What Is Insurance Really For?

Thanksgiving has almost arrived. This is the time of year when we sit back and reflect on all the things that we are thankful for. What immediately comes to mind?

For most of us its things like our family, our home, and our good health. And guess what they have in common? All of these things are what insurance protects!

That’s why it is so important to me that my clients have excellent insurance coverage.

It’s not just about having an ID card in your car so you don’t get a ticket or fulfilling your mortgage company’s minimum loan requirements.

Insurance is there to make sure that if the worst happens, you can recover from it. It might not be easy, but we’re here to ease the financial burden after your house burns own or a loved one passes away.

All of those TV commercials that just tell you to find the cheapest rate are completely wrong! Of course no one wants to pay more than they have to, but it’s not the most important part of the equation.

Rather than looking for a cheap bare bones policy, take the time to interview and meet with local agents. See who is looking for the best coverage and truly meeting your needs while keeping the rate affordable. Ask about how they handle claims and if they do annual policy reviews.

This Thanksgiving, our agency is extremely thankful for all of our wonderful clients. If you need a local agent to look out for your most prized possessions, give us a call at

888-565-2212 today for a free no-obligation quote. Bryan Insurance is Long Island’s leading homeowners insurance agent.

Top Causes of Fine Art Damage

Whether you’ve spent a lifetime acquiring a world-class collection, inherited family heirlooms or simply purchased objects to decorate a home, the condition of each piece will impact its financial worth.

Surprisingly, most art-related losses are caused by circumstances that are under your control to manage (or avoid). Along with distinct insurance coverage, a better understanding of the prevalent risks can help you manage your collection more effectively over time. Consider the following: 

1. Installation
   Inadequate installation is one of the most frequent causes of damage to private collections, so whenever possible, valuable works should be installed under the guidance of a professional art handler. It is always good practice to use two hooks and two wires for hanging pictures and mirrors, as the redundancy adds stability and decreases likelihood of loss should one hook fail.
2. Placement
   When deciding on where to install your art, avoid accidental damages by looking beyond the aesthetics of your home by considering the location of doors and pathways. Do not place objects in areas that are highly trafficked, above fireplaces, or beneath air vents. To limit long term damage caused by the harmful effects of sunlight, place objects out of direct sunlight and consider installing UV-filters on your windows.
3. Environment
   Drastic fluctuations in temperature and humidity can have a negative long term effect on art and antiques as materials dry out or expand and contract over time. As much as possible, maintain a consistent temperature and relative humidity (RH) in rooms containing works of art. In homes with climate control systems, the environmental levels best suited for a general collection are 68-72 °F and a relative humidity of 45–55%. Consult a conservator for specific environmental recommendations for your collection.
4. Theft It is no secret that works of art are attractive targets for thieves, although surprisingly, most art thefts are crimes of opportunity that easily could have been prevented.  Secure the “envelope” of your home with a central station burglar alarm with motion sensors and contacts on all doors and windows. For jewelry and other portable valuables, install a safe that is bolted in to the fabric of your home.
5. Fire
   Every minute a fire burns it doubles in size, which means that early detection is critical to saving lives and property. To best protect your home, family and collection, install a centrally-monitored smoke detector in every area of your home and keep annually inspected fire extinguishers handy. Monitored heat detectors can be used in kitchens and unfinished basement areas.
6. Storage Ideally, all items that are not installed in your home should be stored off-site in a professional climate-controlled facility. If that is not feasible, dedicate one room in your home for art storage only. To protect items from leaks and spills, never store anything on the floor, even temporarily. If pictures need to be stacked, stack them front-to-front and back-to-back, alternating vertically and horizontally to minimize the chance of one pushing into another.
7. Emergencies Writing a collection-specific emergency plan will ensure that you and your service providers act efficiently and effectively to protect your collection before and after a catastrophe.  A standard plan includes: a priority list of items to be removed; a communication list with contact information; a list of tools and equipment needed; wrapping and handling instructions; the locations of gas, water, and electricity shut-offs, with instructions; training an emergency response team; and a conservation plan for the post-event period.
8. Documentation Maintaining up to date inventory records reduces the likelihood of mysterious disappearance and an inventory with images helps expedite the claims process in the unfortunate event of a loss. The format you use can be as simple as a comprehensive list, but we recommend entering descriptions and images into a secure computerized collection management database, with a copy stored off site.
9. Appraisals The value of your collection will increase over time, regardless of seasonal or annual trends. Since appraisals are used as the basis for insurance coverage, if a piece is damaged, lost or stolen, an outdated value could limit your ability to be fully compensated under your insurance policy. Typically, we recommend that appraisals be updated no less than every three to four years. Consult your appraiser to find out what time-frame is recommended for your collection.

