My Elderly Parent Moved In With Me: Should I Add Them to My Car Insurance Policy?

Posted on May 28, 2018 by AgentInsure

As individuals age, they may need to move in with family members. They may be unable to afford to live on their own, may be lonely living on their own, or may need help with daily activities and medical care. Moving in with their adult children can be beneficial in all of these regards. However, if you take one of your parents in, one of the questions you may have is whether you should add them to your auto insurance policy. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY, we want to help you determine when you should and shouldn’t add them. Here is some information you should consider.

If They Will Be Driving Your Car

The most important factor to consider when deciding whether to add an elderly family member to your car insurance policy is whether they will be driving your car or not. If they have permission to drive your cars, you should add them to your auto insurance policy. If they will never be driving your car and do not drive at all, you do not need to add them.

What Their Driving Record Is

Another important factor to consider before adding them is what their driving record is. If they have accidents or tickets, adding them to your policy may increase your rates. If they have a poor driving record, you may need to preclude them from your policy and not allow them to drive your cars to prevent your auto insurance rates from increasing.

When an elderly family member moves in with you, trying to decide whether to add them to your auto insurance policy or not can be challenging. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY, we would love to help you figure it out. Contact us today and let’s sit down and discuss your auto insurance needs.

Taking Stock of Valuables in Our Home: Important Considerations

Posted on May 21, 2018 by AgentInsure

Many residents of Albany, NY and the Capital District welcome the arrival of spring. The annual spring cleaning ritual is more than a time to decide if you want to keep grandma’s hat. For many of us, it is also an opportunity to document family treasures that have monetary as well as sentimental value.

The agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency encourage you to take stock of your valuables. Here are some important steps to follow:

1. Create a Video of Your Valuables. Record them on the video and describe them as well. You can use the video functions on your smartphone or laptop.
2. Take Pictures. Photographs allow you to show details from your valuables, such as intricate jewelry patterns. Take pictures in the area of the home where the items generally reside.
3. Keep an Inventory of Valuables You Wish to Insure. You can create a handwritten list or simple spreadsheet. Capture as much information as you can, including serial numbers or other unique identifiers. Scan a copy of this list or save a digital file offsite. This information should accompany any video or photographic images you have taken.
4. Consider Professional Appraisals for Exceptionally Rare and Valuable Items. Appraisals cost money, but they may provide important information that explains why an item has great value. Check the policy limits available on your plan and consider an optional rider if necessary.
5. Keep Backup Copies of Documentation Offsite. Place content on a thumb drive or other digital media and store copies offsite, such as in your safe deposit box and another backup location. Be sure that you have more than one physical or electronic copy in case the original is destroyed or no longer functioning.

Contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY if you need to modify your homeowner’s policy.

How Do I Insure a Car I Inherited?

Posted on April 23, 2018 by AgentInsure

At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving the greater Albany, NY, we encounter a lot of unique situations when it comes to auto insurance. One of the more unique situations that we are asked about is insuring an inherited car. Once the owner passes away, the person who inherits the car may be unsure how to insure it or what needs to be done. Here is some information on insuring a car that was inherited.

Insurance Coverage Ends When the Policy Owner Dies

One important thing to keep in mind is that the original car insurance policy ends the day the policy owner passes away. As such, you should never drive or move the car after this date until you obtain car insurance. Many people do not realize this and think they can keep the policy until they have time to find a new one, but this is not the case.

Titling the Car

After the owner passes away, you will want to change the title into your name, if you have inherited the car. At the same time, you will want to obtain a new insurance policy. In order to achieve this, you will likely need to explain your situation to an insurance company, letting them know why you are trying to insure a car that is not yet titled in your name. Many will give you a limited period of time, such as 30 days, to title the car in your name after obtaining insurance.

If you have inherited a car, you will need to insure that car, as coverage stops when the owner dies. Here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving the greater Albany, NY area, we can help you get the car insurance you need. Contact us today to discuss your needs.

