Many residents of Albany, NY and the Capital District welcome the arrival of spring. The annual spring cleaning ritual is more than a time to decide if you want to keep grandma’s hat. For many of us, it is also an opportunity to document family treasures that have monetary as well as sentimental value.

The agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency encourage you to take stock of your valuables. Here are some important steps to follow:

• 1. Create a Video of Your Valuables. Record them on the video and describe them as well. You can use the video functions on your smartphone or laptop.
• 2. Take Pictures. Photographs allow you to show details from your valuables, such as intricate jewelry patterns. Take pictures in the area of the home where the items generally reside. 
• 3. Keep an Inventory of Valuables You Wish to Insure. You can create a handwritten list or simple spreadsheet. Capture as much information as you can, including serial numbers or other unique identifiers. Scan a copy of this list or save a digital file offsite. This information should accompany any video or photographic images you have taken. 
• 4. Consider Professional Appraisals for Exceptionally Rare and Valuable Items. Appraisals cost money, but they may provide important information that explains why an item has great value. Check the policy limits available on your plan and consider an optional rider if necessary.
• 5. Keep Backup Copies of Documentation Offsite. Place content on a thumb drive or other digital media and store copies offsite, such as in your safe deposit box and another backup location. Be sure that you have more than one physical or electronic copy in case the original is destroyed or no longer functioning. 

Contact NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY if you need to modify your homeowner’s policy.

Security features around your home can help to protect your home against people who are looking to break into your home, vandalize your home or even steal packages from your doorstep. However, some security features can be costly. One question that we at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, serving the greater Albany, NY area, are often asked is whether or not there are inexpensive ways to increase security around the home. Here are a few of the best ways to increase security around your home for as cheap as possible. 

Add Flood Lights

Those breaking into a home love to lurk in the darkness. They are less likely to get caught. If there isn’t much lighting around your home, installing floodlights can help to illuminate the area around your home and keep burglars out. 

Install Motion Cameras

Another way to inexpensively beef up security around your home is to install motion cameras. The cameras will begin rolling only when motion is detected. Many thieves look for cameras and if they spot them, they move on and target a different home. 

Reinforce Entry Points

The last tip for inexpensively increasing security around your home is to reinforce your entry points. Thieves are more likely to enter through a door or window on the ground level. Reinforce these windows and doors with extra locks or locking mechanisms to make them harder to enter through. 

When you are increasing security around your home, it is also a great time to take a look at your homeowner’s insurance policy and see if changes need to be made. If you are looking to make changes to an existing policy or purchase a new one in the greater Albany, NY area, NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency would love to assist you. Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your home insurance needs. 

Home insurance is a very important purchase that could have a huge impact on your financial future. 

The following are five things you can do when shopping around for insurance on a new home to ensure that you choose the right policy for your situation:

Discuss the issue with your real estate agent

As a professional in the real estate industry, your real estate agent can probably give you some helpful advice. Your real estate agent should know a lot about you by now, so he or she should have a good idea of what insurance policy you need.

Discuss the issue with the previous homeowner

Another great source of information on effective home insurance is the previous owner. If possible, discuss insurance options with the previous owner and ask about any special considerations you should take into account for insuring this particular home.

Work with an insurance provider of whom you’re already a customer

It’s always a good idea to bundle insurance together. If you already purchase auto insurance from a provider like NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency that also offer home insurance, check out their policy options. Not only can you enjoy a discount for bundled insurance, but you might find that the insurance provider goes out of the way for you out of thanks for your loyalty.

Do your research

There are many different home insurance policies out there. You can’t be sure that you’ve gotten the best one for your unique situation until you’re aware of all teh options.

Consider the risks that apply to your location

One of the most important things you think about is what natural disasters are most likely to cause damage to your new home in Albany, NY.

When you think about the value of your property, you likely think about it in terms of your location. After all, that’s what real estate is all about, right? While your proximity to major centers throughout the city or the prestige of your zip code will matter, there’s also another factor that NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency wants you to consider. Home insurance may work as more of a behind-the-scenes influence.

Homes and Time 

Some countries only want things that are brand new, with buildings being torn down that are just a few decades old. Other countries put emphasis on historical buildings that were built to last. There is something to be said for building structures that withstand the test of time, but even homes that have been built with the best craftsmanship can fall prey to problems over the years. Home insurance is what stops the decay through careful repairs and attention. Homes that are treated with  respect not only have more character, but they also tend to sell better when the time comes.

A Collective Effort in Albany NY 

NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency serves the people of Albany NY, and we’re here to tell you that it’s the collective effort that makes all the difference here. When everyone in the neighborhood buys a policy that can cover damages, it means that catastrophic events that effect everyone aren’t so devastating to the town. It’s what will keep your house looking nice and the house next to you (and the house next to that.) Neighborhoods and streets that are well maintained will be the ones that end up commanding the most money. If you’re looking for more information about policies that can protect you, give NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency a call today.

Winters in Albany, NY can get pretty cold.  By now you have probably had your furnace inspected, cleaned your chimney and are staying warm and cozy in your home. Did you know it is also important to have your roof inspected for winter? Per the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association, thirty nine percent of homeowner’s insurance claims are a result of roof issues. At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we want you and your family to be safe all winter long. If you aren’t sure if you really need to inspect your roof, perhaps these reasons will persuade you.

A Well-Maintained Roof Can Prevent Costly and Unexpected Repairs

During the winter months, your roof must contend with snow, ice, and hail. It must hold up against heavy falling tree branches covered ice and snow. While roofs are designed to withstand these challenges, sometimes they do get damaged. When damage goes unnoticed, you could be in trouble. A weak spot on the roof during a heavy Albany NY winter storm can lead to roof leaks and water damage. By having your roof inspected or examining it yourself, you will have peace of mind that your home is protected all winter long.

Tips for Inspecting Your Roof

If you decide to take a look at in on your own, there are a few important areas to focus on. First, make sure that all of your shingles are firmly attached and in place. Look for holes or cracks in them. Also, check that the metal flashing is intact and your roof vents are in good condition. If you have questions or need assistance, give one of our friendly agents at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency a call. We are here and ready to help you.

It’s the middle of the winter, with many days under the zero-degree mark and you wake up to frost on your windows.  You come to the realization that you must have run out of heating fuel.  This is not the end of the world, but you are going to have to take a few additional steps in the case that this is in fact the issue.  Many people in cold climates such as Albany, NY use an auto-filling fuel service so that this does not end up being an issue.  Some of the more frugal folks out there will chance this event to save a few dollars by choosing the most inexpensive fuel pricing using different companies through the winter months.

Here are the steps to take to get your home heated and everything back on track for the rest of the winter.  Whatever you do, don’t panic, everything will be fine.

Fist, be sure that the absence of fuel is the issue here, emergency deliveries and service can add to overall costs for you.

Second, call your furnace service provider.  They will need to come and make sure there is not any damage to the fuel line or filter to safely turn your furnace back on.

Next, call an oil provider to come and fill or put some fuel into the tank as soon as possible.  Depending on the current demand in your area, you may have to call a couple of providers to get fuel in a reasonable amount of time.

Helping you to keep your home safe and happy is our top priority.  Call us at NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency in Albany, NY, we are here to assist.