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DePaulo Agency

2 Windsor Drive
Scotia, NY 12302

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Umbrella Insurance for Events and Gatherings

Hosting events such as birthday parties, weddings, or family reunions is a delightful way to unite people. However, while planning a memorable gathering can be exciting, preparing for the unexpected is crucial. Accidents can occur, even at the most meticulously planned events. This is where umbrella insurance comes into play. At DePaulo Agency in Scotia, NY, we assist individuals in safeguarding themselves with additional liability coverage, which can be invaluable when hosting events and gatherings.

The Added Risks of Hosting Events

Hosting a large group of people always risks something going wrong. A guest might slip and fall, the property could be damaged, or you could be held liable for an alcohol-related incident. Incident homeowners or rental insurance may cover some liability, but these policies often have limits. If an incident results in medical bills or legal claims that exceed your coverage, you could be responsible for the excess costs. Umbrella insurance offers an extra layer of protection to cover these unexpected expenses.

Peace of Mind for Every Occasion

Umbrella insurance is particularly beneficial for events as it extends beyond basic coverage. It can cover legal fees, medical expenses, and damages that exceed your standard liability limits. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or renting a venue for a celebration, having extra protection allows you to focus on enjoying the moment without worrying about potential mishaps.

Don’t let the fear of liability overshadow your celebrations. Contact DePaulo Agency in Scotia, NY, today to learn how umbrella insurance can provide the added protection you need for your events and gatherings. Let us help you protect what matters most while you create lasting memories.

Cruiser vs Sport: Which Motorcycle is Right For You?

You may be overwhelmed with options if you’re in the market for a new motorcycle. Among the different brands and styles, two stand out: the cruiser and the sports models. Here are some differences between the two to help you decide which is right for you.

Speed and Racing

If speed is your priority, sports models are the right choice. These motorcycles are lighter and more aerodynamic, allowing them to reach high speeds quickly, with some models going as fast as 200 mph.

If you’re interested in racing motorcycles regularly, you’ll likely consider a sports model. A cruiser will not perform as well on the track. While cruisers can reach high speeds, they take longer to get there and aren’t built to go as fast as sports models.

Unique Looks

Consider a cruiser if you want a motorcycle that draws attention, especially when traveling around town. Their larger size offers more design possibilities, and they are easy to customize. Cruisers also have a basic model designed for customization with additional parts and features, which isn’t as common with sports models.

Keep It Simple

If you prefer a more understated look, a sports bike can help you keep it simple and avoid drawing attention when traveling.

Regardless of the motorcycle you choose, it’s a good idea to insure it with motorcycle insurance. If you’re in the Scotia, NY area or surrounding communities, contact us at DePaulo Agency today for more information and to get your personal quote.

Do You Need Boat Insurance in the Winter?

Your boat will likely be in storage during winter in Scotia, NY. Whether it’s in your garage, a boat storage facility, covered and parked in your yard, or kept at a friend’s house, it’s not being used. You might consider canceling the insurance. However, we advise against canceling your boat insurance during winter at DePaulo Agency. Here’s why.

Why You Should Keep Your Boat Insurance Active in Winter

A comprehensive insurance policy protects your boat from more than just accidents on the water. Many policies also cover theft and other issues that can lead to loss. Therefore, ensuring your boat has coverage throughout the year is crucial. Some insurers offer options to reduce or modify coverage when a boat is in storage, which you might want to consider. Our agents can assist you in finding the policy that best suits your needs, providing you with peace of mind.

With a robust policy, you won’t have to spend the winter worrying about potential damage to your boat. You can simply store it in a facility, on your property, or arrange with a friend or family member to keep your boat until the weather improves. Collaborating with an insurance agent simplifies the process, as we can provide information from various insurers and help you select a policy that meets your requirements.

Contact us at DePaulo Agency today if you’re in Scotia, NY, and seeking boat insurance. We understand the value and joy a boat can bring and aim to help you protect it all year round.

Insurance Coverage for Full-time RV Living

If you plan on living in your RV full-time, prepare an insurance plan to help you obtain the necessary coverage. 

Full-Time Living

Living in an RV permanently may require considerably more insurance coverage than living in an RV temporarily. You will be enduring seasonal changes, which could increase the risk of your RV being damaged by a weather event.

Full-time living could also mean that you will be around neighbors more frequently than you are accustomed to. As a result, your liability risk increases. Injuries and property damage can become true concerns that could cause you to seek more insurance coverage.

Land Assessment

Review the property where you plan to park your RV. The assessment of the land will determine if there are any dangers that could damage your RV.

Falling debris, flooding waters, and other problematic things you discover during your review could prompt you to seek additional protection for your RV. 

RV Assessment

Inspect your RV. Before you park it on the land where you will be residing, you will want to make sure that it is in operable order. The inspection should include an assessment of the recreational vehicle’s exterior. The materials should be stable and not prone to leaks.

