Photo by Michelle Tribe used under CC 2.0

Ever wonder if the insurance you have is the insurance that is right for you?  Everyone is different and has different insurance needs.  Plus, people change, and your insurance may need to evolve to keep up. 

Maybe you just moved out on your own.  Maybe your are getting married.  Maybe you have three kids and a puppy, or maybe you are settling into retirement.  For wherever you are in your life, you need insurance customized to fit your needs. 

This is where having an agent comes in handy – in a huge way.  Talk to your agent about what coverage you need.  Talk about what coverage is best to cover your financial future – not your car, not your house – your future.

Try this personalized guide to coverages for an idea of what kind of questions to ask, then make sure you call and ask them.  Questions are good – don’t be shy.  Our number is at the top of this page.  Call and ask away.

Photo by Tim Phillips

A 5.8 earthquake just hit Virginia and the shaking was felt up and down the east coast, and right here in the Capital District.  We felt it in our office.

We haven’t heard of any reports of damage locally, but it brought a question to mind: “Am I Covered for Earthquakes?”

The answer to that is: probably not.

Most homeowners insurance policies in New York exclude earthquakes as a covered loss.  However, if you wish, you can add an endorsement to add earthquake coverage to your policy.

Ask your agent if you have coverage and what  your options are if you’d like to add it.

By the way, did you feel the earthquake?

Photo by Michael David Pedersen

Okay, so you bought homeowners insurance or renters insurance. That means all your belongings are covered, right? Well, maybe.

All policies have certain limitations and there are usually limits on specific classes of items.  Items like jewelry, fine arts, antiques, silverware, china, and other types of high value items need to be carefully considered, when making your insurance plan.

Your passions and hobbies often fall into these categories as well: musical instruments, photography equipment, sports equipment, stamp & coin collections, collectibles, guns, sound equipment.

Your agent can help you decide how best to insure your items.  It may be possible to increase the class limits with blanket coverage, or scheduling individual items may be the way to go.  Your agent can help you understand your options.

If you’ve invested in a high value item, it is worth insuring it properly.  Call your agent to discuss your valuables with them, and whether they are properly covered. And, when you purchase an item of value, let your agent know so they can check your coverage.

If you would like to discuss how your valuable items are covered, feel free to call us at 518-785-3700.

Photo By Danielle Elder

There is no need to pay more than you have to for your auto insurance.  Take advantage of discounts and payment options so that you get the most value for your insurance dollar. 

It is better to spend your money on better coverage than on fees or missed discounts.

Here are a few things you can do to lower what you pay:

1. Pay In Full – If it is something you can do, then you should.  When you pay your insurance in installments, most companies charge a small installment fee.  Paying a policy in full may get you a Paid in Full Discount, or at the very least save you money on installment fees each month. 
2. Pay By EFT – If you can’t pay it in full, consider paying by EFT (Electronic File Transfer).  By having the insurance company automatically make your monthly payment from your checking account or credit card, you could be eligible for an EFT Discount, or lower monthly installment fees.
3. Pay on Time – Regardless fo your payment plan, make sure you bills get paid on time.  Late fees add up – fast, and paying late fees is just throwing money away.
4. Take the Defensive Driver Course – Taking a defensive driver course is an investment that may save you big.  This course saves you money on your insurance for 3 years!
5. Put Your Policies with the Same Company - This is not always possible, but check as to whether you can put your homeowners, renters, or even boat  insurance policies with the same company to get Account Discounts.
6. Link Your Billing – If you have multiple policies with the same insurance company, ask if you can link the bills.  You may be able to save on installment fees when you get just one bill.
7. Plan Ahead – If you are looking to start a new insurance policy, don’t wait until that day to ask your agent for quotes.  Some companies give discounts for quoting early.  By calling early and getting the ball rolling on it, you may save yourself some money.
8. Be a Good Driver – This one is a no-brainer.  Your driving record affects your insurance premium.  Put your seatbelt on – always.  Don’t text or use a cell phone while driving.  Pay attention and be careful!
9. Maintain Good Credit – Once factor most insurance companies are using is an Insurance Score which includes credit.  Maintaining good credit makes a significant difference on your auto insurance premium.  Keep an eye on your credit report to make sure it is accurate.

