With border states like New York and the upper seaboard states as well as the Great Lakes region, Canada is literally a neighbor next door. And there’s a lot of historic traffic that goes back and forth as people on both sides visit the other on a regular basis. The traffic is so common, many make seasonal trips on a regular basis, and have done so since childhood.

However, just because Canada is just up the road doesn’t mean a driver’s insurance coverage will automatically cover the driver and car the same way. Most auto insurance companies write their risk coverage policies for travel in the continental 48 states and the U.S. International travel can oftentimes be limited, especially if the company was not aware of driver going out of the U.S. ahead of time.

Fortunately, there are two ways to handle a cross-border drive situation. For the extremely occasional drive, a simple short-term additional policy can be the trick. For those who don’t want to pay for a more comprehensive policy but do want to drive on an upcoming trip can easily negotiate a temporary, short-term policy for time in Canada which then expires shortly after the trip is over. Most such polices are date-based, have a short duration, and cost a one-time fee to put in place; it’s a bit like traveler’s insurance for a car. The second option works better for regular visitors to Canada: inclusion of specified coverage in a standing policy. While it will cost a bit more than the same policy for domestic coverage, a driver can visit Canada regularly without worrying about an accident.

To find out about both options drivers in the Albany, NY area can receive guidance and advice from NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, experts in auto policies and how international travel applies.

No one expects a car to come through the front living room a house, but it does happen. Once everyone confirms there are no serious injuries then the realization of the damage set in, and it’s usually pretty bad. After all, a projectile the size of a car is going to take out a good portion of a room before it stops completely. Technically, there are two coverages that kick in during such situations: the car driver’s responsibility and the home protection plan.

Since most homes are required to have some kind of home insurance if in mortgage status, most will also have a comprehensive home insurance plan that covers the majority of accident situations, but that doesn’t mean car caused damage is included. Home insurance typically covers more frequent risks like slip & falls, fire, break-ins, structural failure or similar. Car-caused damage tends to be far less frequent and some companies treat it as an outlier, such as flooding or tornadoes, and require a special policy coverage for such risks. In other cases, car damage may be limited to just the garage where a car would likely bump the house frame and not the rest of the structure. Again, how the home insurance policy is worded can make a big difference.

Ideally, however, the driver is responsible first, since he drove the car or controlled it prior to hitting the home. So if it exists, the driver’s car insurance policy will cover initial damage repairs. Many car policies are capped, however, and can only pay a certain amount. If damage is more or there is no policy, the driver must pay out of pocket but will likely have to be sued. In such cases, a homeowner will need to rely on his own policy for immediate repairs. To find out how to avoid these situations in the Albany, NY area, give NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency a call. They can explain policy nuances and help with finding the right coverage for the unexpected.

For most cars, premium grade and regular gas burn in a similar fashion. Both ignite in the same way and eventually burn the same as well. The main difference between premium and regular is that premium gas works better under more aggressive conditions. A high-performance engine produces much more power than the average engine in your family’s daily driver. Using premium gas in a high-performance engine helps to improve how the motor functions and boost horsepower.

Your family car, however, is designed to be as fuel efficient as possible while providing the power to move your vehicle from place to place. The compression ratio is not as high as what is found in a high-performance motor, so the use of premium gas does not produce an excessive amount of power. In the past, the pinging sound heard within a motor has been attributed to the quality of gas or the lack of oil. Experts say that most engines will not "ping" due to poor gas quality. Newer cars are designed much better than in the past and the different "recipes" of gas that are being used today, allow for greater fuel economy and efficiency.

The agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serve Albany, NY and the surrounding communities. If you are looking for a quality auto insurance policy, you may have to answer a few questions concerning how you care for and maintain your vehicle. The use of premium gas compared to regular gas may have an impact on how well your car ages. Talking to a knowledgeable insurance agent will help you get the answers you need when upgrading your policy or choosing a new one.

At times, it may not feel like the road is large enough for both you as a driver and bicyclists. However, there are etiquette tips that can help both of you share the road and prevent accidents. Unfortunately, accidents involving bicyclists are common and can amount to large amounts of money due to the injuries involved. Here are a few of the tips that will make sharing the road easier.

