Preparing your New York home for winter

Posted on November 25, 2024November 25, 2024 by admin

Winter in Albany, NY, can be quite cold. On average, nearly 60 inches of snow fall annually, occurring on about 34 days. Preparing your home for this onslaught is essential. At Toedt Insurance Agency LLC, we are an independent insurance agency that works for our customers. Let us help you get the information you need to make the right home insurance decision.

As autumn begins to fade and the last of the leaves fall from the trees, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the winter ahead. With all the snow that falls in Albany, it’s vital to ensure you have bags of sand and salt safely stashed in your garage or vehicle trunk. Find your snow shovel and get your snow blower tuned up. These are just the first steps.

Inside your home

Inside your home, have your chimney cleaned so you can enjoy your fireplace, and have your furnace cleaned to ensure it’s working at its most efficient rate. Check the battery backup in your smoke alarm and your carbon monoxide detectors. Every year, people die needlessly from carbon monoxide. Check windows for leaks and keep a caulking kit handy.

Outside your home

Once the last of the leaves have fallen, ensure that your gutters aren’t filled with debris. Ice can build up and damage your roof if it can’t flow freely. Store any outdoor furniture that you have. Put away all your hoses so they won’t freeze, and shut off the water flow to outdoor faucets. Check your generator to ensure it’s working and you have the fuel you need to run it.

Contact our Toedt Insurance Agency LLC office in Albany, NY when you need home insurance.

Understanding auto insurance terminology on your auto policy

Posted on October 28, 2024October 25, 2024 by admin

At Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY, we understand that insurance terminology can seem like a foreign language to the average consumer. We aim to help. We want you to leave your experience with us feeling knowledgeable and well-informed about what is covered. We also want you to have peace of mind that you and your family are protected in case of a covered incident.

Your policy’s declaration page (dec page) contains most of your insurance terminology and definitions. It is the first page of your auto insurance policy and summarizes the most important information you need to know about it.

The dec page provides the following information:

Policyholder Information: It provides information about who is insured on the policy. Additionally, your Dec page describes the first named insured (the person who can make changes and other important decisions about your insurance policy).
Operators (drivers) Listed on the Policy: The Dec page informs you of any other drivers listed in the household and their status on the policy, whether they are listed as drivers, excluded from coverage, or non-drivers in the household.
Vehicles and Their Coverages: Your dec page will list the types of coverage you have on each vehicle on your policy, such as bodily injury and property damage liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage deductibles, and personal injury protection coverage limits.
Total Cost for Insurance and Effective Dates: Your annual, bi-annual, or quarterly premium amounts and policy effective dates will be listed on the Dec page. This information depends on when your renewal takes place.
Policy Number: Your policy number will be displayed on your dec page.
Contact Information: The policy will list the garaging address of your vehicle and the policyholder’s address.
Lienholder Information: If there is a lien on your vehicle because you are still making finance payments on your car, the lienholder’s name and address are listed on the declarations page.

Contact Us for More Information

At Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY, we are available to answer any and all your questions concerning auto insurance terminology. Call (518) 438-8154. Let us take the guesswork out of your auto insurance policy.

Will a business in Albany need to have commercial insurance at all times?

Posted on September 30, 2024September 30, 2024 by admin

Building a business in the Albany, NY area can be a great option. This state capital continues to have a strong economy and demand from local residents and visitors. If you want to build a business here, you must also ensure you have the right insurance. A business in the Albany area will want a commercial insurance plan for various reasons when they are here.

Manage Liability Risks

You will want to have commercial insurance to ensure you can manage your liability risks. Businesses today will always take on various liability risks when serving clients or other visitors. A great way to manage this risk is to have a proper insurance plan. A liability insurance policy will give coverage if you are liable for an accident resulting in damage.

Cover Assets

You also want to have this coverage to ensure you can manage and protect all of your business assets. Any assets you must purchase for your business will need to be something you protect. If you get commercial insurance, you will have coverage that can protect all business assets. This can include equipment, inventory, or other capital investments.

A proper commercial insurance plan will always need to be a top priority if you are living in the Albany, NY, area. When you are looking for this type of coverage and are here, it would be smart to call our team at Toedt Insurance Agency LLC. Our team with Toedt Insurance Agency LLC knows how important coverage is, and they can give you any support you need to build a new plan.

Why it’s Important to Replace Your Roof When it Needs It

Posted on August 30, 2024August 28, 2024 by admin

At the Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY, we know that all homeowners will eventually have their roofs replaced. It is a part of your regular home maintenance and one of the most important investments you can make for the value of your property and to protect it from the elements.

Why you should replace your roof when it needs it.

Regular roof replacement is a smart financial decision. It saves you money in the long term, protecting you from expensive damages caused by storm damage and other hazards. It also ensures that your home insurance coverage will be available when various perils damage your home’s structure.

Let’s look at other reasons to replace your roof when it needs it.

