HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

call-iconClick to Call
DePaulo Agency

2 Windsor Drive
Scotia, NY 12302

map-iconGet Directions

When is boat insurance a requirement?

Owning a boat in the Scotia, NY area can be a wonderful experience. While you can have a lot of fun when you own a boat, there is also some responsibilities that you need to take into consideration. One of the biggest responsibilities to consider is whether or not you should get boat insurance. While it is not necessarily required by law, there are still several situations in which having boat insurance will be a requirement for you.

Local Requirements

If you live in an area in which the local marinas or waterways require that you carry boat Insurance, you will need to make sure that you have it in place at all times. Each marina or waterway will likely have publicly listed requirements that will govern the type of insurance that you need to have. In most situations, you will need to at least have liability insurance coverage that will provide protection if you are at fault in a crash.

Lease or Loan

If you have a lease or loan out against the boat, you will likely need to have a full insurance policy in place. This will have to provide you with coverage for a variety of potential losses including theft, vandalism, or damage caused by a storm or boating accident. 

If you own a boat in or around Scotia, NY, there is a good chance that you will need to have boat insurance. In these situations, you would benefit greatly from contacting the team at the DePaulo Agency. When you contact DePaulo Agency, you will learn more about the benefits of boat insurance and why you should get it. The agency can also help to ensure you get into a great policy that provides you with the right level of protection. 

When is RV Insurance a Requirement?

When you are looking to take a long vacation, one of the best things that you could consider doing would be to drive across the country in your very own RV. If you are thinking about purchasing an RV, you need to remember that it is a very important asset that also comes with many different responsibilities. One responsibility that you will have will be to get RV Insurance. There are several situations in which having RV Insurance will be a requirement for people in the Scotia, NY area.

When You Drive on an Open Road

One situation in which you will need to have RV insurance in place is when you are going to drive it out on the open road. For those that are in New York, there are base liability RV insurance requirements that will need to be complied with. This type of coverage will ensure that you have coverage in place if you are at fault in an accident.

When You Want to Protect Your Asset

When you buy an RV, you are making an investment in an asset that you will likely want to have for a decade or more. One of the best ways to protect this asset is by getting RV insurance with collision and comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance coverage will provide you with protection against a wide variety of types of losses. 

Since having RV insurance is almost always a requirement and necessity, those that are in the Scotia, NY area should speak with the team at DePaulo Agency when shopping for their next policy. The DePaulo Agency will be able to help you to better understand the requirements that you have to make sure you get into the right policy for your situation. 

Why Should I Get Renters Insurance?

Moving into a new apartment is a very exciting time. While there is a lot of fun and excitement that comes with any move, there are also important responsibilities that need to be taken care of. One important responsibility to consider is your need to have renters insurance. There are several reasons why you should get renters insurance before moving into your next home.

Provides You With Valuable Coverage

When you are looking to get renters insurance, the biggest benefit is that it will provide you with valuable coverage. After moving in, you likely will have thousands of dollars worth of personal belongings including furniture, clothes, kitchenware, and electronics. If there was a fire or other casualty, you could end up losing all of these items. A renters insurance policy will provide you with coverage to replace these items if they are damaged stolen. Additionally, you will receive liability coverage that will provide you with protection if someone is injured while in your apartment. 

Required by Lease

While you should always have renters insurance in place, you also will need to get it because it will likely be required by your lease agreement. Whenever a landlord is leasing an apartment to you, they are taking on some risk. Because of this, they will want to make sure that you have renters insurance in place to protect both you and them. If you do not have renters insurance in place, it could be a violation of your lease agreement. 

When you are shopping for renters insurance in the Scotia, NY area, speaking with the DePaulo Agency would be a great option. The professionals at the DePaulo Agency will be able to answer all of your renters insurance questions and make sure that you get into a policy that provides you with the right type and level of coverage.

3 Questions You Should Ask Your Agent About Home Insurance

When you’re shopping for home insurance in Scotia, NY, you want the best possible policy. There are several questions you should ask your independent insurance agent. At DePaulo Agency, we are here to answer all of the questions that you might have.

What coverage is included?

You will want to make sure that your standard policy covers everything that you need. This includes having enough financial protection that you would be able to repair or replace your home in the event of catastrophic damage. You also want to make sure that all of these structures on your property are included, ranging from a barn to a detached garage.

What damages aren’t included?

Insurance companies look at what caused the damages, such as a fire, storm, or a lightning strike. If the damages are as a result of something that isn’t covered, you need to know about it. Many policies will not include floods or earthquakes. Damages that occur as a result of normal wear and tear would also not be covered by a standard home insurance policy.

What is the cost?

