When searching for boat insurance, you may be overwhelmed when
you find that there are many different types of boat insurance
policies available. In general, insurance companies only offer
one general watercraft liability coverage policy; some others
may offer additional coverage that you are able to purchase. If
you have financed your dreamboat, the lender probably requires
you to obtain specific coverage. There are many different types
of coverage available that you can add, as an addition to your
standard policy.

The standard policy, the watercraft liability insurance
coverage, is required by law in most states. This insurance
policy provides coverage in the event that damage occurs to a
person or property as a result of actions taken on your boat.
This is true whether or not it is during transportation or
actually on the water. This is a law requirement in having this
type of liability coverage, and each area will have its own
requirements as to how much you will need. It is wise to consult
with an insurance agent to find out what is necessary to meet
the requirement of the law.

It is possible that medical payment coverage may be required in
your area. This type of coverage pays for the medical expenses,
up to a specified amount, for you and any passenger on your boat
that result in an accident covered by the policy. As a
suggestion, regardless of whether this insurance is required or
not, it would be wise to consider it. Medical expenses as a
result of an accident can become extremely high.

Another additional type of coverage to the standard liability
coverage is the wreck removal and pollution coverage. This
should also be strongly considered. If your boat sinks or is
involved in an accident for any reason, you are required to
remove it at once in accordance with the law. If oil or gas
leaks into the water as a result of an accident, you will be
fined. The wreck removal and pollution coverage provides
coverage for this type of incident, without the coverage you
will be required to pay for the removal and fines out of your
own pocket.

Just like in automobile coverage, you should definitely insure
yourself against uninsured boats as well. This works in the same
manner as uninsured motorist insurance your automobiles. If
another boater, who does not have any type of insurance or
enough coverage, collides with your boat on the water, this
coverage will pay for the replacement of your boat and any
needed repairs.

Most all insurance policies you purchase should cover the boat,
motor, and trailer used to transport your boat. Liability
coverage is not the only type of coverage that you will likely
need in many cases. Make sure that you protect your boat,
optional coverage that includes theft, vandalism, losses caused
by storms, fire, sinking, capsizing, stranding, and collision.
Speak to your insurance agent and find out what type of
insurance is required by your area and the types of coverage
they can offer you.

I was having lunch on the patio of a casual restaurant, and between bites of my crisp salad, I overheard a man in a business suit say to his lunch mate:

“I don’t disagree with that.”

I’ve heard this phrase before, first and foremost from a lawyer, and I’ve always found it irksome, along with other weasel words and phrases.

What does “I don’t disagree with that” say?

Actually, it says nothing, at least directly. If you don’t disagree, does it mean you agree? Are you open to agreeing?

And what does this phrase replace, except a perfectly serviceable grunt such as “uh-huh”?

Are those who don’t disagree so concerned that they’ll “go on the record” for assenting to something that could haunt them later if they just let what they heard pass without comment?

Do they feel obligated to judge each and every thing that comes along?

After law school I had to make a real effort to STOP sounding like a lawyer in the interest of getting along with my consulting clients, who by the way, were seeking me out for my communication abilities.

Like a reformed “anything,” perhaps I’m acutely antagonistic about symptoms of that from which I feel I’ve extricated myself. Ex-smokers are often the most vocal about side stream smoke, and I lament the use of circumlocutions such as “I don’t disagree.”

Anyway, that couple on the patio could have been discussing dessert for all I know, one of them saying, “A piece of pie would be nice.”

Why can’t the other just fess up to wanting a slice, too?

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service, and the audio program, “The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable,” published by Nightingale-Conant. A Ph.D. from USC’s Annenberg School, a Loyola lawyer, and an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. Headquartered in Glendale, California, he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com.

For more information about coaching, consulting, training, books, videos and audios, please go to: http://www.customersatisfaction.com