Additional Items

Consider any additional items that must be added to your RV insurance policy. Towing equipment, for instance, may be some materials you rely heavily upon. If so, you can add insurance coverage to protect these materials.

Insurance Consultation

Seeking a consultation with an insurance agent who serves Scotia, NY is a great way to obtain the coverage you need. Contact one of our DePaulo Agency representatives to schedule a consultation today.

Renter’s Insurance for Manufactured Homes

People renting a manufactured home in Scotia, NY, aren’t legally required to purchase renter’s insurance. However, your landlord may require that you buy a policy. In such an instance, knowing your policy options and what renter’s insurance does and doesn’t cover is a good idea.

How to Buy Renter’s Insurance?

Renter’s insurance for manufactured homes often costs more than renter’s insurance for other housing types. You’ll need to find a lender that covers your area and offers coverage specifically for manufactured housing. If your lender is unaware the policy is for a manufactured home, you could be denied compensation.

What’s Covered?

Coverage limits vary depending on the type of policy you pick and the deductible you set. Even so, most policies include personal property, personal liability, medical bill coverage for third parties injured while on your property, and loss of use coverage.

What Isn’t Covered?

Your belongings aren’t covered if the manufactured home is moved from one location to another. In such an instance, you’ll likely want to remove valuables from the house and store them for the duration of the move. Furthermore, renter’s insurance typically limits your compensation for personal possessions. Thus, you’ll need to buy additional coverage if you have valuable assets at home. Anything outside the house (i.e., your car, a fence, the pool, a detached garage, etc.) isn’t covered.

Renter’s Insurance Quotes from the DePaulo Agency

DePaulo Agency specializes in meeting the insurance needs of residents renting manufactured housing in Scotia, NY. Contact us at your convenience to learn more about policy options or to get a policy quote.

Commercial Facility Inspection Processes

Review some inspection processes to determine the current condition of your commercial facility. Use the results of a comprehensive inspection to select the type of insurance you need to protect your place of business.

Inspection

Prepare your business for the inspection. Make sure that the building is safe to access. Secure any loose items that could interfere with conducting a thorough inspection.

If you own a large facility, prepare each part of the building separately. The actual inspection that is conducted will determine whether cleaning or repairs need to be made to any of the items you use during normal business operations.

Keep a checklist that outlines any problems that are discovered during the inspection. The automated machinery and other high-tech items that are used in your facility should be damage-free.

Utility Assessment

Your inspection should also focus on the utilities that are installed within your facility. Make sure that the plumbing, HVAC system, and other utilities are clean and in operable order.

Consider insuring the materials if any items you inspect are not under warranty.

Liability Concerns

Use your inspection report to determine how much liability protection you need. Liability insurance will protect you against mechanical failures that cause injuries or damage within your facility.

Business Operations

Conduct routine inspections that focus on business operations. These inspections will help keep the business premises safe and efficient.

Agent Assistance

Now that you have reviewed some commercial facility inspection processes feel free to meet with one of our DePaulo Agency agents. An agent who serves Scotia, NY, will consult with you about the commercial insurance coverage that you need.

Are You Covered? Are You Sure? Umbrella Insurance can Help

Let’s paint an unpleasant picture: you’re involved in an auto accident. Thankfully, there were no bodily injuries, but the damage was done. Either the pedestrian who wasn’t paying attention or the parked van had to face the impact. Although the law understands your predicament, it doesn’t cancel out the responsibility. This is where we come in. If you have questions about insurance or need coverage in the Scotia, NY area, the professionals at DePaulo Agency are here to help.

A Common Nightmare and the Need for Insurance

Incidents like the above example justify the need for adequate insurance. It provides peace of mind, knowing we’re protected. But what if the aftermath renders a different story? Let’s revisit the accident. The van involved in the collision had a specialized wheelchair lift. The cost of replacing the custom-made lift severely drains your wallet. This could be any of the numerous scenarios underlining why umbrella insurance is essential.

Suppose the costs exceeding your policy limits are so astronomical that they wipe out your life savings, tap into your kids’ college fund, or force you to sell a vehicle. However, with an umbrella coverage add-on to your auto insurance plan before the accident, the entire narrative changes.

Secure Your Financial Safety with Umbrella Insurance in Scotia, NY

Are you adequately protected? An umbrella insurance policy can offer the additional coverage you need for unexpected events, like when repairs or medical bills surpass your standard policy limits. Contact the DePaulo Agency today to acquire the coverage and protection you need and deserve. Our dedicated and professional team is ready to assist you.

Motorcycle Insurance Hacks to Try Out

Crucial Advice for Protecting Your Bike with the Right Insurance

As a motorcycle owner in Scotia, NY, a robust insurance policy is essential to safeguard your precious ride. At DePaulo Agency, our team can pinpoint the best options for your unique circumstances. Here are a few simple yet thoughtful tips to remember while hunting down the best policy for your needs.