The cost of home insurance is going to vary considerably depending on the company, the amount of coverage that you have, and the value of your home. You don’t want to spend any more than necessary. An independent insurance agent should be willing to get quotes from multiple insurance companies so that you have a cost comparison. From there, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible premium on your policy.

Essentially, the questions you ask should ensure that you know what kind of protection you have for your home.

DePaulo Agency offers independent insurance agents who can help you build the right home insurance policy for your home. Our goal is to make sure you find an affordable policy that provides plenty of protection for you in Scotia, NY.

 

 

 

3 Ways to Protect Your Business Against Disasters

You may not know when disasters will strike but you can be prepared by planning ahead for the unexpected. Here are a few ways you can protect your company against unforeseen events that can disrupt your business.

Identify Your Risks  

Assess your business, its location, resources, etc., and determine the greatest threats to its growth and expansion. Is your building and inventory in jeopardy of floods or fire? Do your employees know what to do if a disaster strikes? What consequences would you face if you were forced to shut down due to storm damage? Once you identify your risks, make a plan for addressing them so you can be prepared for any eventuality.   

Protect Business Functions

Make a list of your major operations and determine how you would keep these running after a disaster. Make a plan for protecting your computers and important business data to include employee, vendor and customer contact information. Back up essential data periodically and keep files in a safe, secure location.

Form a plan for communicating with employees, suppliers, and customers after a disaster to keep them informed of what’s happening with your business. You could post updates on your website or use other forms of social media to let the public know when you will be operational again. If possible, contact key customers personally so you don’t lose them during recovery.

Protect Your Business with Commercial Insurance

Make sure your Scotia, NY business is protected with commercial insurance. A comprehensive commercial insurance policy from DePaulo Agency that includes property damage, liability and business interruption coverage will protect your business from financial ruin in the event of a disaster.

To learn more about commercial insurance coverage and costs, contact an agent from DePaulo Agency in Scotia NY.

Safety Tips To Protect Your Car From Theft

At DePaulo Agency, the agents constantly helping clients find ways to protect their cars from theft. While Scotia, NY  is a quiet community, there are still instances of theft that must be dealt with on occasion. Agents are able to identify possible areas of risk and help their clients take the necessary precautions that will help them to prevent any type of financial loss.

Never Leave Valuables Laying Out

Never leave valuables such as cell phones, wallets, purses, or jewelry laying out in the open where everyone can see them. If you carry valuables with you, make sure to stick them in the trunk. so that they are out of sight and inaccessible if a person tries a smash and grab maneuver.

Always Lock Your Car

Always keep your car locked and your windows up. You may be able to keep your windows rolled down a short distance but avoid opening them more than a half an inch or so. This prevents an intruder from sticking something through the window and engaging the door lock.

Set Your Alarm

Most new cars that come off of the lot today have alarm systems already built in. In addition to locking the doors, make sure to set the car alarm. If any attempt is made to enter the vehicle, an alarm will sound that will act as a deterrent and causing most would-be thieves to scatter.

Residents of Scotia, NY can turn to the agents of DePaulo Agency if they have questions about lowering their risk of theft when it comes to their cars. Schedule an appointment today and have your auto policy evaluated to ensure you’re getting the best coverage possible. 

What is RV insurance?

It is often a challenge handling various types of Recreational Vehicles (RVs). Whether you own one or more RVs such as Motorhomes, popup campers, or firth wheels, you may or may not be required to purchase RV insurance. DePaulo Agency helps its Scotia, NY neighbors protect their RVs with RV insurance.

Any vehicle that you use on the road, including motorhomes, should be insured properly. It some situations, a lender may require you to have more coverage above the New York minimum liability coverage. For example, a lender may require you to have full coverage for your camper in states where it is not mandatory to have insurance for a towed camper.

Specialized Coverage

An insurance company can offer you specialized coverage on top of the standard set of coverage options for your RVs. Specialized coverage can help you immeasurably at the time of loss. In fact, if you don’t include coverage for custom equipment and personal belongings in your RV insurance policy, replacing a loss can be costly. You should consider purchasing specialized coverage on campers and motorhomes for:

  • Total loss replacement: Is often available to RVs that were previously untitled up to one model year old. The claim for agreed value or cash value can be difficult, and thus, you need to know how your policy reads clearly to avoid surprises.
  • Custom equipment: This is an important coverage for RVs with custom parts. You need to consider increasing the automatic limit if you have made upgrades on the interior or exterior of your recreational vehicle. It is also vital to keep track of how much you spend on your custom equipment.
  • Vacation liability: When your RV is used as a temporary vacation residence, the coverage will come in handy in paying for bodily injury and damage to property in the event of an accident. The option is available for pleasure users only and it pays to specified limits.
  • Roadside assistance: Covers for towing costs when the RV is disabled. It covers for disabled RVs when the RV has been disabled through a mechanical breakdown, flat fire, lock-out, battery failure and insufficient supply of fuel oil or other fluids.
  • Personal effects: Your personal effects may not be included in the RV policy. So, you should protect your personal effects by purchasing the personal effects coverage from DePaulo Agency in Scotia, NY. If you often travel across state lines, you should check your homeowner’s policy to verify coverage limits.

