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Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

1881 Western Avenue, Suite 210
Albany, NY 12203

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4 Questions to Ask Before You Get Your Home Insurance Policy

Are you about to sign up for homeowners’ insurance? This can be a difficult task especially if you’re unaware of some of the finer details of what it’s all about. It definitely will pay off if you do a little research and know what questions to ask when you go to an agent like those at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, which serves the Albany, NY region.

Here are some questions you should be asking when you first talk to an insurance agent.

What does the standard policy cover?

The standard home insurance policy typically will cover four areas: liability, personal property, dwelling, and additional expenses.

  • Liability coverage is for bodily injuries that occur in your home.
  • Personal property covers any personal belongings that you have in your house.
  • Dwelling coverage specifically is used if there are damages to the structure of your house.
  • Additional expenses coverage is for if you are displaced from your home due to extensive damage or something other serious reason and it will cover hotel expenses and transportation.

What level of home insurance do you actually need?

There are actual cash value and replacement costs. You should consider which of these you need and talk to your agent to learn which is ideal for your situation. If you intend to live in the house for many years then it might be better to go with a replacement cost in your policy.

Do you require an inspection of the property before getting insurance?

It may be required to have a home inspection first. You can check with your agent to determine if this is the case so that the company can evaluate the risks and calculate your rates properly.

How do you set a deductible?

Think about if you want a lower or higher deductible. This determines the amount that you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket before the policy kicks in to cover the rest. A higher deductible means you’re paying less on a yearly basis though it will cost you more if you do have damages to your property.

For advice on these topics and more, talk to a NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency of Albany, NY agent right away.

Smart Tips for Updating Your Auto Insurance

Changes in your Albany, NY home, personal situation, or family can affect your auto insurance coverage. That’s why it’s important to review your policy regularly to make sure it’s still in line with your current circumstances. You don’t want to be paying for unnecessary coverage or missing out on valuable protection or discounts on your policy. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we recommend you update your policy if:

You Get Married

Once married, you and your spouse can combine your auto insurance into a multi-car policy for greater convenience in keeping track of your coverage. Combining your coverage also makes you eligible for a multi-car discount, saving you money on your insurance premium.

Your Teen Gets His License

All drivers in your household should be listed on your policy to be fully protected against accidents. Once your teen gets his license, he needs to be added to your policy, unless you want to purchase a separate policy to protect him on the road.

You Purchase a New Home

If you purchased a new home, you may want to bundle your home and auto policies together to qualify for a discount on your insurance coverage. If your home is in a safe, crime-free location, you may qualify for further discounts on your auto and home policies.

You Buy a New Car

Your new car will need to be added to your insurance policy to be included in your coverage. Depending on the value of your vehicle, you may want to increase your coverage to ensure you’re fully protected against any eventuality. Consult with your insurance agent at your earliest convenience concerning updating your insurance to include this costly investment.

To update your auto insurance coverage in Albany, NY, call or visit NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today.

How much life insurance is enough

If you took a survey and asked people questions about life insurance, you would find that most people don’t know a lot about it. It is not something that is talked about. You won’t hear it discussed around the family dining table or at the local bar. When the time comes to start thinking about getting your first life insurance policy you may feel out of your depth. That is why it is so important to have an insurance agent you can trust to steer you in the right direction. In Albany, NY that is NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. As an independent agency, they have access to more than 40 carriers and the knowledge to discuss life insurance coverage with you. 

How much life insurance is enough is different for every person. Experts have recommendations for the necessary amount but nobody knows your situation as well as you do. You need to consider your age, your financial situation and your liabilities. Many people get access to life insurance through their employers. This is a good thing but it shouldn’t be your only life insurance. Between 7 and 10 times your annual income if you have dependents is the recommended amount.

Ask yourself a few questions. Who depends on my income? How much debt do I have? Have I provided for my final expenses? Do I want to leave a legacy to anyone? The answers to these questions will affect the amount of life insurance that is enough for you. If you have no dependents, little debt and your final expenses are taken care of, you don’t need as much life insurance as someone who has a family and a mortgage. 

At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY, we ask the right questions and give answers that make sense. Visit us at our office or call us to make an appointment to talk about your life insurance. 

Why You Need Commercial Insurance for Your Business

If you’re a business owner in Albany, NY, then you should be familiar with commercial insurance. If you’re not, then you need to know at least the basics of commercial insurance as it’s vital to keeping your business safe and protected. Learn all about commercial insurance and how you can stay protected with NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. 

What Does Commercial Insurance Cover?

