518-608-5797 Facebook Twitter Linkedin Google+ YouTube Blog

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

mobile-callClick to Call
Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

1881 Western Avenue, Suite 210
Albany, NY 12203

google-mapGet Directions
Family in automobile

Switching Your Insurance Policy in Amsterdam, NY

When you know that it’s time to change insurance policy, you may still hesitate because it seems like it would be so complicated. In reality, changing your insurance policy is not complicated at all – but it does help if you have a few helpful tips. Keep reading to learn more about how to change your insurance policy with a minimum level of effort and time expended.

Changing Insurance Agents

If you are ready to make a change in your insurance agency along with change insurance policy, it makes sense to do both of these at the same time. When you change insurance agencies, it is wise to look for an agency that will truly work to give you the best possible rates on your policy, no matter what type of policy it is.

You can usually get the best rates if your agency offers live comparative quotes from several different providers. Independent insurance agencies have the ability to work with multiple insurance providers, including all the leading insurance companies in the United States today. This allows independent agents to provide quotes from at least three major insurance providers to their clients.

If your insurance agent can provide you with multiple quotes, review all the quotes to determine whether all the coverage is the same. Once you have verified that, then look for the bottom line: The price. If you can find the same coverage for a lower price, then it’s usually a smart move to make the switch.

Your agent can give you all the details about how to make a seamless switch from one insurance provider to another. Usually, this will be as simple as some paperwork, and you may even be able to complete it over the phone or online.

It’s easy to find the ideal insurance policy for your budget when you compare insurance quotes via the independent agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency!

Life Insurance Agents in New York

Life insurance policies are often confusing when you are not sure about the differences between plans and the conditions associated with your coverage. That is why you may search for insurance agents near me. Agents help explain the details of different policies so that you select the right plan based on your goals, budget and preferences.

Agent Basics

There are a variety of reasons to look for an agent that provides service to your local area, including the ability to find local and state-specific policies that are designed for your specific needs. An agent presents several policies so that you can compare different plans.

When you are confused about a policy, an agent will provide information that helps clarify or will explain the details so that you are getting the plan that you wanted. Along with the assistance during the process of selecting a life insurance plan, an agent can help you or your loved ones when it is necessary to make a claim.

Life Insurance Options

Several options are available when you want to purchase life insurance. You can purchase a term life plan, a whole life policy or a universal life plan. If you are concerned about a pre-existing health condition, then a guaranteed life policy may also be an option.

Since your needs may depend on several factors, including your current budget, an agent will explain the differences between plans and the options that are available during different situations so that you understand the policy.

Buying life insurance is an important part of maintaining your peace of mind, but you must start with finding the right plan and ensuring that it meets your needs. That is where an agent can help. To learn more about the services of an agent, contact us today.

Commercial Insurance Coverage Options in Schenectady, NY

The coverage options that are available for a commercial business in Schenectady, NY depend on the type of industry that you work in and the details of the company. Generally, commercial insurance will protect against liability concerns, potential damages that may arise to company property and concerns regarding the well-being and safety of your employees.

Worker’s Compensation

If you have hired employees, then you are required to carry some worker’s compensation insurance. As a general rule, you should obtain coverage as soon as you decide that it is time to hire an employee so that you are not facing unnecessary challenges or problems.

The coverage that you need will vary based on the risks and problems that are associated with the industry. Generally, a low-risk industry will carry a lower amount of protection when compared to a high-risk industry.

Liability Coverage

Liability protection can take a variety of forms, but a general plan is usually appropriate unless you have specific liability concerns to address. The policy will help pay for any injuries, property damage or problems that harm another individual. It will usually apply to your customers or visitors to your company office.

Car Coverage

Any time that you purchase a company vehicle, you should obtain protection for the car. The amount of protection will depend on your concerns, but you should comply with the state laws regarding liability coverage and uninsured motorist protection. Additional coverage that may be appropriate will vary.

There are several policies that are designed for businesses, but the protection that you need will depend on the situation and your particular company. Generally, you should focus on protecting against common threats and specific concerns that are related to the services you provide. To learn more, contact us to talk to an agent today.

Change Insurance Provider in New York – How and When?

There are times when you will want to make changes to your insurance policy and sometimes it may even be necessary to change insurance provider. Recognizing how to change your plan to a new provider and when it is appropriate to make adjustments can help you transition to the new policy.

Comparison and Contact

The first part of changing an insurance provider is comparing new policies and selecting a plan. You should then contact your current insurance provider to tell them that you do not intend to maintain your coverage and ask for the plan to be canceled.

