New Blog Address

Paradiso Insurance blog has moved. You can keep up with us at www.paradisoinsuranceblog.com.

Universal Ceramic Tile: A Truly Amazing Client

Jenilee made this video for one of our awesome clients! Looking for some tile in Connecticut? They’re the best!

Visit them online at www.universaltile.biz, or call today at 860.525.3644.

[clearspring_widget title=”Animoto.com” wid=”4805fc0db4a3562c” pid=”4b4f3af028525652″ width=”432″ height=”240″ domain=”widgets.clearspring.com”]

– The Paradiso Insurance Team

Paradiso Insurance in Rough Notes Magazine!

Check us out!  We are in the running for the 2009 Agency of the Year.  To read the article, go here and navigate to page 29. Call us to wish us luck at 1.800.660.2991!

The Paradiso Insurance Team also wants to thank Rough Notes Magazine for such a wonderful opportunity.  You guys are awesome!

–  Team Paradiso

Wacky Wednesday: Two Albino Moose

“These animals were photographed just north of the Wisconsin border on a highway near Marenisco , MI.

Once in awhile, there is an opportunity to take in a piece of nature that you may never see.
In these days of unrest and turmoil it is great to see that God still produces some wondrous beauty.”

Full Story/Photos: http://www.rense.com/general88/snowmoose.htm

– The Paradiso Insurance Team

Over 50? Shop with Paradiso Insurance!

Here at Paradiso Insurance, we can save mature drivers TONS of money.  What is a mature driver?  Well, if you’re 50 and older, you qualify! The discount range can be 5% to 10% or even higher.  Along with the huge discount, we can offer other benefits which you not may not have with your current policy.  We understand that your insurance policy can be hard to understand.  Let us take the time to help you out!   Please give us a call at 1.800.660.2991 for a quote – it’s quick, easy, painless and FREE! 

– The Paradiso Insurance Team

Winter Tips: Save Hundreds on Your Heating Bill

1. Buy a Programmable Thermostat
After a cold commute, you like to open your door to a toasty home. And you hate waking up in a cold bedroom. But that doesn’t mean you need to have the heat blasting day and night.

With a programmable thermostat, you can heat your home at various temperatures throughout the day, allowing the house to be cooler when no one is home or when everyone is asleep, says Mel Hall-Crawford, energy-projects manager at the Consumer Federation of America. You can crank up the heat 30 minutes before it’s really needed, and never feel the difference.

2.  Plug Up Leaks

Imagine a water balloon with lots of little pinholes in it. Sure, the holes are small, but that doesn’t mean the balloon isn’t losing water.

Chances are, your house is like that balloon — slowly but surely losing heat to tiny leaks. And a lot of little leaks can add up to one big bill. Doors and windows are the most obvious culprits. But you also should check out electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, ducts and your attic door, according to the DOE. “If your home has leaks, you’re in essence heating the outdoors,” says Rozanne Weissman, spokeswoman for the Alliance to Save Energy.

3.  Add Insulation

Many homes — particularly those that are more than 20 years old — lose lots of heat because of poor insulation, according to the DOE. And because heat rises, the No. 1 problem area is your attic. (Other areas that could need more insulation are your basement, crawl space, floor and walls.)

4. Upgrade Appliances

If you have home-heating appliances that date back to the Reagan administration or earlier, it could be time to think about an upgrade. Replacing an outdated model with one that has earned the Energy Star label (Energy Star is a joint program run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy) could cut your home-heating costs significantly. Energy Star furnaces, for example, are 15% more efficient than standard models.

(Courtesy of SmartMoney.com)

Wacky Wednesday!

Hey guys!  It’s Wacky Wednesday.  As the name sounds, every Wednesday we will be posting some truly odd stories.  Last time we showed you the story of an insurance claim where a meteorite struck the client’s car.  Sound unbelievable?  Read here.

For this installment of Wacky Wednesday, I bring you one cow of a story.

“Holy Cow!  Divine Bovine born in Sterling, CT”

Enjoy!

– The Paradiso Team

Driving Safely in Icy Weather

This winter, avoid accidents!  Driving in stressful and unfamiliar weather conditions is a ingredient in the recipe for car accidents.  Here in New England, most drivers are used to the harsh weather.  However in areas unfamiliar with harsh icy and snowy weather, the unexpected winter conditions can be very dangerous.

