Why Choose Mercy Di Paolo Insurance Services
About
Insurance Tailored For You
Get a Quote
Where We Are
Insurance We Offer
-
Workers' Compensation
-
Commercial Property Coverage
-
Commercial General Liability
-
Business Owners Policy (BOP)
-
Business Auto Insurance
-
Commercial Umbrella Insurance
-
Errors and Omissions (E&O)
-
Homeowners Insurance
-
Secondary Home Policy
-
Condos Insurance
-
Renters Insurance
-
Personal Auto Insurance
-
Personal Umbrella Insurance
-
Landlord Policy (DP3)
-
Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP)
Workers' Compensation policy is a mandatory, "no-fault" insurance system that provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses.
Because it is "no-fault," the employee receives benefits regardless of whether they or the employer caused the accident. In exchange for these guaranteed benefits, employees generally give up their right to sue the employer for the injury.
What It Covers
The policy typically includes two parts: Part One (Statutory Benefits) for the employee and Part Two (Employer’s Liability) for the business.
Medical Care: Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
Wage Replacement: Usually pays about two-thirds of the employee's average weekly salary while they are unable to work.
Disability Benefits: Provides financial support if the injury results in a temporary or permanent loss of function.
Vocational Rehabilitation: Helps with retraining if the employee cannot return to their previous role.
Death Benefits: Provides funeral costs and financial support to the family if a workplace accident is fatal.
Commercial Property Policy is designed to protect the physical assets of your business. While General Liability covers you if you damage someone else's stuff, this policy is all about protecting your investments from perils like fire, theft, vandalism, and windstorms.
What It Covers
It protects nearly everything physical that your business owns or is responsible for:
The Building: If you own the office or storefront, it covers the structure itself.
Business Personal Property: This includes your office furniture, computers, specialized equipment, inventory, and even your high-quality signage.
Improvements & Betterments: If you lease your space but paid for renovations (like custom flooring or built-in cabinets), this policy protects those upgrades.
Others' Property: If a client leaves their equipment in your care and it is damaged while on your premises, this policy can cover the loss.
Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy is the foundation of a business's insurance program. It protects your agency or business against "common" lawsuits arising from your day-to-day operations and interactions with the public.
It is designed to cover non-professional mistakes—meaning it handles physical accidents rather than the technical advice covered by your E&O policy.
The Three Main Protections
Bodily Injury: Covers medical costs and legal fees if a client or visitor is injured on your premises (the classic "slip and fall") or by your business operations.
Property Damage: Pays for repairs or replacement if you or an employee accidentally damage someone else's property while doing business.
Personal & Advertising Injury: Protects against non-physical harms such as libel, slander, copyright infringement in your advertisements, or invasion of privacy.
Business Owners Policy (BOP) is a cost-effective insurance "bundle" designed specifically for small to mid-sized businesses. It combines three essential types of coverage into a single policy, typically at a lower premium than if you bought them separately.
- Property Insurance: This part of the BOP covers physical assets owned by the business, such as buildings, equipment, inventory, and furniture. It protects against losses from events like fire, theft, and vandalism.
- Liability Insurance: The liability component covers the business against claims of bodily injury or property damage caused to others. It includes coverage for legal defense costs and any settlements or judgments resulting from lawsuits.
- Business Interruption Insurance: This coverage helps replace lost income and covers ongoing expenses if the business operations are disrupted due to a covered event, such as a fire or natural disaster. It can provide the necessary financial support to help the business recover and continue operations.
- Optional Add-Ons: Businesses can customize a BOP by adding optional coverages to suit their specific needs. This might include protection against data breaches, equipment breakdown, or additional liability coverage.
- Eligibility: BOPs are typically tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in specific industries, such as retail, restaurants, and certain service professions. The eligibility requirements can vary depending on the insurer.
Business Auto Policy (BAP) is a commercial insurance policy that covers a company’s use of cars, trucks, vans, and other vehicles in the course of doing business.
While it looks similar to a personal auto policy, it is designed to handle the higher liability limits and more complex ownership structures typical of a business.
Key Coverage Components
Liability Coverage: Protects the business if an employee causes an accident that results in bodily injury to others or damage to their property.
Physical Damage: Includes Collision (damage from an accident) and Comprehensive (damage from theft, fire, or vandalism) for the vehicles the business owns.
Medical Payments: Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in the business vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Protects your employees and vehicles if they are hit by a driver who doesn't have enough insurance.
Think of it as a "safety net" that kicks in only after the limits of your underlying insurance have been completely exhausted.
How It Works
If a catastrophic claim occurs—such as a major multi-car accident or a massive lawsuit—and the costs exceed the limits of your basic policies, the Umbrella policy pays the remaining balance (up to its own limit). It typically sits over:
General Liability
Employer’s Liability (the "Part Two" of Workers' Comp)
Business Auto Liability
Errors and Omissions (E&O) policy is a type of professional liability insurance that protects businesses and individuals from the high costs of lawsuits if a client claims your work or advice was faulty.
