Category: Home Insurance

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!

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.

An excellent and essential benefit of having a Homeowner Insurance Policy is the loss of use coverage, also known as additional living expense (ALE) coverage.  Let us, the Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY, help you have peace of mind if the unthinkable happens.

Understanding Additional Living Expense (ALE) Coverage

ALE coverage (also available to condominium owners and in renter’s insurance policies) covers added costs associated with a policyholder’s temporary displacement from their residence in a covered peril.  ALE coverage in New York can pay up to 20% of the insurance dwelling amount while your home is being repaired.

ALE typically covers expenses associated with food, hotel stays, or temporary rental spaces until your primary residence can be inhabited again.

Other benefits that can be covered under the loss of use portion of your homeowner’s insurance policy may include:

• Moving or displacement expenses
• Rental furniture
• Laundry expenses (because you don’t have access to a washer and dryer)
• Storage costs
• Boarding of pets

To know the specifics of your individual policy, contact your agent to get a detailed explanation of coverage.

Loss of use coverage doesn’t cover costs for things you were previously responsible for before the time of loss.  Your home mortgage, childcare expenses, insurance costs, and other household bills you paid regularly would be excluded from ALE coverage.  This coverage is for added expenses you are responsible for paying because you can’t live in your place of residence. 

Have Questions? Consult With Us

Guard your home, protect your family and quality of life, and have peace of mind.  Talk to a licensed agent at Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY for more information about homeowner insurance policies.  

The purpose of home insurance is to protect your home and valuables from perils that can cause financial loss. The right policy will provide just the protection you need without wasting money on unnecessary coverage. At Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY, we can personalize your policy to meet your unique insurance needs.

Here are some important factors to consider when purchasing a home policy:

Type of Coverage

Standard home insurance offers dwelling, contents, and liability coverage. You can review these types of coverage with your Toedt Insurance agent to fully understand the protection they provide. You should also be aware of the perils your policy protects you from, such as theft, vandalism, storm damage, tornadoes, etc. If you want protection from flooding, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.  

Amount of Coverage

In addition to the type of coverage, you decide the amount of coverage you want to protect your property. Dwelling coverage, for example, should cover the cost of rebuilding your home if it’s totally destroyed in a disaster. We can help you assess the value of your home and its contents to help you obtain accurate coverage.

Claims Process

Another factor to consider is the claims process. Talk to your insurer about filing a claim so you understand what’s required to get compensation when you need it most.

Insurance Cost

By shopping around, you can get a better idea of home insurance costs in your local area. Be sure to compare what different policies offer in relation to their costs. You don’t want to be penny-wise and pound-foolish when it comes to protecting your most valuable asset.

Insurance Company

Finally, choose a reputable insurance company you can trust. At Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY, we offer quality home insurance at affordable costs.

Protecting your home against summer storm damage is essential, and having comprehensive home insurance coverage can help. If you live in Albany, NY, you’ll want to understand how your policy covers storm damage to be prepared.

Here’s what you need to know:

Understanding Storm Damage Coverage

Typically, most home insurance policies cover a wide range of potential hazards and damages, including damage caused by natural disasters like storms and severe weather events. However, reviewing your policy carefully is essential to understand what is and isn’t covered, especially with summer storm damage. Some policies may include exclusions or limitations for specific weather events, so ensuring adequate coverage is essential.

Storm Damage Caused by Wind and Hail

One of the most common types of summer storm damage in Albany, NY is caused by high winds and hail. These elements can cause significant damage to roofs, siding, windows, and other areas of your home. Fortunately, most home insurance policies provide coverage for wind and hail damage. However, reviewing your policy to understand your deductible and coverage limits is essential.

Flood Damage from Heavy Rain

Heavy rain and flash flooding can also cause extensive damage to your home during the summer months. Unfortunately, many standard home insurance policies do not cover flood damage. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you may need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to ensure this type of damage coverage.

Toedt Insurance Agency LLC Is Here To Help!

At Toedt Insurance Agency LLC, we are here to help you find the right home insurance coverage for your needs in Albany, NY, including additional policies for floods and other perils. Contact us today to learn more.

Buying your first home is an important step in your life. What you know about home insurance is probably minimal except for the fact that your mortgage holder has told you what you need to have to get your mortgage. At Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY, we are here to help you to make sure you get the right insurance, not just the right amount. 