RoadRagers.com suggests taking the following precautions to avoid disaster:

1. KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Not all cars respond the same to icy, slippery roads. For that reason, knowing how to handle your vehicle and how it responds in various weather conditions is important. AAA recommends that motorists practice slow-speed maneuvers on an empty snow or ice covered parking lot. You should also page through your owner’s manual, familiarizing yourself with your vehicle’s braking system and tire traction.

2. DISTANCE FACTOR

The most important thing to remember when driving on slick roads is that you must travel, steer and brake more slowly than usual. The distance needed to stop on ice is twice as long as that you would need to brake under normal driving circumstances. This means you should keep at least a three car distance from the vehicle directly in front of you.

3. BLACK ICE

Black ice is defined as ice that remains on roadways that are not subjected to direct sunlight. Black ice commonly forms on roads that wind around lakes and rivers, in tunnels, on overpasses and in highly shaded, rural areas. Black ice is almost invisible to the naked eye. Be especially leery when driving your car into shaded areas, and slow your vehicle down during your approach.

4. SOME AREAS ARE EXTRA SLIPPERY

Certain areas of roadways, because of location or lack of direct sunlight, are almost always more hazardous than others. Use extra caution when driving on bridges, overpasses and tunnels.

5. FRONT WHEEL DRIVE

Front wheel drive vehicles handle better than rear wheel drive on slippery roads because the weight of the engine is on the drive wheels, which helps to improve your traction.

6. REAR WHEEL DRIVE

Because there is virtually no weight on the rear wheels of your car, vehicles that operate by using rear wheel drive tend to slide from side to side during turns on icy roads. Cars and light duty truck owners can place bags of sand or kitty litter in the bed of the truck or trunk to help balance the weight, and distribute it equally.

7. KNOW YOUR BRAKES

Your owner’s manual will provide information about your braking system. Not all braking systems are the same. Find out which type of brakes your vehicle uses and then, follow the safety steps below.

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) offer significant advantages on slick roads, if used correctly. To operate ABS effectively, motorists should apply steady pressure to the brake pedal during the entire stop. ABS will automatically pump the brakes, if necessary, to keep the wheels from locking. Never manually pump ABS brakes yourself. Apply only steady pressure continuously until you come to a complete stop.

If you don’t have ABS, you should gently apply pumping pressure to your brakes during slippery conditions. Do not apply steady pressure to your brakes. Standing on your brakes will only cause wheel lock, and may result in your car spinning out of control.

8. HANDLING SKIDS

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE: The biggest problem facing most winter drivers is skidding on slick, icy or snow covered roads. It is possible to steer out of a skid! Once you feel your car begin to skid, slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, until you feel your wheels regain traction control. (Do not attempt to brake!) As your vehicle’s tires grab the road, slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction you want your front wheels to go.

REAR WHEEL DRIVE: When you begin to spin, remove your foot from the gas pedal. Slowly steer in the direction you want the car to go. If you are still skidding out of control, counter-steer until your vehicle is pointing in the right direction. Never apply steady pressure to the brakes.

9. MORE TIPS

You can improve your VISIBILITY by clearing all snow and ice from your vehicle. Be sure to remove ice and snow from hood, roof, trunk, turn signal lights, tail and headlights, windows, mirrors and fenders.

Use your LOW BEAMS when driving in an ice or snow storm. You’ll have better visibility.

Allow for greater STOPPING DISTANCE during snow and ice storms. In order to bring your car to a safe stop, you must allow 8-10 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Remember that POSTED SPEED LIMITS are only to be followed during ideal weather conditions. Slow down while driving on snow or ice.

When driving UPHILL on ice, pick a path that will allow the most traction. Monitor vehicles in front of you and steer clear of areas where they spin wheels or slide backward. Unpacked snow will give most vehicles sufficient uphill traction.

To maintain control on CURVES and TURNS, reduce speed just before the turn. Any sudden acceleration or deceleration during a turn will send you into a skid.

NEVER brake while driving on ice. If you are approaching a patch of ice, brake during your approach. Applying pressure to your brakes while on ice will only throw you into a skid.

