Decorations set the tone for a Halloween party. Without dim areas, cobwebs and jack-o-lanterns just wouldn’t be the same. Decorations, however, should never create a safety hazard — no matter how good they look. If you’re hosting a Halloween party this October, we have a few suggestions that will help prevent accidents at your get-together.

Make Sure Everyone Can See

When decorating for Halloween, it’s important to make sure everyone can see. When people can’t see, they trip over objects, fall down steps and otherwise injure themselves. To reduce the likelihood of an accident, you can:

• leave lights on in main areas, such as where food is being served
• decorate with holiday-themed lights
• make sure there’s nothing for people to trip over in poorly lit areas

Leaving parts of your home well-lit doesn’t need to detract from your decorations. For instance, you can add a Halloween flair to your dining area with ghost-shaped cookies and an orange cake, without dimming any lights in the area.

Make Sure You’re Insured

Even when safety is kept in mind, accidents can still happen. Before people start arriving for your party, you should make sure you’re protected with liability coverage. Often included in home insurance policies, liability coverage provides protection when you’re found responsible for a covered incident.

If you don’t have enough liability coverage, and you live in Albany, NY, contact us at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. We’ve helped many homeowners in the area find the coverage they need, and our independent insurance agents can help you find a new home insurance policy quickly. Just make sure to send us a message before your party starts, so we can get you covered in time.

Saratoga Springs, New York is at the top of the state and is a relatively affluent area. There are many benefits to living in the area, including a full change of seasons throughout the year. Home prices are higher than the state average, though there are many events to enjoy for residents as well.

Home insurance is important to have and it’s possible to save by shopping around. The best thing to do is not wait until there is a loss to find out if you have the necessary type of insurance on your home. If your car is hit while it is sitting on your property, you want to be confident that you can file a claim and have it covered.

Enough coverage should be purchased so you have the ability to replace what is insured. This means that you want to look at “replacement” coverage over and “actual cash value” policy. While the latter is cheaper, it could result in you not being able to repair your car as needed – and this could be a problem.

Car damage on your property can be as a result of a tree hitting your car in Saratoga Springs or even another car slamming into the back of it. You cannot anticipate what is going to happen, but you can ensure you have the right coverage on your home.

We have agents to help you with home insurance and to deal with the car damage if and when it occurs. You need to think about what is on your property at all times and then determine the coverage that will protect it all. We are here to answer questions that you may have. We can then help you to find the most affordable policy by searching for quotes from different companies.

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It is another bustling day in Albany, NY. Maybe you are throwing a party to celebrate opening day of the upcoming Albany Devils hockey season, or having some girlfriends over before hitting Crossgates Mall for a day of fun. No matter your plans, you know that time with friends, family or acquaintances always equals a good time. The fun could quickly be brought to a halt if a guest is injured in your home or on your property.

As your independent agent in Albany, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency wants to make certain that the enjoyable times stay that way. Here are ten things you can do to ensure your visits from guests stay delightful and accident-free:

• Pick up toys and miscellaneous items on the floor
• Use rugs and mats that grip the surface below
• Make sure your stairs and handrails are up to code
• Keep decorative items off of steps
• Clean up spills immediately
• Replace any flooring that has holes or tears
• Keep rooms well-lit
• Throw away mats that are curling on the edges
• Keep walkways clear of leaves and snow, as well as free from ice
• Secure any cords that may become entangled with feet

As your independent agent, we want you to feel confident in your homeowners insurance coverage in case an accident ever does occur on your property. We will be happy to look at your current policy to ensure you have an adequate level of insurance to suit your needs. We can also run a comparative quote to make certain you are paying the lowest price for homeowners insurance.

To get a live comparative quote, or if you have concerns about how a personal injury claim may affect your homeowners policy in the 12203 area, contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today. 

Not all homes in Albany, NY, have basements, but there are plenty that do. Basement walls are prone to cracking. In most cases, this is perfectly normal. However, when a small crack here and there turns into a very large crack or multiple cracks, then it is time to have them repaired. It can help to know what causes these cracks in your basement wall because your homeowners insurance may actually pay for the cracks to be repaired.

1. Stress Points – This is the most common cause of small cracks in the walls and are generally nothing to worry about. They will typically occur when sewer, gas or electric lines are being installed. This is because the concrete weakens, which results in the cracking. These cracks are most noticeable around the edges and corners of the windows.

