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DePaulo Agency

2 Windsor Drive
Scotia, NY 12302

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Your Insurance and Buying a Used RV

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Congratulations on purchasing a used recreational vehicle! This purchase comes with unique insurance considerations. Used RVs differ from new models because their value may fluctuate widely based on factors such as condition, cost, customization, and usage history. Intended usage will also have to be taken into account. All of this will affect the type of insurance coverage you will need. As every used RV differs, the policy must be customized to suit the RV best.

Considerations When Insuring Your Used Recreational Vehicle

Remember that pre-owned RVs present challenges in valuation primarily due to the inclusion of components vital to both residential and automotive needs. When you make a claim, the current market value of your RV is the basis for Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage. You will need comprehensive and collision protection to cover the physical damage your RV may sustain. Any RV policy is going to have liability protection at its core. You may want to ensure that medical payments coverage and personal injury protection are added, as they cover medical expenses for all passengers in the insured vehicle, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. How long you plan to use your RV will affect your insurance rates. Full-timer’s liability coverage will act much like homeowner’s insurance. If you only use the RV during certain seasons and store it away for the rest of the year, you may qualify for a reduced rate.

Contact DePaulo Agency in Scotia, NY

If you are in the Scotia, NY, area and are considering RV insurance, please contact DePaulo Agency. We’re here to help.

Why You Should File a Police Report After Rental Theft

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Understanding the Importance of Reporting Rental Theft

As a renter, it’s crucial to feel personally safe and secure, and to know that your personal belongings are protected. Despite taking precautions like locking up your bike on the patio, double-checking that your door is locked when you go out, and avoiding drawing attention to any valuables you have, rental theft can still occur. When it does, your insurance representative at DePaulo Agency serving Scotia, NY, wants you to understand the importance of reporting the theft to the police.

Establishing a Record of the Theft

Even if you think nothing can be done to recover your belongings, the police report provides an official record of the incident, documenting what was stolen, when it occurred, and any other relevant details. Insurance companies often require this record to validate your claim and determine the extent of coverage.

Required for Most Renters Insurance Claims

Most renters insurance policies require policyholders to report theft to local authorities before a claim can be filed. Without a police report, your insurer may be unable to process or delay the claim due to a lack of verification.

Helps Recover Stolen Property

While no guarantee is made that stolen items will be recovered, filing a report gives law enforcement the information they need to investigate. And you never know when an observant police officer might find your things. The sooner the report is filed, the better the chances of tracking down your belongings.

Contact Us for Help With Your Claim

If your rental home or apartment has been the target of theft, report it to the police immediately, then contact your insurance representative at DePaulo Agency serving Scotia, NY. We’re here to help you navigate your claim and restore peace of mind.

What Business Owners Need to Know About Property Damage Coverage

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Running a business involves numerous responsibilities, with safeguarding your physical assets being a top priority. Property damage can result in significant financial losses if you manage a small storefront, a large office, or a warehouse brimming with inventory. At DePaulo Agency, we serve the community in and around Scotia, NY, helping business owners understand the workings of property damage coverage and its importance for long-term success.

Deciphering Your Coverage

Commercial property insurance is designed to shield your business from financial losses due to damage caused by fire, storms, vandalism, or other unforeseen events. It generally covers the physical structure of your building and the equipment, inventory, and furnishings inside. However, policies can vary. Some may exclude certain natural disasters, like floods or earthquakes, necessitating additional coverage. Understanding what’s included in your policy is vital to avoid unexpected issues when filing a claim.

The Significance of Business Continuity

Property damage can disrupt more than just your physical space—it can also interrupt your operations. If your business needs to close temporarily for repairs, you risk losing revenue and customers. Business interruption coverage can help mitigate these losses, covering lost income and operating expenses while you recover. Without it, even a brief closure could have lasting financial implications.

Selecting the Appropriate Coverage for Your Business

Every business is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to insurance won’t suffice. Collaborating with an experienced insurance provider ensures you have the right protection in place. At DePaulo Agency, serving the Scotia, NY region, we’re dedicated to helping business owners find the best coverage for their needs. Reach out to us today to ensure your business is fully protected.

How you can better customize your home insurance

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At DePaulo Agency in Scotia, NY, we proudly serve local families with insurance solutions tailored to their needs.

While there are "off-the-shelf" home insurance policies, a customized solution can often provide better coverage at a cost-effective price. Here are some ways we can help customize your home insurance.

Natural Catastrophe Insurance

Standard home insurance policies likely don’t cover certain catastrophes like earthquakes or floods. You’ll need separate coverage to protect your home thoroughly. Flood insurance can be a particularly valuable addition.

Increased Liability Coverage

While it’s relatively easy to establish the value of replacing your home, you may lack sufficient liability coverage. This is the coverage that helps protect you from financial losses should someone become injured on your property. It can help cover not only any settlement costs but also legal costs.

Seek Out Discounts

Be proactive in asking for any discounts you may qualify for. These may include senior discounts, security upgrade discounts, and others.

Loss of Use

If your policy doesn’t include a loss of use provision, ask about it. It can cover living expenses while damages from a covered claim are being repaired on your property.

Add Umbrella Coverage

Umbrella coverage is an easy way to improve your overall protection by increasing limits. Ask us how umbrella coverage can help customize your coverage.

Address Policy Exclusions

Take a closer look at any policy exclusions you may have and address what you can do to fill these gaps.

Let’s Get Started

If you own a home in the Scotia, NY, area, contact DePaulo Agency, and we can customize your home insurance. Get the protection you deserve at DePaulo Agency today.

A Guide to No-Fault Auto Insurance Laws in Scotia, NY

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As a driver in Scotia, NY, it’s important to familiarize yourself with no-fault auto insurance requirements to protect yourself and comply with state laws. Understanding the requirements involving no-fault auto insurance laws in Scotia can also ensure you’re provided the necessary coverage for repairs and even medical expenses after being involved in an accident. Here’s what you should know about New York’s current laws as they pertain to no-fault auto insurance policies.

Understanding No-Fault Auto Insurance

No-fault auto insurance policies protect you whenever you’re involved in an auto accident, even if you’re at fault. Regardless of who is found at-fault for an accident, no-fault insurance policies help cover lost wages, repairs, out-of-pocket expenses, and medical bills in many cases.

Notable Advantages of No-Fault Insurance

No-fault insurance provides protection regardless of who is found to be at-fault in an accident. Here are some key benefits:

  • Faster Processing: No-fault insurance policies help streamline the claims process. This expedites your filing and provides faster access to lost wage compensation and the medical care you may need to recover.
  • Minimizing Legal Hassles: Having no-fault insurance minimizes potential legal disputes and expenses.
  • Guaranteed Coverage and Peace of Mind: No-fault policies provide guaranteed coverage for medical treatments, intervention, medication, and more without delay anytime you’re in an accident.

Protecting yourself when you’re behind the wheel is imperative if you’re a driver living in or near Scotia, NY. At DePaulo Agency, we can help you better understand which comprehensive no-fault auto insurance policy is right for you while tailoring the individual policy to suit your coverage needs. To find the right no-fault auto insurance policy that’s optimal for you and your lifestyle in Scotia, NY, contact DePaulo Agency for your consultation today.

Umbrella Insurance for Events and Gatherings

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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?

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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?

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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

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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

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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.