The Benefits of Working with an Independent Agent vs. A Captive Agent

Posted on June 17, 2015 by AgentInsure

Whether you operate a small business or a large organization, getting the most for your money is always important. Since your business needs business insurance, it makes sense to understand what options you have available when you purchase business insurance, primarily whether to purchase your insurance from an independent agent or a captive agent.

Understanding the Difference between an Independent and a Captive Agent
Many people do not recognize a difference between the companies they choose to purchase their business insurance from within Watervliet, New York. An independent insurance agent works for an agency that sells insurance products for many different insurance companies. A captive insurance agent sells limited products and services associated with only their brand.

You Get Competitive Rates by Working with an Independent Agent
As a result of captive agents selling products and services created and priced by their business exclusively, your business doesn’t always get the best rate when you request insurance quotes. The quote you get is the established rate the company determined was fair for the product.
Fortunately, with an independent insurance agent you get a competitive rate. Independent agents search the market for the best value for your business based on your needs.

You Get Excellent Customer Service with an Independent Agent
For businesses, purchasing insurance means you need a working relationship with your insurance agent. Employee changes, changes affecting policy limits, and adding additional insurance products require communicating with your insurance agent on a regular basis. Independent insurance agents provide quality customer service during the sale and while maintaining your account; you are not simply an account, but a valued customer.

Ensure your business with the variety of insurance products offered by independent agents. By purchasing from them, you can get quotes, competitive rates, and quality service that lasts the duration of your working relationship.

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Home Insurance: Dealing With Car Damage On Your Property

Posted on June 1, 2015 by AgentInsure

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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3 Reasons You Pay More When You Don’t Shop Around for Car Insurance

Posted on May 20, 2015 by AgentInsure

It’s common knowledge that you can save money by shopping around for car insurance, but many people fail to do so. They either choose to remain with their existing insurance company or they opt for a national brand because they think these insurance companies are trustworthy. Unfortunately, foregoing shopping around for insurance costs you more than time.

Low and Moderate Income Drivers Charged More
The Consumer Federation of America conducted a study where they found that many people within low-income zip codes were charged more for auto insurance policies. In fact, basic insurance coverage was often priced over $500 in low and moderate income zip codes. For individuals and businesses purchasing insurance in this zip code, failing to shop around will cost you extra money on your car insurance policy.

Ignoring that Insurance Companies Rate Based on Occupation
Although many people do not know it, insurance companies may price their insurance policies based on education level and occupation. An individual with a high school education paid 41% more on their annual cost of insurance compared to an executive with the same policy, with one of the major insurance carriers. When you shop around you can avoid these practices by choosing to purchase your insurance from independent agents who get quotes for you from many different companies.

Failing to Maximize Discounts
Although insurance companies offer very similar products, not all insurance companies are created equal. Many insurance companies offer discounts for a multitude of different scenarios for drivers, failing to maximize your discounts means you pay more for your business and auto insurance.

Do not pay more for car insurance when you do not have to in Watervliet, New York. You can call an independent insurance agent and get the best insurance for your budget, today.

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Why Minivans Are Great Options for Your Fleet

Posted on May 5, 2015 by AgentInsure

For businesses, keeping costs low is a priority in Albany, New York. Whether the focus is on labor costs or operating costs, the more money you have remaining in your business the better you are competitively. Fortunately, you can purchase minivans for your fleet to keep costs low for your business.

Minivans are Cheaper to Insure
Minivans continue to be one of the vehicles that top insurance companies’ lists of inexpensive cars to insure. A recent study showed that two Toyota Sienna minivans were the cheapest cars to insure with the average annual insurance rate of $1,111 and $1,114. Additionally, family-oriented crossovers and some SUVs were cheaper to insure than other cars. A lower annual premium makes minivans a cost saver when it comes to your business fleet.

Minivans are Fuel Efficient
Saving fuel costs for your fleet will not only help you improve your bottom line, but it will also help you go further. Fortunately, minivans have proven to be fuel efficient. With some minivans realizing ranges of 31 highway miles per gallon. With a fuel efficient minivan, you can make more business trips without venturing to the gas station.

Minivans are Safe
Safety is a big issue for many businesses. Employees responsible for conducting business transactions away from their work facilities must have reliable transportation while doing so. Minivans are notoriously safe. They provide your employees with the ability to handle and control the vehicle with ease, reducing the potential for danger when facing bumper-to-bumper traffic. Investing in a fleet of minivans will help your business reduce the costs of insurance by eliminating risks for your employee and others on the road.

Whether you are a business or an individual with a learners permit in Albany, New York, independent agents provide you with the great rates on your car insurance. Contact an agent to get the answers to your questions about the best coverage for you.
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5 Business Changes That Warrant a New Insurance Quote in Albany, NY

Posted on April 20, 2015 by AgentInsure

No business owner in Albany, NY wants to think about insurance, but it is an integral part of their business. After all, without it, they are seriously exposed to major risk. While insurance may not be the most fun and exciting thing in the world, it is an obligation that must be continue to be fulfilled in order your business to remain intact and operate smoothly.