Energy Efficiency—Installing a new modern roof can help insulate your home and make it more energy efficient, saving you hundreds in utility bills.
Protection—Replacing your roof can protect your home from water leaks, which can damage the structure and form mold, which is harmful to your family’s health.
Longer Lasting – Replacing your roof helps it become more durable when exposed to the elements of wind, hail, and other storm damage.
Increased Value—You buy home insurance to protect your investment in case the unthinkable happens. Why not pay to replace your roof and increase its value on the market?

How do you know you need to replace your roof?

The following are a few signs that you should have your roof replaced:

You have missing shingles or shingles that are curled up on the ends. They can cause openings for water to damage the woodwork and structure of your home.
Your roof sags. A sagging roof is a sign of a severe problem. It may be something compromising the structure of your home that can be repaired when a new roof is installed.
Your roof leaks. A leaking roof can cause extensive damage to your home, the structure, personal property, or even the people inside. So, it is wise to get this addressed as soon as possible.

Get in touch with us today!

If you’re unsure about the condition of your roof or need assistance with your home insurance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

At the Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY, we have seen countless homeowners pay their hard-earned money to insure a home while not properly maintaining its upkeep. In those cases, you are less likely to be covered when the unthinkable happens. For expert advice and more tips to keep your home strong and a safe place for you and your family to reside, call (518) 438-8154 and get in touch with us today!

Commercial Auto Insurance in New York: What are the Requirements?

Posted on July 30, 2024July 30, 2024 by admin

If you operate a business in or around Albany, NY, it’s essential to be cognizant of the Empire State’s commercial auto insurance requirements. Commercial insurance isn’t necessary if your vehicle only serves for commutation purposes, i.e., travel to and from work. However, its significance becomes paramount in cases where the vehicle’s purpose extends to goods transfer, procuring supplies, or employee usage.

What are New York’s Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements?

There are several commercial auto insurance policies you need to adhere to when using a car for business purposes in New York. The first requisite is property damage liability coverage, which is expected to cover up to $10,000 per individual incident. Subsequently, bodily injury insurance becomes a necessity, covering at least $25,000 per person for bodily injuries and $50,000 per person in the unfortunate event of one or more fatalities. Further, New York drivers must opt for a personal injury protection policy, which provides coverage for medical expenses regardless of who instigated the accident.

Remembering that the state isn’t the sole entity dictating commercial auto insurance requirements is crucial. Obligations might arise for acquiring alternate forms of commercial auto insurance if you are renting, leasing, or in the process of paying off a vehicle. Additional insurance requirements are also in place for vehicles like tractor-trailers and semi-trucks.

Contact Toedt Insurance Agency LLC for Exceptional Commercial Auto Insurance Policy Choices

If you’re on the hunt for superior commercial auto insurance policy options for one or more of your business vehicles, don’t hesitate to place a call at your convenience. Toedt Insurance Agency LLC actively extends its services to business owners in and around Albany, NY, providing singular policies and policy bundles tailored to accommodate businesses of varying sizes and industries.

Commercial Insurance that Covers Your Commercial Property

Posted on June 28, 2024July 1, 2024 by admin

When you established your business in Albany, NY, you likely secured a business liability insurance policy from Toedt Insurance Agency LLC, along with business interruption coverage. If your startup had any employees, you would have also obtained worker’s compensation insurance. Your commercial insurance needs evolve as your business grows. For instance, if you’ve acquired commercial property, updating your commercial insurance package to safeguard your business’s property will be necessary.

Commercial Property Coverage

If a commercial business owns its operating premises, it needs policies to protect the building. Property coverage serves this purpose to a certain extent. However, other dedicated policies, such as boiler insurance and glass insurance, secure various aspects of the building. Property insurance indemnifies the structure against damage from dangers specified in the policy, including fire, tornadoes, and hail.

Certain areas within the building or equipment installed necessitate special coverage. For instance, the boiler or furnace in your building requires a dedicated boiler insurance policy for protection against damage. Glass insurance covers any harm to plate glass windows, mirrors, and glass walls within or on your building.

How to Determine What Coverage Your Business Needs

Consulting with your Toedt insurance agent is the simplest way to determine what policies your business requires. As you prepare for the acquisition of your commercial building, reach out to us for an insurance review. We’ll employ a standard set of questions to guide our recommendations and create a custom quote that includes only the relevant business insurance policies.

Contact Us Today for an Insurance Review

Have you recently purchased a commercial building, or are you planning to do so soon? Contact Toedt Insurance Agency LLC for an insurance review to ensure that your Albany, NY business remains fully covered against potential risks.

Is Vandalism Covered by Your Homeowner’s Policy?

Posted on May 31, 2024June 5, 2024 by admin

One of the most common questions we get at the Toedt Insurance Agency LLC, serving the greater Albany, NY area is, "Does my homeowner policy cover vandalism?"

Every homeowner’s insurance policy covers vandalism. This is mentioned in the "malicious mischief" clause in your policy. This kind of damage includes broken windows, graffiti, and damage to property or belongings.

However, not every act of vandalism is covered by every homeowner’s policy unless you specifically request it.

What kinds of vandalism aren’t covered by your homeowner’s policy?

