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Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

1881 Western Avenue, Suite 210
Albany, NY 12203

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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!

Is a Life Insurance Policy Really Necessary?

For residents in the Albany, NY area, looking into life insurance may seem like a far-away situation that doesn’t need to be addressed. The team at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can assure you that it’s really not so far-fetched to plan ahead for the day you are gone. It may seem morbid or too sensitive, but try to put the emotions aside and think about the reality your family and loved ones will face when you are gone. 

Life insurance can provide financial security for anyone in your family. From funeral expenses to mortgages to college tuition and many other expenses… this is what you can provide for your family by investing in a life insurance policy now. It may be difficult to think about, but you won’t regret having a safety net should something happen to you unexpectedly. 

When shopping for life insurance, make sure you get quotes from multiple providers in order to really know the best price and what you’re getting. If you’re going to invest, do so wisely.

It’s also important to know how much financial support your family would need at the time of your death and to cover expenses thereafter. Crunch your numbers, talk to your family members, and do your research before selecting an amount. 

Many scoff at the thought of life insurance, saying it’s unnecessary. There’s nothing wrong with investing in your family’s welfare after you are gone. Taking care of families is one of the best parts of life in Albany, NY, and you’re doing the right thing by looking into it. 

If you want to work with a company you trust, contact the team at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency today. We’ll figure out your best options and you’ll never look back. 

Equipment Breakdown Commercial Insurance Coverage: How It Can Help

Whether it is a computer, HVAC system, or something else entirely, your business relies on a variety of equipment to operate smoothly and efficiently. This equipment isn’t invincible, though, as it can malfunction, break down, suffer damage, etc. The good news is that NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency offers equipment breakdown coverage for Albany, NY businesses. This coverage can come in handy when an unexpected disruption from equipment occurs.

What Is Covered by Equipment Breakdown Insurance?

While your equipment may not be there when you need it all the time, equipment breakdown coverage can be. Here are a few things this type of insurance policy can do for you.

Pay to Repair/Replace Equipment

A breakdown can literally happen at any given time, and there is never a good time to have damaged items repaired/replaced since things can be pretty expensive. Luckily, this type of insurance policy can cover certain types of equipment like telephone systems, HVAC systems, electronics, and refrigeration equipment.

Cover Lost Revenue

When your equipment breaks down and causes you to close its doors until your equipment is back up and running, you will lose money. Luckily, equipment breakdown coverage will cover that revenue that you’re losing. In the event you run a restaurant or something similar, this coverage will pay to replace inventory lost as a result of an equipment breakdown.

Gap Protection

While you may have a commercial property insurance policy, some equipment damage won’t be included in that policy. That’s why additional coverage is necessary. For instance, your commercial property policy is likely to cover your equipment if it’s damaged by a storm or fire, but if it simply breaks down or fails completely, it won’t be considered a covered event. Therefore, equipment breakdown coverage offers “gap” protection and kicks in in many cases when your other policies don’t.

If you’re worried about what you would do if some of your equipment broke down or suffered significant damage, you may want to reach out to NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency to discuss equipment breakdown coverage. We can discuss how this coverage may benefit your Albany, NY business.

Important Tips For Home Insurance Roof Inspections

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency provides coverage to Albany, NY residents. We are an independent agency. We offer our clients unique policies designed to help them manage risks. We have relationships with over 30 insurance companies around the country. We look forward to helping you protect your assets.

Home Insurance Roof Inspection Tips

Your Albany, NY home is one of your most prized possessions. Home insurance gives you peace of mind that you are covered during a state of emergency. Home insurance covers any damage to the structure of your home. This includes damage caused by severe weather or an accidental fire. All of your personal items are covered if they are damaged, or you are a victim of theft. Liability coverage is essential if you plan to invite a lot of guests over or if you have a pet. You will be covered if one of your guests is accidentally injured on your property or if your pet damages someone else’s property.

It’s expected that you will perform regular maintenance on your home. As your roof is one of the foundation pieces, it’s important that you take care of it. Regular roof inspections will ensure that it stays healthy. An inspector will check the roof to see if it is showing signs of wear and tear. They also check the gutters and caulking. If you stay in an area that is prone to heavy storms, try to have your roof inspected every few years. Roof damage can lead to major issues in the future such as gutter problems and rotting wood. Keep in mind that you may not be covered for issues such as termite damage and mold. These are considered issues that could have been avoided if you took care of your home.

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about home insurance.

Is Comprehensive Auto Insurance Recommended For A New Car

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serves the Albany, NY community. We are an independent insurance agency. Working with multiple carriers allows us to offer a wide variety of policies. We strive to make sure that our clients are protected in every situation.

Is Comprehensive Coverage Recommended For A New Car?