Hard Work Pays Off

Posted on April 19, 2018 by AgentInsure

After years of working steadily at your career, making sacrifices for the future, and supporting others along the way, it’s important for you to know that there are rewards. One of these is retirement. Another is dependable insurance that covers you when unfortunate incidents happen. Here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, our agents are ready to sit down with you and discuss your retirement insurance needs. They know Albany, NY and the surrounding communities. They can answer your questions, search the best policies available to you, and help you get your insurance squared away. That means you get to enjoy retirement with a lot less worry on your mind. What are some things to consider when looking for insurance coverage? Ask yourself some questions:

What is my health condition now?
How is my health likely to change in the future?
Do I want to travel extensively?
Do I look forward to enjoying my garden and backyard swimming pool?
What are my most important concerns right now?
What are my big dreams?
What plans am I making right now that could use a good insurance policy?
What investments into my future retirement have I made over the years?
Will my workplace insurance benefits follow me into retirement?
How do I want to change my retirement now that I’m in it?

Once you know many of these things about yourself, you’ll know what kinds of questions to ask us at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. That way we’ll be able to help you find the insurance you need. We’ll be glad to make you aware of options you may not have thought of, as well. Serving the communities in Albany, NY, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is here for you. Give us a call today.

Differences Between Whole and Term Life

Posted on March 30, 2018 by AgentInsure

Picking the right life insurance policy is a very important decision for anyone in the Albany, NY area. For those that are shopping for life insurance, choosing between whole life and term life is a big choice. There are several differences between whole and term life that should be taken into consideration when you are choosing your policy.

Term of Policy

One of the main differences between a whole and term life policy is the length and term of the policy. Like the name of the insurance options suggest, term life insurance will provide you with coverage for a specific period of time while whole life will provide you with coverage for up to your entire lifetime.

Cash Value

Another difference between the two options is that whole life insurance policies have a cash value. After making payments for a certain period of time, your policy will begin to accrue value that can be liquidated at any time. The value will continue to grow based on a conservative rate of return, which can also make it a good conservative investment option. Term life policies have not cash value.

Amount of Coverage

The amount of coverage you receive is also much different. Term life insurance will typically provide you with far more coverage for a much smaller monthly payment than whole life. This can make it ideal for someone that is only looking for insurance coverage and is not looking for whole life investment benefits.

If you are in the Albany, NY area and are considering your life insurance options, meeting with the NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency will be very helpful. The NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency will help you determine which type of life insurance is right for you and how much you need. They can then help to get you into a great policy.

What is a Business Owner’s Policy and could it help my small business?

Posted on March 26, 2018 by AgentInsure

When you’re in charge of a business, you’re responsible for making the right decisions to protect your business for yourself and for everyone else who is depending on your business to do well. You don’t have unlimited resources, so you need to make decisions that are efficient and cost-effective while still getting the job done.

If your business is in Albany, NY, you can talk to the agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency about how a Business Owner’s Policy could help you both protect your business and save money. Your business may need several kinds of insurance, such as automobile, property, general liability, business interruption, workmen’s compensation, and others, depending on your circumstances.

A Business Owner’s Policy combines the protection for all the major property and liability risks you need in one package. This kind of package works best for small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them to get discounts by putting their policies together. Not only will it save money to combine policies, but it will provide for more efficient handling of claims, as they will be in one place.

Your Business Owner’s Policy can cover:

Commercial Property – This will include the buildings and their contents, including furniture, equipment, supplies, stock, and signs.

General Liability – If someone on your property is injured or property is damaged because of the operation of your business, you will be covered for resulting damages, including medical bills and the cost of litigation itself.

Business Interruption – When a disaster forces you to close your business temporarily, this kind of coverage will help you keep paying the bills during your downtime.

If you are interested in learning how better to protect your small business owner in Albany, NY, feel free to contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today for a free evaluation of your situation.

Does a Professional Writer Need Commercial Business Insurance?

Posted on February 27, 2018 by AgentInsure

Thanks to the popularity of the Internet, more people than ever have jumped on the freelance writing bandwagon. These people have discovered that it is quite simple to work in their pajamas from home and earn a lot of money simply by typing up content on their laptops and computers. All a person needs to enter into the world of freelance writing are excellent writing skills and a strong attentiveness to detailed instructions. Also important to have as a professional freelance writer is commercial liability insurance. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages to be gained by writers in Albany, NY when they invest in a commercial liability insurance policy.

Understanding the Importance of Insurance for Writers

When a writer invests in liability commercial insurance, this helps protect them against claims regarding copyright and trademark infringement. Additionally, it may include coverage that relates to protecting the writer against slander and defamation. In the event that a writer is providing advice to readers, an insurance policy can protect against allegations of negligence and bad advice.

