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!