At the Bryan Insurance Agency, we have risk management experts in high value homes and fine art collections. We are the leading insurance agents for home insurance in Long Island and New York. Contact us today to find out how to protect your priceless art collection. 888-565-2212 or www.bryanagency.com/contact 

Reprinted with permission from AIG Premier Client Group. Bryan Insurance Agency is a licensed agent of AIG Premier Client. For more information, visit AIG.com 

October is Fire Prevention Awareness

October is officially Fire Prevention Awareness. Although Fire Prevention is technically October 4-10, 2015, we believe it should be something you and your family practice year round. As your insurance agent and coming from a family of volunteer fire fighters, this is an issue that is very important to us! Unfortunately, we've seen clients, friends, and family all suffer from home fires, and we want to share some things you can do to prevent a disaster.

Beyond basic fire prevention, like checking electrical cords and not leaving a pot unattended on the stove, there are several important things to do with your children or grandchildren to make sure they're safe 

First, create a PLAN. When children know what to expect, they can remain calm, even during an emergency. Help your child know exactly what to do if a fire occurs.

Stress the importance of getting out of the house and to your family meeting spot.  Choose an area a safe distance from the house where children should go if making a fire escape. It could be a street light, mailbox, or neighbor's tree.

If you have pets, tell your kids that your pets will find their own way out safely and that they should never go back to rescue the pet on their own.

As a family, go through each room of the house and discuss TWO different ways to get out if a fire occurs. Let children practice opening a latch and unlocking doors too. Remember smoke rises, so teach them how to stay low and exit safely. And show them how to always test the door handle before opening. 

Now host a fire drill! Make the practice drills fun and informative. Create sample scenarios and build up your kid's confidence. They'll be better prepared for a fire and you will too! Here is a great tool with games for kids with Sparky the Dog on Fire Prevention. 

When it comes to any sort of emergency situation, people are what matter most. Take precautions to protect your loved ones and let your professional insurance agents take care of protecting your home and belongings! Call us for a free quote on your Homeowner's Insurance today! 888-565-2212 or visit us online for a homeowners quote. At the Bryan Insurance Agency we are the top agency in New Windsor and Long Island for home insurance. 

How To Choose An Auto Insurance Deductible

When quoting auto insurance for clients, we frequently discuss how to choose the right deductible.  I thought I’d take a few minutes to share this information here on our website too!

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you have a claim.  If you have a $500 collision deductible and have an accident, then you would pay $500 towards repairing your vehicle and insurance would cover the rest. The deductible you choose directly relates to the amount of money you spend on premiums each month.  The higher the deductible ($250, $500, $1000, $2000), the lower your monthly cost. So how do you choose?  Cheaper price or lower out of pocket expense? Basically it comes down to pay now or pay later and what you can afford at the time of a loss.

First, look at your emergency savings.  Do you have enough cash available to cover a higher deductible if you had to pay it?  If the answer is no, then you’re better off paying a little extra each month. 

Compare the cost savings.  When we run a quote, we can show you several different options.  Ask your agent to run the premium based on several different deductibles so you can see the actual dollar cost savings. You can always change your mind.  If you’re short on cash now, but know you could afford more out of pocket next year, you’re always able to change.  Keep your deductible in a comfortable range and you’ll always be well protected! 

If you have insurance with us now and would like to see how much your premium can change by changing your deductible give us a call. Or if you are interested in more information and a personalized quote call or visit us online!  (888) 565-2212

At Bryan Insurance we are the leading agent for car insurance for the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and the surrounding New York areas.

