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Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

1881 Western Avenue, Suite 210
Albany, NY 12203

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Does your insurance coverage need to change once you’ve paid off your car?

Paying off your vehicle is a huge accomplishment and one you should feel very proud of!  At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we often hear from Albany, NY area clients asking about how their policy needs change once their vehicle is paid for. We are here to answer all your questions and help you determine which policy and coverage level is right for your needs.

You’ve paid off your car, now what?

Once you have secured the title for your vehicle, it’s always a good idea to notify your insurance company. They can update their records and remove your lender from your account.

If your lender imposed certain requirements, such as deductible level or collision coverage, you can review those stipulations and decide if they are still applicable to your situation.

You will also want to determine the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle as your protection needs may have changed. Be aware, that it is not always a good idea to lower your policy coverage levels just because the car is paid off. Depending on the value of your car, you may want to adjust your coverage levels. Meeting with your local agent to discuss the new status of your vehicle and receiving their input about your policy is always a good first step. Be sure to get the information you need to make an informed decision.

Ready to find out more? Give us a call!

The team at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is proud to be a resource for our Albany, NY area clients. If you have questions about your insurance needs, call or stop by today.

Auto policy add-ons to consider

If it’s time to renew your auto policy, it makes sense to take the time to carefully review your policy. Additionally, you may want to consider upgrading to a policy that offers some beneficial add-ons. The team here at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is here to help! Find out more today about the policy options that are currently available to drivers in the greater Albany, NY area.

Check out these policy add-on options

An auto policy can provide more benefits than just protecting your vehicle. If it’s time to renew your policy, you may want to consider one or more of the available add-ons.

  • Roadside assistance – if you are involved in a mishap or your car breaks down, a terrible situation can be made less stressful with this important policy option.
  • Car rental reimbursement – when your car is in the shop due to damage sustained during a covered event, you can get a portion of your car rental expenses reimbursed.
  • Vanishing deductible – if you are a careful driver and go years without a claim, you may want to look into this option. The longer you go without a claim, the lower your deductible goes. After a few years, your deductible could be zero!

These are just a few of the add-ons available with some auto policies. If you want to find out more, meet with a local agent today.

Want to find out more? Call us today!

The entire team at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is here to help all residents in the Albany, NY area get the protection they need. Give us a call or stop by our office today to find out more.

What Happens to Your Insurance If You Hit a Deer?

For many people, one of the worst things that can happen is hitting an animal, especially something large like a deer. Whether a deer has run into the road in front of your car or an animal hits the side of your vehicle, you could find yourself in a situation where your car is damaged.

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency understands the risks on the road, including those related to animals in Albany, NY. If you hit a deer or another animal, here’s how your insurance is affected.

Comprehensive Coverage May Help

If a deer hits your vehicle, comprehensive coverage may cover the damage. If your vehicle is damaged or even totaled by an animal, your coverage may step in. You will only need to pay the deductible in many cases.

Collision Coverage May Be Necessary

Let’s say that you swerve to avoid the deer and end up hitting another object or vehicle. Comprehensive coverage may not cover damage to the vehicle. You would need collision coverage to recover your losses because comprehensive coverage does not often cover these types of damages.

Your Insurance May Not Be Affected

Many people do not report deer accidents to their insurance companies, but this could be a mistake. Many states don’t change your insurance policy because you hit a deer, so it’s often beneficial that you report the damage and make use of your policy.

Get the Right Insurance Policy Today

You deserve protection if you hit a deer or your vehicle is damaged by an animal. NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can help you understand your insurance options. Call our office today to discuss insurance options in Albany, NY.

What you should do if you’ve been in an accident

The team at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is here for all of our clients in the Albany, NY area. That means we’ll be here for you through good times and bad. If you have been in an accident, let us help with the claims filing process and help make the experience a little less stressful!

