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Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

1881 Western Avenue, Suite 210
Albany, NY 12203

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Auto Insurance Discounts You Should Know About

One of the ways to save on auto insurance in Albany, NY is by taking advantage of different auto insurance discounts. Insurers find that drivers who have certain characteristics will have fewer accidents and claims, and they reward customers that have those characteristics, which is where discounts come from. There are different categories of discounts that can offer you different percentages off your premium. Knowing the available discounts, as well as shopping around every year for discounts, can help increase your savings. Discuss any discounts you think you are eligible for with your agent at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency.

Driving History Discounts: These include accident-free, safe driver, and low mileage rewards.

Customer Loyalty: These are the discounts given to customers who bundle their policy, have early renewal, or purchase multi-car policies.

Demographics: Different demographic groups such as homeowners, low-income earners, seniors, married individuals, and those with good students in the home can save money on car insurance.

Driver Training: Many times, if you take a defensive driver course or do some driving training, you can get up to 10% off premiums. These need to be approved courses and may only be for teens, seniors, or inexperienced drivers.

Equipment Related Savings: The car you drive has an effect on your car insurance rates, and if your car is equipped with certain equipment you can save. Equipment can include anti-lock brakes, an anti-theft system, new car, a green or hybrid car, or different safety features.

Payment: If you pay your bill in full or are set up for auto pay, then insurers know they are going to get their premiums and usually offer a discount. Some insurers may even offer discounts for going paperless.

Contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY, to get a quote on auto insurance. 

 

Who Needs Life Insurance?

Life insurance is a very common form of insurance that many people can benefit greatly from. That being said, not everyone necessarily needs life insurance, though most all can benefit from it. For those in the Albany, NY area, the agents with NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can help you find the policy that works best for you.

Life insurance is something that is beneficial for the person who holds the policy as well as for those that are left behind after sudden death or even an expected death. Life insurance has the ability to give some security for those that are dealing with a loss in that is does provide money to help take care of end of life expenses. For those that are taking a life insurance policy out on themselves, it can also give some peace of mind that if you should pass away unexpectedly, your family is not going to be left with debt and end of life expenses that they have to deal with on their own or have to take out loans to pay end of life expenses.

Life insurance policies can benefit anyone but that does not mean that everyone needs to have one. It may not be necessary per se to have a policy on a child for instance, but it can benefit the parents and can give the child something to borrow against when the policy matures. Put as simply as possible, not everyone needs life insurance but many people can benefit from it with the right insurance policy that fits their needs.

For those in the Albany, NY area, the agents with NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can help you find the policy that fits your specific needs and that fits your life so that you feel good about the policy you hold. Life insurance can give immense peace of mind if you have the right policy.

Commercial Insurance Requirements in New York

While we often like to think that our businesses will be the exception, the truth is that thousands of businesses of all types and sizes undergo life-changing hardships each year. This is why business owners in the Albany, NY area who take themselves and their work seriously should be properly insured.

If you’re like many business owners, you’ve probably already considered events like fires, flooding and other outside acts that could damage your business. What about events that you could be deemed liable for. Incidents such as these could result in costly lawsuits, and unfortunately, they sometimes cannot be avoided. These incidents could include (but are not limited to) injury to either staff members or non-employees, damage to someone’s reputation or rights, property damage, advertising incidents, and legal costs. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we evaluate the specific needs and potential legal difficulties of all businesses in order to find the commercial liability policy that is the best fit. 

In the Empire State, Commercial Insurance goes by a few different names: Commercial Liability Insurance, Business Liability Insurance, General Liability Insurance, etc. In a nutshell, this form of coverage helps to prevent you and your business from going bankrupt in the event of a costly incident. After all, New York State has a lot of policies that help business owners, but unfortunately, our state government also has quite a few that make it relatively easy for people to file suit against a business. 

Certain coverage amounts are recommended for businesses of different sizes, and it’s worth mentioning now that New York State defines any business under 500 employees as a small business. As a small business, you will, of course, have different coverage needs and concerns than large corporations. 

When you’re ready, it’s time to take the next step. Serving those in the Albany, NY area and beyond, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is here to help. Our experts will listen to your needs and help you find the perfect commercial insurance policy to cover your business. 

3 Tips for Buying Home Insurance in Albany, NY

Are you overwhelmed with the process of purchasing home insurance in Albany, NY? If so, you need to use the tips and information here. The fact is, buying insurance doesn’t have to be stressful, but you may need a bit of help to get started. One of the best things you can do is work with a reputable insurance company, such as Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. Some other helpful tips that will make this process a bit easier can be found here.