Make sure that the new policy will apply to your assets before your previous policy is canceled. Otherwise, you may have days when your assets are not covered. You can also request to cancel the first plan as of a specific date so that you are covered until the new policy begins.

Determining When to Make the Change

Timing for a change to your insurance provider can be important, but it is usually possible to change your policy at any time. The best time to make a change is when your current plan is about to expire and you are asked to renew the policy.

If it is not possible to wait, then you can cancel the plan in the middle of an insured period. Depending on the company, canceling may result in some small fees; however, if you have already paid for the full insured period, then you will usually receive most of the remaining amount on your account as a refund.

Several reasons can prompt you to change your insurance provider when you are facing challenges. To learn more about changing insurers and getting the plan you want, contact us to talk to an agent today.

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agents in Pittsfield, MA

Assets that you purchase can have an impact on your financial situation, but it is not always a positive impact. In some cases, damages to the property can arise due to natural disasters or unexpected situations. That is why insurance is an important part of keeping your assets safe and limiting your financial risks in Pittsfield, MA. When you are not sure about the insurance that you need or you want to find a reasonable rate for your coverage, insurance agents can offer data so that you are making the best decision.

Advice from an Agent

A key reason that insurance agents can help is the advice that is offered. An agent listens to your goals and concerns before providing unbiased advice regarding the coverage that seems most appropriate.

Along with the coverage suggestions, an agent can offer advice when you are debating between a few different policies and insurance providers.

Finding Affordable Rates

While insurance can help protect your assets, you also want to ensure that your rates are fair and affordable. An agent will find a variety of policies from different insurance providers and present the plans that are most appropriate based on the coverage that you have identified and the price-range that you feel comfortable paying.

After selecting a plan, the agent can also help you determine if a discount may apply to your account. Although discounts can help, you should be aware that the options that are available can vary between insurance providers.

It is not necessary to spend a fortune in coverage for your assets. By comparing plans and seeking professional help, it is possible to find a fair rate and keep your assets as safe as possible. To learn more, contact us to talk to an agent today.

Homeowners Insurance Policy – NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, NY

Homeowners insurance helps to protect the most expensive asset in most people’s lives – your home. There are a lot of ways that damage could befall a home, such as a water pipe burst, a flood, or a fire. The amount of money that it takes to fully recover from these kinds of situations is more than many people have in their savings. While a second mortgage or home equity line of credit may cover this cost if you don’t have it sitting around, that has its own financial ramifications to consider.

Homeowners insurance is a low cost payment that helps to avoid these kinds of issues. Instead of having to worry about tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs because someone drove their car through your living room, you pay a small monthly premium and have everything covered. If you financed your home, you were also most likely required to hold insurance on your house before you could close on the mortgage.

Homeowners insurance doesn’t simply cover the physical structure of your home either. All of the systems within the house, such as the electricity system and plumbing, are covered in the event of major disasters. You also get covered for the content of your home, so if your personal assets get destroyed during a fire, you can replace them and get back on your feet quickly.

It’s important to have the proper amount of coverage for your homeowners policy, however. If you have a significant number of assets, it’s important to make sure that your coverage will pay for replacement. Get a free quote from NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, NY online to find out how much it will cost you.

Compare Auto Insurance Quotes in Rotterdam, NY

Is really worth the time and effort to compare auto insurance quotes before buying an auto policy in Rotterdam, NY? Well, unless you don’t care about paying more for auto insurance than you have to, comparing the rates of competing insurance companies can sometimes save you a tidy sum of money.

If the difference in premiums between car insurers was only $10 or $20 dollars, you might have a good case for buying the first policy you find. However, the difference is often $100 or more for the exact same coverage, How can that be? The answer lies in the fact that each auto insurance company has their own guidelines and methodology for determining risk and assigning rates.

You will also find that there is no single auto insurance company that always has the cheapest rate. To further necessitate the need to compare auto insurance quotes, you must also realize that some carriers have more favorable rates for individuals who fit a particular profile.

For instance, if you are a young driver, without much experience behind the wheel, there may be an auto insurance company that does not charge extra-high rates for drivers just because they are under 25. Other variables such as your driving record, type of car you drive, and how long you have been with the same insurance company, can all affect the premium you will be charges.

In order to make the smartest purchase decision, it is essential to compare rates by getting quotes from a good sample of car insurance companies. While you could try to do it yourself by going to an online site or calling up individual insurance companies, a better way to proceed is to let your independent agent do the leg work for you. Your agent will know which insurers are most likely to offer the best rates and also know the right amount of coverage you need. It costs you nothing to take advantage of this valuable service.

