For many people, upgrades and modifications are part of the fun of owning just the right car and genuinely making it their own. But can upgrades affect your auto insurance policy?

If you’re in or near Albany, NY, and need help buying or updating your auto coverage, we at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can help. In the meantime, here are a few things every car owner should know about the correlation between upgrades and insurance coverage.

Do upgrades affect your auto insurance?

Yes, they do – even if the upgrades or changes are minor. Auto insurance policies tend to be highly specific. Many factors, including the vehicle’s inherent value, determine rates and coverage.

Upgrades to a vehicle almost always mean it will be worth more and potentially sell for more. They can also add up to additional risks for drivers. It should make sense that auto insurance premiums usually go up to reflect these changes.

What happens if I upgrade my car but not my insurance policy?

Many Albany, NY drivers fail to inform their insurance companies of changes made to their vehicle, either because it doesn’t cross their mind in the first place or because they want to avoid paying higher premiums. Don’t do this.

If you have to file a claim, there’s a solid chance your insurance company will deny it, leaving you on the hook for many expenses and liabilities that would have been covered otherwise. If you’re not sure whether an upgrade you’re considering will affect your coverage – even if it’s something small, like a new paint job – you can always contact your insurance company for more information first.

We at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency will be happy to address any auto insurance concerns and help you make sense of the available options. Get in touch today!

Are you looking for ways to improve your auto insurance coverage in Albany, NY? If so, consider adding additional coverage options. The right auto insurance add-ons can help provide more comprehensive protection and peace of mind.

Gap Insurance 

Gap insurance is a valuable option for those with a car loan or lease. This coverage type helps cover the difference between what you owe on the loan and the current market value of your vehicle if someone steals it or is totaled in an accident. This could save you out-of-pocket costs and ensure you don’t owe more than the car is worth. 

Rental Car Reimbursement 

When your car needs repairs, rental car reimbursement can help you pay for the cost of renting a replacement vehicle. Depending on your plan and policy limits, rental car reimbursement may also cover some or all of the fuel costs for your rental car. NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency offers rental car reimbursement as an additional coverage option for customers in Albany, NY.

Roadside Assistance 

If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or dead battery, roadside help can be a lifesaver. The add-on provides towing services, flat tire changes, fuel deliveries, jumpstarts, and other helpful services if your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly. Also, some plans offer a lockout service if you accidentally lock your keys in the car. 

Adding additional auto insurance add-ons like gap insurance, roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement can help give Albany drivers more comprehensive protection when needed. For more information about these add-ons or any other types of auto insurance coverage available in Albany, NY, contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today!

During the holiday season, car break-ins increase, especially around malls and shopping centers. If you are out doing lots of holiday shopping, there are steps you can take to deter thieves from breaking your car windows. Here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving the greater Albany, NY area, we want to help you avoid being targeted by thieves. Here are some tips you should remember as you load up your car with your holiday purchases. 

Put Your Packages Where They Cannot Be Seen.

If you are doing a lot of shopping, try to place your packages in the trunk or parts of your car where they will not be seen. Putting your packages in plain sight of thieves is an open invitation to them to break into your vehicle to steal those packages. 

Park In Well-Lit Areas

In a perfect world, you could park close to the entrance of where you are shopping, but that can be challenging during the busy holiday season. If you have to park away from the entrance, always try to park your car in a well-lit area. Thieves are likelier to target vehicles in dark areas, as they can remain cloaked in darkness. 

Try to Shop in Locations That Have Active Security Patrols

Lastly, try to pick shopping locations that have active security patrols. If you see security driving past, this is a good sign. This helps to minimize the chances of thieves targeting that particular parking lot. 

Unfortunately, no matter what you do, some thieves are still willing to break your windows and break into your car. If this happens, you want an insurance policy that can protect you and help to pay for the cost of your windows. Here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving the greater Albany, NY, we would love to discuss auto insurance policies with you and help you find the policy that protects you from all sorts of mayhem, including thieves. 

