Chris Paradiso's Blog

Water, Trails, & the Open Road: Keeping the Adventure Going All Summer

Chris Paradiso (Paradiso Insurance) — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:52:23 -0700

Summer is quickly approaching! This is the time of year that many people begin making plans for summer and start thinking about how they'll spend those long, hot, lazy days. Those who own RV's often take them for road trips during the summer months, and boat owners spend sun-soaked days out on the water relaxing. Those with off-road vehicles like Jeeps and dirt bikes hit the trails for a rugged good time.

With summer only a few weeks away, now may be the perfect time to make sure everything is in order with your watercraft, RV, or off-road vehicle insurance policy. Take an hour to review it and make sure it is updated and adequate for your summer plans. After all - the last thing you would want would be going the whole summer without your "ride" because of an accident or damaged boat or vehicle.

For more information on watercraft insurance, RV insurance, or off-road vehicle insurance, contact us today! Or, to see how much we could be saving you on your policy, take advantage of our free insurance quote form! We're Paradiso Insurance, an independent insurance agency based in Stafford, Connecticut.

Chinese Drywall Controversy Emphasizes the Need for Solid Contractors Coverage

Chris Paradiso (Paradiso Insurance) — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:44:11 -0700

Earlier this year, controversy swarmed around the contractors of Florida and Virginia as more and more residents began filing lawsuits against them due to Chinese drywall. People claimed that the drywall was causing them health problems and corroding the metals within their buildings.

Usually American drywall is used for constructing in the U.S., however a shortage between 2004 and 2006 caused many builders to purchase drywall from China. Now, most of the reported problems are coming from those who hired the contractors during these "boom" years.

The drywall is causing all sorts of problems. They are said to be emitting toxic chemicals, which may pose health threats to those exposed. These health threats include headaches, nosebleeds, respiratory illnesses, dry eyes, and chest tightness. The Chinese drywall is also said to damage electronic equipment, wires, pipes, and air conditioning due to corroding. On top of all that, it also gives off a sulfur-like smell, especially when exposed to heat.

The contracting companies who installed the drywall are now in trouble with lawsuits. Although this case is mostly centered in the South, it is always important for contractors to realize how a simple mistake could cost them thousands and thousands of dollars, and potentially even wipe out their business. Having the proper contractors insurance in place could prove to be a life saver.

For more information on contractors insurance, contact us today! We're Paradiso Insurance, an independent insurance agency based in Stafford, Connecticut. We are also happy to offer free contractors quotes!

BITES Worth Thousands!

Chris Paradiso (Paradiso Insurance) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:44:48 -0700

Did you know that in 2008, there were $1.3 billion in claims for dog bites?

This can be a problem for dog owners. It's already difficult to get a home insurance policy when you have a certain breed of dog - and the cost may grow if these trends continue.

The current leading types of "trouble dogs" are pit bulls, chow chows, akitas, Alaskan malamutes, Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, presa canarios, rottweilers, Siberian huskies, and Staffordshire bull terriers - but the list is always growing and changing.

So what's a dog owner to do? If you're having trouble with a dog you already own, the best thing to do is to prove that the dog has completed an obedience program.

If you don't yet have a dog, be mindful when selecting one. Getting a friendlier breed will not affect your policy.

You might also want to invest into an umbrella policy. If your fuzzy little friend decides to attack someone and that someone decides to file a claim, an umbrella policy will provide you more protection than just having a regular homeowners policy.

For more information on homeowners insurance or umbrella policies, contact us today! We're Paradiso Insurance, an independent insurance agency based in Stafford, Connecticut.

Why All Law Firms Need Errors & Omissions Coverage

Chris Paradiso (Paradiso Insurance) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:50:40 -0700

Americans can get understandably crazy when it comes to their lawsuits or their fight against a lawsuit. There's a rare determination and anger that comes with justice, whether it's warranted or not.

Which may be why Americans so often turn around and file claims against their own lawyers. And if you're a lawyer who doesn't think that could ever happen to you, you're wrong. Lawyers get sued for just about anything - sometimes even when they've won their case.

A client claim against their lawyer could come from a missed deadline, an error in contract language, or if the client is unsatisfied with the case outcome. It could also come from a fee dispute, malpractice, negligence - the list goes on.

The worst part is, when a client sues their own lawyer, there's not only the possibility of losing lots of money; there's also a huge chance that the reputation of the lawyer and the firm will be severely damaged. Lawyers and firms that are underinsured or that haven't updated their policies to cover all exposures are at the greatest risk.

That's why it's crucial for lawyers and firms to invest into lawyers errors and omissions insurance. It proves to be outstanding financial protection when it's needed, and policies can be "tailored" to fit: premium costs are determined by the size of the firm, the firm's areas of practice, location, and claims history.

For more information on lawyers errors and omissions insurance, or to get a free lawyers E&O quote, contact us today! We're Paradiso Insurance, an independent agency based in Stafford, Connecticut.

