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DePaulo Agency

2 Windsor Drive
Scotia, NY 12302

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Neighbor Overwatering the Lawn

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As the real estate saying goes, you can choose your home location, but you can’t choose your neighbors. And one of the things that can get frustrating very quickly is when a neighbor doesn’t understand the need to control his or her watering next door and the drainage starts to move into your lawn. Overwatering can be a fast path to a dead lawn and a mud pit for landscaping, but many times the water source is deep in a neighbor’s property and cannot be controlled by the affected. According to the DePaulo Agency, there’s a couple of ways to handle this situation in Scotia, NY.

The easiest and simplest way is to basically ask the neighbor to cut down on the water, showing him or her what’s going on with the draining. If they don’t cooperate, the second approach is to put in the drainage that takes the water away from your lawn and out to the street. No matter how much they water, it never piles up in your lawn as a result. However, if you’re not inclined to spend any money on the matter, you could report the matter to a homeowner’s association as a complaint, if one applies in your neighborhood. Absent an HOA, the city might be an option with regards to a code violation that the city handles and follows up on, but these are rare.

Finally, a legal approach in the Scotia, NY courtroom may be the ultimate solution, filing a nuisance claim against your neighbor when just about every other avenue has been tried and the damage continues. In these situations, the case needs to be a strong situation where the average person would agree the neighbor is out of control and inconsiderate to just about anyone in the same situation. Fortunately, these neighbor problems rarely get to this level. The staff and the DePaulo Agency can easily help guide a homeowner client before things ever get to this level and would be happy to point out alternatives for a better solution where possible.

Commercial Liability Insurance: Do I Need It?

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When considering what kinds of commercial insurance you need for your Scotia, NY business, you might be thinking that liability is not something for which you need to spend extra money.  Your friendly agents at DePaulo Agency urge you to think twice as most businesses can find themselves facing serious losses for a number of unforeseen events.

Manufacturing or Retail

Your liability insurance will include protection against defects in the products that you produce or sell.  While everything on your shelves is made to be used safety, there will come a time when something unfortunate happens on the production line or in storage. Liability can ensure your customers’ problems are addressed and your reputation is maintained.

Gyms, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Clubs

You will do your best to maintain all the equipment, from the weights to the cycles to the exercise mats. However, part of working out is pushing bodies to the limit and somebody is going to get injured. With the right commercial liability coverage, the headaches of handling all the twisted ankles can be delegated to your qualified insurance provider. 

Consulting Services

Okay, so your customers will never see you face to face as you spend all your time on the phone with them.  However, if you provide any kind of advice that can directly affect their financial well-being, only liability insurance can help you whether sudden changes in the market that had unforeseen consequences.  Lawyers, doctors, engineers, and even accountants will fall under this broad category.

As you can see, liability coverage is there to help mitigate the damage that our lawsuit-happy society can cause to your business.  Make sure that your Scotia, NY company is properly protected by setting up a consultation with your insurance professional from Depaulo Agency today.

Should I Insure My Garaged Motorcycle?

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When it comes to owning a motorcycle, one of the best things to do is take her out on the open road and enjoy the warm fresh air. For many people who own a motorcycle, though, finding time to take the bike out is quite difficult. In fact, some people end up leaving their bike garaged most of the year. And while it might seem like a garaged motorcycle doesn’t need insurance coverage, the truth is, it does. 

Your motorcycle needs to have insurance on it even if it is kept in the garage because you never know what could happen. Take for example someone breaks into your garage and steals your bike. With the right insurance coverage, you will be compensated for your stolen bike. Without insurance, though, you may not receive any type of compensation. 

Another reason to keep insurance on your bike is because if you have a lien against it, there is a good chance that the lien holder will require you to have insurance. The lien holder wants to know that if something were to happen to the bike, that you are still going to pay for it. With insurance, they can rest assured they will be paid what is owed to them if something happens to the motorcycle. 

Lastly, depending on where you live, it may be required by state law to keep insurance on your motorcycle. You will want to speak with an insurance specialist to determine if this law applies to you. 

Contact DePaulo Agency today serving the Scotia, NY area to learn more about the benefits of investing in a motorcycle insurance policy. 

Is Boat Insurance A Legal Requirement?

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Having a boat can be a great way to spend your leisure time. When you buy a boat, you may be wondering if it is a legal requirement to have boat insurance before you can hit the open water. Here is some helpful information to get you started.

Is Insurance A Requirement?

In the state of New York, boat insurance is not a legal requirement, but it is highly recommended. There is a high risk of damage and accident when out on the open water. In some ways, there are more risks on the water than there are on the highway. If you are going to spend money on a recreational vehicle such as a boat, you need to protect your investment and get boat insurance to help you repair or replace after a covered event.

What Does It Cover?