You probably know that your auto insurance policy is there to help you financially if you get into an accident. Unfortunately, most people sign on the dotted line and pay their premium without ever giving it a second thought – but that’s a mistake. Understanding what you’re paying for and what your coverage entails is essential. With that in mind, here are three things you probably didn’t know about your auto insurance policy.

1. Your Policy Covers More Than Just Your Car 

Your auto insurance policy isn’t just there to protect your car – it also protects you, as the driver. If you are involved in an accident, your auto insurance will cover any medical expenses incurred by you or your passengers, up to the limit stated in your policy. It will also provide liability coverage if you are sued by the other party involved in the accident. 

2. Your Premium is Based on More Than Just Your Car’s Value

When you get auto insurance, you must first decide how much coverage you want. Then, your insurance company will give you a quote based on several factors, including the car’s make and model, driving history, and credit score. Many people don’t realize that their credit score is a factor in determining their premium, but it is. Insurance companies view customers with poor credit as a risk, charging them higher premiums.

3. Rental Car Reimbursement Might Be Included in Your Policy

If you get into an accident and your car is damaged, you will need a rental car while yours is in the shop. Most people assume they have to pay for this out of pocket, but that’s not always the case. Some auto insurance policies include rental car reimbursement, which will cover the cost of a rental car while yours is being repaired.

Now that you know more about your auto insurance policy, it’s time to take a closer look at your coverage and ensure you have the proper protection. Contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today if you have any questions or need help finding the right policy in Albany, NY.

Auto insurance fraud is a massive problem in the United States. It costs drivers billions of dollars annually and is responsible for increasing premiums for all drivers. Fraud can take many forms, from filing false claims to staging accidents. This article will discuss the different types of auto insurance fraud and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

1. False Claims

This is the most common type of auto insurance fraud. It occurs when someone files a claim for an accident or damage that didn’t happen. This can be difficult to catch, but there are some things you can look for. For example, if the damage doesn’t match the description of the accident, or if there are no witnesses to corroborate the story, it may be a false claim.

2. Staged Accidents

This type of fraud occurs when two or more people plan and execute an accident. This is usually done to file false insurance claims. The damage from the accident may be exaggerated or completely fabricated. Staged accidents can be dangerous, so it’s important to be aware of them.

3. Ghost Brokers

Ghost brokers are people who sell fake or fraudulent insurance policies. These policies often don’t provide the coverage they promise, and the customer may not find out until it’s too late. If you’re considering buying insurance from someone other than a licensed agent, get it from a professional company like NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY.

Conclusion

Auto insurance fraud is a severe problem in the United States. If you’re not careful, you could become a victim of fraud. Be sure to purchase your insurance from a licensed agent and be aware of the different types of fraud to protect yourself. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we can help you get the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Contact us today for a free quote.

Albany, NY residents count on NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency for assistance when it comes to their insurance needs. This includes those unfortunate times when it is necessary to file a claim. If you have been involved in an accident and are struggling with the claims process, give us a call. We’re here to help!

Filing an auto insurance claim ABCs

If you have been involved in an accident and need to file an insurance claim, you may be dreading the idea of the entire process! If you keep these pointers in mind, you can reduce your stress level and get through the process with as few headaches as possible!

• Keep complete records – having complete records, from the accident report to the repair bill can help simplify the process. In addition to making copies of any documents, it is also advisable to create a digital copy.
• Work with a repair shop approved by your insurance carrier – many insurance carriers will allow you to work with the repair shop of your choice, but choosing one on their approved list can make things easier when it comes time to file your claim.
• Sit down with your local agent – working with an agent that knows you and your situation can help to make the process go more smoothly.

Let us help!

If you are a client of NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in the greater Albany, NY area, we are here to help with your claim filing process. If you have any questions or would like some guidance on navigating the process, think of us as a resource. Call or stop by our office today!

Motorists in the Albany, NY area understand the importance of maintaining their vehicles. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we encourage all of our clients to perform regular maintenance on their cars. When a vehicle is properly maintained, it is much more reliable and provides a safer mode of transportation than a neglected car.

