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Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies, Inc

6305 Preston Road #1000
Plano, TX 75024

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5 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

Posted on by AgentInsure

Winter is finally at an end, and the warm air of spring is in the air.  Spring is here in the Plano, TX area, and it’s time to do those spring maintenance chores.  Here are 5 tips to help get you going on your home’s maintenance.

  • Examine your roof shingles for any damage over the winter.  Look for shingles that are cracked, loose, buckled, or missing granules because they will need to be replaced.  Check the flashing around skylights, chimneys, and plumbing vents.
  • Test the wood trim around the outside of windows, railings, doors, and decks with a screwdriver or other similar tool for damage or rotting and repair any areas before the spring rains lead to more damage.
  • Clean the rain gutters of debris from the winter and check for leaks or damage that can prevent proper drainage. Make sure drain spouts are clean and direct water away from the home’s foundation.
  • Check the chimney’s exterior for any signs of visible damage and have the flue cleaned.  It’s best to it inspected by a certified chimney sweep to ensure proper working order and storage for the warm months ahead.
  • Check the outside water faucets to make sure there was no freeze damage.  By turning the water on and putting a thumb or finger over the opening to check the water flow.  If you can stop the water flow, it’s likely that a pipe is damaged inside the home.  Check your water hoses for dry rot before connecting them for use.

Paragon Independent Insurance Agency

Paragon Independent Insurance Agency has been providing insurance in the Plano, TX area for over 23 years.  The Paragon Independent Insurance Agency agents care about your home and want to help make sure your home is adequately covered.  Contact a Paragon Independent Insurance Agency agent today to get started.

What to Know about Having a Pool and Home Insurance

Posted on by AgentInsure

There are many things that can affect home insurance costs, but one of the main things that is important to speak with an agent at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency serving Plano, TX about is having a pool.

Typically, your home insurance will cover your in-ground pool, but there will be a fee added to your premium. It’s important to know if your homeowner policy considers the pool part of the home itself or if it’s part of any extraneous structures like a tool shed. It will either affect replacement cost value or your personal property limit, depending on what category it is in. Usually, in-ground pools aren’t damaged and claims aren’t common.

Above ground pools are usually considered personal property because they are considered portable. These are more susceptible to damage, so speak with your agent about how much is covered and if you would need to purchase additional coverage.

Having a pool affects your liability protection. Pools are considered an “attractive nuisance,” and the owner of the pool is responsible, whether or not others had permission to use the pool. Standard amounts of liability protection may not be enough, and many agents recommend that those with a pool purchase as much as $500,000 of coverage. If someone were to drown in your pool, a lawsuit could definitely exceed the normal $100,000 of protection. You can either increase your liability or have a separate umbrella policy.

If your pool has a slide or diving board, they may be excluded from the policy because these pose a great risk for injury and more medical expenses. It’s necessary to keep up with the maintenance of the pool. If the damage is due to neglect, you may be denied coverage.

Contact an agent at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency serving Plano, TX to get a quote on homeowner’s insurance. 

The Benefits of Using GPS When Traveling

Posted on by AgentInsure

Whether it be going to the nearby gas station in Plano, TX or taking a trip across the country, you will want to make sure that you are always equipped with a GPS system. The technology integrated into GPS systems is phenomenal and has even been known to save lives. Here is a quick look at three advantages you’ll gain when using a GPS when traveling. 

Emergency Relief

A GPS can prove to be of the utmost value in a number of situations that life may throw your way. For instance, during a natural disaster, hurricane, or tornado, law enforcement and emergency services can use the GPS navigation system in your car or cell phone to locate you. In fact, cell phone and car navigational systems that have GPS capabilities have proven themselves to be extremely helpful in terms of finding natural disaster victims in a quick and efficient manner. This small but very powerful tool has saved many lives. 

Directions

A GPS device is equipped with locations and maps of the world. Tablet PCs and smartphones use GPS to pinpoint locations and give step-by-step directions from one location to the next. A GPS can even alert you if you have made a wrong turn, as well as give you updated route information. Another feature of GPS systems is that they can help you locate the closest hospital and find local restaurants. With a GPS, there is no need to pull the paper map out of the glove box. Simply type in the location or destination you are wanting to reach, and the GPS will provide you with precise directions on how to get there. 

Avoiding Traffic

Traffic can either make or break your trip, but having a GPS while traveling can make your trip a breeze. Today’s GPS systems have the ability to provide you with will real-time traffic updates and will instruct you to take alternate routes that make your trips more efficient.

Protect Yourself Today

In addition to protecting yourself with a GPS system, you’ll also want to make sure your car has proper auto insurance. To learn more about this type of insurance, please contact Paragon Independent Insurance Agency. serving the Plano, TX area. 

Are my shed and other yard property covered on my homeowners policy?

Posted on by AgentInsure

If you own a home in Plano, TX, you may already have a homeowners insurance policy through the Paragon Independent Insurance Agency. If you do, you may have some questions about what specifically is covered under your policy. 

