Home insurance is designed to support you following a home-related issue such as damage or burglary. However, the first line of defense is always to do everything in your power to prevent these events from happening in the first place. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY, we want to help you keep your home safe in every way possible. Keep reading to learn about the top three security risks to your home. 

No Security System 

Having a security system is the number one way to deter burglars. A security system not only deters burglars, but if your home is invaded, a security system minimizes the time it takes for law enforcement to arrive. These critical moments could mean the difference between a tragedy and a would-be tragedy. 

No Door Camera 

Door cameras are becoming more and more easily accessible with modern technology. Even if you do not have a complete security system in your home, a door camera can significantly increase the safety and security of your family. These devices allow you to have better control over your property, and most door cameras allow you access to video right from your phone. This means that even while you are away from home, you can always know what is happening. 

Poor Outdoor Lighting

This is a simple step you can take to increase the safety and security of your property. Outdoor lighting can be used to deter burglars and make your property a safer place. Burglars look for properties that can be accessed with the least amount of attention. Things like outdoor lighting, dogs, and security systems all help to send a message to would-be burglars that this house is difficult to access without bringing attention. 

If you want to learn more about home insurance, please get in touch with us at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY, and the surrounding areas. 

Being a property owner has been a good housing option and long-term investment for people in the Albany, NY area for a long time. If you purchase a home here, it will be vital that you properly secure and insure it. One type of coverage all property owners need to have is home insurance. You should obtain this coverage for various reasons. 

Protect Against Unexpected Events

One of the reasons to have a home insurance plan is to get protection against unexpected events. Your home is a significant asset you will want to ensure is covered and prepared for any situation. When you have insurance, you can make repairs if it is damaged due to a fire, bad storm, vandalism, or various other situations. As it can help protect the loan collateral, any mortgage lender will require you to carry this insurance. 

Reduce Liability Risks

Property owners will also want this coverage as it can help to reduce their liability risks. If you are a property owner, there is always a chance you can be held liable for accidents that occur at your home. However, this risk can be offset if you get the right insurance. A home insurance plan will include a provision for liability coverage, which will provide financial support in these cases. 

When purchasing home insurance in the Albany, NY area, it would be wise to call someone you can trust. The team with the NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is a great option. When you call NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, you can learn much about the various insurance options available. We will give you the support you need to build a proper plan. 

Here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, providing homeowners in the greater Albany, NY region with insurance, we have seen many homeowners have to file claims with their home insurance policies because family or friends slipped and fell on icy surfaces on their property and became injured. Learning how to keep your walkway and driveway free of ice is one of the best ways you can minimize the chances of this happening to you. Here are a few tips that can help you with that problem. 

Use Salt or Sand

Placing salt or sand on ice helps to melt the ice while also providing traction to anyone walking over the area before the ice melts. Salt and sand are two of the most common products that are used around homes to help keep walkways, driveways, and other surfaces free of ice. 

Always Shovel Your Concrete Surfaces

Another way that you can decrease the chances of slippery ice forming on your walkway or driveway is to take the time to shovel away snow. As snow thaws, it turns to water. That water can refreeze and turn to ice. Removing the snow helps to prevent this from happening. 

Try Heating Mats

Lastly, heat mats are available to reduce ice from forming on walkways and driveways. They can be pricey, but they are worth it, especially if you have trouble preventing ice from forming on your property. 

While there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of someone slipping and falling on your property, you cannot prevent this from happening altogether. This is one of the areas that home insurance can help with. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving the greater Albany, NY area, we can work with you to ensure your home insurance policy meets all of your needs and covers you against the unexpected. Call us now to get started.

There are a lot of things to consider when you are deciding whether or not to buy home insurance. People often wonder whether or not they need home insurance if they have a home warranty. This blog post will explore the pros and cons of having both policies and help you decide which one is right for you.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances. The most common things covered by a home warranty are the HVAC system, plumbing, electrical, water heater, and major appliances. Home warranties typically do not cover things like cosmetic damage or structural issues.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

On the other hand, home insurance covers your home and belongings in the event of damage or theft. Home insurance also covers you if someone is injured while on your property. Unlike a home warranty, home insurance does not have a deductible covering cosmetic damage and structural issues.