Maintain your TIRES. Tires that are in proper working condition and are adequately inflated provide better traction.

Travel GENTLY. Everything you do on icy roads will affect how your vehicle handles the situation. Move slowly. Turn slowly. Brake slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.

Making sure that your vehicle is properly insured is one of the most important tips to avoid disaster this winter.  Remember that while YOU may know how to handle your car in treacherous conditions, others may not.  Make sure that you AND your vehicle have the right coverage this weekend.  Visit our website to chat live with an agent today.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Paradiso Insurance!

400 house fires each year…From Christmas Trees?

It’s true.  Shockingly dangerous, Christmas trees account for nearly 400 residential fires annually.  The National Institute of Standards and Technology reported that indoor Christmas tree fires last holiday season resulted in 10 deaths, 80 injuries and more than $15 million in property damage.  Don’t be a statistic!  Please, this holiday season…MAKE SURE YOU GET THOSE TREES OUT OF YOUR HOME BEFORE THEY DRY OUT!!  The video above is scary and true; the NIST shows how quickly a dry Christmas tree engulfs an entire house into flames.  These fires can be devastating and deadly.  At Paradiso Insurance, we’re asking our CT customers to please make sure that you are being safe with your tree this holiday season. 

Here are some tips to prevent Christmas tree fires:

• Be sure to use indoor lights inside and outdoor lights for the exterior of your home.
• Check ALL lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or any loose connections.  Replace, or better yet, RETURN any damages you can see.
• Use only UL approved electrical lights, decoration, and extension cords.
• Do not block a room exit with the Christmas tree.
• ALWAYS turn decorations off when you leave the house or will be out of the room for an extended period of time.
• Turn off ALL lights and decorations when you go to bed.
• Select a fresh tree and care for it properly; be sure to make a clean cut across the tree’s base and immediately place in water.
• Keep your tree hydrated!  Dry trees are at a higher risk for fires.  Make sure to check the water levels on your tree daily.

Homeowner’s insurance is crucial; make sure you have the right coverage this holiday season.  In the event of a disaster such as this, are you covered?

From our family to yours, be safe this holiday season!

-Paradiso Insurance of Stafford Springs, CT

Chris Paradiso meets an American Hero!

Check this out!  Our agency’s Chris Paradiso meets Captain Chesley Sullenberger on a flight to Dallas, Texas.

Teen Winter Driving Tips!

Share these with your young driver!  Here’s a few tips to keep them safer on the road.

1:  Keep your headlights on, even during the day.  It helps other drivers to spot you easier.

2:  Increase your following distance.  New drivers often have a hard time judging distance.  Giving the car ahead some extra space allows more time to react and stop in case of an emergency.

3:  Travel slowly in poor weather.  Even in rain traction is drastically reduced.  Slowing for corners is especially important.

4:  Make sure your car is ready for all kinds of weather. Check your tires, anti-freeze, washer fluid, and make sure your oil is fresh. Consider purchasing snow tires for the winter months.

5:  Don’t let your gas get too low.  You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road!  Also, fuel pumps can become strained when your tank has less fuel in it.

If you have any questions please call Paradiso Insurance at 1.800.660.2991!

– Samana & Dan from The Paradiso Insurance Team

If I Knew

All jokes aside, are you covered?

These guys are a bunch of jokesters, but it looks like Mommy may want to find this young boy a new daddy very soon! This little tyke is asking is father, “what happens if our house blows up?” Daddy answers “then we’ll build a new one!” Sorry Daddy, you’re not doing anything without a solid homeowner’s insurance policy. When choosing a policy that best fits “you,” remember to make sure you’ve chosen a plan with enough coverage for your family and home. Make sure you’ve chosen a plan with: 

• Enough coverage to rebuild your home if it’s destroyed
• Enough coverage to replace your personal property if it’s destroyed 
• Enough to protect your assets if you’re ever sued

While this video is funny, we’re keeping our fingers crossed hoping Mommy has already started the hunt to find that youngster a new Daddy. These must have been the bloopers from the video, because I’m sure the real footage was scripted as follows:

“Daddy, what happens if our house burns up in a fire?”

 “We’ll build a new one son. We know Paradiso Insurance has our back!”