Of course, your physical home and personal items are covered, including furniture, clothing, appliances and many other possessions. Your attached garage will likewise be covered, as will other property inside it, up to certain limits. But what about the property which is not physically enclosed by your house? 

Sheds or other structures on your property will almost certainly be covered by your homeowner’s policy. You can add an outdoor storage space to keep sports or lawn care equipment, and it will be protected against losses the same as the property inside your home. Fencing is another kind of property homeowners insurance will cover. 

However, it is important to let your real estate agent know the details of these structures, including how much they are worth. Just as you need to make an inventory of your other items in your home like your television and other valuables, you will need to make sure your agent knows about these.

You will also want to make sure that this other property is insured up to its full value, as there are limits on any policy. The amount you can recover for other structures may be limited, but the best way to find out for sure is to read your policy and talk to your agent. 

If you have any questions or would like to purchase a policy to protect your home in Plano, TX, feel free to contact the Paragon Independent Insurance Agency today. 

Full Coverage or Minimum Auto Insurance?

Posted on by AgentInsure

You’ve purchased the car of your dreams and now need to choose insurance coverage to protect your investment. How much insurance should you buy? New car owners should seriously consider full coverage to fully protect their investment. If you own an older vehicle, it’s up to you to select the type of coverage you need. With the help of a Paragon Independent Insurance Agency agent, Plano, TX car owners can make wise insurance choices to protect their interests.  

Minimum Auto Coverage

Every state has mandatory minimum requirements for auto insurance coverage. In Texas, the minimum coverage is $30,000 bodily injury liability per person with a $60,000 total per accident. If you cause an accident that injures two other people, your insurer will pay up to $30,000 worth of medical expenses for each, with a limit of $60,000 for the entire accident.

If injuries exceed this limit, you could be sued for the remainder of the damages. Unless you have financial resources to cover these expenses, you would do well to select higher liability limits to protect your interests. Minimum liability coverage also doesn’t cover damages to your vehicle, which means you’ll have to pay for repairs out of pocket.

Full Coverage

With full coverage, you not only get liability protection but collision and comprehensive coverage as well. Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your car if you crash it into another vehicle or object. Comprehensive insurance protects you against theft, vandalism and storm damage. If you own a new or fairly new car, you need extra coverage to protect your investment. Otherwise, you could wind up paying for vehicle repairs on your own.  Full coverage may cost more initially but gives you greater returns on your insurance investment when you need it most.

For help in selecting the right auto insurance package for your situation, contact Paragon Independent Insurance Agency, Plano, TX.

Types of Commercial Insurance That You Need

Posted on by AgentInsure

Owning your own small business is a very important responsibility that needs to be taken seriously.  One factor that needs to be carefully considered is what type of insurance coverage you should have in place.  For small business owners, there are a variety of types of commercial insurance coverage that you should have that will provide adequate protection. 

Workers Compensation

For business owners in the Plano, TX area, having workers compensation coverage is very important.  While the state of Texas does not necessarily require it, it still provides a business with very valuable protections.  Your workers compensation policy will provide coverage to you and your employees in the event someone is injured while at work.

Liability Coverage

Liability insurance is also very important for all small business owners to have.  If you have a product or service that you sell, you are taking on some responsibility every time you sell it and a consumer uses it.  To ensure you are fully protected, you should have a liability coverage policy in place that will provide you with coverage in the event you are sued. 

Property Coverage

If you operate a small business and have a building, whether it is a rental or if you own it, having property coverage is a necessity.  Property coverage will provide you with reimbursement for expenses that are incurred if the building or its contents are damaged or if there is an incident of theft or vandalism.  In many cases, you will also be required to carry this coverage under a lease or a loan agreement.

Before getting into any new commercial insurance policy, Plano, TX area business owners should contact Paragon Independent Insurance Agency.  Paragon Independent Insurance Agency is a leading insurance agency that can help you to better determine and understand you commercial insurance needs.

Decorating Your Home With Safety in Mind

Posted on by AgentInsure

At Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies, we serve Plano, TX and the surrounding region to provide a solution for auto, home and business insurance. Our agents not only help you find a policy suited to your specific needs, our agents also assist in keeping you safe on the road and in your home. A few simple tips can protect your home and your family.  

1. Keep Open Paths

Make sure you keep open spaces throughout all areas of your home, so you’re able to move around and escaped in the event of a fire or other emergency. You want to eliminate any possible issues that could slow down the ability of you and your family to get out of your home. Leave space in between your furniture, so you’re able to move around it without any hesitation.  

2. Declutter

Clutter isn’t just unsightly. It’s a huge fire hazard, especially if you have clutter near registers or heaters. Keep in mind, if you have rooms filled with your possessions, especially if it’s stacked, and your home should happen to catch flame, rooms filled with clutter burn quicker and typically hotter. 