Do You Still Need Home Insurance?

Now that you know what each policy covers, you may wonder if you need both. The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, you should consider the value of your home and belongings. If your home in Albany, NY is worth a lot of money, it’s probably worth insuring.

Second, you should consider whether you can afford to pay for repairs out of pocket. A home warranty may not be enough if you can’t afford to pay for major repairs.

Finally, you should consider the risk of damage or theft in your area of Albany, NY. If your home is located in an area with a high crime rate, you may want to consider getting home insurance from a top-tier company such as NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency.

Conclusion

There is no right or wrong answer regarding whether or not you should have home insurance if you have a home warranty. It ultimately depends on your individual circumstances. If you’re still unsure, call us at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. We’ll be happy to help you figure out what’s best for you.

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency provides coverage to Albany, NY residents. We are an independent agency. We offer our clients unique policies designed to help them manage risks. We have relationships with over 30 insurance companies around the country. We look forward to helping you protect your assets.

Home Insurance Roof Inspection Tips

Your Albany, NY home is one of your most prized possessions. Home insurance gives you peace of mind that you are covered during a state of emergency. Home insurance covers any damage to the structure of your home. This includes damage caused by severe weather or an accidental fire. All of your personal items are covered if they are damaged, or you are a victim of theft. Liability coverage is essential if you plan to invite a lot of guests over or if you have a pet. You will be covered if one of your guests is accidentally injured on your property or if your pet damages someone else’s property.

It’s expected that you will perform regular maintenance on your home. As your roof is one of the foundation pieces, it’s important that you take care of it. Regular roof inspections will ensure that it stays healthy. An inspector will check the roof to see if it is showing signs of wear and tear. They also check the gutters and caulking. If you stay in an area that is prone to heavy storms, try to have your roof inspected every few years. Roof damage can lead to major issues in the future such as gutter problems and rotting wood. Keep in mind that you may not be covered for issues such as termite damage and mold. These are considered issues that could have been avoided if you took care of your home.

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about home insurance.

The year 2020 required many companies to revise business models to allow employees to work from home, as this was needed to ensure the safety of employees in the face of a pandemic. If you were one of the many employees who began working from home, it is essential to understand if you are covered by home insurance.

If you live (and thus, work) in the greater Albany, NY capital region, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency’s professionals are available to assist you in determining if working from home creates unnecessary risk or risk that can be mitigated with insurance.   

Standard home insurance typically does not provide enough coverage for employees who work from home. For instance, a typical homeowner’s insurance may not cover damages to equipment owned by your employer. So, contingent on your position, it may be wise to add these coverages –

• Professional Indemnity – covers you if someone claims that your professional advice or service was incorrect or was the cause of financial liability.  
• Public Liability – covers you if anyone (i.e.., clients) gets injured on your property.

While insurance will cover you in your home, various aspects may be problematic when working from home. Depending on the employer, you may find it difficult to be compensated if something unfortunate occurs. These potential problems may include property losses, health-related sickness/injuries, or liability requirements in terms of safety.

Additionally, it is essential to have a complete understanding of what your employer’s insurance will cover.

Working from home can be considered either a blessing or a curse, depending on who is asked. NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency operates as an independent agency located in Albany, NY. Our professionals can help you determine your coverage needs before anything happens that requires insurance coverage. 

Deciding to purchase a home in Albany, NY can not only be exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Your first home is a huge milestone, and you should start preparing now to make your new home buying process much more manageable. Then, once you have purchased your new home, call our agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency for information about how we can help protect you, your home, and your belongings. 

Determine a Budget

It is one thing to want to buy your dream home as your first home. However, it would be best if you were realistic in determining your home buying budget. There are online mortgage calculators that can help estimate your monthly mortgage payment. In addition, knowing your budget can help you weed through the many listings in the area to focus on what you can reasonably afford. 

Start Saving

Buying a new home usually requires a sizable down payment ranging from three to 20 percent of the total cost of the house. Therefore, the sooner you start saving for your down payment, the sooner you can start searching for your home and apply for a loan.