Commercial insurance, or business insurance, covers your business and business assets in the case of unpredictable outcomes. Here are some areas in which commercial insurance can provide coverage for you and your business: 

  • Worker’s Compensation: One of the more popular areas of coverage, worker’s compensation covers an employee of your business if they were to be injured while on the business property. 
  • Property Damage: If your business property or equipment becomes damaged, commercial insurance can provide financial coverage for the replacement or repair costs. 
  • Liability: If you are at fault for damage sustained to someone else or their property, then commercial insurance can provide coverage. If someone tries to file a lawsuit, you may be entitled to coverage for legal fees. 

To know exactly what kind of coverage you are entitled to, contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency for a consultation. 

Why Get Commercial Insurance?

Your building, equipment, and employees are just some of the very important aspects of your business. They act as the blood that keeps your business alive. It only makes sense to protect them in any way you can. Commercial insurance provides safety and security to help your business along in the worst of scenarios. 

Get the Coverage You Need with NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

To ensure that you and your business are protected, visit NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. Their office is located in Albany, NY, but you can contact them online to schedule an appointment.   

Home Insurance Tips To Consider During The Summer

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency that serves the Albany, NY community. We strive to help our clients find the insurance coverage that they are looking for, while also maintaining our commitment to providing excellent customer service.

Home Insurance

At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we use our relationships with multiple insurance carriers to ensure that our clients find the home insurance coverage that they need. Your home insurance policy will cover your property in the event that it is damaged due to a severe storm or a flood. Your personal items are also covered if they are somehow stolen.

Looking Ahead To The Summer

During the summer months, you’ll likely do some traveling. However, it is important that your home is protected while you enjoy the summer. Here are some things to consider during the summer.

Inviting Family Over

If you plan to invite your friends and family over during the summer for a cookout, make sure that you have liability coverage. Liability coverage will protect you in the event that someone is injured. If you have a pool or trampoline in your backyard, consider adding umbrella insurance coverage. NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency will sit down with you and help you evaluate your options.

Travel Protection

If you are one of many people who enjoy going on vacation during the summer, your home insurance policy will cover you while you are not at home. You can also add coverage to protect your belongings while you are out of town.

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency Can Assist You

Stop by our office in Albany, NY to learn more information! We will advise you through the process to help you find the home insurance coverage that you need.

How Much Auto Insurance Coverage Do I Need?

The amount of auto insurance coverage you need depends on many factors, including the value of your car, your financial situation, driving habits, and age. If you are not sure, how much you should spend on insuring your vehicle, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serving Albany, NY has prepared the list of questions that will help you to decide:

1. What Assets Do I Need?

The more assets you have, the more you should spend on your car insurance. Your liability insurance should be high enough to cover the total value of the net worth. 

2. What Type of Car Do I Drive?

Some cards require more coverage than others. For example, the bodywork of a sports car costs more than repairs of a regular vehicle. Moreover, sports cars are at higher risk to be stolen. Therefore, if you are a lucky owner of this type of car, you need more expensive insurance. 

3. How Much Do I Love My Car?

If you really love your vehicle and want it looked and fixed perfectly, then you should probably consider the fullest range of insurance, including glass, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Yes, this means you will have to spend more money, but it is also a guarantee that your vehicle is fully protected.

However, regardless of how much money you decide to spend on your auto insurance, it is also important to know that the state of New York requires all car owners to carry at least minimum liability insurance. 

If you are searching for the best coverage for your car and want it to be protected, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serving Albany, NY is ready to guide you through all the options available. Call us today to talk to one of our experienced agents. 

Who Needs Life Insurance?

It is obvious that we all need homeowners and car insurance. However, what about the life insurance policy? If you have not purchased one yet, it may be because you are not sure whether you need this policy or not. In order to help you to decide, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serving Albany, NY has prepared the list of several categories of people, for whom life insurance is a must: 

Married Couples

Many married people mistakenly believe they do not need life insurance until they have kids. However, it is not true. What if one of the spouses died tomorrow? The other one will be left with many debts, including mortgage, car loans, credit card payments, and others. In addition, there are still the utility bills to pay. One income might be not enough to cover all these expenses. That is why married people need to think about getting a life insurance policy. 

Empty Nesters

If your children are grown-ups and have their own lives, you might think about dropping your life insurance coverage. However, it is one of the worst things you can do. First of all, your nest might not stay empty too long – the number of grandparents taking care of their grandkids is constantly increasing. For this category of people, life insurance is important because it is a guarantee of financial safety for their descendants. Moreover, one of the spouses will also need financial help once the other one is gone.