Think of it as "malpractice insurance" for professionals who provide services or specialized expertise.
What It Covers
It specifically handles claims related to financial loss caused by:
Negligence: Making a mistake or failing to perform a service to a professional standard.
Misrepresentation: Providing inaccurate information or advice.
Omissions: Forgetting to include vital information or perform a necessary task.
Breach of Contract: Failing to meet the specific requirements of a service agreement.
An HO-3 policy is the industry standard, offering comprehensive "open-perils" protection for your home’s structure.
1. What is Covered?
Dwelling & Other Structures: Covers your house, roof, and detached structures (fences, sheds) against all risks unless specifically excluded.
Personal Property: Protects your belongings (furniture, electronics, clothes) against specific "named perils" like fire and theft.
Loss of Use: Pays for temporary living expenses (hotels, meals) if a covered claim makes your home uninhabitable.
Liability & Medical: Covers legal defense and settlements if you are sued for injury or property damage, plus minor medical bills for guests injured on-site.
2. Common Exclusions
Standard policies typically do not cover:
Floods & Earthquakes (Separate coverage required).
Sewer Backups (Available via endorsement).
Maintenance Issues (Wear and tear or neglect).
3. Key Responsibilities
Homeowner: Maintain the property and provide an inventory of belongings.
Insurer: Compensate for covered losses up to your policy limits.
Lender: Usually requires this policy to secure their investment.
A Secondary Home Policy protects seasonal retreats like vacation homes or cabins. While similar to a primary policy, it accounts for the unique risks of part-time occupancy.
1. What is Covered?
The Structure: Covers your dwelling and detached buildings (boathouses, sheds) against risks like fire or wind.
Belongings: Protects personal property kept at the secondary residence.
Liability: Covers legal and medical costs if a guest is injured on the property. (This can often be extended from your primary policy).
Loss of Use: Reimburses living expenses if a covered disaster makes your retreat uninhabitable.
2. Key Differences & Risks
Vacancy Risk: Higher premiums often apply because unoccupied homes are slower to detect leaks or damage.
Location Hazards: Vacation spots are often prone to specific risks like wildfires or coastal flooding.
Rental Usage: Standard policies may not cover short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) without a specific endorsement.
3. What is Excluded?
Floods & Earthquakes: These always require separate, dedicated coverage.
High-Value Theft: Due to seasonal vacancy, theft limits for jewelry or electronics may be lower unless specifically scheduled.
A Condo Policy provides "walls-in" coverage. While your association’s Master Policy covers the building's exterior, the HO-6 protects everything inside your specific unit.
1. What is Covered?
Your Unit (Dwelling): Covers interior walls, flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures. This fills the gap where the Master Policy ends.
Personal Property: Protects your furniture, electronics, and clothing from risks like fire, theft, and vandalism.
Loss of Use: Pays for hotels and meals if a covered claim makes your condo uninhabitable.
Liability & Medical: Covers legal costs if you're sued for an injury in your unit or if you accidentally damage a neighbor's property (like a leak).
2. Exclusive Condo Coverage
Loss Assessment: A vital feature that helps pay your share if the association assesses all owners for a major loss in a common area (like the lobby or pool).
3. Key Responsibilities
The Association: Insures the "shell" of the building, roof, and hallways.
The Unit Owner: Insures the interior, personal belongings, and personal liability.
4. What is NOT Covered?
Exterior/Common Areas: These fall under the Master Policy.
Floods & Earthquakes: These require separate, specific coverage.
Maintenance: General wear and tear is not covered.
A Renters Policy protects your belongings and personal liability. While your landlord insures the building, their policy does not cover your things or your legal protection.
1. What is Covered?
Your Belongings: Covers furniture, clothes, and electronics against risks like fire, theft, and vandalism—even when you’re traveling.
Personal Liability: Protects you if a guest is injured in your home or if you accidentally damage a neighbor's property (like a leak from your unit).
Medical Payments: Covers minor medical bills for guests injured on-site, regardless of fault.
Loss of Use: Pays for hotel stays and extra living expenses if a covered disaster makes your rental uninhabitable.
2. Key Options & Requirements
Replacement Cost: Choose this to get the value of new items rather than depreciated values.
Landlord Mandates: Most landlords require at least $100,000 in liability coverage before you can sign a lease.
3. What is NOT Covered?
The Building: The roof and walls are the landlord's responsibility.
Floods & Earthquakes: These require separate, specific coverage.
Roommates: Their belongings aren't covered unless they are named on your policy.
Personal Auto Policy is a legal contract that helps pay for injuries and property damage resulting from a car accident. In states like California, specific liability minimums are required by law.
