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.

Get Commercial Insurance Quotes From Our Agents in Watervliet, New York

Posted on January 21, 2015 by AgentInsure

Watervliet, New York 12189 is a rapidly rising star among New York cities, especially for businesses in this area. It's located at the epicenter of the NY tech valley, bringing in plenty of investors and stellar opportunities for tech related companies looking to find their footing. We've found that the city's hospitality to new businesses helps as well.

Part of properly protecting your new business is getting the appropriate amount of commercial insurance in place. There are some insurance types that are no-brainers, such as picking up liability insurance and worker's compensation. In the commercial insurance world, there are many specialty options you have the option of choosing.

Commercial auto insurance is an excellent option for businesses that require work trucks, extensive driving, and other car dependent activities. The primary differences between commercial auto and personal auto insurance are the higher coverage rates, loss of use payments, and the ability to easily add additional drivers to the insurance package. Fleet insurance provides heavily discounted rates when insuring multiple company vehicles, starting with 4.

Another specialty business insurance product is errors and omissions insurance. Are you working as a tech law attorney in NY? This insurance stops your financial liability if the legal advice you give ends up causing a loss for your client. It covers any errors in your judgment and knowledge omissions over the course of advising the client.

Need to figure out your overheads when setting up commercial insurance? Talk to our experienced agents once you use our free quotes tool to find out the best business insurance options for your up and coming business in New York.

Rotterdam New York Style

Posted on January 5, 2015 by AgentInsure

Fertile soil along the Mohawk River started corn marketing. Not too far away the Erie Canal and railroads fueled the growth of Rotterdam New York. Concentrating on agriculture, commercial, and industrial enterprises Rotterdam grew. Today sales, office, management, science and the arts create the economy. The larger city of Schenectady cooperates and puts on joint ventures with Rotterdam making it a grand place to live.

Honoring Food and Farms

The oldest farm Mabee Farm in the Mohawk Valley, has a stone house. Originally nine acres the attraction has a large number of artifacts from the Colonial period. More is being discovered by the archaeological digs. You get a close up personal view of how life was in the Colonial period. The nearby Schenectady Historical Society also has exhibits from the area. Originally a Dutch colony it has since transformed to mostly Italian. With all the produce available many unique eateries exist in the area such as The Villa Tuscan Grille, Lucia’s Two-Go and Paesan’s Pizza. Because of the agrarian background harvest festivals and dances dot the area as well. All watched over by Saint Gabriel the Archangel Church along with others.

Continual Protection

Just in case St. Gabriel is busy I your local insurance agent have homeowners insurance just right for you. Artic winds and snows do reach Rotterdam and a broken window or two happens. Replacement is a cinch with a good policy. I know the area and I know the needs. With replacement I can recommend options that can prevent the next broken window. Think about combination policies such as bundling your auto and life insurance with it. Often discounts become available. So while you are exploring life in Rotterdam stop by my office. Visit with your local agent. I will help you.

The Types of Insurance that You May Need

Posted on December 17, 2014 by AgentInsure

Life in Saratoga Springs, New York is appealing to residents. With so much to do on days off from work; life is never boring. When a young couple first starts out in life they are constantly facing things that a lot of people tell them that they must have. To help make an informed decision about what you may need to have, here are some insurance policies that you may want to consider buying for your family’s protection.

Different Types of Insurance Products for Your Family

Home insurance is a broad description that is used to cover different types of policies. If you are a renter or a home owner can affect what type of policy you can buy. A renter’s policy is used for people that rent a home, but will have various coverage benefits designed to protect the renter better than a regular home policy would.
Car insurance is straight forward. But, you can add different benefits to meet the needs that you have in different stages of life. For instance, you can add gap insurance for a new purchase and then drop the coverage once the loan is paid off.
Life insurance can be bought on a term period (a set number of years) or, what is called whole life insurance (builds cash value). Depending on what your needs are will help your agent determine which policy is right for you.

Whether you have need of property insurance or life insurance, you do not want to be hit with a big surprise in life in case something goes wrong. As your independent local agent, we can help you determine which policies are right for you. Call us today and set an appointment to go over the ways you want to protect your family.

Finding the Best Life Insurance in Albany, New York

Posted on December 1, 2014 by AgentInsure

As the capital city of New York, Albany is home to nearly 100,000 people and even more in the surrounding areas. From its bustling arts scene to its opportunities for outdoor adventure, life is good in upstate New York’s ‘Tech Valley’. At our independent insurance agency, we are proud to be a part of such a great community. Our team of agents work every day to bring our customers excellent life insurance coverage at the best possible rates.

