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Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

1881 Western Avenue, Suite 210
Albany, NY 12203

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What You Should Do If Your Car Starts Sliding On Ice to Avoid an Accident

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If you are involved in an auto accident, there is a good possibility that your insurance rates will rise. While you cannot prevent all auto accidents, you can prevent or reduce the likelihood you are involved in them by knowing what to do in certain scenarios. One scenario is when your car is sliding across ice in Albany, NY. Knowing what steps to take can minimize your chances of being in an accident in this scenario. NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency would like to share two tips with you on what you should do if you find yourself in this situation.

Tap On Your Brakes, Don’t Slam Them

If your car begins to slide on an icy road, your first instinct may be to slam on your brakes. But this can cause your brakes to lock up, causing you to slide even more. Instead, lightly tap on your brakes to reduce your speed and eventually come to a stop.

Turn Into a Slide

When you begin to slide, you may turn your steering wheel in the opposite direction, hoping to correct the slide. However, you should always turn your wheels in the direction that the back of the car is sliding. This helps you gain control of your car so that you can slowly begin to correct the way you are sliding. If you steer in the opposite direction, you can overcorrect, causing your car to slide in the opposite direction quickly, causing an accident or even causing your car to roll.

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent all accidents. But having the right insurance coverage can ensure that an accident doesn’t turn your life upside. If you are not sure if you have enough coverage or are in the market for a new auto insurance policy in the greater Albany, NY area, give NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency a call. We would love to help you with all of your auto insurance needs.

What Do You Do When a Pipe Bursts?

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When the weather gets colder in Albany, NY, you need to take precautions to avoid any bursting pipes. But what do you do when one occurs? Take these steps if it happens to you so you can get your home back as soon as possible. 

  • Turn off the water right away. If you have realized that your pipes have frozen over, even if you do not have a water leak yet, you should go ahead and turn off the water. When the pipes defrost, the liquid will come through the pipes where they have broken because of the expanding water.
  • Call a plumber immediately. After you have shut off the water, make sure you get someone out to repair the pipes as soon as possible. A professional will know what to do and can help take care of the issue for you in no time at all.
  • If you have had a water leak, be sure to call someone who can clean up the water and treat your home for mold. If water has escaped into your home, you may have water damage and you have the possibility of mold so you will want to get this treated right away so you can avoid a costly mold removal later. 

Prevention is the best way to avoid this from happening, but if it ever does happen, now you know the right steps to take to fix it. If you are looking for home insurance to protect you if your pipes do burst, be sure to contact our office, serving Albany, NY, today. We will take a look at your current policy to ensure there are no gaps in coverage and even get you quotes to see if we can find a better policy at a better price. 

Contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY today for free home insurance quotes. 

When Can Auto Insurance Help the Most?

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Auto insurance policies are full of clauses that seem to be written to confuse rather than instruct. There are too many possible events to cover in just one policy, which is why it may seem a little vague. If you live in Albany, NY, and want to know more about how auto insurance helps you in the most dire of situations, then read on for more information. 

When You Injure Someone Else

Every driver makes mistakes, but some errors are worse than others. Injury on the road is serious, and depending on the person you hit, can mean many bills and accusations stemming from the original incident. For example, if a person has chronic back pain after the accident, they may continue to file claims for months later. Insurance keeps you legal without having to pay those costs out of pocket. 

If You Need to Get to Work 

Just one accident can become a mess of non-stop logistical problems that wind up getting in the way of your everyday life. While your errands can likely wait, your job really can’t. And your boss probably has so much patience for late arrivals. Insurance keeps you from having to rely on other people or an often unreliable public transportation system. It also means that you can rest easy about keeping your income. 

At the Worst of Times 

Accidents can make us all very upset, but not having someone to turn to can just make it worse. The residents in Albany, NY need a partner they can trust, which is why our agents are people you can trust when you’re feeling extremely vulnerable. Let someone else take over some of the worst details, so you can concentrate on getting back to your life. 

 

Fall Checklist-Preparing the Roof, Plumbing and Lawn Equipment for Winter

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Fall has finally arrived in Albany, NY, which means it’s time to get your home ready for the cold months ahead. Although fall may be a busy season for homeowners who are preparing for the New York winters, it is also the ideal time to take advantage of the mild weather to contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency about reviewing your insurance policy as well as repair any damages before the snow arrives. Here are a few ideas to help keep your home in good condition during the winter.