Use your money for better coverage rather than installment fees and late charges.  Ask your agent which of these options could save you money on your policy.

Photo by Chris Corwin

When you’re driving up the Northway, you may think that talking on your cell phone or even texting isn’t that big a deal.  After all, it’s a straight flat road, right?  But, think of all the times you’ve been sitting on the Northway in Clifton Park with traffic like a parking lot.  Something happened to cause that accident in front of you.  No one is immune to accidents.

Far too often there are people on the highway who are driving distracted.  They’re on their phones, texting, eating cereal – you wouldn’t believe.  I saw someone just last week on 787 driving with his left foot out the window, barefoot.

Everyone always thinks that they are perfectly safe doing whatever they are doing…until they are in an accident.  But the fact of the matter is, the human mind does not focus on multiple tasks equally.  When your focus is on something it is less on something else.

Just remember to ease up on the multitasking, and focus on the driving. Have your attention on the road, so when something unexpected happens, you don’t miss it.

Photo By B Rosen

Anyone can be the victim of Identity Theft. There are things you can do to minimize your risk, but if you have an identity then it is at risk of being stolen. A coverage is available on your homeowners (or renters) insurance policy to help you should you be the victim of identity fraud.

This Identity Fraud coverage can reimburse your expenses incurred to restore your identity including:

• Reimbursement for Medical ID Fraud Expenses
• Travel Expenses
• New Government IDs
• Tax ID Fraud-Related Costs
• Lost wages
• Attorneys’ fees

It may also provide resolution services to help reclaim your identity and restore credit, and guidance from a consumer fraud specialist.

This coverage is very reasonably priced and the expert advice alone is worth the price of the coverage.  Ask us about adding this coverage to your policy.

Learn more about ID fraud, and how to deter, detect, and defend at The FTC’s site Fighting Back Against Identity Theft.

Because of The Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are eligible to receive a credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once each year (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).  This report does not give your credit score, but does show all things effecting your credit rating (loans, liens, collections, etc).

The only ONLY authorized source for this free credit report is AnnualCreditReport.com (or 877-322-8228).  There are many other sites that claim to give you a free credit report, but this is the only authorized site.  Don’t give your personal information to sites claiming to provide you a credit report without researching them carefully – they may just be phishing for your personal information.  It is a very good idea to periodically obtain your free credit report and verify that the items listed are correct.

Photo by Alex92287

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the most frequently stolen cars are not the newest and the priciest.

These are the ten most stolen vehicles in New York State:

1. Honda Civic   2000
2. Honda Accord    1994
3. Toyota Camry    1991
4. Nissan Maxima   1996
5. Dodge Caravan    2000
6. Nissan Altima   2005
7. Toyota Corolla   2009
8. Ford Econoline E350    2009
9. Ford Explorer   2002
10. Jeep Grand Cherokee    1999

Take common sense precautions when it comes to your car.  Always lock the doors, and never leave the keys inside.  Criminals are constantly looking for an easy target – don’t be it.

Photo By Aunt Owwee

Some insurance companies are now offering discounts for going green!

If you drive a hybrid, you may be eligible for a discount on your auto insurance.  If you are shopping for a car, consider buying a hybrid, and check out these Federal and State Incentives for buying an energy efficient vehicle.

Also, if you have a LEED-Certified home, you could be eligible for a discount on your homeowners insurance.

Get rewarded for your efforts to go green in your life, by saving a bit of green on your insurance.

Dog Photo by KB35

According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2008, one third of all homeowners liability claims were caused by dog bites, at a cost of costing $387.20 million.

First off, discuss your liability with your agent and make certain you have adequate insurance.

Then your best bet is to prevent bites to start with.

• Before you buy a dog, check with a professional to see what breeds would be best for your home, family, and neighborhood.
• Get your dog spayed or neutered. Studies have shown that dogs are three times less likely to bite if they are neutered.
• Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping.
• Don’t play aggressive games with your dog (like tug of war).  Stick to non-aggressive games like fetch.
• If your dog starts exhibiting aggressive habits, talk to a professional immediately.
• Click here for more tips.

Any animal, even the best trained, can bite, but being responsible from the start, with your insurance and with your pet, is the key to minimizing your chances having your loved pet put you into a tricky (and potentially financially devastating) situation.