What you need to know about home insurance

You decide the amount of your deductible

Your home insurance has a deductible on many parts of the coverage. You are the one that decides the amount that is right for you. If you don’t want to have to pay a lot of money out of pocket, choose a low deductible, and if you want a lower premium, go for a higher deductible. 

Not every hazard is covered

Home insurance policies have exclusions. These are things that won’t be covered if they happen to you. Your home insurance doesn’t provide coverage for floods, sewer backups, earthquakes, sinkholes, mudslides, landslides, termites, war, civil unrest, mold, rodent infestation, wear and tear, and owner neglect. Certain breeds of dogs will also not be covered. 

Some coverage has limits

Some types of coverage have limits. The amount of jewelry, rare coins, cash, antiques, and art you are covering is limited. 

Endorsements allow you to extend your coverage

Endorsements are a way to extend the coverage of your home policy to things it would either not cover or not cover at a level to protect you. This allows you to customize your home insurance to your very specific needs. Identity theft is one that you may want to consider to protect your assets. Also, extended content coverage for your more expensive items. 

Give Us A Call

To learn more about home insurance, contact Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY to get a no-obligation quote. 

A home inventory sheet is an essential tool to help you in the event of a claim after a disaster. In addition, this can help you select the right amount of insurance to purchase, and your Toedt Insurance Agency LLC representative will be happy to answer any questions you have in this regard. 

What is a Home Inventory Sheet?

Your inventory should, at its most basic, include a list of all possessions kept on your property. Secondly, there should be an in-depth description of the item itself. Video helps in this endeavor, as you can film from multiple angles and show the condition at the time of filming as well as any special features. 

Be sure to write down any pertinent serial numbers, the make and model, or any other identifier. Also, record the date of purchase along with a copy of the receipt. It’s also recommended that you take a photograph of the receipt, as these can tend to degrade with age. 

It’s important to state the purchase price but also the amount you estimate it would cost to replace the item. Keep a backup of this document at a separate location, in cloud-based storage, on a home inventory sheet app, or in a safe deposit box. Keep the information current, updating all copies at periodic intervals.

Homeowners insurance is not a requirement in the state of New York by law but is usually mandated by your lender as long as you have a balance. Some Albany, NY residents choose to continue carrying this indemnification for the benefits it confers. 

Let Us Meet Your Insurance Needs

We at Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY work hard to get the right coverage package for you. You can reach us by phone or email, and we invite you to stop by our office. 

Home insurance is one of those things that you hope you never have to use, but it’s there for peace of mind if the worst happens. However, many people make mistakes when buying home insurance that can cost them dearly if they ever need to make a claim. This blog post will explore five of the most common mistakes people make when buying home insurance. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can be sure that you’re getting the best coverage for your needs. So read on to learn more.

1. Not Reading the Policy Documents Carefully

When taking out any insurance, it’s essential to read the policy documents carefully to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered. This is especially true for home insurance, as there can be a lot of small print that you may not be aware of. Many people skim over the policy documents or don’t read them at all and then find themselves disappointed when they try to make a claim and discover that it’s not covered. So take the time to carefully read your policy documents to know exactly what you’re covered for.

2. Not Disclosing Any Relevant Information

When applying for home insurance, you’ll be asked to disclose relevant information about your property and lifestyle. It’s vital that you answer these questions honestly, as failing to do so could invalidate your policy.

3. Buying the Bare Minimum of Coverage

Many try to save money by only buying the bare minimum of home insurance coverage they need. However, this can be a false economy, as if you ever need to make a claim, you may find that your damages aren’t fully covered. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.

4. Not Shopping Around

When it comes to insurance, it’s important to shop around and compare different policies before you decide on one. Many people go with the first policy they come across without research, but this could cost you more in the long run.

5. Not Reviewing Your Policy Regularly

Your needs and circumstances can change over time, and it’s important to review your home insurance policy regularly to ensure that it still meets your needs. Many take out a policy and then forget it, but this could leave you underinsured or even completely uninsured.

If you’re looking for home insurance in Albany, NY, Toedt Insurance Agency LLC can help. We offer various policy options to suit your needs, and our team can help you find the right coverage for your situation. Contact us today to get started.