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Capalbo Insurance Group, LLC

49 S County Commons Way F-3F
South Kingstown, RI 02879

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Featured Insurance Blog

Why basic auto insurance may not be the right choice

Like most states, Rhode Island has a mandate about what type and amount of auto insurance you must have, at a minimum, to be legal to drive on the roads in the state.  At Capalbo Insurance Group LLC in South Kingstown, RI, we take our responsibility to our customers seriously. We make sure the auto insurance you have fits your needs and gives you adequate protection. 

Basic auto insurance in Rhode Island

Basic auto insurance in Rhode Island is 25/50/25. This is all liability coverage, and it protects other drivers from you in an accident. It provides $25,000 for injuries to one person, $50,000 for all injuries in an accident, and $25,000 for personal property. 

Why basic insurance might not be the right choice?

If you have an auto loan or are leasing a vehicle, you will not be able to get away with having basic auto insurance. The bank or the leasing company will require that you have complete auto insurance coverage to protect your vehicle. But what about if you don’t have a loan or a lease? Is basic insurance the right choice?

If you have an older vehicle with little value or you have access to another vehicle, then basic auto insurance is right for you. For the rest of us who count on our vehicle every day to get to work, take the kids to school, go shopping, and to the doctor, protecting our vehicle is vital. 

Beyond Basic

Collision coverage covers your vehicle when you are at fault in an accident. Comprehensive coverage provides protection from theft, vandalism, and many things that can cause damage. If you need your vehicle every day, you need this coverage to protect it. 

Consult With Us

Contact Capalbo Insurance Group LLC in South Kingstown, RI when you are ready to discuss auto insurance. We are here for you when you need us. 

Are businesses required by law to have commercial insurance?

You are not legally required to carry most kinds of commercial insurance for your South Kingstown, RI small business. However, insurance provides essential protection that can help your business recover if anything happens. Capalbo Insurance Group LLC can help you look at the different kinds of commercial insurance so that you can make an informed decision about which protections are right for you.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

This is the one kind of commercial insurance your South Kingston, RI business is required to carry. As long as you have at least one employee, you will need to have workers’ compensation insurance so that your employee is protected if injured on the job.

General Liability Insurance

Even though you are not required to carry liability insurance, most businesses choose to do so anyway. A general liability policy will protect your business if someone has an accident on your property or is injured by your product.

Commercial Property Insurance

If you have a commercial lease, you may be required to carry commercial property insurance as part of the terms. Commercial property insurance protects your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory.

Business Income Interruption

You may need to purchase this kind of protection separately. If, for instance, your business is closed for several weeks due to a fire, business interruption insurance can help compensate you for the missed income.

Other Kinds Of Commercial Insurance

The kind of protection you need depends on what kind of business you have. Does your business use cars? Are you licensed? There are different kinds of insurance for those circumstances.

Consult With Us

Protecting your South Kingstown, RI should be one of your top priorities. If you have any questions about how commercial insurance can benefit you, please call Capalbo Insurance Group LLC today.

Do I have to keep my homeowners insurance after I pay off my house?

When you have a mortgage on your home, your lender makes sure that you carry insurance on the property. The bank has a vested interest in making sure that if anything happens, it can recover from the loss. If you are lucky enough to pay off your South Kingstown, RI home entirely, you may be wondering if it is worth it to continue to carry the same level of coverage as before. At Capalbo Insurance Group LLC, we will help you look at your risks and options so you can make an informed decision.

Rhode Island does not require you to carry homeowners insurance by law. However, if you decide not to carry insurance, you are assuming the risks yourself. If you suffer any losses, you will have to pay for them out of your own pocket. 

Typically, your homeowners’ policy covers:

  • dwelling coverage, which protects your house in case of fire or other events;
  • coverage for the other structures on your property, such as a garage or yard barn;
  • protection for all the items that make your house a home, such as furniture, carpeting, curtains, and large and small appliances;
  • electronics, such as TVs, stereo systems, computers, and even cell phones; and
  • personal items, such as clothing, books, and jewelry.

Your South Kingstown, RI homeowners insurance also offers liability protection in case someone is injured on your property. That includes potential medical bills and even legal representation if there is a claim. Also, if you are temporarily without a home while waiting for repairs or rebuilding, your insurance will help pay for temporary housing and food.

Schedule A Consultation Today

Don’t make any snap decisions without speaking to Capalbo Insurance Group LLC. We will help you find a policy that only covers what you need.

8 Quick Safety Tips For Night Driving

Regarding driver safety, the daytime is the optimal time to drive.  At night, you not only have to contend with darkness and things you cannot see but the glare from lights, rain of bugs on the windshield, and precipitation from the weather.

However, at Capalbo Insurance Group LLC in South Kingstown, RI, we understand that most of us cannot avoid the need to drive at night. 

Here are eight quick safety tips to prepare you for navigating the roadway at night:

1.  Wiping down your windshields before dark.

Apply a generous amount of window cleaner to your windshield and clean with a cotton cloth or old newspaper for the best results.  Doing so will eliminate glare from all external lights when driving.