Benefits of regular car maintenance

The main benefit of regular car maintenance is having a safe means of transportation. When your car is getting regular check-ups that include 

• oil changes,
• tire rotation,
• proper fluid level checks, and
• alignment testing, 

the chances of having a car that lasts a long time without any major issues are much greater. Additionally, it is important to work with a mechanic, dealership, or repair shop that you can trust. When you have an ongoing relationship with your service provider, it is much easier to deal with any unexpected issues or problems that arise.

No one wants to experience breaking down on the side of the road, or being unable to get to work because of car problems. When you follow the typical car maintenance guidelines, including any factory recalls, it’s very likely that you will have fewer issues than someone who neglects their car maintenance responsibilities. 

Schedule your appointment today!

Another important part of caring for your car is maintaining the right insurance to protect your vehicle and yourself. If you live in the greater Albany, NY area, the team at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency would love to be your insurance resource. Let us help you with all of your insurance needs; call or stop by today.

Paying off your vehicle is a huge accomplishment and one you should feel very proud of!  At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we often hear from Albany, NY area clients asking about how their policy needs change once their vehicle is paid for. We are here to answer all your questions and help you determine which policy and coverage level is right for your needs.

You’ve paid off your car, now what?

Once you have secured the title for your vehicle, it’s always a good idea to notify your insurance company. They can update their records and remove your lender from your account.

If your lender imposed certain requirements, such as deductible level or collision coverage, you can review those stipulations and decide if they are still applicable to your situation.

You will also want to determine the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle as your protection needs may have changed. Be aware, that it is not always a good idea to lower your policy coverage levels just because the car is paid off. Depending on the value of your car, you may want to adjust your coverage levels. Meeting with your local agent to discuss the new status of your vehicle and receiving their input about your policy is always a good first step. Be sure to get the information you need to make an informed decision.

Ready to find out more? Give us a call!

The team at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is proud to be a resource for our Albany, NY area clients. If you have questions about your insurance needs, call or stop by today.

If it’s time to renew your auto policy, it makes sense to take the time to carefully review your policy. Additionally, you may want to consider upgrading to a policy that offers some beneficial add-ons. The team here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is here to help! Find out more today about the policy options that are currently available to drivers in the greater Albany, NY area.

Check out these policy add-on options

An auto policy can provide more benefits than just protecting your vehicle. If it’s time to renew your policy, you may want to consider one or more of the available add-ons.

• Roadside assistance – if you are involved in a mishap or your car breaks down, a terrible situation can be made less stressful with this important policy option.
• Car rental reimbursement – when your car is in the shop due to damage sustained during a covered event, you can get a portion of your car rental expenses reimbursed.
• Vanishing deductible – if you are a careful driver and go years without a claim, you may want to look into this option. The longer you go without a claim, the lower your deductible goes. After a few years, your deductible could be zero!

These are just a few of the add-ons available with some auto policies. If you want to find out more, meet with a local agent today.

Want to find out more? Call us today!

The entire team at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is here to help all residents in the Albany, NY area get the protection they need. Give us a call or stop by our office today to find out more.

For many people, one of the worst things that can happen is hitting an animal, especially something large like a deer. Whether a deer has run into the road in front of your car or an animal hits the side of your vehicle, you could find yourself in a situation where your car is damaged.

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency understands the risks on the road, including those related to animals in Albany, NY. If you hit a deer or another animal, here’s how your insurance is affected.

Comprehensive Coverage May Help

If a deer hits your vehicle, comprehensive coverage may cover the damage. If your vehicle is damaged or even totaled by an animal, your coverage may step in. You will only need to pay the deductible in many cases.

Collision Coverage May Be Necessary

Let’s say that you swerve to avoid the deer and end up hitting another object or vehicle. Comprehensive coverage may not cover damage to the vehicle. You would need collision coverage to recover your losses because comprehensive coverage does not often cover these types of damages.

Your Insurance May Not Be Affected

Many people do not report deer accidents to their insurance companies, but this could be a mistake. Many states don’t change your insurance policy because you hit a deer, so it’s often beneficial that you report the damage and make use of your policy.

Get the Right Insurance Policy Today

You deserve protection if you hit a deer or your vehicle is damaged by an animal. NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can help you understand your insurance options. Call our office today to discuss insurance options in Albany, NY.