Preparing for Life Insurance

Chris Paradiso (Paradiso Insurance) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:35:10 -0700

Everyone knows how important it is to get a life insurance policy - especially these days. Getting life insurance is one of the ultimate ways to show your family that you care because you're looking out for them when you're no longer around to provide for them.

If you're just now considering life insurance, you should know that many things factor into your policy. Age, health conditions, and salary are just a few of the many things that will determine your premium and coverage.

Here are a few questions to think about before meeting with a life insurance carrier. These are a few of the questions that are usually asked:

Do you want to leave an education fund for your children?
Do you want to pay off your current mortgage?
Do you want to pay off all your debts, including cars and credit cards?
Do you want your final expenses paid for?
Do you want to leave an income for your spouse in addition to any Social Security benefit you may receive?
Do you want to leave any money to a favorite charity or church?
Do you want to leave money for any other reason?

Again, this is just for starters. But questions such as these must be considered before purchasing a life insurance policy.

For more information on life insurance, contact us today. We will listen to your specific needs and find the right coverage for you. We're Paradiso Insurance, an independent insurance agency based in Stafford, Connecticut.

Can’t Get a Bank Loan? Try Your Life Insurance Policy

Chris Paradiso (Paradiso Insurance) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:20:53 -0700

With so many banks now refusing to give out loans (thanks to the economy), more and more people are looking for other sources to borrow money from, and it may have crossed your mind that you might be able to borrow from your life insurance.

Is this a possibility?

Generally, you can borrow against the cash value that has built up in your life insurance policy. That's the part of your policy cost that's left over once your carrier takes out the expenses to cover the risk of your death and reimburse some of those costs.

Like any loan, you'll have to pay it back eventually, and you'll need to pay interest on the outstanding loan balance. The only real difference or benefit of borrowing from your life insurance policy as opposed to a bank is that the interest rate is generally lower, and there's no approval process. And if you happen to die before you pay your loan back, the balance is deducted from the death benefit, meaning your beneficiaries don't see that money.

For more information on life insurance, or to get a free life insurance quote, visit our website today! We're Paradiso Insurance, an independent insurance agency based in Stafford, Connecticut.

Office Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

Chris Paradiso (Paradiso Insurance) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:21:37 -0800

If you work in an office, chances are your company is holding a holiday party this season, which is one of the joys of this time of year. We’ve put together a few holiday safety tips for you to keep in mind when it comes to office parties.

Decorating around the workplace is the perfect way to get everyone excited about the holidays together, but remember that the same safety rules that you follow at home also apply to the office.

• Lots of offices go with metal trees instead of live ones. This is most likely because no one wants to care for a live tree while at work, and metal trees are very easy to deal with. Remember to NEVER put lights on a metal tree.

• Don’t put nails, staples, or pushpins through a strand of holiday lights! Also remember to not connect too many strands of lights together; you run the risk of overheating sockets and blowing a fuse – or possibly starting a small fire.

• When leaving work, be sure to turn off ALL lights. Don’t leave anything on!

• Check to make sure that all fire alarms are working properly and have fresh batteries before the holiday decorating begins.

• Keep holiday decorations out of the way of paths or other trafficked areas in the office. This will reduce the risk of trips and falls. Make sure no decorations are blocking emergency exits or sprinklers.

• Will you be serving alcohol at your office party? If so, make sure that everyone is informed on the responsibility that comes with drinking, and arrange designated drivers. This is a good idea no matter where your office party will be held.

Follow these simple rules and your office holiday party should be merry and bright! For more information on commercial property insurance and safety, contact us today. We’re Paradiso Insurance, based in Stafford, Connecticut.

Safety Tips for Contractors

Chris Paradiso (Paradiso Insurance) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:13:13 -0800

Being a contractor is demanding enough without the added headache of worrying about lawsuits and injuries. Here are the best ways to avoid claims and accidents, from our contractors insurance guide.

Safety First. Always have a first aid kit available, as well as emergency phone numbers that are easy to see. Keep safety equipment such as safety glasses, ear protection, hard hats, and fire extinguishers available and close by. Review the safety practices of any subcontractors that are hired and make sure they’re on the same page as you when it comes to safety. Have regular, periodic safety inspections and hold monthly safety meetings.

Have All Necessary Paperwork. Make having written contracts for ALL the work you perform a requirement for the client, and keep each contract for at least three years. Get written contracts with any subcontractors you use that will clearly defend you against any claims arising due to their work, and make sure the subcontractors have certificates of insurance for liability and workers compensation prior to a job.

Designate. Assign responsibility for safety to a supervisor or foreman. Only allow employees who have been designated to drive company equipment do so. (These “designated driver” employees should have their driving records reviewed.)

Know Proper Use of Equipment. Make sure everyone is clear on how to use scaffolds, ladders, tools, etc. Any portable heating devices should be kept away from combustible materials. Training workers on how to use tools and equipment is imperative.

Protect Your Site. Make sure it’s well-protected from vandalism by fencing or other types of guards. Construction sites have a way of attracting vandals. Be sure all tools and equipment is secured when everyone is away to prevent theft. Protect the public from your site by providing adequate barricades and danger signs. Keep the site more safe by removing debris daily.