Make Sure You Are Visible

One of the best tips for both bicyclists and drivers alike is to make sure they are visible to the other party. As a bicyclist, this involves wearing reflective clothing and having lights on the bike. As a driver, this means having your headlights on in the dark and driving at a reduced speed around bicyclists so they know you are there. This may also mean making eye contact when you are both stopped at stop signs or lights, so you both are aware of each other and know what the other is doing.

Follow Traffic Laws

Another tip that will make sharing the road easier is for both parties to obey and follow traffic laws. Both parties should stay in their respective lanes, go at a consistent speed and signal when turning. These predictable behaviors help drivers know what bicyclists are doing and vice versa.

Be Respectful

Lastly, be respectful of one another. A bicycle can’t go as fast as a car, so as a driver, be prepared to slow down until you can safely pass the bicyclist. Honking or riding them won’t help them go faster. As a bicyclist, be respectful of drivers and try to swerve out of the way and let cars pass when you can. Remaining respectful helps keep the roads safe for everyone.

While these tips may help you share the road with a bicyclist, it is always best to prepare yourself for the worst case scenario. When buying auto insurance, making sure you have enough insurance to protect you in case you are involved in an accident with a bicyclist. If you are looking to purchase a new auto insurance policy in Albany, NY, or simply looking for a company to review your limits and compare what you have with what they can offer you, be sure to check out NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency.

As anyone who has ever been involved in an auto accident will tell you, it can definitely be frustrating. But what happens when the other driver or their passengers wrongly claim damages or injuries that don’t match up with the facts of the loss?

Unfortunately, insurance fraud is quite common throughout the industry. People looking for a quick payday often target certain vehicles or individuals to ensure a fender bender happens, then overinflate their damages once the incident has occurred.

So, how can you protect yourself against fender bender fraud? Here are three tips to consider.

Tip #1: Take Down Information at the Scene

After a minor accident happens, you might be tempted to just let the other driver leave without taking down their information. It is very important that you do not do this, as the other driver could eventually come back with trumped up physical and medical damage claims in the future. Instead, get as much information as you can at the scene and even take a photo of the fact that their vehicle does not have damage. This way you already have the proof on hand if you ever need to dispute the claim.

Tip #2: Document Your Side of the Story

Another way to prevent fender bender fraud is by documenting your side of the story as soon as possible. Write down where you were, what happened, and anything the other party said. Add a time stamp by either emailing the copy to yourself or taking a cell phone photo of the paper you wrote it on. The truth never changes, and having this to back up your side is an excellent way to prove your case if the other party tries to claim something that never happened.

Tip #3: Try to Get the Police to Take a Report

In certain situations where an accident is relatively minor, it can be difficult to get a police officer to respond. However, it is very important to at least try. If an officer physically responds to the scene, the report that he or she creates acts as impartial proof of the incident. This is crucial if the other driver changes their story or tries to make the collision out to have more damage than it actually does.

Do you have the right level of insurance coverage? At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we are dedicated to helping our clients with all of their policy needs. Please contact us today.

Gas can be reasonable at time, but other times it can be extremely costly. Because of this fluctuation, you should be getting the most out of your gas mileage. There are some sensible things you can do to keep the cost down.

1. Avoid driving aggressively. You use more gas when stopping suddenly, speeding, and accelerating quickly after a light change. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save between 5%-33% of fuel costs on city streets and highways just by being less aggressive.
2. Watch your speed. The speed limit is there for your safety, but it also helps to enhance your fuel economy. When you begin driving over 50 mph, your gas mileage decreases rapidly. You could save approximately 14%, which means you’ll go to the pump less often.
3. Hauling cargo can increase your weight. Take off your rooftop or rear cargo box after your long enjoyed family vacation. It can add weight to your vehicle causing an increase in your fuel output. Removing the box will make your car lighter and increase your mileage.
4. Upgrade your old car. Cars do not become more graceful with age, if fact they eat up fuel like a raptor eats meat. Vehicles that are more than 10 years old do not have the fuel efficiency that newer models are equipped with. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average 2014 light-duty passenger vehicle had 36.4-fuel economy, while the 2004 only had 29.5.
5. Maintain your vehicle regularly. If you see the low tire pressure signal, make sure to add air. Improperly inflated tires can drag and cause your engine to work harder. You should also change your oil every 3 months and tune-up your engine every 30,000 miles. Keeping your car maintained will increase your gas mileage and save you costly repairs down the road.

