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Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

1881 Western Avenue, Suite 210
Albany, NY 12203

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3 Reasons You Pay More When You Don’t Shop Around for Car Insurance

It’s common knowledge that you can save money by shopping around for car insurance, but many people fail to do so. They either choose to remain with their existing insurance company or they opt for a national brand because they think these insurance companies are trustworthy. Unfortunately, foregoing shopping around for insurance costs you more than time.

Low and Moderate Income Drivers Charged More
The Consumer Federation of America conducted a study where they found that many people within low-income zip codes were charged more for auto insurance policies. In fact, basic insurance coverage was often priced over $500 in low and moderate income zip codes. For individuals and businesses purchasing insurance in this zip code, failing to shop around will cost you extra money on your car insurance policy.

Ignoring that Insurance Companies Rate Based on Occupation
Although many people do not know it, insurance companies may price their insurance policies based on education level and occupation. An individual with a high school education paid 41% more on their annual cost of insurance compared to an executive with the same policy, with one of the major insurance carriers. When you shop around you can avoid these practices by choosing to purchase your insurance from independent agents who get quotes for you from many different companies. 

Failing to Maximize Discounts
Although insurance companies offer very similar products, not all insurance companies are created equal. Many insurance companies offer discounts for a multitude of different scenarios for drivers, failing to maximize your discounts means you pay more for your business and auto insurance.

Do not pay more for car insurance when you do not have to in Watervliet, New York. You can call an independent insurance agent and get the best insurance for your budget, today.

 

 

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Why Minivans Are Great Options for Your Fleet

For businesses, keeping costs low is a priority in Albany, New York. Whether the focus is on labor costs or operating costs, the more money you have remaining in your business the better you are competitively. Fortunately, you can purchase minivans for your fleet to keep costs low for your business.

Minivans are Cheaper to Insure
Minivans continue to be one of the vehicles that top insurance companies’ lists of inexpensive cars to insure. A recent study showed that two Toyota Sienna minivans were the cheapest cars to insure with the average annual insurance rate of $1,111 and $1,114. Additionally, family-oriented crossovers and some SUVs were cheaper to insure than other cars. A lower annual premium makes minivans a cost saver when it comes to your business fleet.

Minivans are Fuel Efficient
Saving fuel costs for your fleet will not only help you improve your bottom line, but it will also help you go further. Fortunately, minivans have proven to be fuel efficient. With some minivans realizing ranges of 31 highway miles per gallon. With a fuel efficient minivan, you can make more business trips without venturing to the gas station.

Minivans are Safe
Safety is a big issue for many businesses. Employees responsible for conducting business transactions away from their work facilities must have reliable transportation while doing so. Minivans are notoriously safe. They provide your employees with the ability to handle and control the vehicle with ease, reducing the potential for danger when facing bumper-to-bumper traffic. Investing in a fleet of minivans will help your business reduce the costs of insurance by eliminating risks for your employee and others on the road.

Whether you are a business or an individual with a learners permit in Albany, New York, independent agents provide you with the great rates on your car insurance. Contact an agent to get the answers to your questions about the best coverage for you.
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Top Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent

No matter how long you’ve went without having an auto accident, it’s still extremely imperative that you invest in car insurance. After all, you never know when you might get in an accident, and you never know how much the damages will add up to.

Fortunately, with insurance you can rest assured that you’ll be covered in auto accident, but it’s important that you make sure you’re adequately covered with the best policy. Here are a few questions that you’ll want to ask your insurance agent who serves the 12203 area.

Is comprehensive coverage offered?

If you opt for a minimum liability policy, you should understand that you won’t likely be covered for flood or animal damage, such as hitting a deer. To be covered under these circumstances, you would need comprehensive or full coverage.

Are discounts offered?

Are you in school? Have you been accident free for a long period of time? Do you have other policies with the service provider? Does your car have anti-theft features? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you most likely qualify for some type of discount on your auto insurance. The savings could be upward of 20 percent, so make sure to ask about them.

What happens after a collision?

If you want to make sure that your car is compensated for after an accident, then you’ll need a policy that includes collision coverage. In the event that you get in an accident that is your fault or with an at-fault driver who isn’t covered, then your collision coverage would kick in and compensate you.

If you have more questions about car insurance in Albany, NY, contact us today. One of our reputable agents can provide you with free quotes.

5 Things You Can’t Do with a Learners Permit

There’s a good chance that you’ve looked up the rules about driving with a learners permit in the 12203 area. And while you are probably very familiar with the things you can do with your permit, you must also consider the things you cannot do. Here’s a quick look at the five things you won’t be able to do with a learners permit when driving in Albany, NY.