2. Soil Saturation – This is when the soil underneath the foundation of the basement gets a little too wet. It causes the foundation to begin settling, which in turn results in wall cracks. The increased saturation could be a result of improper grading, poor guttering system or even lack of a sump pump.

3. Concrete Shrinking – When concrete is incorrectly poured, it can result in a number of issues. This includes the cracking of your basement walls. This is why it is crucial to have a professional pour your concrete slab because they know how different variables impact the way the concrete dries.

4. Drought – Just as too much saturation can cause cracks, too little saturation can as well. When the soil is too wet, it expands resulting in cracks. When the soil is too dry, it shrinks resulting in cracks. Although lack of rain can cause a drought and the basement cracks, it can also be a result of too many plants near your foundation.

What You Can Do About Basement Wall Cracks

If you just have a few hairline cracks here and there on your basement walls, then there really isn’t anything to worry about. However, when these cracks get longer and wider, it may be cause for concern. You should consult with your homeowners insurance company to see if the damage is covered and then hire a reputable foundation repair company to perform the necessary repairs.

If you’re unsure whether your insurance company will pay for concrete or porch damage caused by a sinking foundation, give us a call to speak to one of our independent agents who serve the Albany, NY 12203 area. We will gladly discuss with you your policy and your options.

We at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency are proud to offer not only auto insurance and commercial insurance, but also a variety of homeowners insurance policies to fit the needs of any homeowner in the Albany area. Homeowners need to have an insurance policy for several reasons, starting with the obvious: Most mortgage lenders actually make it part of the mortgage contract that the home buyer must maintain a homeowners policy.

Another reason that homeowners policies are so valuable is the protection that they provide for the policy holder. That protection includes:

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is a type of protection for you as the owner of the property. If anyone other than your family were to visit your home and suffer from an injury while they are on the property, you could be held responsible for any recovery costs they may have. This could include doctor visits, hospital time, surgery, rehabilitation, and more.

Personal Possessions

Everything inside your home is covered by your homeowners policy. In a situation such as theft, vandalism, or property damage, your policy would pay for you to receive replacements for the items lost.

The Home Structure

The structure – the actual building of your home – is fully covered by your homeowners policy, as well. If your home is damaged by fire or other environmental hazards, this is the part of the policy that will provide for repairs to the home, or even for the construction of a new home if it is deemed a complete loss.

Don’t get caught without the level of homeowners insurance coverage you need. Instead, you can easily do price comparisons on the internet through NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency to find out what options are available!

Homeowners insurance helps to protect the most expensive asset in most people’s lives – your home. There are a lot of ways that damage could befall a home, such as a water pipe burst, a flood, or a fire. The amount of money that it takes to fully recover from these kinds of situations is more than many people have in their savings. While a second mortgage or home equity line of credit may cover this cost if you don’t have it sitting around, that has its own financial ramifications to consider.

Homeowners insurance is a low cost payment that helps to avoid these kinds of issues. Instead of having to worry about tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs because someone drove their car through your living room, you pay a small monthly premium and have everything covered. If you financed your home, you were also most likely required to hold insurance on your house before you could close on the mortgage.

Homeowners insurance doesn’t simply cover the physical structure of your home either. All of the systems within the house, such as the electricity system and plumbing, are covered in the event of major disasters. You also get covered for the content of your home, so if your personal assets get destroyed during a fire, you can replace them and get back on your feet quickly.

It’s important to have the proper amount of coverage for your homeowners policy, however. If you have a significant number of assets, it’s important to make sure that your coverage will pay for replacement. Get a free quote from NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, NY online to find out how much it will cost you.

Owning a pet means that you are responsible for any actions that relate to your pet in Albany, NY. The problem with certain pets is that you may discover that your homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover any injuries or damages caused by your beloved animal. Exotic pets are particularly challenging and may prevent you from obtaining an appropriate homeowner’s insurance policy.

Specialized Insurance

In many cases, your homeowner’s insurance policy will exclude any damages or injuries that are caused by exotic pets. That is why it is necessary to consider alternative solutions.

You may need to purchase or add specialized insurance to your homeowner’s policy if you own an exotic pet, particularly a dangerous pet. For example, if you own a tiger, then you may need coverage to protect against injuries and damages that your large cat causes. Specialized insurance may be available, depending on the exotic animal.

Comparing Options

Even though many pets may be excluded from a policy, it is possible that some animals are not. For example, a policy may exclude tigers, but might protect against liability if you own a parrot or a snake.

