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Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

1881 Western Avenue, Suite 210
Albany, NY 12203

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Top Three Security Risks In Your Home

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Home insurance is designed to support you following a home-related issue such as damage or burglary. However, the first line of defense is always to do everything in your power to prevent these events from happening in the first place. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY, we want to help you keep your home safe in every way possible. Keep reading to learn about the top three security risks to your home. 

No Security System 

Having a security system is the number one way to deter burglars. A security system not only deters burglars, but if your home is invaded, a security system minimizes the time it takes for law enforcement to arrive. These critical moments could mean the difference between a tragedy and a would-be tragedy. 

No Door Camera 

Door cameras are becoming more and more easily accessible with modern technology. Even if you do not have a complete security system in your home, a door camera can significantly increase the safety and security of your family. These devices allow you to have better control over your property, and most door cameras allow you access to video right from your phone. This means that even while you are away from home, you can always know what is happening. 

Poor Outdoor Lighting

This is a simple step you can take to increase the safety and security of your property. Outdoor lighting can be used to deter burglars and make your property a safer place. Burglars look for properties that can be accessed with the least amount of attention. Things like outdoor lighting, dogs, and security systems all help to send a message to would-be burglars that this house is difficult to access without bringing attention. 

If you want to learn more about home insurance, please get in touch with us at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY, and the surrounding areas. 

How Might Vehicle Upgrades Affect Your Auto Insurance?

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For many people, upgrades and modifications are part of the fun of owning just the right car and genuinely making it their own. But can upgrades affect your auto insurance policy?

If you’re in or near Albany, NY, and need help buying or updating your auto coverage, we at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can help. In the meantime, here are a few things every car owner should know about the correlation between upgrades and insurance coverage.

Do upgrades affect your auto insurance?

Yes, they do – even if the upgrades or changes are minor. Auto insurance policies tend to be highly specific. Many factors, including the vehicle’s inherent value, determine rates and coverage.

Upgrades to a vehicle almost always mean it will be worth more and potentially sell for more. They can also add up to additional risks for drivers. It should make sense that auto insurance premiums usually go up to reflect these changes.

What happens if I upgrade my car but not my insurance policy?

Many Albany, NY drivers fail to inform their insurance companies of changes made to their vehicle, either because it doesn’t cross their mind in the first place or because they want to avoid paying higher premiums. Don’t do this.

If you have to file a claim, there’s a solid chance your insurance company will deny it, leaving you on the hook for many expenses and liabilities that would have been covered otherwise. If you’re not sure whether an upgrade you’re considering will affect your coverage – even if it’s something small, like a new paint job – you can always contact your insurance company for more information first.

We at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency will be happy to address any auto insurance concerns and help you make sense of the available options. Get in touch today!

A Business Needs Protection Too – Get Commercial Insurance

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Are you a business owner in the Albany, NY area?

The NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can provide the protection your business needs.

Commercial insurance is a vital investment when starting a new company. A good commercial insurance policy will protect your company from devastating financial loss and can be the difference between staying in business and closing your doors in case of a lawsuit and resulting damages.

Knowing the different types of commercial insurance available is necessary, and working with a reputable agent can help you devise the most appropriate commercial insurance policy for your business.

There are three main types of commercial insurance coverage – liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and property insurance.

  • Liability insurance coverage protects your business from damage inflicted on third parties. It covers the expenses related to property damage or personal injury lawsuits to clients or customers that may occur at your business.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance protects you from lawsuits for negligence filed by an employee injured or made ill while on the job.
  • Property insurance will cover damage to property within your business, such as flood or fire damage.

There are specialized forms of coverage under each of these broader categories that can protect you from a more business-specific liability. An experienced and knowledgeable insurance professional can help you determine the best coverage for your business.

When a claim is filed, contact your agent immediately so an investigation can begin. Commercial insurance claims are more complicated than other types of claims. That makes fast assessment critical, especially in the case of a high-cost liability claim. You should not handle these claims yourself, as it will violate your insurance contract’s terms.

Don’t let your business remain unprotected. Contact the NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today for a quote.

What Types of Life Insurance Are There?

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A variety of life insurance products exist for you to choose from, depending on your situation. It isn’t a requirement in Albany, NY to purchase indemnification of this type. Still, you may choose to do so for financial reasons, as it helps to shield your benefactors against fiscal difficulties that may arise when you pass on. Speak to your NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency about the right options. 