Check the Plumbing

Problems with the plumbing seem to always happen at the worst times, one particular time is during the winter, which seems to be a common season for plumbing problems. There are a few things you can do this fall to avoid costly plumbing repairs this winter, including:

  • Fix any minor leaks
  • Inspect and insulate pipes
  • Disconnect outdoor hoses
  • Close the shut-off valve for exterior water spigots

Check the Roof

Preparing your roof for the snow and ice should be done in the mid to late fall. Inspect the roof for any missing and/or loose shingles. Repair or replace damaged shingles as soon as possible. Check the flashing to ensure there isn’t any damage and check the gutters to make sure they are clean and clear from any leaves and other debris.

Lawn Equipment

Thoroughly clean all lawn furniture and equipment before storing it for the winter. Taking your lawn mower and other equipment in for cleaning and routine maintenance means it will be ready for you next spring. If lawn furniture is stored outside, remove all pillows, cushions and umbrellas to prevent them from getting damaged during the winter and make sure to cover furniture left outdoors with a heavy-duty tarp.

Remember to walk around the perimeter of your home and check for any cracks or crevices that may allow the cold air of winter to enter your home. Cracks, holes and crevices can also let the warm air escape, which can raise your energy costs, so caulk all openings before the winter arrives.

Fall is the perfect time for residents of Albany, NY to contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency to review their current policy or to inquire about a new policy.

Driving to Canada? Prepare Your Auto Insurance First

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With border states like New York and the upper seaboard states as well as the Great Lakes region, Canada is literally a neighbor next door. And there’s a lot of historic traffic that goes back and forth as people on both sides visit the other on a regular basis. The traffic is so common, many make seasonal trips on a regular basis, and have done so since childhood.

However, just because Canada is just up the road doesn’t mean a driver’s insurance coverage will automatically cover the driver and car the same way. Most auto insurance companies write their risk coverage policies for travel in the continental 48 states and the U.S. International travel can oftentimes be limited, especially if the company was not aware of driver going out of the U.S. ahead of time.

Fortunately, there are two ways to handle a cross-border drive situation. For the extremely occasional drive, a simple short-term additional policy can be the trick. For those who don’t want to pay for a more comprehensive policy but do want to drive on an upcoming trip can easily negotiate a temporary, short-term policy for time in Canada which then expires shortly after the trip is over. Most such polices are date-based, have a short duration, and cost a one-time fee to put in place; it’s a bit like traveler’s insurance for a car. The second option works better for regular visitors to Canada: inclusion of specified coverage in a standing policy. While it will cost a bit more than the same policy for domestic coverage, a driver can visit Canada regularly without worrying about an accident.

To find out about both options drivers in the Albany, NY area can receive guidance and advice from NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, experts in auto policies and how international travel applies.

Do You Have Gaps in Your Home Insurance Policy?

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Many people who have homeowners insurance think that they have everything covered when it comes to their home. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, even in Albany, NY. Here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we want to make sure you are as prepared as possible, which includes getting flood and earthquake insurance.

Why You Need Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is no longer for people who live in flood prone areas. If you have been paying attention to the weather news the past few years, flooding is becoming more and more prominent across the US. This is for a number of reasons such as new construction, fewer areas for the water to go, and possible climate change. Your homeowners insurance policy does not cover flood insurance in most cases. It is typically a separate type of insurance and the benefits of it are astronomical with so much flooding. In addition to exterior flooding, there is also the possibility of a pipe bursting inside your home which can lead to major water damage. It is always best to have flood insurance.

Why You Need Earthquake Insurance

Most people who do not live in an area that is prone to earthquakes do not even bother with looking at this option. However, just like flooding, earthquakes are happening in some areas that are not expected either. While it is not as prevalent, it can happen when a large earthquake sends shocks to other land masses or areas miles away. This is also something that is not covered by home insurance but something you may want to consider, even if you on the outskirts of an earthquake prone area.

If you are interested in learning more about your options, be sure to contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serving Albany, NY today. We will be happy to get some quotes for you to ensure you and your home are protected.

What Can Happen if You Do Not Have Auto Insurance?

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If you drive a vehicle in New York, it is a criminal offense and there are some pretty serious consequences that you could face if you are caught driving without it. You should know what you potentially face so you can make an educated decision and purchase auto insurance before it is too late. NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY, can help you prevent these consequences. 

  • You could pay anywhere from $150 to $1,500 every time you are caught with your insurance. This can happen every single time you get pulled over so you could face this penalty many times if you continue to not purchase auto insurance. 
  • Your vehicle could be impounded and you could be arrested. In some more severe cases, you you have your car taken away as well as find yourself behind bars for up to 15 days. You will have to pay money to get out of jail and get your car back along with the fine that is imposed upon you. 
  • You could lose your driver’s license and registration. On top of all the other things, you could also have your license suspended so you can no longer drive for a set amount of time. You will have to pay another $750 to get your license back. If you have not had insurance for more than 91 days or if you have already gone through this process and paid the reinstatement fee in the past three years, you will have to wait until your suspension is up before you can get your license back. 