Drive by yourself

With your learner’s permit, you are not allowed to drive by yourself. In fact, you must have someone in your car who is at least 21-years-old and has a valid driver’s license. In addition, this person must be legally allowed to operate the type of vehicle you are driving.

Speed

Just like any driver, you are not allowed to speed or break any traffic laws while driving with your learners permit. If you do, you may end up with your permit being suspended for an extended period of time.

Drive in a DMV driving area

With your learner’s permit, you are not allowed to drive in any areas where DMV tests are conducted.

Drive with your siblings in the car

Many people who are old enough to drive are considered old enough by their parents to babysit. What you must remember, though, is that you are not allowed to drive your siblings if you have only a learners permit. The only way you can do this is if a licensed driver who is at least 21-years-old is in the car with you.

Drive without wearing a seatbelt

You and everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt. If you have any small children in the vehicle, they are required at all times to be in proper child restraints too.

For more information on driving in New York with your learners permit, contact one of our highly-trained car insurance agents today.

Finding Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Troy, New York

Protecting your personal assets can require the right type of insurance policy. In Troy, New York, it is important to purchase car insurance that can help protect against high-cost bills after a storm. City Data reports that Troy can get heavy snowfall from November until the end of February, so you will want an auto policy that will help pay for any storm damages that may occur. Insurance agencies can help you find the right policy for your car in New York so that you can feel confident that you will not face financial challenges.

State Requirements

Even if you decide to avoid coverage that will pay for damage to your personal vehicle, New York residents are required to purchase liability coverage and no-fault insurance. The liability coverage will help pay for any accidents that you cause, but you should be aware of the fact that you will have limited protection.

Comparing Rates

After you have identified the coverage that you need in Troy, compare several quotes and policies to avoid unnecessary challenges. You can find cheap coverage options by comparing the prices of several insurance providers. Agencies can help by offering information and details that allow you to find the car insurance that you want or need. You can also ask an agent about the specific policies and fine details to obtain the quotes that you feel are appropriate for your budget and your standards.

Cheap car insurance is possible when you compare several policies and quotes. The key is recognizing the coverage that you feel is appropriate and setting a clear budget so that you can find a cheap plan without wasting time. Agencies can help you identify the plan that is best for your needs, but the final decision depends on your personal preferences. To learn more, contact us today.

Car Insurance in Your Local New York Neighborhood

Politics, entertainment, fashion and food makes the central core of the New York lifestyle. The city that never sleeps actually sleeps in phases depending on which venue you are participating in. Daytime comes as the Wall Street markets gear up for national and global business. Afternoons make for fun in Central or Brooklyn Park excursions. Evenings come as galas, theater, Carnegie Hall, and nightclubs showcase artistic talent.

Small Towns Within

New York has many strong neighborhoods each with a different flavor. Local cafes, local entertainment venues and other institutions add to the mystique of it. West Village, East Village, Soho, and Harlem have their own history and flavor. Many residents prefer using local neighborhood businesses to shop or eat. Talking about local for your car insurance needs think about using your local agents. Local insurance agents understand the neighborhood and its needs. They know the flavor you need.

Protection

Checking your car insurance needs yearly makes sense. Car values do not remain static but go up and down according to the market. New York is a busy place so a vehicle getting a few bumps and bruises while you own it is highly likely. So why worry at all? Insurance takes care of major issues so you do not have too. Do not forget your spouse. No need for separate policies. Your policy can be set up to cover you and your spouse. As your local agent I know what type of accident happens most frequently and can steer you clear of most it. I have been known to save a marriage or two taking time offering safety and protection from those unexpected mishaps.

While you are strolling down the lane stop in and visit with us!

Auto Insurance Company in Watervliet, NY

An auto insurance company in Watervliet, NY can help you protect your vehicle, other drivers and your passengers when an accident occurs, but the best policy and company for your situation can vary. When you ask for help from insurance agents, you can avoid any problems that may arise when it relates to your coverage and you can get the protection that you want or need.

Comparing Plans

Before you can learn more about the companies that are best for your situation, you will want to look at several policies and options. Insurance agents can provide the information that you need to quickly compare different rates, coverage options and plans. When you have select potential options for your vehicle, you can then consider the specific company and compare the details related to the business. Since every company is different, you want to feel confident that the business is appropriate for your needs.

