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Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

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Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

1881 Western Avenue, Suite 210
Albany, NY 12203

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Home Buying Tips for First-Time Buyers

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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

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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?

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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.

2018 Auto Insurance FAQs

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Purchasing auto insurance has never been more simple and at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency we want our clients in and around Albany, NY to know all of their options to even further simplify the process and answer the common questions associated with auto insurance in 2018. 

  • Is Auto Insurance a New York State Requirement? Yes, drivers must carry a minimum level of insurance as set by state standards. Carrying only this minimum is to protect you and other drivers from financial distress after an accident. 
  • How Much Auto Insurance Should I Carry? Minimum liability is set at $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 total for bodily injury to all people involved, and $10,000 for property damage one accident, in addition to the no-fault accident coverage of $50,000. It would be prudential to carry the voluntary higher limits for liability and personal injury protection, the minimum amount is just that, and additional protection may save the bank after an accident.
  • What is an Assigned Risk Plan? This is a New York Automobile Insurance Plan that makes sure that consumers who cannot find an insurance company who will accept them, for whatever reason, will still be able to be legally insured. 
  • Are There any Discounts for Insurance? Yes, you may be able to receive a discount on your insurance if you take an accident prevention course, or if your car has certain safety features such as automatic seat belts, ABS, anti-theft devices, or daytime running lights. If you have a great driving record, if you are in driver training, or if you are purchasing a policy for more than one car you may qualify. Discuss these options with an agent.

Contact us at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today to purchase a policy, or upgrade and renew your establish policy. We proudly serve Albany, NY and the surrounding areas. 

Is a Person Ever Too Old to Get Life Insurance?

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Here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we understand from a personal standpoint just how important it is to invest in life insurance. We take much pride in being able to help a number of residents living in Albany, NY and we want to help you find a life insurance policy that can best meet your needs. For now, let’s look at whether or not a person is ever too old to buy life insurance. 

What is the perfect age to buy life insurance?

Here’s the truth … the best age to buy life insurance is when a baby is one day old. The younger and healthier a person is, the less expensive their life insurance premium amounts are going to be. And while many people don’t think about buying life insurance on a baby because the child does not provide any type of income, what they fail to realize is that buying a policy for the baby is an excellent way to provide financial protection for the future grandkids. Wouldn’t you have really appreciated it if your parents had purchased a policy for you when you were a baby and the rates were locked in? 

Is a person ever too old to get life insurance?

No, a person is never too old to get life insurance, but the longer you wait to purchase it, the more expensive the monthly premium rates are going to be. Ideally, you will want to purchase it when you are as young as possible. 

To learn more about buying life insurance in Albany, NY, please contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. 

Do I Need Commercial Insurance For My Start-Up?

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If you have a start-up in Albany, NY, you may be channeling a lot of your time and effort into expanding it but forgetting to protect what you already have. Start-ups need commercial insurance just as much as established businesses. They may need even more protection because most start-ups do not have the funds to pay for risks such as fires, liability claims, vandalism, or theft. Contact an insurance agency such as NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency to get your new quote for commercial insurance. They will help you find the insurance commercial insurance coverage options that are able to meet your needs.

Why Your Start-Up Needs Commercial Insurance

  • To Protect You From Liability Claims

If third parties are injured in your business property or their property is damaged, the may sue you. Your business may be required to compensate them for the costs of medical charges, and repair or replacement of their property. Liability insurance coverage compensates you for those fees and any legal charges that you may incur including lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation.

  • To Protect You From Loses Due To Business Interruption

If your business is unable to maintain its normal operations because of risks such as fires, protests, or floods, you may be unable to pay your taxes, employees, and rent. If you don’t have insurance, such factors could force you to sell your assets. Business interruption insurance compensates you for the net profits you would have made and helps you to make your payments.

  • To Protect Your Business Property

Business property insurance protects your business property such as computers, machinery, furniture, and merchandise from common risks. It may also cover other people’s items that are under the care of your business. In case of insured risks, it compensates you for the repair or replacement costs.

Contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency on 518-608-5797 to get a new quote for your start-up in Albany, NY.

Enjoying Life to the Fullest With Peace of Mind

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Everybody, of course, wants to live their lives with utmost peace of mind. To do this, though, there are several steps that a person must take. For starters, a person can take a look at the benefits to be gained when investing in life insurance. For now, let’s look at how life insurance provides peace of mind and why you should speak with a qualified agent to discuss your various policy options. 

Offers Help on Final Expenses

Final expenses can consist of any expense that is related to a person’s passing. When someone passes away and they have life insurance, the policy will help pay for final expenses, such as the casket, preparations, funeral costs, memorial services, and more. These things can get quite costly, with the average funeral costing around $7,000.  

