basically "judgment
proof" since I have zero assets except for a cheap car, a few
possibilities

SNIP

Judgement proof? I seriously doubt that ANYONE is "judgement proof"... You
may be right that you have very little that anyone could take, but a
judgement against you would ensure that anything you earn or own in the
future would be subject to claim.

Get the insurance.