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Author: agentinsure

ATV Owner Tips

Posted on by agentinsure

Living in Scotia, New York can be one of the best locations to drive in ATV. If you are going to own one of these vehicles, there are some tips that you should follow that will help you to get the most out of the overall driving experience.

Safety First

Safety should be your first focus, and this includes having the necessary protection. You may want to invest in shin pads and knee guards. You should never got on your ATV without having a motorcycle helmet, gloves, goggles, and over the ankle boots.

Drive What You’re Comfortable With

You should only drive an ATV that you are comfortable with. If the engine is too strong, it could easily overpower you – and this is when accidents can happen.

Work Your Way Up

Work your way up to the more advanced paths. Start with flat surfaces and as you get more experienced on the vehicle, graduate to some of the more complex trails.

File the Paperwork

File the paperwork with the state and make sure that you have an insurance policy so that your ATV is covered in every possible way.

Choose a Safe Parking Place

Where you choose the park your ATV when it isn’t being driven is important. Theft is common with these vehicles because it is so easy to simply push it off of the property. Ideally, you should be locking it up inside of a garage or shed. If it has to be left outdoors, cover it with a tarp and use heavy-duty chains to secure it in place.

At the DePaulo Agency, we can talk to about how to be safe with your ATV throughout New York. Call and talk to one of our agents today where we can help you to get a good policy and answer any questions that you may have along the way.

 

 

5 Ways to Give Back

Posted on by agentinsure

It’s the season of giving and many people are wondering just what they might be able to give to their community. We here at the DePaulo Agency value the village of Scotia as well as the wider Schenectady County area so we’ve put together a list of our favorite local volunteer options.

1. Volunteer to Help Animals

We are lucky to have a great privately funded shelter here in Scotia, NY and they are always looking for volunteers to help keep these pets in transition happy. People of any age can volunteer, including kids! In fact, having children volunteer to help animals can teach them a great deal about responsibility. This is also a great volunteer opportunity because there are a number of ways anyone can help ranging from being a foster home to helping with special events.

2. Help Enrich the Sciences

The Dudley Observatory is just outside of Scotia and remains the capital regions official observatory. With STEM field jobs on the rise, it’s important for children to take an interest in science. The observatory is doing just that and can always use more help with running their film series, coordinating special events, and raising funds.

3. Explore the Arts

The Schenectady Theatre For Children is aimed at bringing theater arts to school aged children. Not only do their programs bring joy to children, but exposes them to classic performances they might not otherwise see. The performance group has been around for 40 years and continues to run on donated time and money from their fantastic volunteers. 

4. Feed the Hungry

Concerned for the Hungry is an established food redistribution group that feeds countless low income families locally. They always need help gathering inventory, sorting donations, and redistributing the food to the needy. They have jobs that people of any age can do, all they need is a bit of your time.

5. Create Homes for Neighbors

Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County helps put up numerous homes every year and they couldn’t do it without the help of volunteers. You can donate time, supplies, or both to help!

Contact one of our friendly independent insurance agents at DePaulo Agency today to discuss your current policies or to inquire about a new one.

The Most Important Things to Consider Before Driving Abroad

Posted on by agentinsure

Scotia, New York, located just outside of Schenectady, gets incredibly cold in the winter. Snow buries the entire upstate New York area every winter due to the weather coming off the nearby Great Lakes, making it one of the snowiest parts of the continental United States. In other words, you might be looking to get out of Scotia come winter, maybe on an international trip to somewhere warm. So if this is your plan, or you’re just heading out of the country from Scotia, New York any other time of the year, and you’re planning on driving in this foreign destination, you should consider a few things.

First off, research whether you can drive in your ultimate destination with just your American driver’s license. Each country has different rules about drivers and their licensing requirements. Many require foreign drivers to have an International Driving Permit, or IDP, which can be purchased for a small fee from the National Auto Club or AAA. You must also be 18 to obtain an IDP.

Yet when it comes to auto insurance, international coverage usually can’t be done through your insurance provide in the United States. Of course, there are a few exceptions. For travels to South America, Asia, Europe or most anywhere else, coverage will need to be obtained from an independent insurance company that specializes in insuring those who drive abroad, like the Depaulo Agency, who serves the Scotia, New York area.

Considering the nature of insurance is to protect you from the unforeseen and unpredictable things in life, there is no better time to have an auto policy when driving internationally. You never know what to expect on these types of adventures, which is exactly why you are going on it in the first place. That, and to escape the cold.

 

4 Ways To Prepare For A Power Outage

Posted on by agentinsure

If there is a power outage in Scotia, New York, are you prepared? There are four different ways or you to prepare adequately so that you can deal with the power being out for days at a time. It isn’t going to cost you much money to be prepared, and can ensure that you and your family are well fed and kept safe.

Hot Water

It’s always important to have access to hot water. Water can be heated in a variety of different ways. Once you have access to the hot water, you have the ability to sanitize, do laundry, and even purified water. All of this can make it a lot easier to deal with a power outage, especially if it lasts for several days.

Food

You are going to need food, regardless of how long the power is out. Even though your refrigerator and freezer may be stocked, the food isn’t going to last for long once there is no power keeping the temperature cold. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so you know what the temperature is – and water bottles kept in the freezer all the time can help to keep the food cold or for longer.

Additionally, you want to make sure that you have food that doesn’t require heating or refrigeration. Jerky, peanut butter, granola bars, and a long list of other no-cook foods should be kept in your pantry.

Light

You need to make sure you have plenty of light, which is why it’s a good idea to have batteries as well as lanterns. Keep plenty of batteries and candles on hand.

Warmth

Especially in the winter months, you want to make sure that you are able to stay warm. You won’t have the heater to keep you warm, which is the reason to have plenty of blanket. It can also be advantageous to use bubble wrap as a way of insulating the windows.

At the DePaulo Agency, we look forward to providing you with peace of mind. Call and talk to one of our agents today to get quotes on homeowner’s insurance and learn more about how to prepare for a power outage in Scotia.