2.  Don’t stare directly into oncoming headlights.

Staring into the lights of oncoming traffic makes it impossible to see when traveling at night.  So, focus on the edge lines to the side of the road when passing oncoming cars. 

3.  Get plenty of rest before getting on the road.

Drowsiness causes a frequent amount of automobile crashes after dark.  So, get plenty of rest when you know you’ll be on the roadway after dark. 

4.  Use high beams when necessary.

Because visibility is lower at night, don’t forget to use your high beams in dimly lit areas to avoid any debris or pedestrians in the roadways.

5.  Minimize the lights in your cabin.

Dimming the lights from your GPS, radio, instrument panels, and dashboard lights will eliminate glare on the windshield and help you see better when navigating the roads at night. 

6.  Drive at a slower rate of speed than you do during the day.

It only makes sense when driving with less visibility that you should go at a lower rate of speed when traveling at night.  If you drive upon something in the roadway after dark, you have less time to react and navigate around it. 

7.  Avoid two-lane highways when possible.

Two-lane highways at night almost guarantee you’ll face the glare of oncoming traffic.  So, try taking interstates and four-lane highways to improve night visibility and safety.

8.  Be watchful for wildlife, especially when traveling in wooded areas.

When night driving, you can spot wildlife on the side of the road because the glare of your headlamps reflects off of their eyes.  Look for their eyes and slow down when passing, especially if you see them coming toward the roadway.

Contact us today!

Most of all, you don’t want to drive at night without car insurance.  Call us today at Capalbo Insurance Group LLC in South Kingstown, RI to discuss insurance options and find the best coverage to keep you and your family secure as you travel the roadways.

Types of commercial insurance most businesses can benefit from

If you own a business, you already know how risky owning a business is. At Capalbo Insurance Group LLC in South Kingstown, RI, we are an independent insurance agency and can offer more choices since we don’t represent just one insurance carrier. We work for and with our customers to make sure that they have the right coverage. 

Types of commercial insurance 

Commercial property insurance

Commercial property insurance covers the physical location where your business is located if you own it, and it also includes the contents of the business with all the things you require to do business. The list of included things will be different for each business depending on what you actually do. For a store, it is inventory, cash register, display units, etc. For a manufacturing business, it is machinery, raw materials, office equipment, finished products, etc. With this insurance, you will be able to replace what was lost and get back into business. 

Commercial liability insurance

Businesses are vulnerable to getting sued. It is an all too frequent occurrence. Your business can be sued by a customer, an employee, or a vendor. If you lose the judgment the cost of paying it along with the legal costs could sink your business if you don’t have commercial liability insurance. 

Commercial auto insurance

If your business owns a vehicle, commercial auto insurance will protect it and you. Personal auto insurance will not cover your auto for business use. This could end up costing you enough to kill your business. 

Workers Compensation

All employers with 1 or more employees are required by law in Rhode Island to have workers compensation insurance. It is good for employees and employers. 

Consult With Us

When you need to discuss your commercial insurance coverage, you can call us at Capalbo Insurance Group LLC in South Kingstown, RI. 

Three Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Home Insurance Provider

Buying a home? Congratulations! One of the most important decisions you’ll make during the home purchasing process is choosing a provider for your homeowner’s insurance policy. At Capalbo Insurance Agency LLC in South Kingstown, RI, we’re here to provide you with the information you need to choose the right homeowner’s insurance provider for your needs. 

Three Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Home Insurance Provider

1. How quickly are you able to turn around claims?

In the event that you need to make a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company, you’ll want to know that you’re able to get the resources you need to repair your home. Choosing a home insurance company that can turn claims around quickly can help you rest assured that you won’t be left hanging in the event that you need to make a claim. 

2. Do you offer claim services around the clock?

Emergencies are rarely convenient, and you want to know that you’re able to contact your homeowner’s insurance company right away. Be sure to ask the companies you’re considering what process you’ll need to follow to make a claim.

3. Do you inspect the property before offering an insurance policy?

You’ll want to look for a company that does its due diligence, providing you with premiums based on your property. When your insurance company inspects your home prior to offering a policy, you’ll know that they pay attention to the details that matter. 

Searching for a home insurance provider? We can help!

At Capalbo Insurance Agency LLC in South Kingstown, RI, we’re here to answer all of your questions about how we can help you rest assured that your home is protected. Reach out to us today to learn more. 

Defensive Driving Techniques That Can Help You Avoid Accidents

Here at Capalbo Insurance Group LLC, providing residents in the greater South Kingstown, RI area with auto insurance, we are committed to helping drivers stay safe when they are driving. One of the best ways to decrease your chances of being involved in an automobile accident is to drive defensively.

Here are a few defensive driving techniques that you can use to help you avoid accidents:

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

One of the best defensive driving techniques is to always be aware of your surroundings. This involves paying attention to what is not only in front of you but what is surrounding you as well. By paying attention to your surroundings, you can spot hazards and hazardous drivers.