What to do after an accident

The first and most important step after an auto accident is to seek medical help. Many common injuries for people involved in an accident are soft tissue injuries such as whiplash and shoulder strain. Due to the nature of these injuries, you may feel fine immediately after your accident. Because of this, it is important to always get a physical examination, even if you feel fine and think that the accident was a minor one. 

Notifying the police of an accident is not always required if there aren’t any significant injuries. If you feel like the other party involved in the accident is less than trustworthy, it may be worth your time to have the police come to make a report. After you have received medical attention and traded insurance information with the other involved parties, you will want to begin the claims process and take the necessary steps to have your vehicle repaired. If your auto policy includes roadside assistance, you will be able to quickly and affordably get your car towed to a repair shop. Be sure to take your vehicle to a reputable repair shop or dealership for any necessary repairs.

Contact us, we can help!

The NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is proud to serve the insurance needs of our Albany, NY community. If you would like to learn more about the auto insurance options available in our area, call or stop by today!

A Look At The Benefits Of Roadside Assistance

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serves the Albany, NY community. We offer our clients custom policies that align with their unique needs. We have relationships with various carriers throughout the Northeast. We are proud to serve as an independent agency.

Benefits Of Roadside Assistance

Auto insurance covers you while you deal with the unique risks of operating a vehicle. Collision coverage protects you if your car is damaged due to an impact on another object. Liability coverage is the foundation of your policy. Accidents can happen at any moment. If you are held responsible for injuring someone or damaging property, liability coverage protects you. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle if it suffers damage in unique ways such as a fire or natural disaster. You are also covered if your vehicle is stolen. You can also add several types of coverage for extra protection. One of the most common add-on policies is emergency roadside assistance. Imagine traveling out of Albany, NY and suddenly your engine shuts off. Here is a look at some other benefits of roadside assistance.

Lockout Service

Roadside assistance will offer urgent service if you lose your key, have it stolen, or you’ve been locked out of your vehicle.

Flat Tire

If you are driving, and you hit a bump, your tire may be damaged. In severe cases, you will have to deal with a flat tire. Roadside assistance covers you if a mechanic has to come out and change your flat tire.

Towing Service

Roadside assistance also covers you if you opt to have your vehicle towed because of the flat tire or if your vehicle won’t start due to mechanical issues.

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about auto insurance.

Tips for first-time car buyers

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is here to provide Albany, NY area residents with the information they need to make an informed choice when it comes to auto insurance. Meet with us before you purchase your next car and we will help you determine the right policy for your needs.

What to look for when buying your first car

In most areas, reliable transportation is a must. When you have a vehicle that can get you from Point A to Point B without much worry, your life can be a lot less stressful!

If you are in the market for your first car, consider the following when making your decision:

  • What will the primary use of the car be – your needs will be different if you are looking for a car to commute to work than if you need transportation to take the kids to school and their activities.
  • What is your budget – no one wants to be saddled with a high monthly car payment. Figure out your budget in advance and stick to it when you get onto the lot.
  • Insurance shouldn’t be an afterthought – a comprehensive auto policy is an important part of responsible vehicle ownership. Don’t leave your insurance shopping to the last minute, take the time to find the policy that’s right for you!

Give us a call today to find out more!

If you are in Albany, NY and are in the process of purchasing your first car, give us a call today. The team at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency is here to help you find the policy that is right for your needs.

Do You Need Auto Insurance If you Don’t Own a Car?

For many people, auto insurance is a must-have. You don’t want to get caught on the road without proof of insurance. So, what happens if you do not have a car? Do you still need to have auto insurance?

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency knows that you have a lot of questions about auto insurance in Albany, NY. These are a few reasons why we might recommend auto insurance even if you are not the owner of a vehicle.

You Plan to Buy a Car

If you intend to buy a car in the near future, you should keep your auto insurance. When you leave the car lot, you likely need to provide proof of insurance before you can take a car with you.

You Drive Another Car Frequently

If you borrow a roommate or partner’s car often, you should be added to their insurance policies as an additional driver. This prevents your roommate or partner from facing consequences if you are in an accident or you cause damage to their vehicle.