Your homeowner policy typically won’t cover damages from vandalism to a home that has been unoccupied for sixty days or more.

One situation we often encounter is an elderly homeowner who has to go into assisted living and leave their home unattended.

Families who have to move for new jobs before selling their houses may also be exposed to vandalism. Returning home from an extended vacation can sometimes result in unpleasant surprises.

One way to ensure you have coverage against vandalism is to hire a housesitter. If that’s not an option, we can help you get additional coverage from a specialty carrier.

Another thing to consider when insuring your home against vandalism is the value of art, antiques, collectibles, and jewelry.

It would be best to inform your insurance agent about any valuables you want to insure in your home. Create a home inventory of high-value items and get an appraisal for jewelry. Remember, some items increase in value over time.

Take photographs of valuables and store the photos with the appraisals in a secure location. But be sure to bring these items to your agent’s attention when you get your policy.

Toedt Insurance Agency LLC services satisfied homeowners throughout the greater Albany, NY area. Contact us today about your insurance needs!

Three Types of Auto Coverage You Need in Your Policy

Posted on April 30, 2024May 2, 2024 by admin

When you get your auto insurance policy, some types of coverage are required, and some are optional. At the minimum, there are three types of coverage that you should have to protect yourself financially. When it’s time to get your auto policy, we’re here to help. Just call us at Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY.

Bodily Injury Liability

This type of coverage is required by law. It’s a type of coverage that pays for the medical bills and other expenses of someone outside your vehicle who is injured in an accident. If you were the cause of the accident, you’d be the one responsible for paying for their medical treatments, ongoing therapies, lost wages, etc. It would be best to have this protection so the insurer can pay those bills.

Property Damage Liability

You must also have this type of coverage in your policy. This type pays for the damages to someone else’s property after an accident. This usually pays for the repairs to another party’s vehicle, but it can be any property damage. This includes damage to buildings and damage to plants and other landscaping. This coverage is essential for staying protected from the high cost of repairs.

Collision Coverage

Because property damage liability doesn’t pay for your property damage, you must choose collision coverage for your policy. This can pay for your own repairs or car replacement when you’ve been the cause of an accident. It’s never a good idea to be without this type of coverage because of the high cost of repairs.

Get Auto Insurance

When you’re in the market for auto insurance, call us to get started with a policy. Call us at Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY, to find out more.

When Should You Update Your Commercial Insurance Policy?

Posted on March 28, 2024March 28, 2024 by admin

It may be time for some updates if you have a business and a commercial insurance policy. Many people get insurance and then just keep renewing it without considering whether there are any changes that should be made. At Toedt Insurance Agency LLC, we want to help everyone in the Albany, NY area get the coverage they need and keep it updated so they have the right protection when they need it. We can help you update your commercial policy for better coverage.

Your commercial coverage should be updated if you change companies, change locations, or significantly increase your equipment or inventory. If you don’t update for those kinds of changes, you may find that you don’t have adequate coverage if there’s a claim. The peace of mind and security you have when you know your policy is up to date can be highly valuable when running a business, and it’s also one less thing you’ll need to worry about.

Another good time to update your policy is when you have a review with your agent every year. If you’re not reviewing your commercial coverage once per year, it’s time to start. Then, you can feel confident that you have the right policy for your particular needs. There’s no reason to settle for less than that when our dedicated agents are here to help ensure that your coverage is what’s needed for your company.

Get in touch with us at Toedt Insurance Agency LLC today if you’re in the Albany, NY area and need updates to your commercial insurance coverage. Our agents are committed to helping you get the right protection for your business and making sure you keep quality protection as your needs change over time.

What to Know About Insuring a Vacation Home

Posted on February 26, 2024February 26, 2024 by admin

Owning a vacation home is a dream for many, but it’s important to understand the unique insurance needs involved. Protecting a vacation home near Albany, NY is slightly different from insuring your primary residence. Here’s what you should know if insuring a vacation home in the area.

Personal Property Coverage May Be Optional

If your vacation home is more like an unfurnished cabin, you likely don’t need personal property coverage for the place. You also may not need personal property coverage through a vacation home insurance policy if you already have sufficient coverage through your primary homeowner’s insurance policy.

Vacant Property Coverage

Most people who have vacation homes leave their place unoccupied for several months at a time. Your vacation home policy probably needs to include vacant property coverage to ensure your place is still insured even when not used during the offseason.

Protection Against Frozen Pipes

Harsh winters in Albany, NY, make frozen pipes a significant risk. A frozen pipe can be especially damaging if you aren’t around to see the pipe freeze, break, and leak.

To protect against the costs of remedying such damage, look for a vacation home insurance policy that includes coverage for frozen pipes. At Toedt Insurance Agency LLC, we can help you find a policy that offers this protection.

The Right Coverage for Your Needs

Factors like your vacation home’s location, amenities, and how often you use it further affect your insurance needs. To make sure you find insurance that matches your place’s specific needs, let us at Toedt Insurance Agency LLC help you find the right vacation home policy.