1. Bundle

One of the first things you should consider doing when buying home insurance is to bundle the policies you already have. For example, you likely have car insurance and life insurance – so why not bundle these policies altogether? The fact is, this is not only convenient, but it can also help you save a significant amount of money and who doesn’t like to save money?

2. Compare Quotes

The next step in purchasing home insurance is to compare quotes. While you may want to bundle with your existing insurance provider, this isn’t going to necessarily give you the best price. As a result, it may be smart to shop around all of your policies. Who knows, you may walk away saving several hundred dollars off of your premiums each year.

3. Work with a Reputable Agent

One of the absolute best things you can do when it comes to purchasing home insurance is to work with a reputable agent. They will be able to help you find the policy that best meets your needs.

If you are ready to purchase home insurance for your Albany, NY home, be sure to use the tips here. Working with NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serving the Albany area is beneficial as you try to find the right policy for your needs.

How Your Auto Insurance Will Change After a Divorce

A divorce is a difficult time. In addition to all of the emotional issues you may be facing, there will also be practical issues which must not be ignored. Many things about your life will change following  a divorce. Car insurance is one thing that will definitely change. At  NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY we can help you through this difficult time. 

Removing Your Ex

Following your divorce, you will want to make a point to remove your ex and their vehicle from your policy if you wish to keep the policy in your name. This should be done as soon as possible. When a car is being housed at a different residence, that information needs to be filed with the insurance company quickly. 

Changes to Expect

Once you have removed your ex from your policy, you will see some changes to your insurance. First, you may notice that you lose some discounts. Discounts such as multi-car and married discounts. Do not be too discouraged, because you might be able to get new discounts. If your spouse had a spotted driving record, then you might be able to get a better rate now because your driving record is good. Some insurance companies will also allow a newly divorced person to get a fresh start by removing any claims that had to do with the other driver or vehicle so that you can start over with a claim-free policy. 

Can You Afford Better Insurance Now?

Removing a car from your policy is going to lower your rate considerably. You may now be able to afford better coverage than in the past. take some time to discuss this with your insurance representative. You will want to have the maximum coverage you can possibly afford. 

Dealing with changes to your insurance policy is an important practical step you should deal with during your divorce. To learn more contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serving Albany, NY.

Can I Cash In My Life Insurance Policy?

If an emergency arises and you need money fast, borrowing against or cashing in your whole life insurance may be a good option. If you live in or near Albany, NY, the agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can answer your questions. They can explain how borrowing against your whole life policy works.

Whole Life Insurance

The premiums paid into a whole life policy accrue interest over time. As long as the premiums are paid on time, you may be able to borrow against your policy if you have built up enough equity. As the cash value of your policy continues to grow, so does the equity. Once the total equity reaches a certain percentage, you can borrow some or all of the proceeds. If the loan has matured, you may have the option to cash it out and close the policy

Tax-Free Loan/Withdrawal

Depending on the type of policy you have and the amount you withdraw, some of the money you borrow may be tax-free. If the money is considered a loan against the policy, there is intent that you will pay it back and that it wasn’t simply withdrawn as income. 

The agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency are always on hand to answer your questions concerning life insurance and its many advantages. If you have questions, schedule an appointment with one of their reputable agents. If you don’t already have life insurance, they provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice. Whenever you’re ready, call their office and ask them what you need to get your life insurance policy started.

 

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Property Damage and Casualty

When it comes to choosing commercial insurance, it can be a difficult decision to determine what type of coverage you need and don’t need. The chances are high that you will need some form of property insurance, which will help to cover any event of damaged or lost property. However, it’s important to have casualty coverage as well. 

Commercial insurance is a must-have for all businesses, regardless of their size. It’s best to talk to a representative from NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY to discuss the amount of coverage that works best for your business. Usually, the policy will depend upon if you own the office building, leasing or working from home. The value of the premium will be based on the value of your business assets. 

Commercial insurance protects the value of your business by offering compensation for all potential medical costs. Those obligations may include if an individual gets injured at your business location or if there is property damage and injuries caused by one of your employees. 

