It is another bustling day in Albany, NY. Maybe you are throwing a party to celebrate opening day of the upcoming Albany Devils hockey season, or having some girlfriends over before hitting Crossgates Mall for a day of fun. No matter your plans, you know that time with friends, family or acquaintances always equals a good time. The fun could quickly be brought to a halt if a guest is injured in your home or on your property.

As your independent agent in Albany, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency wants to make certain that the enjoyable times stay that way. Here are ten things you can do to ensure your visits from guests stay delightful and accident-free:

• Pick up toys and miscellaneous items on the floor
• Use rugs and mats that grip the surface below
• Make sure your stairs and handrails are up to code
• Keep decorative items off of steps
• Clean up spills immediately
• Replace any flooring that has holes or tears
• Keep rooms well-lit
• Throw away mats that are curling on the edges
• Keep walkways clear of leaves and snow, as well as free from ice
• Secure any cords that may become entangled with feet

As your independent agent, we want you to feel confident in your homeowners insurance coverage in case an accident ever does occur on your property. We will be happy to look at your current policy to ensure you have an adequate level of insurance to suit your needs. We can also run a comparative quote to make certain you are paying the lowest price for homeowners insurance.

To get a live comparative quote, or if you have concerns about how a personal injury claim may affect your homeowners policy in the 12203 area, contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today. 

Not all homes in Albany, NY, have basements, but there are plenty that do. Basement walls are prone to cracking. In most cases, this is perfectly normal. However, when a small crack here and there turns into a very large crack or multiple cracks, then it is time to have them repaired. It can help to know what causes these cracks in your basement wall because your homeowners insurance may actually pay for the cracks to be repaired.

1. Stress Points – This is the most common cause of small cracks in the walls and are generally nothing to worry about. They will typically occur when sewer, gas or electric lines are being installed. This is because the concrete weakens, which results in the cracking. These cracks are most noticeable around the edges and corners of the windows.

2. Soil Saturation – This is when the soil underneath the foundation of the basement gets a little too wet. It causes the foundation to begin settling, which in turn results in wall cracks. The increased saturation could be a result of improper grading, poor guttering system or even lack of a sump pump.

3. Concrete Shrinking – When concrete is incorrectly poured, it can result in a number of issues. This includes the cracking of your basement walls. This is why it is crucial to have a professional pour your concrete slab because they know how different variables impact the way the concrete dries.

4. Drought – Just as too much saturation can cause cracks, too little saturation can as well. When the soil is too wet, it expands resulting in cracks. When the soil is too dry, it shrinks resulting in cracks. Although lack of rain can cause a drought and the basement cracks, it can also be a result of too many plants near your foundation.

What You Can Do About Basement Wall Cracks

If you just have a few hairline cracks here and there on your basement walls, then there really isn’t anything to worry about. However, when these cracks get longer and wider, it may be cause for concern. You should consult with your homeowners insurance company to see if the damage is covered and then hire a reputable foundation repair company to perform the necessary repairs.

If you’re unsure whether your insurance company will pay for concrete or porch damage caused by a sinking foundation, give us a call to speak to one of our independent agents who serve the Albany, NY 12203 area. We will gladly discuss with you your policy and your options.