Families With Kids

Most families today are able to survive only with two incomes. If one of the spouses suddenly dies, the family might not be able to meet all the financial obligations – from paying the mortgage to covering daily expenses. Therefore, if you are not sure that your family will be able to keep the same standard of living after your death, you need to get life insurance to protect them. 

We know how confusing and complicated shopping for life insurance can be. The agents of NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency are always ready to help and provide you with all the necessary information. If you are from Albany, NY and you need consultation on life insurance, give us a call today or visit our website. 

Is Your Business a Safe Working Environment?

As a business owner in Albany, NY, you should make workplace safety a priority. By looking after the safety and wellbeing of your employees, you’ll earn their loyalty and trust. Loyal workers are more likely to remain with your company over the long haul. The following tips from NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can help you establish a safer, healthier work environment.

Implement Safety Policies

Implement safety policies and make sure they’re carried out in your business environment. Appoint someone in charge of evaluating and overseeing these policies to ensure they’re effective in meeting safety objectives.

Pinpoint Health Hazards

Pinpoint health and safety hazards and look for ways to reduce risks that can cause accidents. Get input from your employees on practices that threaten their health or safety in the workplace and take measures to correct them.

Provide Workers with Safety Gear

If your workers need safety gear or equipment, make sure they have the products they need for the job. This includes earplugs, safety glasses, gloves, helmets, and other gear that corresponds to their job. Make sure your workers are instructed on the use of safety gear to protect them from harm.

Reduce Stress in the Workplace

Maintain reasonable work schedules and deadlines to avoid stress in your business environment. Encourage supervisors to establish a good rapport with their team and keep lines of communication open to avoid problems with gossip or discontent.

Purchase Worker’s Comp Insurance

Make sure your business has worker’s comp insurance coverage to protect your employees against accidents on the job. Worker’s comp is an essential aspect of your commercial insurance policy and is required coverage for businesses in Albany, NY.   

For more information about worker’s comp and other commercial insurance options, contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today.

Insurance add on options available for auto insurance

As a driver in the  Albany, NY area, you know that certain types of auto coverages are required by state law. What drivers often miss when purchasing an auto policy, are the various add on policy options that can provide additional coverage to drivers and their passengers. The agents at the NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency have put together a list of essential policy options that one should consider when purchasing an auto policy. 

Collision Coverage 

Although your policy will cover damage to other peoples’ vehicles when you are at fault in an accident, it does not cover damage to your car. Collision coverage will cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident. If you own an expensive luxury car, this is an essential add on to consider. 

Emergency roadside coverage 

Breaking down on the side of a highway at night can be scary. Emergency roadside coverage will give you the peace of mind that you will be assisted quickly.

Rental car coverage 

In the event your car is in an accident and has to go into the body shop for repair, rental car coverage will reimburse you for the cost of the rental car. 

Rideshare coverage 

If you are a driver for one of the rideshare companies, it is critical to consider this valuable coverage. The coverage provided by your company typically only covers you when you are on a trip with a customer. However, rideshare coverage will cover you in the event you are logged into the application waiting for your next pick up request. 

Pet coverage 

If you ride with your pet, often, you may want to consider pet coverage. Pet coverage will help with the vet bills in the event your pet is injured in an accident. 

If you are interested in learning more about auto insurance, reach out to an agent at the NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today. We proudly serve the Albany, NY area. 

5 Tips for Prepping Your Home for Summer

With summer right around the corner, now’s the time to prepare your home for the season. By planning ahead, you can get everything done in time for the summer holidays. These tips from NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can help you get started in prepping your Albany, NY home.

Check Your AC

Service your AC to make sure it’s in good working order for the heat of summer.  Have your technician inspect and clean out your unit and change worn out parts. By getting this done in a timely manner, you won’t be caught unprepared when the first wave of hot weather hits.  

Deep Clean the Interior of Your Home

If you’re planning to have family over for the summer holidays, take time to deep clean your home to include kitchen, bathrooms, windows, and fans. Move furniture around to reach those out of the way places and professionally clean carpets to remove deeply entrenched dirt and grime.

Paint Interior Walls

Touch up your walls with a fresh coat of paint to make your home look and feel fresh and clean. You may even want to change your color scheme to create a whole new environment. Painting will enhance your ambiance and set the mood for special occasions with your family. 

Declutter 

Declutter your home by putting winter clothes, winter sports gear, portable heaters, and other winter equipment in storage for the summer. This gives you more space to accommodate visitors and makes your home look and feel more spacious. Decluttering also reduces the risk of accidents and makes your home less of a fire hazard.

Review Home Insurance

Review your home insurance in Albany, NY to ensure you have the protection you need for the busy summer season. For quality home coverage at reasonable costs, contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today.