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Twin Bridges Insurance Agency

1881 Western Avenue, Suite 210
Albany, NY 12203

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Family in automobile

Adding Another Driver to Auto Insurance

Before you allow another person to drive your car, check with your agent at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving Albany, NY and the nearby communities. Most, but not all, auto policies have a provision for the insured person to let a “causal” driver use their vehicle. Be aware that each insurance underwriter defines a casual driver differently. Some auto policies explicitly prohibit anyone except an authorized driver on the policy to be covered.

It’s Not Worth the Risk to Lend Your Car

It may not be worth the added risk to allow a casual driver to borrow your car. Anything that goes wrong may ultimately become your responsibility. This includes accidents, parking tickets, and if the car is stolen. A litigation nightmare can come from a stolen car involved in a crime or an accident. It is really upsetting when something like this happens and it is not your fault.

If the need to lend a car is so compelling and you just cannot say no, then consider paying for a rental car that the person can use and get the added insurance when renting it.

Adding Another Authorized Driver

If the person will drive your vehicle more than once, even if infrequently, consider adding them as an authorized driver to your insurance policy. When you do this, their driving record will become part of the insurance company’s consideration when deciding about the auto insurance premium. A good driver around your same age will add to the monthly premium but probably not by an outrageous amount. However, a driver with a bad driving record will cost quite a lot to add to a policy. A young driver, especially a teenage one, will cost quite a bit to add to your auto policy.

Conclusion

It is not a small thing to let someone drive your car. If you still want to do this, check with your agent first and consider adding them to your policy. Get a quote by calling your agent at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY.

What Albany, NY Homeowners Should Know About Crawl Space Encapsulation

Many homeowners in or around the Albany, NY area have discovered problems that originated in the crawl space area of their home. This area houses the pipes, insulation, and wiring needed for your home, and damage to this area can be costly and time-consuming. What many homeowners are finding, however, is the benefit of crawl space encapsulation and how it is assisting home insurance policies from NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency. 

Preventing Mold & Mildew

With the crawl space encapsulation, the area is covered in thick plastic, preventing moisture from getting into the covered areas. When moisture builds in an area over time, mold and mildew will continue to grow and can work its way into the home. This will cause structural damage to the home as well as health issues for the occupants. 

Improve Air Quality

By creating a vapor barrier beneath your home with the crawl space encapsulation, the air quality that comes from this area and into the home ventilation is not carrying mold and dirt particles. The air is much cleaner and essentially filtered before coming into the home. 

Decreased Energy Bill & Save Money

Because the crawl space is essentially sealed and not allowing exposure for damages, your energy bill will decrease. Because there are no drafts and the area is sealed, the heat and cool air will be preserved in the home, minimizing the need for the HVAC system. Because you have incorporated this energy saving maintenance on your home, you may be eligible for tax incentives for your home. 

The agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency proudly serve the insurance needs to residents in or around Albany, NY. Give our agency a call today for a home insurance quote that fits your needs.