The independent insurance agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can offer some friendly advice on how to increase your gas mileage. They are also available to discuss new policies and review existing ones.

When it comes to buying a new car for your spouse as a gift this holiday season, it pays to focus on what your loved one wants and needs in a vehicle. It can also help to take a few minutes to price out auto insurance on that vehicle before signing on the dotted line. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we’re here to help you get the best policy for your new vehicle and aid in getting estimates in advance of your purchase.

Estimate Insurance Costs Before Buying

There are plenty of fantastic reasons to buy your spouse a new car this holiday (or really any time of the year). For some car buyers, the goal is to purchase a car that is going to make getting around easier. Perhaps you want to give them a bit of luxury or even purchase that dream sports car he or she has always wanted. When doing so, be sure to take a second to discuss the actual costs involved in insuring this type of vehicle.

With just a few components of information, it is possible for our independent insurance agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency to help you determine the best policy for the new purchase. You can get an estimate by contacting our team with information about the make and the model of the vehicle. If you have the VIN, that’s even better. With this information, you can learn just how affordable auto insurance will be for your new car purchase.

When you are ready to make your spouse smile, call our agents to get a quote on new car insurance in Albany, NY. You’ll find it’s easier than you realize to get that new car in the driveway for the holidays.

Traffic accidents happen all throughout the day. Although witnessing an accident isn’t as terrifying as being in one, the images will likely remain in your mind for a while.

If you happen to witness an accident, it’s important that you respond accordingly so that you can increase the chances of helping the victims. The following are a few things you should do after you witness an accident.

Find a Safe Place to Park

As a responsible citizen, you are inclined to help people who are in danger. Before you begin to assist any of the victims, you have to ensure that you are parked in a safe place so that you are not the victim of another accident. Experts suggest that you remain about 100 feet away from the accident to ensure you are safe.

Call 911

The quicker emergency responders get to the scene of an accident the better it will be for everyone involved in the accident. As soon as you witness an accident and you are in a safe place, you should call 911. While you are on the phone with the operator, make sure you tell him/her your name, your location, and other necessary details so that they can easily locate the accident.

Make Sure the Victims Are Safe

After contacting emergency services, you must check to ensure everyone involved in the accident is safe. You should do what you can do to move people to safety; however, never place yourself in harm’s way. If someone is trapped in a car or seriously injured in a car, you should wait for emergency personnel to assist them.

Tell Authorities What You Witnessed

By the time you’ve assisted victims of the wreck, police officers, and other emergency personnel will likely be on the scene. You shouldn’t leave before telling authorities what you’ve witnessed. In addition to telling them about the accident, you should provide them with your contact information so they will have the ability to contact you about the wreck.

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency wants you to be safe while driving on the road. They offer many types of insurance policies to help ensure your safety on the road. If you need auto insurance, give them a call to get a quote on the best insurance for you.

As your children get older, they will get to a point where they want to get out and about with their friends. Until they get their driver’s license, you’ll be the one toting your teen and his friends around town. After he gets his permit, though, it becomes time to start letting him get in plenty of practice before he starts venturing out on their own. If your teen already has his permit, make sure you start taking the long way home and let him drive. The more practice he has, the safer he’ll be as a teen driver. Here’s a look at two other tips you can follow to make sure your teen stays safe on the road.

Understand all knobs, switches, and buttons

Many newer cars these days have more than a just a few buttons, knobs, and switches, and unfortunately, many people drive cars for years without knowing how to control all of their car’s features. You should make sure to set aside time for showing your teen what each button does. From understanding how the windshield wipers work to being able to work parking and fog lights, the more your teen understands the car’s safety features, the safer he’ll be as a driver. 

Perform regular maintenance

Whether it be you or your teen driver having regular maintenance performed on his car, it’s important that it gets done. Without regular maintenance, the engine will likely sputter and the tires and wheels will be unsafe to drive on. 

For more tips on keeping your teen safe when behind the wheel, contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance agency today.