These are just some of the possibilities and if you have a lapse in coverage or are in an accident, it could result in even more fines and penalties. Contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY, to receive a quote for auto insurance and to explore some of your options. 

Car Caused Home Damage – Who Pays?

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No one expects a car to come through the front living room a house, but it does happen. Once everyone confirms there are no serious injuries then the realization of the damage set in, and it’s usually pretty bad. After all, a projectile the size of a car is going to take out a good portion of a room before it stops completely. Technically, there are two coverages that kick in during such situations: the car driver’s responsibility and the home protection plan.

Since most homes are required to have some kind of home insurance if in mortgage status, most will also have a comprehensive home insurance plan that covers the majority of accident situations, but that doesn’t mean car caused damage is included. Home insurance typically covers more frequent risks like slip & falls, fire, break-ins, structural failure or similar. Car-caused damage tends to be far less frequent and some companies treat it as an outlier, such as flooding or tornadoes, and require a special policy coverage for such risks. In other cases, car damage may be limited to just the garage where a car would likely bump the house frame and not the rest of the structure. Again, how the home insurance policy is worded can make a big difference.

Ideally, however, the driver is responsible first, since he drove the car or controlled it prior to hitting the home. So if it exists, the driver’s car insurance policy will cover initial damage repairs. Many car policies are capped, however, and can only pay a certain amount. If damage is more or there is no policy, the driver must pay out of pocket but will likely have to be sued. In such cases, a homeowner will need to rely on his own policy for immediate repairs. To find out how to avoid these situations in the Albany, NY area, give NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency a call. They can explain policy nuances and help with finding the right coverage for the unexpected.

What is the Difference Between Straight and Term?

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Life insurance is a protection for yourself and your family in the unexpected instance of your death. There are two types of life insurance- whole, which is also referred to as permanent- and term life insurance. Below, find what each one entails, how they are different and what they cover. The two major differences is that term is a policy that is determined for a set amount of time and whole is to protect you for your entire life.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance is referred to as "term" because for the time, or "term" that you are paying your premium, you are paying for the cost of your death benefit for your family or beneficiaries. Term life insurance is usually pretty affordable, with premiums averaging around $30 a month for a healthy person in their twenties or thirties. Term life insurance only provides a death benefit. During this time, the insurance company may contest any claim that they feel is fraudulent. Most life insurance holders purchase term life insurance policies for basic life insurance needs.

Whole Life Insurance

Whole life insurance premiums are much higher- up to four times as high- than term ones because they add up to a cash value along with the death benefit in the policy. A portion of the premium is put to the side in savings for each payment, which accrues interest over time and can be borrowed against. Whole life insurance policies are usually better for individuals that have a high amount of wealth, complex financial situations, and /or assets to protect or may need the cash value to borrow against while they are still living.

Contact one of the agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency to help you understand the ins-and-outs of life insurance. Call or stop by for a free quote today.

Tips for Preventing Accidents in Winter

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Accidents happen during any season. However, winter, unfortunately, is a very common time for accidents because of the hazardous conditions snow and ice cause on the road. Not to mention, not everyone is an excellent winter driver, which means others may cause an accident on the road. It’s important to know how to prevent an accident on hazardous roads. 

1. Update Insurance Policy  
One of the main things an Albany, NY drivers should do in order to prepare for winter is update their insurance policy. The roads become more hazardous, which leads to more accidents. It’s an excellent time for a driver to update his or her policy to include full tort. This way his or her vehicle is covered in addition to the other party’s.  

2. Drive Slower 
A driver needs to adjust his or her speed based on the road conditions. Ultimately, the driver needs to slow down to be able to handle the car more optimally in winter weather.  

3. Don’t Slam on the Brakes 
Although the driver may feel the need to slam on the brakes to prevent sliding, this isn’t a good idea; it’s how the car will continue to slide out of control. 

4. Watch Other Drivers
Just because a person can handle his or her vehicle in the snow doesn’t mean other drivers on the road can. Wintertime is the ideal time to become more aware of others on the road. If a driver doesn’t already practice driving defensively, he or she should begin doing so in winter.  

To learn more about tips for driving in winter or to update a current policy or purchase a new one, contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving the Albany, NY area, at 518-608-5797.