You Rent Cars

If you rent cars frequently, it is important that you have insurance as well. This will help you save money on vehicle rentals and protect you from liability and other issues that may arise.

You Drive For Work

If you drive for work, you may need your own auto insurance. Every employer has different requirements for insurance, and this is something worth discussing with an insurance agent.

Consult With an Auto Insurance Company Today

Are you unsure if you need auto insurance? NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can help you determine if getting auto insurance is the best option. Our Albany, NY drivers have many options to choose from. Contact our office to learn more.

How to Know If You Have Enough Collision Coverage

If you have decided to purchase collision coverage, you want to make sure that you have the right amount of coverage to meet your needs. NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, which serves the drivers of Albany, NY, provides collision coverage and other services. If you are trying to figure out how much collision coverage is enough, here’s what you need to know.

Understand the Role of Collision Coverage

If you want to make sure that you have enough collision coverage, you first need to know what the coverage entails. In most cases, collision coverage covers damage to your vehicle caused by other drivers and collisions with objects, like trees and rails.

Consider the Value of the Car

If you want to make sure that you have enough collision coverage, you need to determine the value of your vehicle. Subtract the cost of the deductible from your car’s value. Then subtract the cost of your collision policy from the figure. This number represents the most your collision insurance may be valued if your vehicle is totaled.

So, what can you do with this number? A large number indicates how much of your car can be paid off with the policy in question. If the number is small or negative, you might want to consider increasing your insurance.

Speak With an Insurance Professional

The best way to make sure that you have the right amount of collision coverage is to speak with an insurance professional who can help you adjust your policy. Contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, which serves Albany, NY, for more information about getting the best collision auto policy for your vehicles.

Should You Add a Parent to Your Auto Insurance Policy?

If you are an adult who lives with your parents or frequently allows a parent to use your car, it may be a good idea to add a parent to your auto insurance policy. In fact, people often add family members to their auto insurance policies, and there are many good reasons for this.

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency understands that you want to protect your property as well as your loved ones. Here’s what you need to know about adding your parents to your insurance policy in Albany, NY.

Protect Yourself Legally

As much as you might worry about covering the costs of a car if your parent gets into a car accident, you should also understand that you could still have liability for injuries and property damage caused by others. For example, you could be sued as the owner of a vehicle if you don’t have insurance to cover the injuries your parent caused.

Consider Your Parent’s Driving Habits

If your parent has a history of being involved in certain types of accidents, take this into account when you choose an insurance policy you want to add them to. For instance, you might want to add comprehensive insurance if you know that your parent often parks near a shopping art coral, potentially putting your vehicle at higher risk of dings.

Speak With an Insurance Agent

Before you make any decision about adding a family member to your insurance policy, you should speak with an insurance professional. NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency provides auto insurance for many Albany, NY residents. If you want to discuss putting a family member on your auto policy, our team can help you discuss the choice.

Changes in your driving habits? Be sure that your policy coverage keeps up

Albany, NY residents can count on the team at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency for all of their insurance needs. Did you know that changes in your driving habits can change your policy needs? If it’s been a while since you last reviewed your coverage, give us a call today.

Your auto protection needs to change when your life does

Many insurance policies are structured around your driving habits. For example, if your commute is 25 miles each way, you will have a different policy than someone who drives over 150 miles each day to their office. The distance and number of miles that you drive each year can have a significant impact on your policy.

The same holds true if you now have more people, or fewer, using the vehicle. Be sure that if your teenager is now using your car, they are named on the policy. Because of these reasons and more, we recommend that, rather than simply renewing your policy, you take a closer look. Auto policies should be an accurate reflection of who is using the vehicle and how. Don’t let changes make your policy less effective. Keeping your policy up to date can help you stay protected, no matter how your life changes!

Need to update your auto policy? Give us a call today!

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency wants to ensure that our clients in the greater Albany, NY have the protection they need. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken a close look at your auto policy, call or stop by our office today!