Raise Your Credit Score

Buying a home requires you to have decent credit. Most lenders prefer to grant loans to borrowers with credit scores of 680 or higher. However, the Federal Housing Administration does accept credit scores as low as 500 with a higher down payment. Check your credit report and dispute any errors and create a plan to pay down your debt. 

Are you excited about purchasing your first home in Albany, NY? We are here to help you with all your insurance needs. Call us today at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency for additional information on how to protect your new home. 

When you are a resident in the Albany, NY area, there are several housing options to consider. One great option to think about is buying your own home. There continue to be a lot of benefits that come with homeownership. If you would like to purchase a property here, you also need to have insurance for it. A home insurance plan can protect an Albany property owner in a few different ways. 

Coverage Offers Protection for Dwelling and Personal Assets

A key advantage that is received when you get home insurance is that it can protect your dwelling and personal assets. If you are ever a victim of a fire or other situation that causes a lot of damage, the cost of remediation and repair can be significant. With a home insurance plan, you will have the financial support needed to make the necessary repairs or asset replacements.

Liability Coverage

Property owners should be aware of their various personal liability risks. You could be held responsible for any damages that are related to accidents that occur in your home or on your property. As damages for an injury claim can be very significant, you will want to protect yourself as well as you can. A full home insurance plan will offer the right coverage needed to protect your home. 

Anyone that is a property owner in the Albany, NY area should consider purchasing their own home. If you are going to buy a home here, you should call NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. The insurance professionals at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency know the value that comes with home insurance. They can offer you the support that is needed to understand your needs and options and build an appropriate plan that is ideal for your situation. 

Homeownership brings a sense of pride and achievement. For most people, it is the largest investment you will ever make. Having good home insurance to protect it is important. So many things can happen to damage or totally destroy your home. Having a home inventory is an important part of what you do to protect your home. If you live in or near Albany, NY, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is your local full-service independent insurance agency. Let us do the work of shopping for the best insurance for your needs. 

A home inventory is a detailed listing of all your possessions. If you ever suffer a loss and file a claim with your home insurance carrier, the inventory will help to make the process a lot less painful. Trying to create the list when your home has burned to the ground or been blown away by a tornado is not something anyone wants to do. By creating one when everything is where it should be and storing it safely, you will be able to collect your insurance money and be on the way to returning your life to normalcy. 

Making a home inventory takes time but doesn’t have to be terribly complicated. You can do it with a pad and pen going from room to room. You don’t have to do it all in one day unless you want to. Be as detailed as possible and include more information than you think you might need. Take pictures to store with your inventory. If you have receipts or invoices showing where and when things were purchased that will help guarantee you will be able to replace exactly what you had. 

At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY, we are here to help with all your insurance needs. Contact us for a no-obligation quote. 

When you buy home insurance it gives you a feeling of security knowing your house is covered for all the things that can go wrong. Well, almost all the things that can go wrong. Every home insurance policy has exclusions and knowing what they are, places you in the best position to find an alternative way to protect yourself. You can read your home insurance policy to see exactly what the exclusions are or you can talk to your insurance agent. In Albany, NY, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is a full-service independent agency with access to more than 40 carriers allowing us to help you find the perfect policy to serve your needs. 

Owner negligence

Your home is your castle and you need to maintain your castle or your insurance company will probably drop your coverage. If you sustain damage due to not doing necessary upkeep or preventative measures, the insurance company is going to deny your claim. If they do an inspection of your house at renewal time or just a drive-by, they can require you to do the necessary work to make your home compliant with their requirements. 

Sewer back-up

It’s hard to imagine anything more disgusting than having a sewer back up into your house. To add insult to injury, home insurance doesn’t cover sewer backups. You can add the coverage to your primary policy however and you will be very glad you did if you ever need it.

Floods

As shocking as it may be, floods are excluded from home insurance. The federal government offers insurance you may purchase through the National Flood Insurance Program. It covers both your home and the contents. 

Contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY to discuss your home insurance needs. We will discuss what you can do to add the protection you need to cover the exclusion on your policy.