Boat insurance will cover the repairs to another boat if you have a collision. You can also get a full coverage package that will help you repair or replace your own boat in the event of an accident or other covered events. It is important to consider that you may need coverage in the event of theft, wreck while in transport, or fire caused by any number of circumstances. If you want more information about boat insurance and the limits of coverage it provides, you should call or stop by Scotia, NY, DePaulo Agency.

Don’t leave your investment to chance without having boat insurance. Get more advice and help from our knowledgeable insurance agents at Scotia, NY, DePaulo Agency. Get out on the water and have peace of mind knowing that you are covered when you need it.

 

 

What are the Motorcycle Insurance Requirements?

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Riding a motorcycle on a nice day can be a very fun and exhilarating activity. While a motorcycle is a great recreational vehicle and mode of transportation, it also is a valuable asset that needs to be properly covered by insurance. For those that live in the Scotia, NY area, as well as other areas of state, there are minimum motorcycle insurance requirements that need to be followed.

Property Damage

When you are looking for a new insurance policy in the state of New York, the first type of coverage that you will need to have is property damage insurance coverage. In the state of New York, the minimum requirement is $10,000 for property damage for every single accident. This will provide coverage to the other party in the event that you are found at fault in an accident.

Bodily Injury Coverage

When you are looking to build a motorcycle insurance policy is compliant with state requirements, you will also need to have bodily injury coverage. In the state of New York, you will need to have minimum requirements of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. You also need to have an additional level of coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 for an accident in which two or more people are involved.

Additional Requirements

While you following the state requirements are important, you also need to make sure you are in compliance with your motorcycle lender requirements.  Your motorcycle lender may also require collision and comprehensive coverage. 

For those that are in the Scotia, NY area, finding the right insurance company is very important. One insurance company that could provide you with valuable insight into your needs is the DePaulo Agency. The DePaulo Agency will be able to help you better understand your insurance needs and get you into the right policy for your situation.

Myths about RV Insurance

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If you have a recreational vehicle (RV) you want to make sure it’s going to be protected in case anything happens. This is true whether you are out on the road, parked or using an RV as your residence. Getting RV insurance doesn’t have to be complicated, but you do need to be aware of coverage options.

It’s important that you know these myths about RV insurance in order to protect your investment and why having the proper insurance for your RV is crucial.

1. The RV Will Be Covered by the Auto Policy

The auto policy will not cover any personal belongings that you carry in your RV and, when your RV is parked and used as a residence, it won’t include liability insurance. An auto policy also won’t cover many of the accessories on the RV, such as awnings, satellite dishes or antennas. If your RV is a loss and you use that as a residence, a regular auto policy will not cover any expenses for lodging or traveling.

2. Homeowners Insurance Will Cover Personal Property on the Road

There are usually strict limits on what is covered under the homeowner’s policy, especially if it’s off premise, and your auto policy won’t cover personal belongings. With a proper RV insurance policy, comprehensive coverage will cover your personal belongings.

3. RVs and Autos Are the Same

While an RV and car will get you from point A to point B, they are not the same. Cars don’t have sleeping quarters, bathroom facilities or built-in ovens and thus don’t require the same amount of insurance coverage.  

Visit or contact an agent at DePaulo Agency serving Scotia, NY to learn more about the right RV insurance policy for your needs and optional coverage that you can add to always stay protected.

 

 

Tips to Stay Safe on a Cross Country Road Trip

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Even if summer is closing, there are still plenty of reasons to take an epic road trip. Scotia, NY, is as good a starting point as anywhere, so DePaulo Agency is here to give you a few safety tips before you leave.

Supply for Emergencies

Rule number one on any trip is to have a plan in case of emergencies. When taming the open road, the basic supplies you should consider are flash lights, bottled water, a first aid kit, blankets, phone chargers and jumper cables. Another nice item to have stashed is an old blanket that can keep things clean if you have to get under the hood unexpectedly. You can add whatever else you might deem important to your emergency cash (snacks never hurt), but these are the essentials.

Drive Safely

Obviously. But, there are steps you can take to be safer behind the wheel. First and foremost, manage your distractions. Set up the GPS while you’re parked, and leave screen time for when you aren’t driving. Passengers can also be distracting, so make sure they access to everything they need. If you are driving alone, make sure everything important (food, drinks, music changer etc) is well within reach before you put the vehicle in gear. The next big safety tip is to manage your fatigue. You’re planning on lots of driving, so never push yourself when you’re tired. Pulling off and catching a few z’s can be the difference between life and death. Road trips are supposed to be enjoyable, so there’s no need to keep to a grueling pace. Finally, take care of the vehicle. You should go through a basic inspection at the start of every trip and at least every 10,000 miles. You should be checking fluids, tires, brakes, lights and wipers.

