How To Make Sure Your Auto Insurance Is Right For Your Family

Posted on September 9, 2019 by AgentInsure

It’s important to feel protected when you’re on the roads of Albany, NY. One of the best ways to feel protected is with auto insurance that you can depend on. There are a few ways to ensure that your insurance meets the needs of your family. Our independent insurance agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can assist with this, too.

Meet State Minimums

First and foremost, you have to make sure that you meet the state minimums for auto insurance in New York. This is all about the liability coverage that you have to have. If you have a lienholder on your lease or purchase, they may have certain minimums of coverage that you have to adhere to as well.

Explore Added Coverage

Added coverage is where you can determine to go above state requirements. If you have teen drivers, you may want to bump up the liability coverage so that you’re not caught without enough coverage to take care of an accident. You may also want to get collision coverage if you have hit something on the road, such as a guard rail. If you have had windshield damage or been involved in a hit and run, comprehensive coverage can make a lot of sense, too.

Work with an Insurance Agent

An insurance agent will help you with the various components of insurance. They can recommend certain insurance products to keep you and your family protected on the road. They’ll identify what the cost of insurance is and provide quotes from different insurance companies. This way, you can balance coverage with cost to feel more comfortable with the policy that you ultimately get.

Call us at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency to discuss your auto insurance needs. We can customize a policy to give you the protection that you need in Albany, NY.

3 Essential Steps To Getting the Right Life Insurance Policy

Posted on August 19, 2019 by AgentInsure

When shopping for a life insurance policy, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There are policy options galore, and providers like NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency are eager to provide custom terms that work best for you.

Therefore, it’s best to plan out your needs and your limits before you zero in on a policy. If you’re buying life insurance in Albany, NY, here are a few steps to ensuring you choose a policy that will suit your needs.

1. Choose A Reputable Insurance Provider

This may seem self-explanatory, but you have to make sure to do business with a policy provider that is financially strong.

Unlike other types of coverage, your life insurance policy has to hold up for many years to come. If you choose a provider whose services go under several years before your passing, then your investment will have been worth nothing. Similarly, if a provider is not financially strong, even if they are still in business, your beneficiary may have trouble claiming a payout down the road.

Investigate your options. A provider like NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency has a great reputation and a strong likelihood of staying in business. Your loved ones can count on a painless payout when the time comes, and therefore, your investment is secure.

2. Determine The Purpose Of Your Policy

Why do you want life insurance?

Are you trying to ensure your children’s future? Do you want to protect your business? Perhaps you are searching for a unique way to invest back into your home or protect any other assets you may have.

The purpose of your policy will determine the type of coverage that makes the most sense for you.

For instance, if you’re taking out a life policy as an investment into your retirement, you should consider a term life policy. This way, you can get a payout during your lifetime if you so choose.

If you’re interested in protecting your business, a whole life policy with some clauses about your business may be in order. Typically, in this case, you may be inclined to make your business partner a beneficiary in terms of your business assets.

3. How Much Of A Premium Can You Afford?

The rule of thumb regarding life insurance is to seek out a policy that pays out up to five times your annual salary.

However, the main financial factor is: How much of a monthly premium can you afford? For instance, if you live on a middle-class budget, you may be less interested in a whole life policy which has the most expensive monthly rates.

If you cannot afford your own individual life policy, you may be interested in subsidized life coverage through your job if your employer offers this. Before making a decision on which coverage to buy, plan out your monthly budget and factor in the premium rates. Make your choices based on your calculations. Your friendly NY Twin Bridges Insurance agent can help you increase your coverage in the future if need be.

Are You Ready To Buy Life Insurance?

Now that you know which steps to take to secure the right type of coverage for your circumstances, contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency to find the policy that works best for you. We are happy to supply you with quotes and custom options.

Who Needs Commercial Insurance?

Posted on August 12, 2019 by AgentInsure

As a business owner in Albany, NY, you have been investigating commercial insurance options with us at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency but aren’t sure what type of policy that you need. We can help you understand your available commercial policies, no matter what kind of business you run.

Commercial Insurance is Not an Absolute Necessity

If you operate a business, many states consider commercial insurance policies as a beneficial coverage option but may not mandate them by law in the way that auto insurance and other policies are required. However, you should still buy some commercial policies to fully protect yourself against potential loss.

For example, you may end up suffering from a liability problem or another issue that costs you good money to pay for without a policy. Even worse, you could end up getting sued by a client or an employee if they get injured on your property and you had no commercial insurance.

What Types of Coverage to Consider

When buying a policy for your business, make sure that you have commercial liability coverage. This option helps to protect you against claims made against your companies by others. You should also consider business income insurance in case you lose income or the ability to earn an income due to a covered problem.