The type of animal and the situation can play a role in your options. Comparing a variety of policies can also provide the opportunity to find a plan that is appropriate for your needs and goals. Some insurers may cover your pet, even if it is a dangerous animal and there is a high risk of problems.

Taking measures to protect your house can seem challenging if you have exotic pets. Depending on the policy and your goals, the options that are available can vary. Contact us to speak to an agent to learn more about your options and coverage plans.

Picking a home insurance policy that addresses your goals and needs in Albany, NY can seem challenging, especially if you have just purchased a new house and you are concerned about a variety of items that you keep in the building. Although your policy will usually address most of your goals and concerns, it is possible that there are items that may not be covered.

Expensive Belongings

Certain items that are very expensive may or may not be covered by your basic policy. For example, a very expensive piece of jewelry or an heirloom painting may not be covered by your insurance.

Expensive items that are not covered can vary and some insurance companies may offer limited coverage for the items. The limited coverage will usually provide a specific dollar amount that the company will pay for lost, stolen or damaged items, but it may not be enough for all of your expensive belongings.

High-Risk Items

A high-risk item, like a trampoline or a pool, may not be covered under your home insurance policy, even if you keep it in the house and the risk is limited. The reason is that the liability for the item may be higher than expected and you may need to purchase a separate plan for the item and the associated risks.

Insurance companies may exclude specific items from your policy based on the risk, but that does not always apply to every plan so it may be necessary to evaluate the policy before you determine if it is appropriate.

While certain items in your home may not be covered by your policy, the majority of your personal belongings will be protected. Contact us to speak to an agent to learn more about your options and the policies that are available.

Purchasing expensive jewelry, silverware or other valuables for your house can provide a sense of luxury within your personal space, but it can also complicate your home insurance policy. While every policy is different, there are usually limits that you can claim on one specific item or valuable in your basic policy.

Limitations

In many cases, insurance companies will put a set limit on the maximum you can claim for specific items. For example, jewelry or that expensive silverware may only be covered up to $2,000, even if your policy allows you to claim as much as 50 percent of the total policy amount for furniture and other items in case a fire or similar situation results in a total loss of personal property.

The limits that are set on valuables can vary based on the policy, so you may need to evaluate your plan to determine the specific limitation amount.

Buying Additional Protection

If a single item costs more than the amount that your insurance provider will offer in coverage, then it may be time to consider additional coverage for the item. It is usually appropriate to protect all of your valuables on a separate policy unless your insurer will pay for the full replacement cost of the item.

Additional coverage may be added to your plan whenever it is needed, so it may be possible to add to your policy after receiving a gift or making a new purchase for your home.

Protecting the high-cost items that you keep in your home often requires additional protection to ensure that your belongings are safe in case a fire, theft or similar disaster occurs. Contact us to speak to an agent for more details about your options today.

New York State has strict laws in place to protect homeowners from having their home insurance arbitrarily canceled or not renewed. Your insurance company can not leave you without coverage on your Albany-area home without first giving you proper notice.

The big difference between cancellation and non-renewal of your homeowners policy is that with the former, you must have done something wrong, while with the latter, it may simply be a choice of your insurance company.

Once your policy has been in effect for 60 days, it can not be canceled unless you violate the terms of your contractual agreement. Your policy may be subject to cancelation if you fail to pay your premium, are found to have lied or committed fraud to obtain the policy, file false claims or commit willful acts or omissions that increase the risk of the hazard or hazards that your home is insured against. Your homeowners insurance can also be canceled if you make material changes to your property that makes it uninsurable under the stated terms of your policy.

If none of these conditions have occurred, your policy may not be canceled or non-renewed for a period of three years. After that point, your insurance company can refuse to renew your policy. When your policy is subject to cancelation, it can occur at any time during the policy year. When your homeowners insurance is not renewed, it means that it will remain in effect until the date of renewal, assuming you stay current on your premium payments.

If you have a loss and file a claim, it will probably not result in a non-renewal. However, if you file three or four small claims in a year, your insurance company may deem you to be a high-risk customer and decide not to renew your policy for the upcoming year.

When you are a client of NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, you have a friend who will look out for your best interests. If you should receive a cancelation notice or a letter stating that you will not be renewed, don’t panic. As your independent agent, we can get you quotes from a number of other insurers and find you an affordable policy to protect your home.