Life insurance is security in a world where life – and finances – can change in a single moment. Our agents can help you find a policy that will give you peace of mind now and protect your family should the unexpected occur. We offer two types of life insurance to Albany area residents – whole life and term coverage. Both have different features which may be beneficial at various stages of life. Our job is to help you narrow down your options to find the policy that best fits your needs and budget.

No matter your age or level of current financial stability, there is no better time than the present to purchase life insurance for you and your family. Whether you need coverage that will replace your income or a benefit that will help ensure your children can attend college, we have a policy that is right for you. We can even help you learn how whole life protection can serve as a living benefit for the future.

Remember, our agency is an independent insurance provider working for our customers – not the insurers. When you shop with us, you have the opportunity to compare quotes from many of New York’s leading insurance providers in a single location. Contact one of our friendly agents today for a no-hassle quote and coverage consultation.

Finding Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Troy, New York

Posted on November 18, 2014 by AgentInsure

Protecting your personal assets can require the right type of insurance policy. In Troy, New York, it is important to purchase car insurance that can help protect against high-cost bills after a storm. City Data reports that Troy can get heavy snowfall from November until the end of February, so you will want an auto policy that will help pay for any storm damages that may occur. Insurance agencies can help you find the right policy for your car in New York so that you can feel confident that you will not face financial challenges.

State Requirements

Even if you decide to avoid coverage that will pay for damage to your personal vehicle, New York residents are required to purchase liability coverage and no-fault insurance. The liability coverage will help pay for any accidents that you cause, but you should be aware of the fact that you will have limited protection.

Comparing Rates

After you have identified the coverage that you need in Troy, compare several quotes and policies to avoid unnecessary challenges. You can find cheap coverage options by comparing the prices of several insurance providers. Agencies can help by offering information and details that allow you to find the car insurance that you want or need. You can also ask an agent about the specific policies and fine details to obtain the quotes that you feel are appropriate for your budget and your standards.

Cheap car insurance is possible when you compare several policies and quotes. The key is recognizing the coverage that you feel is appropriate and setting a clear budget so that you can find a cheap plan without wasting time. Agencies can help you identify the plan that is best for your needs, but the final decision depends on your personal preferences. To learn more, contact us today.

Car Insurance in Your Local New York Neighborhood

Posted on November 3, 2014 by AgentInsure

Politics, entertainment, fashion and food makes the central core of the New York lifestyle. The city that never sleeps actually sleeps in phases depending on which venue you are participating in. Daytime comes as the Wall Street markets gear up for national and global business. Afternoons make for fun in Central or Brooklyn Park excursions. Evenings come as galas, theater, Carnegie Hall, and nightclubs showcase artistic talent.

Small Towns Within

New York has many strong neighborhoods each with a different flavor. Local cafes, local entertainment venues and other institutions add to the mystique of it. West Village, East Village, Soho, and Harlem have their own history and flavor. Many residents prefer using local neighborhood businesses to shop or eat. Talking about local for your car insurance needs think about using your local agents. Local insurance agents understand the neighborhood and its needs. They know the flavor you need.

Protection

Checking your car insurance needs yearly makes sense. Car values do not remain static but go up and down according to the market. New York is a busy place so a vehicle getting a few bumps and bruises while you own it is highly likely. So why worry at all? Insurance takes care of major issues so you do not have too. Do not forget your spouse. No need for separate policies. Your policy can be set up to cover you and your spouse. As your local agent I know what type of accident happens most frequently and can steer you clear of most it. I have been known to save a marriage or two taking time offering safety and protection from those unexpected mishaps.

While you are strolling down the lane stop in and visit with us!

Auto Insurance Company in Watervliet, NY

Posted on October 22, 2014 by AgentInsure

An auto insurance company in Watervliet, NY can help you protect your vehicle, other drivers and your passengers when an accident occurs, but the best policy and company for your situation can vary. When you ask for help from insurance agents, you can avoid any problems that may arise when it relates to your coverage and you can get the protection that you want or need.

Comparing Plans

Before you can learn more about the companies that are best for your situation, you will want to look at several policies and options. Insurance agents can provide the information that you need to quickly compare different rates, coverage options and plans. When you have select potential options for your vehicle, you can then consider the specific company and compare the details related to the business. Since every company is different, you want to feel confident that the business is appropriate for your needs.

Research the Companies

Never assume that a company is appropriate for your needs. The coverage that is offered, whether it focuses on the state minimum standards or offers additional solutions, will only provide the first step of selecting a policy.

You should always compare the companies and learn more about the business when you are considering coverage. Find out about any customer complaints that may exist and take the time to evaluate the business strategy so that you can select a company and a policy that will offer the protection you need with the fewest hassles.

There are several ways to protect your vehicle, but auto insurance is a necessary part of the equation. Do not assume that any company is appropriate for your needs. To learn more about different auto insurance companies or policies, contact us to speak to an agent today.

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