If you use your RV to escape the city and suburban life during your vacation, you need to protect your asset properly by purchasing RV insurance. Avoid paying for all the bells and whistles by contacting us at DePaulo Agency in Scotia, NY for more information on specialized coverage.

 

Why You Should Insure Your RV This Summer

Summer has arrived here in Scotia, NY, and that means that you’re probably already planning a summer vacation with your family. Your RV is ready to travel, and you have everything you need to make your trip worthwhile. However, have you considered the risks of not insuring your RV?

The risk of an accident can strike at any time. Whether you’re on the road, at the campsite, or in a parking lot, your RV can get damaged. You want to make sure that you have the right coverage for your RV if something catastrophic happens to it. We here at the DePaulo Agency are here to explain why you should ensure your RV this summer, and how it can save you thousands in the long run.

It’s Not a Matter Of If, But When

No matter what kind of vehicle you own, it’s only a matter of time before an accident occurs. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be the catalyst for an accident. You can almost always assume other drivers may end up causing you an accident. You might be the safest driver on the road, but there is nothing stopping someone from running into you. There are simply too many variables that you can’t control on the road.

The weather is also a huge factor when it comes to property damage. Your RV is a larger vehicle, which makes it more susceptible to damage in the event of a harsh storm. Getting the right insurance is key to ensuring that your RV gets the repairs it needs in the event of an accident.

Get the Insurance You Need

The DePaulo agency is here to help you insure your RV. We offer a variety of premium plans that will cover your RV in the event it becomes damaged. We provide quality insurance service in Scotia, NY, and are here to help you with all your vehicle insurance needs. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation so you can focus on your vacation time, and not worry about what could happen to your RV.

Things an Umbrella Policy Can Cover

An umbrella insurance policy is one that is very cool but it is not very well known or popular. The fact is that people simply do not know what an umbrella insurance policy can cover and if it would be a great option for them and their specific needs. You do not want to get an insurance policy that you do not understand or one that you do not need. That is why it is very important to understand what it can cover. Use this guide from DePaulo Agency, serving Scotia, NY, to determine if you need an umbrella insurance policy.

  • It covers the gap. One of the biggest things that it can cover is the gap between what your home and auto insurance policies can cover and what you actually need to be covered. If you have a home or a car that is valued beyond what your other policies will cover, then an umbrella insurance policy is the perfect solution to make sure that your home and car are completely covered.
  • It provides liability insurance for you. If you are someone who likes to have parties at your home on a regular basis, you may have a need for additional liability coverage in case someone decides to sue you for something that happened at a party. Umbrella insurance can offer that for you so you are always covered.

Now that you know what an umbrella insurance policy can cover, it is time to determine if you actually need to have one in place. If you are still not sure, we can help you best determine if it is needed. Be sure to reach out to us here at DePaulo Agency, serving Scotia, NY, today to get started. We can even pull a free quote for you.

Are You Required to Have Renters Insurance?

If you rent your home in Scotia, NY, you may be wondering if you need to have renters insurance in order to protect yourself. This is a common question because a lot of people assume that if the owner of the property has home insurance there is no need for renters insurance. However, that could not be further from the truth. Here at DePaulo Agency, we always recommend having renters insurance and these are just a few reasons why. 

  • Renters insurance protects your stuff. Even if the owner of the property has home insurance, that only protects their property. However, it does not protect anything of yours or give you any liability protection. You simply cannot rely on their insurance. 
  • You may be required to have it in your lease. Although there is no state requirement tied to renters insurance, your landlord has every right to require you to have renters insurance. It must be outlined in your lease, however, so a verbal request is not enough. 
  • It will give you peace of mind. Having insurance to protect all of your belongings and provide you with some liability protection will give you the peace of mind that you need.
  • It is cheap. Renters insurance is one of the least costly types of insurance on the market. Since it will not cost you a lot, it is worth considering. 

As you can see, there are several reasons to consider getting renters insurance, even if you are not required to in your lease. If you are interested in getting renters insurance, make sure you call us here at DePaulo Agency, serving Scotia, NY, today. We will provide you a free quote and will make sure that you get a policy that meets your needs and your budget.