In Stafford Springs CT, we know that we don’t typically have to worry about tornados or asteroids destroying our homes, but make sure you have the right answer to tell your child when he asks about your Connecticut home!

Thanks for the laugh Kentucky Farm!

Crazy Insurance Policies: Taste

That’s right, insurance for your tongue!  Check it out!

http://www.insuranceclaims.co.uk/news/taste-insurance

 

– The Paradiso Insurance Team

Meteor Insurance?!

Check this out! http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2007/10/dayintech_1009

– Dan & the Paradiso Insurance Team

Homeowners: Let us re-evaluate your policy!

Last month, a new client of ours came to us asking for a re-evaluation of his homeowner’s policy.  After reading his policy, we determined that he had coverage A of $347,000.  Unfortunately, this meant his home was underinsured. We had John switch companies to Travelers.  With his new policy, John was coverd up to $400,000.  With his previous company, he was paying $1647 a year. The Paradiso Insurance team managed to cut his payments to $643 a year while increasing his coverage by over $50,000.  What should be learned from this true story?  Always check your policy – you could be underinsured AND overpaying.   Call us for a free quote at 800-660-2991 or visit us at www.paradisoinsurance.com

Dan & Samana from The Paradiso Insurance Team

Be Wise Painters – Check Your Policy

As painters know, there are many different way of applying paint to a house.  One method become more and more popular among painters is the technique of spraying.  This procedure allows for more area to be covered with less physical labor and less time involved.  However, did you know that your insurance policy may not cover this specific practice?  The most popular claim among painters is that of over-spraying.  For example, when painting a house, if there is a vehicle close to the home, it is likely that it may too be sprayed with paint.  As a result, the homeowner would need to have a new paint job applied to their vehicle.  Painters, make sure you general liability policy covers spraying and if it doesn’t, contact Paradiso Insurance today. 

Jackie and Samana from the Paradiso Insurance Team

Annuities – Good or Bad?

First, what is an annuity?  Basically, an annuity is an investment.  Most popular with retirees, an annuity gives you a set income for life in exchange for money you put into the investment.    The amount of lifetime income depends upon how much money you invest, how much the annuity earns, and how long you wait to collect.  Annuities are a safe and conservative way to fund your retirement. 

There are two kinds of annuities.  First is the fixed annuity.  This allows for a specific rate to be paid on the invested money and though the interest may change, the same money would be earned.  The second kind of annuity is a variable one.  This means your investment would go up and down depending on how well the stocks and bonds of the company are doing.

Still confused?  Or maybe you are interested in obtaining an annuity?  Visit Paradiso Insurance today or call Chris at 1-800-660-2991.

Jackie from the Paradiso Insurance Team

Life – How Much Is the One You Love Worth?

 

Who buys life insurance?  Most people buy life insurance. The two biggest issues that arise are from people that do not buy life insurance at all and those who buy too little life insurance. A study I read in Time Magazine reported that the average amount of life insurance paid out is 90k. This is simply not enough for the majority of people. The smallest amount of insurance that’s applied for out of one of our offices is 250k. For those who do not have life insurance, I have just one question for them: Do you love someone?  If the answer is yes, then you need to have life insurance and you need to make sure you have the right amount.  To apply for life insurance or ask questions regarding your current life insurance, call Paradiso Insurance today at 1-800-660-2991.  For a free quote go to the Paradiso Insurance website.

Samana and Jackie from the Paradiso Insurance Team

Help Connecticut’s Children

 

 

 

We at Paradiso Insurance believe in our children. So we put together a second fund raiser in which, we partnered up with the Connecticut Children’s Hospital located in Hartford, CT. The program is called Miles for Smiles and on December1st 2009 Chris Paradiso and his staff will be at the hospital giving out baskets filled with Play Doh, crayons, coloring books, angel pins and Lego’s. We will be spending the day doing arts and crafts with the kids with the intention of putting a smile on each sick child’s face. If you can help us with by donating Lego’s, Play Doh, coloring books, crayons, or Toys R Us gift certificates we would greatly appreciate the help. Please assist us in helping these children’s future be a happy one. The fund raiser started October 1^st 2009 and will end December 1^st 2009.  A little effort can make a remarkable difference.

Samana and Jackie from the Paradiso Insurance Team