However, once you get that policy in place, you are from done. You still need o review your coverage yearly and make sure that it still covers you sufficiently after any changes that occurred throughout the year. If you aren’t sure what changes may require that you get a new business insurance quote, here are five:

Employees Are Hired/Fired – When changes are made to your current staff load by any method, then your entire coverage may need to change. If you hire several new employees, then your Workers’ Compensation policy may need to be upped a notch to ensure all employees are protected if injured while working.
Business Relocates – If you start off in a small home office or a small office building, you may move to a large space as your business grows. Even if you are currently protected with a BOP, it’s likely that you’ll need more due to changes in security risks, natural disaster exposure, etc.
New Equipment – Your rate for Property Insurance will vary depending on the amount and type of equipment that you and your business use. When you purchase new pieces, it’s a good thing to consult with your independent agent to ensure everything is good. If it’s not, get it adjusted immediately.
New Products/Services – When you introduce a new product or service, you may need to add to your Professional Liability or General Liability Products and Completed Operations coverage to ensure that you are protected in the event that something goes wrong with your new product/service.
Revenue Declines/Increases – This is not by just a few bucks. If your revenue significantly jumps or declines, then you need to talk about your coverage. If you are seeing a decline in revenue, you can probably save money by lowering your premium for things that may no longer be necessary. If you re seeing a boost, then you need to make sure that you are protecting more assets.

If any of these five instances have occurred, then it’s time to give our agents a call so that we can evaluate your current commercial insurance, make the necessary changes and compare it to other available offers before settling on your new policy that will protect your business in the 12203 area.

Does Your Business in Albany, NY Need an Umbrella Insurance Policy?

Posted on April 5, 2015 by AgentInsure

If you currently own and operate a business, then it’s probably safe to assume that your business in Albany, NY, is properly insured with business insurance. However, have you ever wondered if that coverage was enough? What would happen if you encountered a loss that exceeding the current limits of your business coverage? Although you may think it would never happen to you, you can’t predict the future and the last thing you want is for your successful business to fail. Luckily, you have an option: umbrella coverage.

What Is a Commercial Umbrella Policy?

Essentially, an umbrella policy for your business is designed to provide an extra security blanket in the event that an adversity occurs, such as a lawsuit due to breach of contract, wrongful termination or bodily injury.

Why You May Need Umbrella Coverage

Let’s say that your current business insurance would cover $2 million in a general liability lawsuit. However, the settlement requires that you cough up $5 million. This means that you are left responsible for paying an additional $3 million. If you have an umbrella liability insurance policy, then it will cover that $3 million, assuming that the policy is at least $3 million.

Ultimately, it’s your decision whether you want to spend extra money on a separate umbrella policy to complement your regular insurance coverage. However, if a major loss occurs unexpectedly and you aren’t prepared, you could lose your business. Therefore, you may want to take the time to learn more about umbrella coverage and how it can benefit your business as a whole. For more information, contact our commercial insurance agents who serve the 12203 community in New York and can get you quotes umbrella insurance policy.

Prevenitng Guest Injuries In Your Home

Posted on March 17, 2015 by AgentInsure

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.

Why Are the Walls in Your Basement Cracking?

Posted on March 2, 2015 by AgentInsure

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.

5 Things You Can’t Do with a Learners Permit

Posted on February 2, 2015 by AgentInsure

There’s a good chance that you’ve looked up the rules about driving with a learners permit in the 12203 area. And while you are probably very familiar with the things you can do with your permit, you must also consider the things you cannot do. Here’s a quick look at the five things you won’t be able to do with a learners permit when driving in Albany, NY.

Drive by yourself

With your learner’s permit, you are not allowed to drive by yourself. In fact, you must have someone in your car who is at least 21-years-old and has a valid driver’s license. In addition, this person must be legally allowed to operate the type of vehicle you are driving.

Speed

Just like any driver, you are not allowed to speed or break any traffic laws while driving with your learners permit. If you do, you may end up with your permit being suspended for an extended period of time.

Drive in a DMV driving area

With your learner’s permit, you are not allowed to drive in any areas where DMV tests are conducted.

Drive with your siblings in the car

Many people who are old enough to drive are considered old enough by their parents to babysit. What you must remember, though, is that you are not allowed to drive your siblings if you have only a learners permit. The only way you can do this is if a licensed driver who is at least 21-years-old is in the car with you.

Drive without wearing a seatbelt

You and everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt. If you have any small children in the vehicle, they are required at all times to be in proper child restraints too.

For more information on driving in New York with your learners permit, contact one of our highly-trained car insurance agents today.

Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

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