Income Replacement

You can have peace of mind when choosing to get life insurance because, if you are like most, your loved ones may depend on you and your income to help them meet daily needs, such as car payments, utilities, medical care, and food. If you were to pass away and do not have the means to replace your income, then your family’s standard of living might be in jeopardy. But with the right policy, you can rest assured your family will be financially taken care of after your passing. 

Pay off Your Mortgage

Life insurance has the ability to pay off your current mortgage, providing your surviving family with the ability to stay in their current home and not have to worry about outstanding payments. Could your family members afford the home mortgage if your paycheck was not in the picture? If the answer is no, then they are at risk of losing the home they love. A life insurance policy, however, can help ensure they are able to make payments, and if the payout is large enough, they may even be able to pay off the entire mortgage. 

If you would like to learn more about enjoying life to the fullest with peace of mind, then contact the NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serving the Albany, NY area today to discuss various life insurance policy options. 

Benefits of retirement insurance

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Retirement insurance is designed to help retirees to continue enjoying the quality life that they had during their working years. Depending on your needs, retirement insurance can focus on different areas of your life. They include health care, life insurance coverage, travel coverage, home insurance coverage, and much more. Most retirees are in their old age, and that comes with lifestyle changes that require financial stability. It’s advisable to start your retirement plans as early as possible.
Even though government benefits in Albany, NY can at times give assistance, it’s advisable to maintain personal insurance plans with insurers like NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. It helps you to adequately prepare in case of any risks and be able to enjoy your retirement years. Some benefits of retirement insurance include:
Future source of income
After retirement, you still need a way to support your family financially, and that’s what retirement insurance does. Without it, you may be forced to liquidate your long-term investments just to cater for your financial needs.
Protection against unforeseen circumstances
There will always be situations and reasons that will require you to spend your savings. It could be medical bills or cash for catering for damages of any kind. This policy will serve as a safety net for any unknown risks.
Offers returns
Retirement plans should begin as early as possible. That way, you can gain returns from the compounding effect and earn a substantial amount at maturity.
It’s Flexible
Depending on your requirements, retirement insurance can be customized to meet your specific needs. You can choose from a wide variety of coverage options that suit you.
Talk to an agent at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency to help you make an informed decision. We service the area of Albany, NY as well as the state of New York in whole. Contact us today and secure your financial future.

My Elderly Parent Moved In With Me: Should I Add Them to My Car Insurance Policy?

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As individuals age, they may need to move in with family members. They may be unable to afford to live on their own, may be lonely living on their own, or may need help with daily activities and medical care. Moving in with their adult children can be beneficial in all of these regards. However, if you take one of your parents in, one of the questions you may have is whether you should add them to your auto insurance policy. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY, we want to help you determine when you should and shouldn’t add them. Here is some information you should consider. 

If They Will Be Driving Your Car

The most important factor to consider when deciding whether to add an elderly family member to your car insurance policy is whether they will be driving your car or not. If they have permission to drive your cars, you should add them to your auto insurance policy. If they will never be driving your car and do not drive at all, you do not need to add them. 

What Their Driving Record Is

Another important factor to consider before adding them is what their driving record is. If they have accidents or tickets, adding them to your policy may increase your rates. If they have a poor driving record, you may need to preclude them from your policy and not allow them to drive your cars to prevent your auto insurance rates from increasing. 

When an elderly family member moves in with you, trying to decide whether to add them to your auto insurance policy or not can be challenging. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY, we would love to help you figure it out. Contact us today and let’s sit down and discuss your auto insurance needs. 

Taking Stock of Valuables in Our Home: Important Considerations

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Many residents of Albany, NY and the Capital District welcome the arrival of spring. The annual spring cleaning ritual is more than a time to decide if you want to keep grandma’s hat. For many of us, it is also an opportunity to document family treasures that have monetary as well as sentimental value.

The agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency encourage you to take stock of your valuables. Here are some important steps to follow:

  • 1. Create a Video of Your Valuables. Record them on the video and describe them as well. You can use the video functions on your smartphone or laptop.
  • 2. Take Pictures. Photographs allow you to show details from your valuables, such as intricate jewelry patterns. Take pictures in the area of the home where the items generally reside. 
  • 3. Keep an Inventory of Valuables You Wish to Insure. You can create a handwritten list or simple spreadsheet. Capture as much information as you can, including serial numbers or other unique identifiers. Scan a copy of this list or save a digital file offsite. This information should accompany any video or photographic images you have taken. 
  • 4. Consider Professional Appraisals for Exceptionally Rare and Valuable Items. Appraisals cost money, but they may provide important information that explains why an item has great value. Check the policy limits available on your plan and consider an optional rider if necessary.
  • 5. Keep Backup Copies of Documentation Offsite. Place content on a thumb drive or other digital media and store copies offsite, such as in your safe deposit box and another backup location. Be sure that you have more than one physical or electronic copy in case the original is destroyed or no longer functioning. 

Contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY if you need to modify your homeowner’s policy.