Research the Companies

Never assume that a company is appropriate for your needs. The coverage that is offered, whether it focuses on the state minimum standards or offers additional solutions, will only provide the first step of selecting a policy.

You should always compare the companies and learn more about the business when you are considering coverage. Find out about any customer complaints that may exist and take the time to evaluate the business strategy so that you can select a company and a policy that will offer the protection you need with the fewest hassles.

There are several ways to protect your vehicle, but auto insurance is a necessary part of the equation. Do not assume that any company is appropriate for your needs. To learn more about different auto insurance companies or policies, contact us to speak to an agent today.

Save on Car Insurance Policy in New York

When you want to save on car insurance, it is important to understand ways to cut back on the price without giving up the coverage that you want or need. Depending on the policy that you purchased and the insurance provider that you are working with, the ways that you can cut back may vary slightly.

Increase the Deductible

If you have a small deductible on your policy, then increase the amount. By increasing the deductible, you are taking on more responsibility for the cost of repairs if an accident occurs. Even taking on a small increase in the deductible can significantly reduce your total premium.

Take Defensive Driving

A defensive driving course is a simple way to cut back on the cost of coverage and reduce the number of risks that you face on the road. Furthermore, insurance providers can give reasonable reductions in the premium that you pay.

Avoid Accidents and Tickets

Follow the speed limit and take measures to reduce the risk that an accident occurs. For example, turn off distractions while you are driving and keep a reasonable distance between your car and the vehicle in front of your car.

Your driving history and any tickets on your record can impact your rates. When you have not been in an accident and do not have any moving violations on your record, the cost of your premium will be reasonable.

There are several ways to cut back on the cost of your car insurance. You can save on car insurance by applying discounts to your account, taking measures to keep your record as clean as possible and taking on a slightly higher deductible. To learn more about reducing your rates and getting affordable coverage, contact us to talk to an agent today.

Classic Car Insurance Rates in Rotterdam, NY

Buying car insurance for your vehicle in New York can seem complicated, but when you are trying to protect a classic or vintage car, you may have specialized options that can help. The cost of coverage is often reasonable for a classic car because of the fact that you will not drive it as often as your regular car.

Basic Coverage

Generally, classic car insurance will cover against liability concerns and specific types of problems that may arise. Since the vehicle is often kept in a garage and may not be driven on a regular basis, the cost of coverage is kept at a low rate.

Despite the details of any policy, the coverage will meet or exceed state standards. Furthermore, it may offer solutions for car shows or any accidents that occur in relation to transporting a vehicle to an auto show. You should also expect that there may be options to repair the vehicle in case an accident occurs, but every insurer is different and some will ask that you add to the basic policy to further protect the car.

Costs

The premiums that you can expect will depend on several factors, including the amount of coverage that you purchased and the details of the plan that you are considering. Furthermore, you may be required to follow strict guidelines regarding yearly mileage and storage of the vehicle to avoid any risks to the car. Ultimately, the cost is usually reasonable due to the requirements of the policy regarding driving.

There are ways to protect a classic vehicle without paying a small fortune for coverage. The key is selecting a specialized plan that meets your personal goals and needs. To learn more about your options, contact us to talk to an agent today.

Compare Auto Insurance Quotes in Rotterdam, NY

Is really worth the time and effort to compare auto insurance quotes before buying an auto policy in Rotterdam, NY? Well, unless you don’t care about paying more for auto insurance than you have to, comparing the rates of competing insurance companies can sometimes save you a tidy sum of money.

If the difference in premiums between car insurers was only $10 or $20 dollars, you might have a good case for buying the first policy you find. However, the difference is often $100 or more for the exact same coverage, How can that be? The answer lies in the fact that each auto insurance company has their own guidelines and methodology for determining risk and assigning rates.

You will also find that there is no single auto insurance company that always has the cheapest rate. To further necessitate the need to compare auto insurance quotes, you must also realize that some carriers have more favorable rates for individuals who fit a particular profile.

For instance, if you are a young driver, without much experience behind the wheel, there may be an auto insurance company that does not charge extra-high rates for drivers just because they are under 25. Other variables such as your driving record, type of car you drive, and how long you have been with the same insurance company, can all affect the premium you will be charges.

In order to make the smartest purchase decision, it is essential to compare rates by getting quotes from a good sample of car insurance companies. While you could try to do it yourself by going to an online site or calling up individual insurance companies, a better way to proceed is to let your independent agent do the leg work for you. Your agent will know which insurers are most likely to offer the best rates and also know the right amount of coverage you need. It costs you nothing to take advantage of this valuable service.