Insurance Blog | Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies

What Type of Insurance Should I Consider for My Food Truck Business?

Posted on October 30, 2025October 8, 2025 by AgentInsure

If you own or plan to start a commercial food truck business in Plano, TX, it’s essential to have the right insurance coverage. Whether your business operates from a designated location or is mobile, ensuring compliance with state requirements is crucial. By contacting the experienced agents at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency, we’ll help you secure the coverage necessary to operate your business confidently.

Texas Requirements for Food Trucks

Food truck businesses in Plano, TX, are required to carry general liability insurance and commercial auto insurance. Additionally, owners may need coverage for product liability and commercial property. Texas also mandates specific insurance requirements based on the weight of the food truck. If you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance may also be necessary to provide protection.

Types of Food Truck Insurance

Commercial Auto Insurance

Standard auto insurance does not cover commercial vehicles, making commercial auto insurance essential for food truck businesses. This coverage includes property damage to other vehicles, bodily injuries resulting from accidents, and damage to your food truck.

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance protects your food truck, tools, and equipment, whether you own them outright or rent them. This coverage ensures your business assets are safeguarded against unexpected events.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance provides protection in the event of an accident involving a customer at your food truck. It covers claims for bodily injury, property damage, and other liabilities that may arise.

Product Liability Insurance

Product liability insurance is designed to protect your business in case the food or beverages you serve cause injuries or illnesses to customers.

Contact Us

Reach out to our team at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency to ensure you have the coverage necessary to protect your business, customers, and assets. We’re here to help you navigate your insurance needs with confidence.

When to Reevaluate Your Auto Insurance Policy (and How Often)

Posted on October 15, 2025October 8, 2025 by AgentInsure

Life events can happen quickly, and your circumstances may change more often than you realize. Whether it’s starting a new job, relocating for work, or expanding your family and needing a new vehicle, these changes can impact your insurance needs. Many drivers in Plano, TX, keep the same coverage for years without considering how their needs may have evolved. At Paragon Independent Insurance Agency, we recommend reviewing your policy regularly to ensure you’re receiving the best protection and value.

Major Life Changes Call for a Review

Significant life events are an excellent opportunity to reevaluate your auto insurance. Examples include purchasing a new vehicle, adding a teen driver to your policy, or moving to a new area. These situations may require adjustments to your coverage. Even changes in how much you drive can make a difference. That’s why it’s important to review your policy at least once a year to ensure it aligns with your current needs.

Annual Policy Checkups

Experts recommend conducting a thorough review of your auto insurance coverage annually. Drivers in Plano, TX, can benefit from meeting with an agent at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency to discuss updates or improvements that provide strong protection while accommodating life changes. Asking questions and staying informed about your policy is encouraged. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel knowing you’re adequately protected.

Stay Protected with the Right Coverage

Insurance isn’t a “set it and forget it” purchase. Regularly evaluating your policy ensures you’re not underinsured. The team at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency makes it simple to adjust your coverage as your life evolves. Contact us today to review your current policy or request a quote.

Can You Get Auto Insurance If You Don’t Own a Car?

Posted on September 30, 2025September 9, 2025 by AgentInsure

It might seem unusual at first, but yes, you can absolutely get auto insurance even if you don’t own a car. At Paragon Independent Insurance Agency in Plano, TX, we often receive this question from people who drive occasionally but don’t have a vehicle registered in their name. Whether you’re renting cars, borrowing a friend’s vehicle, or using a car-sharing service, there are options to keep you protected.

What Is Non-Owner Car Insurance?

Non-owner car insurance is designed specifically for individuals who don’t own a car but still drive occasionally. This type of policy typically provides liability coverage, which helps pay for damages or injuries you might cause to others in an accident. It doesn’t cover the car you’re driving, but it does protect you from out-of-pocket costs if something goes wrong.

Why Would You Need It?

If you frequently rent cars or borrow vehicles from friends or family, having your own coverage makes sense. It fills in the gaps where the car owner’s insurance might not apply or may fall short. Additionally, it ensures you remain consistently insured, helping you avoid coverage gaps that could lead to higher premiums in the future.

It’s More Common Than You Think

Many people who live in cities or work from home don’t need to drive every day. However, when they do, they want the security that comes with being insured. Non-owner policies are a smart and affordable solution for occasional drivers.

Let’s Talk About Your Options

If you’re unsure whether non-owner auto insurance is right for you, give us a call. At Paragon Independent Insurance Agency in Plano, TX, we’ll walk you through the details and help you find a policy that fits your lifestyle.

Why Plano Homeowners Need Insurance to Protect Your Home from Storm Damage

Posted on September 15, 2025September 9, 2025 by AgentInsure

Few things are more devastating than seeing your family legacy damaged by a severe storm. Plano, TX, homeowners need home insurance to protect their most valuable investments from nature’s perils, including thunderstorms, hailstorms, tornadoes, and other natural disasters.

Why Plano Homeowners Need Insurance to Protect Their Homes

Structural Damage

Nature’s most intense storms can leave a trail of destruction, including tattered roofs, broken windows from hailstorms, flooding from sudden downpours, and missing shingles caused by high winds or tornadoes.