Casualty coverage provides liability for your business for negligent acts or omissions. This is a wide range of protection that encompasses coverage against damage and other liability. Not only will the policy repair or offer restitution of the damaged property, but the medical bills of those individuals injured in the accident will be covered as well. Most commercial insurance policies will combine both property damage and casualty as one coverage option. Property damage covers losses to your businesses’ physical assets that result from events such as theft, fire, explosion, burst water pipes, weather storms, and vandalism. Most lenders and others with a financial stake in the business will require the owners to have both property damage and casualty as part of the commercial insurance policy. 

Home Buying Tips for First-Time Buyers

First-time homebuyers find it particularly hard to navigate through the process. While the steps of buying a home vary from person to person or from state to state, the below tips can help people that intend to buy a home in Albany, NY.

Be realistic
While you should be picky about the kind of home you want to own, keep in mind that you might not find a perfect home. List down the features that you wouldn’t compromise on and look for a house with such. 

Stick to a pre-determined budget
Before you begin looking for a suitable home, work out a budget and stick to it. Consider your monthly expenditure and factor in your expected monthly payments to establish whether it is affordable. Keep in mind that apart from your monthly repayments, you will be incurring maintenance costs. 

Explore your financing options
Establish the rates of monthly payments you will be most comfortable with and get quotes from multiple lenders. Also, consider the lenders’ responsiveness before settling down on one. Remember to ask the different financiers about the discounts you are eligible for. 

Hire a real estate agent
A buyer’s agent is best placed to advice you on the available listings that have the features you desire. Apart from hiring a person that you will get along with, consider their knowledge about the area as well as their reputation. 

Consider a home insurance plan
One of the mistakes that first-time homebuyers make is cutting down on the cost of their home insurance policy by going for a less expensive policy. In most cases, this implies less coverage and more expenses from your pocket should you file a claim. To avoid this, factor in your insurance policy as you set your budget. 
NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is available to discuss home insurance plan to Albany, NY first time homeowners. Contact us for a free estimate. 
 

Top 3 Reasons to Buy Car Insurance Now

Here at the NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serving the Albany, NY area, we want to make sure everyone is protected with auto insurance. We know how catastrophic an accident can be, and that is why we strive to provide first-class customer service to each client we serve. If you’re looking for reasons to buy auto insurance, look no further. We’ve outlined three of the best reasons to make this wise investment. 

Stay in Compliance With the Law

Driving without car insurance is against the law in most states. Driving without it can result in fines and the possibility of your driving privileges being suspended. There are some states that will take possession of your car. Purchasing insurance protects you against those who do not see the importance of auto insurance. If you get in an accident with a motorist that is uninsured, and you are not at fault, your insurance may pay to fix your damage. 

Reduce Stress and Enhance the Recovery Time With Superior Customer Service

If you are involved in an accident, having an agent’s expertise to help you through the post-accident process can save you an immense amount of time and inconvenience. If another driver is involved, your insurance agent will handle the communication with the other driver’s insurer. An agent will assist you in filing an insurance claim and can help ensure you get it settled quickly. In addition, if you have vehicle damage, an agent will help you find a repair shop.

Peace of Mind

Car insurance provides you with financial protection. Without it, you are responsible for paying for damages, car replacement and medical expenses all on your own. Car insurance allows you to move on with your life after an accident, knowing you will be financially okay. 

To learn more about the value of car insurance, contact the NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serving the Albany, NY area.

What Does Retirement Insurance Cover?

Unpredictable swings in the financial markets can put your retirement plans at risk, making retirement insurance a sensible precaution to protect your future. This type of coverage can preserve your income and quality of life while helping you fulfill your dreams. Below are some of the features of this coverage and what it means for your retirement.

Retirement insurance is typically offered as a supplement to other insurance policies and can protect your retirement income if there is turmoil in the financial markets. It will ensure that your retirement income remains stable, even if your other sources of retirement funds dwindle. You may need more than social security benefits to living the retirement of your dreams, and retirement insurance can help make that happen.

Social security is considered governmental retirement insurance, but this income alone may not be enough to ensure comfort in your later years. Having enough insurance, whether it be life, disability, medical or long-term care coverage, is something you need to ensure comfort. Look to insurance professionals and retirement coverage for assurance.

Associates at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY can walk you through retirement insurance coverage, premium options, and details, helping you select the best policy. Given the importance of retirement income and what it means for you and your family, there is no reason to subject yourself to unnecessary risk.

For additional information on retirement insurance and techniques to mitigate financial risks, please contact Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY. Do not let volatility in the financial markets detract from your golden years. Get retirement insurance and sleep easier at night.