1. Core Coverage Areas
Liability (Protection for Others): Covers bodily injury (medical bills, lost wages) and property damage (repairs to other vehicles or structures) when you are at fault.
Physical Damage (Protection for Your Car): * Collision: Covers your car if you hit an object or another vehicle.
Comprehensive: Covers non-collision events like theft, fire, vandalism, or hitting an animal.
Medical Coverage: Pays for medical or funeral expenses for you and your passengers (MedPay or PIP), regardless of fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): Protects you if you are hit by a driver who has little or no insurance.
2. Common Exclusions
Standard policies generally do not cover:
Commercial Use: Delivery or ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft) without a specific endorsement.
Intentional Acts: Damage caused on purpose.
Racing: High-speed events or stunting.
3. Helpful Add-Ons (Endorsements)
Roadside Assistance: Towing and basic emergency repairs.
Rental Reimbursement: Pays for a rental car while yours is being repaired for a covered claim.
Gap Insurance: Pays the difference between your car's value and your remaining loan/lease balance if it is totaled.
Personal Umbrella Policy provides an extra layer of liability protection above your auto and homeowners insurance. It kicks in when your primary policy limits are exhausted, shielding your assets from major lawsuits.
1. What is Covered?
Excess Liability: Covers the "gap" if a major accident or injury exceeds your standard $300k or $500k limits (usually starting at $1 million).
Asset Protection: Shields your savings, home equity, and future earnings from being seized to satisfy a legal judgment.
Broader Protection: Covers "gaps" your other policies might exclude, such as libel, slander, false arrest, and worldwide liability while traveling.
Legal Defense: Typically pays for attorney fees from the first dollar—often in addition to your policy limit.
2. How It Works
Underlying Limits: To qualify, you must maintain specific minimum liability levels on your auto and home policies (e.g., $250k/$500k).
The Deductible (SIR): If the Umbrella covers a claim your primary policy doesn't (like a libel suit), you pay a small "Self-Insured Retention" before coverage begins.
3. Why It’s High Value
Cost-Effective: Because it sits "above" other policies, a $1 million Umbrella is surprisingly affordable, often costing just $150–$300 per year.
Understanding Your Landlord Policy (DP3)
A Landlord Policy (DP3) is a specialized "open perils" policy for residential rental properties. It covers the structure and your liability as a property owner, rather than personal belongings like a standard homeowners policy.
1. What is Covered?
The Structure (Dwelling): Protects the main building and detached structures (garages, fences) against all risks unless specifically excluded.
Fair Rental Value: Reimburses lost rental income if a covered disaster (like a fire) makes the home uninhabitable for your tenants.
Landlord’s Property: Covers items you own and leave on-site for tenant use, such as appliances or lawnmowers.
Liability & Medical: Protects you from legal claims and pays for a guest's medical bills if an injury occurs on your property due to negligence.
2. Key Differences from Homeowners Insurance
No Automatic Theft: Theft of landlord-owned contents (like refrigerators) often requires a specific endorsement.
Vandalism: This is frequently an optional add-on and may be suspended if the property is vacant for an extended period.
Tenant Belongings: The DP3 does not cover the tenant’s personal items; they must carry their own Renters Insurance (HO4).
3. What is NOT Covered?
Floods & Earthquakes: These require separate, dedicated policies.
Maintenance Issues: Damage from neglect, wear and tear, or termite issues is generally excluded.
A Flood Policy is a separate coverage for damage caused by rising water, which is excluded from standard home, condo, and landlord policies.
1. What is Covered?
The Structure: Protects the foundation, electrical/plumbing, and built-in appliances (furnaces, water heaters).
Your Belongings: Covers furniture, electronics, and clothing up to specific policy limits.
Debris Removal: Pays to clear flood-related debris from your property.
2. Important Limits
NFIP Caps: Federal policies are typically limited to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents.
No "Loss of Use": Most flood policies do not pay for hotels or temporary living expenses while your home is repaired.
30-Day Waiting Period: Coverage usually takes 30 days to become active; you cannot buy it once a storm is already forecasted.
3. Why You Need It
If you have a mortgage and live in a high-risk flood zone, your lender will require this policy. Even in low-risk areas, a flood can happen anywhere it rains.
- Workers' Compensation - Offers vital protection for your employees, ensuring smooth business operations.
- Commercial Property Coverage - Protects your business premises from unexpected events and losses.
- Commercial General Liability - Provides defense against various business-related claims.
- Business Owners Policy (BOP) - A comprehensive package for small to medium-sized businesses, offering various protections.
- Business Auto Insurance - Covers vehicles used for business purposes, safeguarding against operational risks.
- Commercial Umbrella Insurance - Extends existing policies with additional liability coverage.
Contact Us
Quick Quote
Our Insurance Companies
Trusted carriers helping us provide dependable coverage and protection.