Always Ensure Your Speed is Safe For the Conditions

Another defensive driving tip that can help you to avoid accidents is to ensure you are always driving at a safe speed for the road and driving conditions. Speeding leads to accidents.

Have an Escape Route in Your Head

Lastly, as you are driving, always have an escape route in your mind. If the big rig next to you tries to change lanes, where will you go? Thinking ahead and thinking about escape routes is one of the best ways to avoid accidents.

Reach Out To Us

Defensive driving techniques are the most effective way to minimize your chances of being involved in an automobile accident. By being aware of your surroundings, ensuring your speed is safe for the conditions, and having an escape in your head, you can drive safely.

It is important to point out though, that some accidents are simply unavoidable, and that is why it is important to have the right auto insurance for your needs. If you are looking to purchase a new auto insurance policy in the South Kingstown, RI metroplex, Capalbo Insurance Group LLC would love to assist you. Call us today to learn more.

Do I Need Commercial Insurance For My Home Business?

At Capalbo Insurance Group LLC, we understand the unique challenges that South Kingstown, RI home business owners face. Many of them wonder if they need commercial insurance to protect their livelihoods.

Defining a Home Business

First, let’s define what constitutes a home business. Any business that operates out of a home, such as running a daycare, using a retail shop, or offering professional services such as consulting, falls under the home business category.

Home Insurance vs. Commercial Insurance

Most home insurance policies do not cover home businesses and their assets. If you own a home business, you should consider specific commercial insurance policies designed to cover a business’s unique needs, risks, and liabilities.

Types of Commercial Insurance for Home Businesses

Depending on your business’s needs and size, several types of commercial insurance are available for home businesses. Professional liability insurance covers lawsuits related to negligence, errors, or omissions, and worker’s compensation covers employee injuries. A Business Owners Policy (BOP) provides comprehensive protection for small businesses in South Kingstown RI, covering liability, property damage, and business interruptions.

Benefits of Commercial Insurance for Home Businesses

A commercial insurance policy for your South Kingstown, RI home business shows your clients and customers that you are a reputable and responsible business owner. It also provides financial protection and peace of mind should anything unexpected occur, such as accidents, natural disasters, or lawsuits.

Consulting with an Insurance Agent

When protecting your home business, the best course of action is to consult an experienced insurance agent who can help you determine the suitable types and amounts of coverage for your specific business. At Capalbo Insurance Group LLC, we provide insurance solutions tailored to your individual needs and budget.

Things home insurance won’t cover

When you choose your home insurance, you probably feel invincible. Nothing can happen to your home that you aren’t prepared for. This is not totally correct; like most insurance, home insurance has exclusions, things that it doesn’t cover. At Capalbo Insurance Group LLC in South Kingston, RI we try to make sure that all of our customers understand what their home insurance covers and what it doesn’t.

Home Insurance Exclusions

Earth movement

Earth movement covers a variety of different events including but not limited to earthquakes, sinkholes, mudslides, landslides, and subsidence. All of these can cause catastrophic damage to your home. If you live in an area where any of these is a possibility, it is important to consider adding this coverage in the form of a rider or an additional policy to make sure you are protected.

Floods

Floods that come from groundwater or are not covered under a traditional home policy. If your home is flooded by a broken pipe, this is covered. Floods are very damaging, and every year more and more places flood due to rising water levels. Flood insurance is sold by the federal government through insurance agents. If there is any potential for your home to be damaged by flooding, you should get this important coverage. It doesn’t take much water to cause a lot of damage.

Owner neglect

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to maintain the condition of your home. This means that you need to make sure that termites aren’t destroying your home, that mice are not infecting it, and that your roof gets replaced before it allows your interior to be damaged. Your insurance company can require you to do the necessary repairs if they discover that you are not maintaining your home.

We Can Help!

Contact Capalbo Insurance Group LLC in South Kingston, RI to discuss your home insurance needs.

Can adult children remain on their parents’ auto policy?

If you live in or near South Kingstown, RI, you may be wondering whether or not your adult children can stay on your auto insurance policy. As more adult children move back home, it becomes a question many people have. At Capalbo Insurance Group LLC, our team can answer that question and many others. We are an independent agency and can offer more choices than a captive agency.

Can adult children remain on their parents’ auto policy?

With more and more adult children opting to return to the nest, many parents are asking questions about having their adult children on their auto insurance. The answer is yes; as long as their permanent address is your home, they can be listed on your auto insurance policy. When it gets a little tricky is when your kids become young adults and move off to college.

You want them to be able to stay on your policy because, for the most part, you can afford better protection than they can and they may be using your vehicle. The key to making this work is to make sure that, even though they live away from home, they don’t change their permanent address. Many college kids do come home to chill during the summer and, so that isn’t a stretch, they still live part of the year at home.

Life has gotten even more complicated with the number of parents who are moving in with their adult children. It has really become a family affair. Be sure to list all the drivers who use your vehicles on a regular basis on the policy, and that should allow you to be one big happy auto insurance family.

Contact Us Today

Give Capalbo Insurance Group LLC in South Kingston, RI a call or stop by our office for a no-obligation quote.

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