Auto insurance helps you stay safe on the road while you travel around Albany, NY. Your auto insurance policy covers you if you are involved in a collision with another vehicle or object. Auto insurance also covers any passengers in your vehicle if they suffer an injury. Liability coverage protects you if you are ruled to be responsible for any damages or injuries caused as a result of the accident.

If you have a new car, consider the benefits of comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle if it’s stolen, vandalized, or damaged due to a fire. Comprehensive coverage is a great way to protect your investment against unique risks. If your new car is totaled, comprehensive coverage can help reduce the stress that you’ll feel over the accident. In addition to comprehensive coverage, you can also add extra coverage in order to fully protect your vehicle in every situation. You can add emergency coverage so that you will receive roadside assistance if your vehicle has a flat tire, or you’ve run out of fuel. You’ll also have access to emergency towing services. Umbrella insurance is another option. If you are held responsible for a serious accident, umbrella insurance adds another layer of protection above your auto liability coverage.

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency Will Help You Protect Your Investment

Visit our website to learn more information about auto insurance.  

How Whole Life Insurance Works

When you are interested in a life insurance policy, it’s a good idea to find out about different types of policies. The whole life policy is a popular type for its many advantages. If you are interested in a whole life policy, give us a call today at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY. 

Whole Life

The reason that a whole life policy is named the way it’s named is that it is good for the rest of your life. Unlike term insurance, which is only in effect for a specific term of time, a whole life policy has no expiration date. As long as you keep paying your monthly premiums, your insurance will stay in effect. This is a helpful way to keep your premiums at the same level long term. With term insurance, there is a different price each time you renew it. With whole life, you know what you’ll be paying for life. 

Cash Value

Another big advantage of whole life is that over time it builds up a cash value. This is an amount that is a portion of the amount your premiums make when the money you pay into it is invested. This portion is an amount you can borrow against whenever you need to. This makes it extremely helpful if you get into a financial bind and need quick help to get out of it. Once you borrow the money, it is simply paid back with regular payments like any loan. If you happen to die before the loan is completely paid back, the amount still outstanding will be deducted from the policy’s death benefit. 

Time for a Whole Life Policy

If you don’t have a life insurance policy in effect, this can be dangerous for the future of your loved ones. It’s important to have a policy in place that will protect them. Give us a call at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY to find out more. 

Do all businesses in Albany need commercial insurance?

Albany, NY is the capital of the state and continues to have a high population and good economy. Due to this, Albany can be a good place for anyone to own and run a business. While you are going to have a lot of opportunities to be successful in this state, there are always going to be some business risks that go along with it. To help mitigate these risks, you need to get commercial insurance. This is a necessity for a few reasons.

Insurance will Protect Solvency

An important reason anyone here should get a commercial insurance plan is that it can protect your business. An organization in any industry always runs the risk that it could lose core assets or be named in a liability lawsuit due to an unforeseen situation. These situations can be very detrimental to your company. Fortunately, you can offset and mitigate these risks with proper insurance coverage. 

Insurance is a Requirement

You should also get commercial coverage as it may be a requirement. Those that are going to raise money from investors, lease a building, or enter into certain contracts may be obligated to carry a certain level of coverage. With a full commercial insurance plan, you will get the appropriate coverage that you need. 

A business in the Albany, NY area will always need to have a proper commercial insurance plan. If you would like to get this type of insurance here, it would be wise for you to call NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. There are a lot of choices that need to be made when picking this type of policy and NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency can help in many ways. The team will evaluate your business needs and provide the support you need to choose an ideal policy.

Does Home Insurance Cover Work from Home?

The year 2020 required many companies to revise business models to allow employees to work from home, as this was needed to ensure the safety of employees in the face of a pandemic. If you were one of the many employees who began working from home, it is essential to understand if you are covered by home insurance.

If you live (and thus, work) in the greater Albany, NY capital region, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency’s professionals are available to assist you in determining if working from home creates unnecessary risk or risk that can be mitigated with insurance.   

Standard home insurance typically does not provide enough coverage for employees who work from home. For instance, a typical homeowner’s insurance may not cover damages to equipment owned by your employer. So, contingent on your position, it may be wise to add these coverages –

  • Professional Indemnity – covers you if someone claims that your professional advice or service was incorrect or was the cause of financial liability.  
  • Public Liability – covers you if anyone (i.e.., clients) gets injured on your property.

While insurance will cover you in your home, various aspects may be problematic when working from home. Depending on the employer, you may find it difficult to be compensated if something unfortunate occurs. These potential problems may include property losses, health-related sickness/injuries, or liability requirements in terms of safety.

Additionally, it is essential to have a complete understanding of what your employer’s insurance will cover.

Working from home can be considered either a blessing or a curse, depending on who is asked. NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency operates as an independent agency located in Albany, NY. Our professionals can help you determine your coverage needs before anything happens that requires insurance coverage.