And if you have employees beyond yourself, you must purchase workers’ compensation insurance options, unemployment insurance, and disability insurance policies. If you are without these policies, you could experience legal and financial trouble in the future.

Find the Right Policy

So if you need help finding commercial insurance in Albany, NY, please don’t hesitate to contact us at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency right away to learn more. Our experts will set you up with the policy that best suits your needs.

Adding Another Driver to Auto Insurance

Posted on July 31, 2019 by AgentInsure

Before you allow another person to drive your car, check with your agent at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY and the nearby communities. Most, but not all, auto policies have a provision for the insured person to let a “causal” driver use their vehicle. Be aware that each insurance underwriter defines a casual driver differently. Some auto policies explicitly prohibit anyone except an authorized driver on the policy to be covered.

It’s Not Worth the Risk to Lend Your Car

It may not be worth the added risk to allow a casual driver to borrow your car. Anything that goes wrong may ultimately become your responsibility. This includes accidents, parking tickets, and if the car is stolen. A litigation nightmare can come from a stolen car involved in a crime or an accident. It is really upsetting when something like this happens and it is not your fault.

If the need to lend a car is so compelling and you just cannot say no, then consider paying for a rental car that the person can use and get the added insurance when renting it.

Adding Another Authorized Driver

If the person will drive your vehicle more than once, even if infrequently, consider adding them as an authorized driver to your insurance policy. When you do this, their driving record will become part of the insurance company’s consideration when deciding about the auto insurance premium. A good driver around your same age will add to the monthly premium but probably not by an outrageous amount. However, a driver with a bad driving record will cost quite a lot to add to a policy. A young driver, especially a teenage one, will cost quite a bit to add to your auto policy.

Conclusion

It is not a small thing to let someone drive your car. If you still want to do this, check with your agent first and consider adding them to your policy. Get a quote by calling your agent at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY.

What Albany, NY Homeowners Should Know About Crawl Space Encapsulation

Posted on July 15, 2019 by AgentInsure

Many homeowners in or around the Albany, NY area have discovered problems that originated in the crawl space area of their home. This area houses the pipes, insulation, and wiring needed for your home, and damage to this area can be costly and time-consuming. What many homeowners are finding, however, is the benefit of crawl space encapsulation and how it is assisting home insurance policies from NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency.

Preventing Mold & Mildew

With the crawl space encapsulation, the area is covered in thick plastic, preventing moisture from getting into the covered areas. When moisture builds in an area over time, mold and mildew will continue to grow and can work its way into the home. This will cause structural damage to the home as well as health issues for the occupants.

Improve Air Quality

By creating a vapor barrier beneath your home with the crawl space encapsulation, the air quality that comes from this area and into the home ventilation is not carrying mold and dirt particles. The air is much cleaner and essentially filtered before coming into the home.

Decreased Energy Bill & Save Money

Because the crawl space is essentially sealed and not allowing exposure for damages, your energy bill will decrease. Because there are no drafts and the area is sealed, the heat and cool air will be preserved in the home, minimizing the need for the HVAC system. Because you have incorporated this energy saving maintenance on your home, you may be eligible for tax incentives for your home.

The agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency proudly serve the insurance needs to residents in or around Albany, NY. Give our agency a call today for a home insurance quote that fits your needs.

What a New York life insurance policy can do for you

Posted on June 24, 2019 by AgentInsure

Making sure that you are properly covered by insurance is very important. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family today is with a quality life insurance policy. When you get a life insurance policy in the Albany, NY area, the policy can help to benefit you a number of different ways. There are many important advantages of a life insurance policy that you need to keep in mind.

Gives Peace of Mind

One of the advantages of a life insurance policy is that it will give you peace of mind. When you have a life insurance policy, you will be finding a way to protect your family for the future. This can give you comfort that your loved ones will have a place to live and will not have to worry about the financial aspects of life if you were to pass away suddenly.

Investment Option

A life insurance policy can also be a good investment option. When you are looking for a life insurance policy you can choose either term life or whole life policy. While term life can be more affordable, a whole life policy can also act as a great investment option as a portion of your payments will accrue in cash value that will appreciate over time.

There are clearly many advantages that come when someone gets a life insurance policy in the Albany, NY area. When you get a life insurance policy in this area, you should speak with the team at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. The professionals at this insurance agency can help you to find a policy that provides you with the right level of coverage. The NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency will make sure that you understand all of your options and life insurance benefits.

Should You Include Additional Coverage for Antiques and Collectibles?

Posted on May 21, 2019 by AgentInsure

Do you own a great deal of collectible and antique items? Then you should see to it that the value is protected by getting these possessions insured. Find out exactly what you can do in your unique situation by contacting NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, which serves the Albany, NY area.

Are Your Belongings All Covered in Home Insurance?