1. Avoid Both Under and Over-Insuring Your Bike

The optimal balance for insuring your motorcycle varies depending on factors like the bike’s age, model, location, driving record, and specific driving needs. More insurance doesn’t always mean better protection. Teaming up with your agent can help strike a balance that best protects your motorcycle.

2. Pay Attention to Proper Storage

Did you know that storing your motorcycle in a garage can enhance access to better insurance options? Insurance providers value little safety steps like these because they reduce risk, potentially rewarding you with more suitable policy choices.

3. Join a Safety Club

Being part of motorcycle safety clubs offers dual benefits. They refine your riding skills while also highlighting you as a safe and proficient rider to your insurance provider. Hence, it’s worth exploring this avenue and reporting your membership–a move that can significantly improve your insurance policy.

4. Cap Your Mileage

This tip will prove helpful if your motorcycle isn’t your primary vehicle. Those who use their bikes more recreationally or for occasional jaunts can benefit from limiting their mileage to under 2000-3000 miles annually. This could potentially enhance your insurance protection.

At DePaulo Agency, we are committed to helping Scotia, NY, motorcycle owners secure the comprehensive policy protection they need. Contact us and gain the reassurance that an unparalleled motorcycle policy covers you.

Things boat insurance won’t cover

Determining Your Boat Insurance Needs

Boating is a preferred pastime for many New York State residents. With over 7500 freshwater lakes, two Great Lakes, and an expansive 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, boating enthusiasts are undoubtedly spoiled for choice. At DePaulo Agency in Scotia, NY, our independent insurance agents work vigilantly to meet the exclusive needs of our customers instead of catering solely to insurance companies.

Understanding the Need for Boat Insurance

Before charting a course across the deep blue, it is crucial to secure comprehensive boat insurance. This service offers essential base protection and includes numerous add-ons to tailor it exactly to your unique requirements. Being aware of what your boat insurance does and does not cover can make a significant difference to your peace of mind and financial stability.

Factors Your Boat Insurance May Not Cover

Insurance does not typically cover standard maintenance, guaranteeing that all parts of your boat operate as they should. Moreover, the predictable wear and tear that comes with time are not covered; for example, developing a leak or having a motor stop working due to age.

Gradual damage is another common exclusion from boat insurance. This scenario can include any slow deterioration, such as extreme weather conditions causing fading or cracking, mold development due to unnoticed leakage, or termite infestations threatening the structure of wooden boats.

Finally, while not always the case, boat insurance might not cover your boat trailer. It is crucial to read your policy carefully or speak with your agent to confirm your boat trailer’s coverage status for absolute peace of mind.

Taking Control of Your Boat Insurance Needs

When seeking comprehensive and affordable boat insurance in Scotia, NY, contact DePaulo Agency. We are committed to finding the perfect coverage tailored exclusively to your specific boating needs.

Four Things You Might Not Know About RV Insurance

Buying an RV can be a wonderful, yet costly, experience. Having adequate insurance in place is a must, and our team at DePaulo Agency in Scotia, NY, shares some things first-time buyers might not know.

1. Do You Need RV Insurance on a Camper?

Campers are towed, not driven, making insurance optional in New York and most other states. The lender typically requires full coverage to protect their investment if there is a loan on the unit.

2. What Does RV Insurance Cost?

Different types and ages of RVs, along with their price range and various amenities and features, factor into coverage costs. Some other details that play a role include:

  • Driving History
  • RV Driving Experience
  • Usage
  • Credit Score
  • Deductible

3. What Does RV Insurance Cover?

While most camper coverage is basic with collision and comprehension, RVs carry more extensive inclusions that include:

  • Collision
  • Comprehensive
  • Bodily Injury
  • Property Damage Liability
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
  • Uninsured Motorist
  • Limited Property Damage
  • Property Protection

4. There are Key Coverages That Are Optional

Some things that owners might want to be covered are available only with supplemental policy add-ons.

Total Loss Replacement

Only available on previously untitled RVs aged up to just a few years qualify for total loss replacement coverage. Others are insured for actual cash value or an agreed value.

Custom Equipment

If you have tricked out or upgraded your RV’s interior or exterior, custom equipment coverage helps with costs should damage or theft occur. $1000 is automatically included, but costly upgrades mean you should increase those limits.

Personal Effects

Also not usually included in RV policies is personal effects coverage. This covers your belongings in an RV; homeowners insurance may cover them, but the homeowner’s deductible would apply.

Need RV and Camper Insurance Protection?

Paid off or not, you’ll have greater peace of mind with your recreational vehicle covered with insurance. Contact DePaulo Agency in Scotia, NY, to learn more and receive a quote.