Taking Your Job Seriously

Professional writers take their jobs very seriously. Even those who aren’t famous writers spend many hours a day completing research, followed then by creating and editing content. It is pertinent that writers of all types, though, make sure to protect both their business and personal assets and commercial liability insurance can do this. Some clients that writers produce content for may even mandate that they have certain types of liability insurance.

If you are a freelance writer, it is imperative to protect your assets with insurance. Contact the Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today serving the Albany, NY area to learn more about insurance for writers.

Buying Your First House? Why You Need Home Insurance

Posted on February 21, 2018 by AgentInsure

Why is your mortgage lender requiring you purchase home insurance? While a policy from Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY does provide some protection to your bank, it serves far better to protect the largest purchase you have ever made. What does it really do? Let’s find out.

Rebuild After Disaster Strikes

First off, should the absolute worst thing happen and your house is destroyed by fire, a freak storm, or some other catastrophic accident, you won’t have to give up on the dream of owning your home. Your home insurance policy will help you rebuild the house from the bottom up. Even if only the roof was demolished, it will pay to have a new roof put on. You can continue to enjoy your home.

Replace Property Lost Due to Theft, Fire, or Damage

It isn’t just about rebuilding. If your home is broken into or vandalized, the personal possessions portion of the policy will replace your lost valuables. If you lost the entire home, all the little things can be replaced like your wardrobe, dishes, linens, and other everyday items that make up a home. If you had to start from scratch without insurance, consider just how much it would cost to recover.

Protect Your Growing Wealth

As the years go by you might add collections of fine art or make some shrewd trades on the exchange. Without insurance, you could lose all of it in the blink of an eye. With the right policy from Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY major accidents and incidents in your life can become little more than inconveniences when your insurance policy protects your savings accounts and investments.

In the end, when you sit down with your agent to discuss your home and commercial insurance needs, you are taking the steps to protect your future happiness and success.

3 Auto Insurance Tips Every Driver Needs to Know

Posted on January 29, 2018 by AgentInsure

As a New York driver, you’re required to have auto insurance. It can be tempting to just get the first policy that comes along, but it’s better to do a little research and really understand the coverage you’re purchasing. Here are three tips to getting the most out of your coverage:

Know Your Policy

Your policy has several parts to it. Make certain you understand your deductible (the amount you’re responsible for paying before insurance begins coverage). Typically the higher the deductible, the lower the cost of your policy. There is typically a maximum that your policy will pay out in certain situations, such as in the event of an accident or injury that you cause, which is referred to as your liability insurance. You can also purchase additional coverage, including collision insurance, which covers accidents, and comprehensive coverage, which covers other damage to your car. If you’re not familiar with your policy, you can contact an insurance agency such as NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY for information on your coverage.

Ask Questions

The ins and outs of auto insurance can be confusing. If you’re unclear as to what your policy covers, ask questions. Make sure that you’re clear about what your policy does and doesn’t cover, and what your financial responsibility is in case of an accident. Try not to just base your decision on the premium (the amount you pay for your coverage). Take into account the actual coverage as well.

Shop for Quotes

Don’t settle for the first quote you come across. Different companies will have different price points, so it’s in your best interest to shop around for coverage. Once of the easiest ways to shop for coverage is through an insurance agency like NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY. They work with different carriers and can help you find the best quote and coverage for your needs.

Organization During Retirement: How to Move Forward

Posted on January 22, 2018 by AgentInsure

Retiring opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to how to handle the next steps, and this type of freedom can either be thrilling or terrifying. Some people vastly underestimate just how long it will take to adjust to a very new lifestyle. If you’re wondering how to plan ahead during this particularly uncertain time, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency has a few tips for you when it comes to moving forward with your life.

Set Your Goals

Retiring is going to be radically different to how you used to structure your days, and that type of major change can be difficult to adjust to at any age. If you live in Albany, NY, you need to be able to chart out your time in a way that makes sense for you. One of your goals should be to get the financial stability that you need to cover anything that may come your way. From unexpected illness to a family emergency, retirement insurance can serve as an extension to your current coverage so you can take care of all your obligations and responsibilities (without dipping into your savings.)

Find Help

To ensure that all of your finances are properly managed, call NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today to ask us more about how retirement insurance can work for you. It’s not that pensions and savings aren’t helpful during this time in your life, but you may need more coverage to prepare for those truly rainy days. If you live in Albany, NY, it’s time give us a call to learn more about how our plans can supplement the precautions that you’ve already accumulated. We can help you take advantage of all the potential ways to safeguard your wealth from the disastrous events that may occur.

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