Term Life Insurance

This insurance product typically will last 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. Once the agreed-upon period expires, the insurance is null and void. This type of coverage is usually the cheapest to procure, especially if obtained while you are young. Assess your needs to determine if you would benefit from an option that protects your loved ones against unforeseen but unlikely circumstances. 

Permanent Life Insurance

This policy will last for the duration of the insured’s life and is typically more expensive than term products. It will also have a savings component that allows your premiums to accumulate and from which you can borrow. These loans will have lower interest rates than a bank usually offers, though they do have to be paid back before your passing, or they will be subtracted from the death benefit. You can also defer payment of premiums with this provision as long as funds are available. It’s essential that your account is in current status when you die for the policy to be valid.

We Can Be of Service to You

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency offers life insurance products and services to those who live in the Albany, NY region, and we look forward to working for you. Contact us by phone, online, or in person to discuss your needs in more detail. 

Auto Insurance Add-Ons to Improve Coverage in Albany, NY

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Are you looking for ways to improve your auto insurance coverage in Albany, NY? If so, consider adding additional coverage options. The right auto insurance add-ons can help provide more comprehensive protection and peace of mind.

Gap Insurance 

Gap insurance is a valuable option for those with a car loan or lease. This coverage type helps cover the difference between what you owe on the loan and the current market value of your vehicle if someone steals it or is totaled in an accident. This could save you out-of-pocket costs and ensure you don’t owe more than the car is worth. 

Rental Car Reimbursement 

When your car needs repairs, rental car reimbursement can help you pay for the cost of renting a replacement vehicle. Depending on your plan and policy limits, rental car reimbursement may also cover some or all of the fuel costs for your rental car. NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency offers rental car reimbursement as an additional coverage option for customers in Albany, NY.

Roadside Assistance 

If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or dead battery, roadside help can be a lifesaver. The add-on provides towing services, flat tire changes, fuel deliveries, jumpstarts, and other helpful services if your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly. Also, some plans offer a lockout service if you accidentally lock your keys in the car. 

Adding additional auto insurance add-ons like gap insurance, roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement can help give Albany drivers more comprehensive protection when needed. For more information about these add-ons or any other types of auto insurance coverage available in Albany, NY, contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today!

When should you get home insurance in Albany?

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Being a property owner has been a good housing option and long-term investment for people in the Albany, NY area for a long time. If you purchase a home here, it will be vital that you properly secure and insure it. One type of coverage all property owners need to have is home insurance. You should obtain this coverage for various reasons. 

Protect Against Unexpected Events

One of the reasons to have a home insurance plan is to get protection against unexpected events. Your home is a significant asset you will want to ensure is covered and prepared for any situation. When you have insurance, you can make repairs if it is damaged due to a fire, bad storm, vandalism, or various other situations. As it can help protect the loan collateral, any mortgage lender will require you to carry this insurance. 

Reduce Liability Risks

Property owners will also want this coverage as it can help to reduce their liability risks. If you are a property owner, there is always a chance you can be held liable for accidents that occur at your home. However, this risk can be offset if you get the right insurance. A home insurance plan will include a provision for liability coverage, which will provide financial support in these cases. 

When purchasing home insurance in the Albany, NY area, it would be wise to call someone you can trust. The team with the NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is a great option. When you call NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, you can learn much about the various insurance options available. We will give you the support you need to build a proper plan. 

Can Commercial Insurance Benefit Your New York Business?

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As a business owner, you know that to be successful, you must protect your business from potential risks. Whether it’s a financial loss from a lawsuit or damages from an employee injury, having the right commercial insurance can help keep your business safe and secure.

What is Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance is a type of insurance specifically designed for businesses. It covers a variety of risks, including damage to property, liability claims, employee injuries, and more. Depending on the policy you choose and the specific needs of your business, commercial insurance can provide protection against almost any type of risk.

Types of Commercial Insurance

There are many types of commercial insurance policies available to meet the needs of different businesses. Some of the most common types include general liability insurance, product liability insurance, professional liability insurance, property damage & theft coverage, workers’ compensation coverage, and cyber security & data breach coverage. Your local NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can help you determine which type(s) of coverage is best for your individual business needs.

