Auto insurance fraud is a massive problem in the United States. It costs drivers billions of dollars annually and is responsible for increasing premiums for all drivers. Fraud can take many forms, from filing false claims to staging accidents. This article will discuss the different types of auto insurance fraud and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

1. False Claims

This is the most common type of auto insurance fraud. It occurs when someone files a claim for an accident or damage that didn’t happen. This can be difficult to catch, but there are some things you can look for. For example, if the damage doesn’t match the description of the accident, or if there are no witnesses to corroborate the story, it may be a false claim.

2. Staged Accidents

This type of fraud occurs when two or more people plan and execute an accident. This is usually done to file false insurance claims. The damage from the accident may be exaggerated or completely fabricated. Staged accidents can be dangerous, so it’s important to be aware of them.

3. Ghost Brokers

Ghost brokers are people who sell fake or fraudulent insurance policies. These policies often don’t provide the coverage they promise, and the customer may not find out until it’s too late. If you’re considering buying insurance from someone other than a licensed agent, get it from a professional company like NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY.

Conclusion

Auto insurance fraud is a severe problem in the United States. If you’re not careful, you could become a victim of fraud. Be sure to purchase your insurance from a licensed agent and be aware of the different types of fraud to protect yourself. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we can help you get the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Contact us today for a free quote.

Albany, NY residents count on NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency for assistance when it comes to their insurance needs. This includes those unfortunate times when it is necessary to file a claim. If you have been involved in an accident and are struggling with the claims process, give us a call. We’re here to help!

Filing an auto insurance claim ABCs

If you have been involved in an accident and need to file an insurance claim, you may be dreading the idea of the entire process! If you keep these pointers in mind, you can reduce your stress level and get through the process with as few headaches as possible!

• Keep complete records – having complete records, from the accident report to the repair bill can help simplify the process. In addition to making copies of any documents, it is also advisable to create a digital copy.
• Work with a repair shop approved by your insurance carrier – many insurance carriers will allow you to work with the repair shop of your choice, but choosing one on their approved list can make things easier when it comes time to file your claim.
• Sit down with your local agent – working with an agent that knows you and your situation can help to make the process go more smoothly.

Let us help!

If you are a client of NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in the greater Albany, NY area, we are here to help with your claim filing process. If you have any questions or would like some guidance on navigating the process, think of us as a resource. Call or stop by our office today!

Motorists in the Albany, NY area understand the importance of maintaining their vehicles. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we encourage all of our clients to perform regular maintenance on their cars. When a vehicle is properly maintained, it is much more reliable and provides a safer mode of transportation than a neglected car.

Benefits of regular car maintenance

The main benefit of regular car maintenance is having a safe means of transportation. When your car is getting regular check-ups that include 

• oil changes,
• tire rotation,
• proper fluid level checks, and
• alignment testing, 

the chances of having a car that lasts a long time without any major issues are much greater. Additionally, it is important to work with a mechanic, dealership, or repair shop that you can trust. When you have an ongoing relationship with your service provider, it is much easier to deal with any unexpected issues or problems that arise.

No one wants to experience breaking down on the side of the road, or being unable to get to work because of car problems. When you follow the typical car maintenance guidelines, including any factory recalls, it’s very likely that you will have fewer issues than someone who neglects their car maintenance responsibilities. 

Schedule your appointment today!

Another important part of caring for your car is maintaining the right insurance to protect your vehicle and yourself. If you live in the greater Albany, NY area, the team at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency would love to be your insurance resource. Let us help you with all of your insurance needs; call or stop by today.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.