It is important to look into what is covered by your home insurance policy. In many instances, antiques and other rare items you own just won’t be included in the policy. In fact, there is a coverage category that specifically is for collectibles.

Why You May Need Collectibles Insurance

There are several emergency situations that can lead to damage of your precious collectibles or antiques. For instance, your wine collection may become damaged during a heat wave. Also, you may have pipes break in your basement where you are storing a baseball card collection, and they may develop mildew if not discovered right away, or if you are not able to dry them properly.

Each of these scenarios can be quite devastating for an avid collector. Even though your possessions likely have a sentimental value to you as well, you can at least recover what they are worth if you have the appropriate insurance coverage.

Avoid Problems By Talking to an Insurance Agent

It is ideal to discuss what you have in your house with a reputable home insurance agent, like the professionals at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency of Albany, NY. You’re sure to have greater peace of mind when you have a good policy in place. The threat of a fire, flood, other types of natural disaster, or various other emergencies should not leave you stressed. Reach out to the experts today.

How do I file a claim if I have been in an auto accident?

Posted on May 14, 2019 by AgentInsure

If you drive in Albany, NY, you know that you need to carry insurance to drive. Hopefully, you spoke to your agent when you purchased your policy so you would understand the terms of your policy. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we make sure everyone knows that we are happy to spend as much time as they need answering any questions they may have. But it doesn’t do much good to have insurance if you don’t know how to use it.

One of the most important things to do after an accident, even if you don’t think you are at fault, is to make a report. The law only requires the report if damages exceed $1,000 or if there is an injury, but people don’t always know how much repairs cost or if they have whiplash until later. You don’t want to get into trouble for breaking the rules because the penalties can be serious.

New York is a no-fault state, so it doesn’t matter who caused the accident. You will need to submit the claim through your own insurance company, and they are responsible for paying. If you were in a vehicle, you should file with your own company, but if you were a pedestrian and hit by a vehicle, you will need to file with the company that insured the vehicle which hit you. If you live in Albany, NY but get into an accident in another state, you will still be able to file your claim through your own insurer.

When you notify your insurance you are filing a claim, you will get an application to fill out that explains your benefits, rights, and responsibilities. Go ahead and take care of it right away to get things started, but don’t forget there are time limits too. If you have any questions or need to purchase an auto insurance policy for yourself or someone else, feel free to call NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today for a free quote.

How Does Commercial Insurance Protect Business Owners?

Posted on April 22, 2019 by AgentInsure

As a business owner, you should always be on the lookout for ways to improve not only your brand image but your actual brand, as well. One of the best ways to do this is by investing in commercial insurance. With the right insurance, you can rest easy knowing you are protected when the unexpected happens. Take for example someone sues your company and wins. Do you have the funds in place to compensate for the settlement? With insurance, you can protect yourself against heavy fees and penalties. Here at the NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serving the Albany, NY area, we want all businesses to succeed. Here’s a look at two other reasons you should protect your company with commercial insurance.

Protect Your Investment

To keep your operations running smoothly, you have likely invested quite a bit into equipment and inventory. Take for example that you’re a photographer who has purchased expensive cameras and editing software. With commercial insurance, you can protect your equipment and inventory in the event it is stolen or damaged. As a result, you can take comfort in knowing you can replace the damaged or stolen items in a timely manner.

Protect Your Employees

It’s imperative to speak with a qualified insurance agent as it may be required by law for you to have commercial insurance, especially if you have employees working for you. Your employees are at the core of successful operations, so it’s important to make sure you are doing all that you can to protect them.

Contact the NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today serving Albany, NY to learn more about the benefits of commercial insurance.

Is Life Insurance Right For You?

Posted on April 15, 2019 by AgentInsure

Life insurance is a tricky kind of insurance in the way that not everyone needs it right now but at some point, most people will. How do you know if you need to get it now, though? Here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY, we want to make sure that you are always covered with what you need. Answer the questions below to determine if you need to get life insurance at this stage of your life.

Do you have a family that relies on your income? Whether you have a spouse, children, or both, you should consider if they need to have some financial help if anything were to happen to you. If you think they do and do not have a plan to provide that otherwise, life insurance is a good option.
Do you have outstanding debts? Contrary to popular belief, there are some types of debt that will live on after you. If you have debt like a mortgage debt or student loan debt, you will want to make sure you have enough life insurance to cover these amounts so your family does not have to take on that additional burden.
Do you have enough money to pay for a funeral? Funeral costs can be a lot these days and that is only expected to get more expensive. Make sure you have enough in life insurance to cover the costs.

After answering these questions, it should be pretty clear whether or not you need to have life insurance. If it is time for you to make the purchase, be sure to reach out to us here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY for your free quote. We can also help you determine how much you need and if now is the right time to purchase.

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