Stay in Touch

It’s always a good idea to update someone who isn’t on the trip. A simple text or call every time you get to a new checkpoint will ensure someone knows where to direct a rescue effort if you find yourself in need. This can be as fun as it is safe, giving you an excuse to send pictures and keep friends or family back home involved.

Of course, the ultimate protection comes in the form of proper insurance. If you travel in style, you can make sure your RV is covered with a quick conversation with Depaulo Agency. We handle accounts across Scotia, NY, and we’ll be happy to help any way we can.

 

Do All Insurance Policy Holders Need Umbrella Insurance?

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Umbrella insurance is something that many policy holders could benefit from but that not all policy holders are in particular need of. There are some key points you can consider to help you determine if umbrella insurance is right for you or not. For those that live in the Scotia, NY area, the agents with DePaulo Agency can help you learn all you need to know about umbrella insurance.

Umbrella insurance is a policy that you can take out that adds supplemental coverage to your everyday life. You can add it to nearly any type of policy and can use it to help cover a wide range of instances. Umbrella insurance is best for those that feel their current policies are not covering what they are currently in need of. Say you have a teenager that is driving for instance and you feel that you are in need of a larger policy than you currently have in regards to your current auto policy, umbrella insurance can help extend and expand this type of insurance coverage.

Not all policy holders are in need of umbrella insurance. It does not necessarily benefit everyone when you look at how much it costs as opposed to how often it is going to be used. Taking the time to look at the different options and to decide which type of policy is going to do you the best is the fastest way to decide if umbrella insurance is right for you or not.

For those that live in Scotia, NY area, the agents with DePaulo Agency can help you to find the right umbrella coverage that you need and to help you decide if you really need umbrella coverage or if another type of policy might better suit your needs.  

How To Choose The Right Life Insurance In Scotia, NY

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Most people may not know everything there is to know about life insurance. However, the residents of Scotia NY can be sure of two things; that choosing the right type of life insurance can be a confusing ordeal, and that getting life insurance is a very important decision that every adult needs to make.

So, what do you consider when choosing the right life insurance? The first thing you want to do is get the right agency. You don’t want to go with an agency that will bully or intimidate you or one that cannot fully explain why you should go for a certain insurance cover over another. The DePaulo Agency is an excellent choice for those who reside in Scotia, NY.

The next thing you want to consider is the type of life insurance. You can go for either “term” life insurance or a permanent life insurance.

If you only need the insurance for a specific period, then getting a term life insurance is the way to go. It allows you to match the length of the term policy to the length of the need. In simpler terms, it simply means, you can purchase a 20-year life insurance if you have kids and you want to ensure there is money for college.

If on the other hand, you need a life insurance for the duration of your life, then you’re better off getting a permanent life insurance policy. With permanent life insurance, your death benefit gets paid whether you live to be a 100 or die tomorrow.

You should keep in mind that the premium for permanent life insurance is typically higher than that of term insurance. However, with term insurance, the premium increases the older you get while with permanent life insurance, it remains the same always.

With the help of The DePaulo Agency, those in Scotia, NY can easily get across to an agency that can help them in deciding the type of life insurance they want.

 

 

Is Your Home Ready for Summer?

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With summer just around the corner, now is a good time to start preparing your Scotia, NY home for summer holidays. Here are a few ways you can make your home the welcoming and pleasing environment family and friends will love. 

Renovate Interior Decor

Say hello to summer with simple renovations to your interior decor. Pack up heavy rugs, drapes, and blankets and replace with lighter and brighter accessories that create a more spacious living environment. Colorful pillows, lightweight area rugs, and fresh-cut flowers will help create a warm and cozy atmosphere to make your guests feel at home.

Cool It Down   

Have your AC maintained in advance to enjoy a cool interior environment all summer long. Combine your AC with ceiling fans to stay cool and comfortable at reduced energy costs.

Let Light In  

Summer is a good time to open your home to the great outdoors by letting in more natural light. You can start by washing your windows inside and out. Clean windows are sure to contribute to a brighter home environment. Next, replace heavy drapes with sheer curtains that don’t obstruct sunlight. Clean windows and sheer curtains also allow you to enjoy beautiful vistas of natural landscaping outdoors.

Ready Your Patio

Ready your patio to make it an entertainment hotspot this summer. Depending on your setup, you may want to upgrade patio furniture, change your lighting, paint your deck or invest in trendy accessories that will make your patio the talk of the town. A classy and comfortable patio will make summer parties and BBQ’s that much more enjoyable for everyone.    

Update Insurance Coverage

Don’t forget to update your home insurance coverage with DePaulo Agency, Scotia, NY, in preparation for the summer holidays. To learn more about coverage options and costs, contact your local agent at DePaulo Agency, Scotia, NY.