Reduce Out-of-Pocket Repair or Replacement Costs

While none of us can predict when or where the next major storm will strike, we can take proactive steps to protect our homes, families, and properties from the physical and financial devastation these storms can cause.

Home insurance helps homeowners cover the costs of repairing or replacing structural damage and personal belongings. Without adequate coverage, these expenses would typically result in steep out-of-pocket costs.

Plano, TX, is no stranger to unpredictable weather, leaving homeowners concerned about when and where the next dangerous storm might occur.

A well-crafted home insurance policy provides homeowners with the assurance that their homes and financial interests are protected.

Speak with a trusted local agent at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency to learn more about additional benefits.

Get Home Insurance in Plano, TX

Are you a new homebuyer searching for the best local home insurance options or a homeowner looking to review your existing policy to ensure adequate coverage?

Contact the experts at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency! Our team of insurance professionals is ready to answer your home insurance questions and help you secure the coverage you need to protect your home and family from unexpected storms and natural disasters.

Does Your Start-Up Need Commercial Insurance?

Posted on August 29, 2025August 6, 2025 by AgentInsure

Starting a business is exciting, but it also comes with risks. One of the smartest early investments you can make is commercial insurance. But how do you know if your start-up truly needs it?

What Is Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance protects your business from a variety of risks, including property damage, liability claims, employee-related issues, and more. Common types of commercial insurance include general liability, property insurance, workers’ compensation, and professional liability insurance.

Why Start-Ups Should Consider Coverage

Many start-up founders believe they can delay purchasing insurance until their business grows, but risks don’t wait for you to scale. Even in the early stages, a single lawsuit, accident, or natural disaster can disrupt or even shut down your business. If your start-up works with clients, handles customer data, rents a workspace, or sells physical products, you may already face exposures that require coverage.

For instance, a client could sue over a missed deadline (professional liability), a visitor might slip and fall in your office (general liability), or a fire could damage your equipment (property insurance). Commercial insurance helps protect your business from unexpected events.

Tailoring Insurance to Your Needs

While you don’t need every type of insurance, you do need the right coverage for your business. A home-based software start-up won’t require the same insurance as a food truck or retail store. Consulting with a business insurance agent can help you create a policy that fits your needs and grows with your business.

Paragon Independent Insurance Agency Is Proud to Serve Plano, TX

At Paragon Independent Insurance Agency, we’re proud to serve Plano, TX, and assist with all your insurance needs. Contact our team or visit us today to speak with an agent and learn more about our plans.

Insurance Coverage for Residential Decking or A Similar Addition

Posted on August 15, 2025August 5, 2025 by AgentInsure

A new deck or similar residential addition can be added to your home insurance policy. It’s essential to consider the type of addition you’re pursuing and choose coverage options that will help preserve its condition.

The Intended Use

Think about how you plan to use your new deck or home upgrade. The intended use of the feature can help you identify potential risks. For example, if your deck includes steps, you may want to address the liability risks associated with the addition.

Adding liability coverage to your home insurance policy can protect you in case of accidents involving guests or family members. When evaluating the intended use, consider how often the feature will be used and whether others will be using it regularly.

Material Strength

Assess the durability of the materials used for your residential upgrade. Determine whether the materials are adequately protected from the elements. Exposed surfaces may qualify for additional insurance protection.

Consider whether the materials could be damaged by criminal activity, such as theft or vandalism. Adding coverage for these risks can ensure you’re reimbursed for stolen or damaged construction materials. Additionally, your insurance policy may cover damage caused by catastrophic conditions like high winds or heavy rain, helping you manage repair and replacement costs without significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Insurance Agent Support

When you’re ready to modify your insurance policy, contact one of our agents serving Plano, TX. An agent from Paragon Independent Insurance Agency will meet with you to discuss the coverage options that best suit your needs.

How Disruption Insurance Benefits Businesses in Texas

Posted on July 31, 2025July 8, 2025 by AgentInsure

If you’re managing a large corporation or a small tech start-up in Plano, TX, disruption insurance is highly recommended. In the event of a sudden disaster, such as a utility outage or severe storm, adequate protection is essential. At Paragon Independent Insurance Agency, we specialize in helping our clients with business disruption insurance (also referred to as business interruption insurance) throughout Plano and beyond.

What Constitutes Business Disruption Insurance?

Dealing with operating expenses and a loss of income can be challenging for any business owner, entrepreneur, or investor. When a covered event forces you to temporarily shut down or close your business, disruption insurance provides financial benefits to help you stay afloat. At the same time, repairs are made after a direct physical loss has occurred.

Benefits of Disruption Insurance

As you operate your business in Plano, it’s essential to understand how business interruption insurance can help. Here are a few benefits that come with the right disruption insurance policy:

Replace Lost Wages: This option enables you to maintain your cash flow even if your business is temporarily shut down. It helps cover lost revenue as if you had not experienced a disaster.
Ongoing Expenses: Disruption insurance covers utility bills, mortgage or rent payments, and even employee wages. This can help you retain staff during downtime.
Prevent Temporary Relocation Costs: Provides financial relief for moving expenses or if you are required to rent a temporary location, allowing you to continue serving customers and clients.