Benefits of Commercial Insurance

Having the right commercial insurance policy in place can benefit your New York business. It can help cover losses because of accidents or lawsuits and offer peace of mind knowing that you have taken steps to protect yourself and your company should any unexpected events occur. Many lenders require businesses to carry certain amounts of commercial insurance before they extend financing; having an appropriate policy in place could cause easier access to capital when needed.

For more information on how commercial insurance can benefit your business, or if you’re interested in obtaining a quote for coverage, contact the office of NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY today!

Who should get life insurance?

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Regardless of your age, gender, or lifestyle, it’s a good idea to get life insurance. Even those who don’t have anyone relying on their income should still consider getting coverage. Here are the top reasons why you might want to get life insurance:

  1. It provides financial security for your loved ones if something happens to you. If you die unexpectedly and aren’t insured, your family could be left with all sorts of bills they weren’t expecting, such as funeral expenses and outstanding debts. Life insurance can help them pay these costs without worrying about where the money will come from.
  2. It offers you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of if anything ever happens to you.
  3. It can help you secure other types of insurance or credit products, such as a mortgage or a car loan. If the lender knows you have life insurance, they may feel more comfortable giving you an affordable rate on these products.
  4. It can provide benefits for things like accidental death and dismemberment coverage and income protection if something makes it difficult for you to work. These are both important if you want to protect yourself financially in an unexpected medical emergency or if you find yourself unable to work due to illness or injury.
  5. It gives your family access to cash while waiting for your estate to go through probate. If you have life insurance, your family can immediately access a portion of the death benefit.

If you have any other questions about life insurance, call NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today. We proudly serve the Albany, NY area. 

Doing Lots of Holiday Shopping? How to Deter Thieves From Breaking Your Car Windows

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During the holiday season, car break-ins increase, especially around malls and shopping centers. If you are out doing lots of holiday shopping, there are steps you can take to deter thieves from breaking your car windows. Here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving the greater Albany, NY area, we want to help you avoid being targeted by thieves. Here are some tips you should remember as you load up your car with your holiday purchases. 

Put Your Packages Where They Cannot Be Seen.

If you are doing a lot of shopping, try to place your packages in the trunk or parts of your car where they will not be seen. Putting your packages in plain sight of thieves is an open invitation to them to break into your vehicle to steal those packages. 

Park In Well-Lit Areas

In a perfect world, you could park close to the entrance of where you are shopping, but that can be challenging during the busy holiday season. If you have to park away from the entrance, always try to park your car in a well-lit area. Thieves are likelier to target vehicles in dark areas, as they can remain cloaked in darkness. 

Try to Shop in Locations That Have Active Security Patrols

Lastly, try to pick shopping locations that have active security patrols. If you see security driving past, this is a good sign. This helps to minimize the chances of thieves targeting that particular parking lot. 

Unfortunately, no matter what you do, some thieves are still willing to break your windows and break into your car. If this happens, you want an insurance policy that can protect you and help to pay for the cost of your windows. Here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving the greater Albany, NY, we would love to discuss auto insurance policies with you and help you find the policy that protects you from all sorts of mayhem, including thieves. 

How to Keep Your Walkway and Driveway Free of Ice

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Here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, providing homeowners in the greater Albany, NY region with insurance, we have seen many homeowners have to file claims with their home insurance policies because family or friends slipped and fell on icy surfaces on their property and became injured. Learning how to keep your walkway and driveway free of ice is one of the best ways you can minimize the chances of this happening to you. Here are a few tips that can help you with that problem. 

Use Salt or Sand

Placing salt or sand on ice helps to melt the ice while also providing traction to anyone walking over the area before the ice melts. Salt and sand are two of the most common products that are used around homes to help keep walkways, driveways, and other surfaces free of ice. 

Always Shovel Your Concrete Surfaces

Another way that you can decrease the chances of slippery ice forming on your walkway or driveway is to take the time to shovel away snow. As snow thaws, it turns to water. That water can refreeze and turn to ice. Removing the snow helps to prevent this from happening. 

Try Heating Mats

Lastly, heat mats are available to reduce ice from forming on walkways and driveways. They can be pricey, but they are worth it, especially if you have trouble preventing ice from forming on your property. 

While there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of someone slipping and falling on your property, you cannot prevent this from happening altogether. This is one of the areas that home insurance can help with. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving the greater Albany, NY area, we can work with you to ensure your home insurance policy meets all of your needs and covers you against the unexpected. Call us now to get started.