Car Insurance Rates in Albany, NY

Owning a car in New York means that you are required to purchase coverage to protect against accidents that may occur. The car insurance that you need will depend on your current situation and budget, but there are a variety of options to help protect your asset and your finances.

Requirements of the State

The state requirements are limited to liability protection. You are required to carry coverage for bodily injuries, accidental death and property damage that may occur if you cause an accident.

Although the state does have liability protection laws, the standards are limited and it may not be enough to address your concerns. Furthermore, the coverage does not apply to your personal vehicle, so you may want to purchase additional coverage to pay for damages to your car if you get into an accident and it is determined that you caused the accident.

Rate Details

The premium that you can expect to pay for your coverage will depend on a variety of factors. Generally, the cost is determined by your personal information as well as the coverage that you select and the car that you are driving.

Your credit rating, driving history and current age can all contribute to the rates that you are offered. Furthermore, full coverage will usually cost more than liability protection, so the details of the policy that you select will also help determine the quotes that you are offered. In some cases, adding a discount to your account will also help reduce your rates, so you should ask about any discounts that may apply to the account.

There are a variety of details that determine the cost of coverage for a car. To learn more about protecting your car with appropriate coverage, contact us to talk to an agent.

How does my loss ratio affect business insurance premiums?

When you start a business, it is likely that you will be considered a high risk individual. Over time, insurance companies will consider your loss ratio and the details of your claims when they are determining the business insurance premiums that you will need to pay for your coverage.

What is a Loss Ratio?

Before you can understand how it impacts your premiums, you must recognize what the ratio is and how it is calculated. The ratio refers to the amount of money that the insurance company pays out to the business in claims when compared to the amount that the company is paid. For example, if you pay $100 per month and your total claims over the year add up to $600, then you would have a loss ratio of 50 percent for the full year. The company made $1200 from your premiums, but paid out $600 in claims, resulting in a profit of $600.

How it Impacts Your Premiums

The reason that the ratio impacts your premiums is the risk assessment. If you have a history of a higher-than-average ratio when compared to other businesses within the same industry, then you can expect to pay more to the company because of your claims.

Furthermore, you can expect to pay more when you have a high ratio over a particular year, even if you have a low ratio over the course of several years prior to the current time.

Ratios, statistics and average data help insurance companies identify the amount of risk that comes with protecting your business. Ideally, you want to have a low or reasonable ratio to get the best rates. Contact us to speak to an agent to learn more about your options and the policies that are appropriate for your business.

What is coinsurance and how does it affect my health insurance?

The Affordable Care Act was designed to give every American, access to health care coverage without worrying about being denied care because of pre-existing conditions, limits on coverage, or termination because you used your policy too much. There is still a lot of confusion about terminology, coverage specifics and what you can expect from your health insurance and how the payment system will work. As your independent agent, we’re here to clarify things for you, and to make sure you have a good understanding of how your coverage works.

When you see your doctor, the office files a claim with your insurance company. The insurance company pays a percentage of the cost of services you received. That percentage is subtracted from the amount the insurance company allows for that particular service. Whatever is left after your insurance company pays their part, which is typically 80 percent, is the coinsurance, or amount you have to pay out-of-pocket. If you have a deductible, the insurance company subtracts that amount from what they pay, so you’ll have to pay the deductible and the percentage.

In New York state, however, your insurance company can’t charge you a co-payment, or expect you to pay a deductible when you see your doctor for routine preventive care services. The insurance company will pay whatever percentage they allow, and for these services only, you won’t have to pay anything.

New York also has a cost-sharing program to help people whose income falls below a certain threshold. When you apply or applied for medical insurance through the state’s sign-up program, you can find out if you qualify for help from the state.

If you have Medicare, and you have a supplement to your Medicare policy, your supplement may cover what Medicare doesn’t pay. If your doctor bills Medicare directly and accepts direct payment from Medicare, then you can’t be charged a co-payment for what Medicare doesn’t cover. If you have Medicare and also have prescription drug coverage through Medicare, you are responsible for the amount that your drug insurance doesn’t pay for your medicine. The amount you pay is also called coinsurance, which is the same as a co-payment.

The coinsurance does not affect your health insurance when you go to the doctor for things that aren’t considered basic preventive care because you pay nothing for these visits.

Contact your independent agent in one of our Schenectady or Saratoga Springs, New York offices to compare prices on health insurance coverage for you, and your family.