Understanding the significance of business disruption insurance is essential anytime you’re running a business. If you’re located in Plano, TX, and want to feel more secure in your investment, we’re here to help. To learn more about the advantages of disruption (or business interruption) insurance, contact Paragon Independent Insurance Agency for your consultation today.

How the Mandatory Right to Appraisal Law Affects Your Auto Insurance

Posted on July 15, 2025July 8, 2025 by AgentInsure

Our team at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency is closely monitoring the latest changes to Texas law that may affect your auto insurance policy. The newest law change aims to bring fairness in determining loss with Plano, TX auto insurance claims when your car needs repair.

What Is the Mandatory Right to Appraisal?

Senate Bill 458 became law on June 20 and takes effect on September 1. The bill mandates all auto insurance carriers to include an appraisal provision. This provision offers a third-party, independent, and neutral option to determine the amount of loss when the insurer and policyholder cannot agree on a number.

Previously, policyholders had no choice but to accept the amount provided by insurers, even if it was low or unfair. To recoup the difference for auto repairs, they had to sue or pay out of pocket. This new law gives policyholders and insurers the option to settle loss claims using an independent source that relies solely on evidence, resolving disputes and avoiding courtroom battles.

Why Does the Law Exist?

State Farm quietly removed the appraisal provision from their auto insurance policies in 2015, and only a few people noticed. Robert McDorman, founder of Auto Claim Specialists, along with his team and the Auto Body Association of Texas, led by executive director Jill Tuggle, discovered the change. Recognizing the risks associated with this move, McDorman launched a statewide campaign that lasted ten years, garnering support along the way.

When Joe Collins sued State Farm for appraisal and won, he donated his winnings to the Mandatory Appraisal Rights Advocacy Trust. This gained attention and pushed the movement forward. After being dismissed twice in the Texas House and Senate, the bill passed unanimously on the third attempt and was fast-tracked into law.

At Paragon Independent Insurance Agency, we stand by the Mandatory Right to Appraisal law because we believe in fairness and accuracy. We are updating Plano, TX auto insurance policies to reflect this change. For more information on auto insurance or the mandatory r

Who Pays for Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Posted on June 16, 2025June 4, 2025 by AgentInsure

Hit-and-run accidents in Plano, TX, are one of the worst scenarios motorists face, especially if they are severe. If the other driver takes off, who pays for the accident damages? The answer is your auto insurance. However, you must have the proper provisions in place to protect yourself. Paragon Independent Insurance Agency can help you buy a policy to protect yourself, passengers, and your vehicle.

Find the Right Coverage

Texas requires motorists to have minimum liability insurance, but that will only pay for damage you cause to other vehicles in an at-fault accident. To pay for damages in an accident where the at-fault driver is unknown, you must have different provisions in place. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage typically pays for damage from hit-and-run accidents. This provision also helps you when involved in an accident where the at-fault driver has no insurance or liability limits that are too low to pay for vehicle damage fully. For some policies, collision coverage may also pay for damage in a hit-and-run accident.

What If I or My Passengers are Injured?

Again, your policy will pay if you never identify the at-fault driver. Personal injury protection (PIP) can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and even funeral costs after an accident. PIP is designed to help you with financial expenses after an accident, whether or not you were at fault. Your policy may also have medical payments coverage. Also known as MedPay, this provision can cover medical payments related to accident injuries. It can cover payment to you, your passengers, and even pedestrians who may be involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Learn how your auto insurance policy can protect you and your car when someone takes off after an accident in Plano, TX. Contact the staff at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency for an appointment to explore your options.

How Homeowners Insurance Works When You Rent Out Your Property

Posted on June 16, 2025June 3, 2025 by AgentInsure

Renting out your home can be a smart move, but it’s essential to understand how it affects your insurance coverage. At Paragon Independent Insurance Agency, serving the Plano, TX community, we frequently receive questions from homeowners considering becoming landlords. The truth is, your standard homeowners insurance might not be sufficient once you start renting.

What Changes When You Become a Landlord?

When you rent out your property, even for a short period, the risk shifts. A traditional homeowners policy is designed for owner-occupied homes, not properties used for rental purposes. This means that if something goes wrong, such as a fire, water damage, or an injury on the property, your existing coverage may not apply.

Do You Need Landlord Insurance?

In most cases, yes. Once you’re no longer living in the home full-time, you’ll likely need a landlord insurance policy. This type of coverage typically includes protection for the structure itself, liability coverage in the event a tenant or guest is injured, and loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event. It’s a specialized layer of protection designed for rental situations.

Don’t Overlook the Details

Every rental situation is unique. You might be renting out your entire home or just a single room. Some policies may have restrictions based on the rental duration or the number of tenants. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with an experienced agent who can guide you through the right coverage options.

If you’re planning to rent out your property, don’t leave your insurance to chance. Reach out to Paragon Independent Insurance Agency in Plano, TX for expert advice and customized coverage tailored to your specific needs.

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