3. Fireplace Decorating

While fireplaces provide your home with warmth and give the room a certain ambiance, they’re also fire hazards. When you decorate the mantel, always make sure anything you place there is sturdy and won’t move. Avoid draping anything from the mantel. 

4. Pet and Baby Proof

It’s important to keep candles where kids and pets can’t reach. Always use plug protectors to avoid your child sticking anything in them. 

To learn more ways to decorate your home with safety in mind or to receive a quote for homeowner’s insurance to further protect your home, contact Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies, serving Plano, TX and the surrounding region, by calling 972-473-4813. 

When Can You Claim Your Auto Insurance

Posted on by AgentInsure

As long as you’re driving, chances are you will one day be involved in a car accident or another circumstance that will cause damage to your car or another person’s property.  You will need to contact your auto insurance provider in in your home in Plano, TX to get reimbursement. Auto insurance safeguards you against liability and costly legal battles. Some of the common claim types filed with Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies Inc include property damage claims to severe vehicle damage and bodily injuries for medical expenses. So, when should you file a claim for your auto insurance?

When a Collision Occurs

Car collisions often result in severe car damages, and you should inform your insurance agent whenever you’re involved in a collision. File a claim even if you are the one at fault or if the car damages don’t appear severe.  Sometimes the damage may be more severe than what you think. It can be hard to tell whether serious injuries are involved at the scene of the collision since some injuries have delayed symptoms. Be sure to inform your provider in Plano, TX to avoid paying someone else’s huge medical bills. Let your auto insurance agent handle it.

When You Accidentally Cause Serious Damage to Your Own Car

Let’s assume that you make a dumb driving move and hit a post causing severe damage to your car. Although there is no any other person involved in the matter, don’t fail to file a claim for repairs. Sometimes, it can be costly to cater for such repairs without the help of your insurance provider.

Whenever there is Property Damage Involving Your Vehicle

You should also file an auto insurance claim when there is property damage, and your car is involved. The liability coverage is there to protect you from such circumstances. The liability policy pays for the damage and the costly legal battles that may arise out of the situation.

Are you looking for auto insurance in Plano, TX? Contact Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies Inc today for all of your insurance needs.

 

Is Your Business Protected Against Cyber Crimes?

Posted on by AgentInsure

As a small business owner, you may think you’re safe from online fraud due to being a “small fish” in the big world of business. Statistics show, however, that small businesses are just as susceptible to cyber crimes as major companies. By taking protective measures, you can safeguard your Plano, TX business against Internet crimes and protect your assets. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Create Strong Internet Passwords

Strong Internet passwords can boost your online security, making it that much more difficult for hackers to get into your accounts. All your business accounts should have strong passwords to include online banking, email accounts, purchasing accounts, etc.

Tune in to Email Links

Tune in to links that may come with your business emails as they could contain viruses or open the door to cyber attacks. Never click on a link that you have doubts about. Verifying all email links before opening, even those from known associates or friends, could save your business from online attacks.  

Encrypt Sensitive Information

Encrypt all sensitive data to protect your business associates and customers from online fraud. This includes Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, health records and personal data. Encrypting sensitive information make it more difficult for hackers to gain unlawful access to customer accounts.

Protect your Business Infrastructure

Invest in the latest firewall, spyware and anti-virus detection programs to protect your data and networks against infiltration by hackers. By doing your part to protect your business infrastructure, you can help prevent online attacks.

Get Cyber Insurance Coverage

Cyber insurance from Paragon Independent Insurance Agency covers your company’s liability for data breaches that can put your customers at risk of cyber crimes. For more information about cyber insurance and the protection it has to offer, contact us at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency in Plano, TX.

Mudslides, Earthquakes, and Hurricanes, Really?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Climate change is creating all kinds of new problems for homeowners. Hurricanes that are supposed to happen rarely are now becoming frequent occurrences. Wind and heavy rain may do damage and cause dangerous mudslides. Earthquakes are happening with increased severity and in unusual patterns that have not been seen before. The expectation is that these natural disasters will continue to get worse in the future.

This is why it is a good idea to conduct an insurance review with your agent at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency serving Plano, TX to make sure these increased risks are covered by your insurance policies. It is always better to be prepared than to be caught off guard when an emergency happens. Some surprising things have been happening where homes that are not located in a flood zone are being damaged by flooding. Home insurance and flood insurance are different and many should consider having both of these policies.

If you do not already have home insurance for the replacement value of the home and its contents, it is a good idea to consider this. Also, be sure that the estimate of replacement value is accurate and up-to-date. If you have done any remodeling or made any additions to the home be sure to consider those and include the values for them in the replacement cost as well. Discuss with your agent about having special coverage for any items of great value such as antiques or artwork that are kept in the home.

Hopefully there will not be any troubles; however, if they do come up you want to rest assured that there is adequate insurance coverage to take care of the problems. Contact the good folks at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency serving Plano, TX and the surrounding areas to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for all of your needs.

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