Want more information on contractors safety and insurance? Contact us today! We’re Paradiso Insurance, an independent insurance agency in Stafford, Connecticut.

What Your Policy Does Not Cover: Knowing Your Stafford, CT Home Insurance

Chris Paradiso (Paradiso Insurance) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:29:36 -0700

By now, everyone has heard the statistic that states 55% of American home insurance owners admitted to not fully understanding what their homeowners policies cover. Since that statistic was announced recently, more homeowners are trying to better educate themselves on what their coverage really is. After all, it’s one of the most important types of insurance.

It’s easy to become lost when talking to an agent about what’s covered, but here are a few things that are generally not covered in a typical homeowner’s policy:

• Floods. Probably the biggest misconception concerning home insurance is the coverage of flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program, run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offers coverage.

• Intentional Damage. Intentional damage by an insured person, or by the person’s spouse, child(ren), or relatives living in the house, typically is not covered. Victims often complain that these policies are unfair, as you never know what other people will do. We suggest getting help for a destructive teen, beefing up your home’s security system, or reaching a quicker divorce settlement.

• Mold and Water Damage. A huge increase in mold-related claims has many insurers attempting to eliminate, or at least reduce, their exposure. Many insurers are also now limiting how much they’ll cover for water damage.

• War, Nuclear Accidents, and Terrorism. See that invading army coming over the horizon? That isn’t good for your home insurance. The same goes for power plant damage and terrorist attacks. Since 9/11, more and more insurers are specifically excluding terrorism coverage.

• Neglect. Insurance companies expect you to take care of your home and deal with any maintenance issues. Most likely, they won’t reimburse you if your home collapses because of a termite infestation or your roof falls in because of a leak that you never got around to repairing. It’s a good idea to check the upkeep of your home at least twice a year. Look for things like rodent droppings, termites, leaks, and the condition of the roof. Inspect the basement, attic, and/or crawlspace. If you find a problem, fix it.

• Dogs. Liability from dog bites cost insurance companies roughly $310 million a year, and many companies have a list of breeds they charge more to cover, or won’t accept at all. If your dog has ever bitten anyone, you’re most likely going to have some trouble getting coverage.

• Computers, Luxury Items, and Collectibles. If you have a home business with multiple computers and/or equipment, or if you have antiques, guns, jewelry, collectibles, or fine furs, you may need extra coverage.The typical policy limits coverage for some of these items. You could get as little as $200 for that rare coin collection, or $1000 to cover all your jewelry, watches, and furs.

Don’t be afraid to ask your agent questions, and don’t let them be too vague. After all, it’s your home, your protection, and your money.

Paradiso Insurance is an independent insurance agency in the Tolland, Connecticut area. To learn more about Tolland, Somers, and Stafford home insurance, contact them today.

Necessity Still Going Strong: Auto Insurance in Tolland, CT

Chris Paradiso (Paradiso Insurance) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:03:16 -0700

I remember when my father began making me pay for my own car insurance. For my 17th birthday/Christmas gift from my parents, my present was a 1982 Chevrolet Caprice, along with a year’s worth of car insurance paid for. It was an amazing year. Freedom, freedom, how sweet it was.

Then, as soon as I turned 18, it all went downhill. My father had pretty much been waiting all year to announce it: “Time to pay for your own car insurance. You’re an adult now.”

Naturally the very first thought that came into my head was, I can get by without it. After all, I had gone three whole years without any kind of accident, and by this time I was completely broken in.

But my dad wouldn’t hear of it. “The necessity of it, son, the necessity!” he’d rant. “Insurance is necessary. It doesn’t matter how safe you drive. You can’t account for the other drivers on the road. What if someone is sleepy and they run into you? What if they’re drunk? What if you’re in the crossfire of a high-speed car chase?”

I grumpily paid for the auto insurance until I moved out of my parents’ house. (I won’t embarrass myself by saying how many years later that was.) Then, like a sly fox, I stopped. Well, I stopped except for the bare minimum that Connecticut required of me.

Then, three months later, it happened. A chilly February evening; an icy road; a 16-year-old girl. My beautiful Chevrolet Caprice…destroyed. Did I have auto insurance? Oh, not nearly enough.

It goes without saying that my father refused to give me a helping hand. For the next two years, I had to depend on my brothers and my friends to drive me anywhere. And that was after my broken leg healed – a broken leg I had to pay for myself.

I have since picked up paying for auto insurance. And not just the cheapest policy I can get away with; none of that, thanks. I ensure my (new) car the way that makes me feel safe. It’s worth it – since that time, I’ve been in four more accidents, none of them my fault. And do you know how many drivers there are in Connecticut with no insurance?

Take it from me: necessity is still going strong. I still wish I had listened to my father.

Paradiso Insurance is an independent insurance agency in the Tolland, Connecticut area. To learn more about Tolland, Somers, and Stafford auto insurance, contact them today.