September Home Maintenance Tasks

Every month, we share easy tasks you can do to keep your home in tip-top shape all year long.  So here are a few simple tasks you can do in September to prepare your home for cool fall weather!

1.)  Check Gutters -  Take a few minutes to make sure your gutters are clear.  With rain and falling leaves, gutters will be working overtime.  By making sure they’re clear now, you’ll avoid water damage later on.  You can either hire someone to do it or do it yourself.

2.)  Clean The Dryer Vent - Lint accumulating in the dryer vent can cause a house fire.  A couple of times per year, unplug the dryer and thoroughly vacuum the area around the dryer vent and hose.  Remember to check the outside vent too!

3.)  Get Your Fireplace Inspected & Cleaned – Do you have a fireplace or woodstove? When was the last time it was cleaned & inspected? Now is a great time to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are all in good working order. A little maintenance now can help prevent a bigger problem later on. Schedule it now before it gets cold.   

4.)  Gather Firewood - Will you be burning a wood stove or fireplace this winter?  Start gathering up firewood now and save yourself from the task when it’s cold outside. 

5.)  Get Ready For Autumn - Now is a great time to start planting some fall flowers.  Mums make a great addition to your front porch! 

6.)  Save On Home Insurance - Homeowners Insurance is an important part of protecting your belongings.  To make sure you have the best coverage, call us today for a free, no obligation quote.  

Want more tips? Call or visit us online. Bryan Insurance is the leading homeowners insurance agent in the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New York areas. 

Did You Know? Life Insurance Is Affordable.

Did you know that September is Life Insurance Awareness Month? If you haven’t already seen them, you will probably see TV commercials and magazine articles talking about why this coverage is so important all month long. And you probably already know it’s important. But I know that even with the best intentions, it doesn’t always mean that you’ve got your policy set up yet!

The Life Foundation says that only 62% of people who believe they need life insurance, actually have it. And even then, those that do have it only carry enough to replace their income for 3.6 years. If you have young children to support, that is simply not enough time! And if you're skipping life coverage all together, then you are putting your family at risk.

So why do people wait too long to purchase life insurance? Well, the Life Foundation also says that 86% of Americans say they haven't purchased it because it's "too expensive.”  Many overestimate the cost by more than 2X!

Life Insurance rates are based on a number of factors, including age, health conditions, and smoking status. By not smoking and purchasing when you're younger, you can save a substantial amount of money. In fact, many term life policies are less than $30 per month! That’s $1 per day!

Even if you are a smoker, older, or have health issues, doesn’t mean you won’t be able to afford it. Getting some life insurance is still better than none.

Here’s what we recommend...call the office and set up an appointment with one of our life insurance specialists. Bring information on your annual income, as well as any debts (like your mortgage). We can give an accurate picture of how much coverage you need as well as different ways to make it affordable. We can find a plan to fit your budget.

Don’t wait another minute! Call us today to set up an appointment. (888) 565-2212 or visit us online.

9 Ways To Save On Your Car Insurance

Looking for ways to keep your auto insurance premiums manageable?  Here are 9 ways you can save on your insurance (without sacrificing coverage.)

1. Driving Record

Your driving record plays a big role in how much you pay for insurance. By keeping a clean record for 3-5 years, you can save hundreds of dollars! Be a cautious driver, don’t speed, and you'll lower your premiums.

2. Driving Course

Defensive driving courses are an easy way to achieve an extra discount. They can also help keep a ticket from showing up and messing up your clean driving record. Make sure to call us before taking the class if you're using it for a discount so we can verify that your policy qualifies.

3. Anti-Theft Devices

Installing an alarm or other anti-theft device can lower premiums on your vehicle. Make sure to discuss all features with us, sometimes even power locks and a remote can count!

4. Your Credit Score

While insurance uses a different formula then the credit bureaus, your credit still affects the rate you pay. Good credit can save you hundreds (even thousands) on your premiums! Make sure to review your report on a regular basis and have any mistakes corrected.

5. Where You Live

Rural areas pay less for insurance than the big cities do. It's all about risk and with a large population, there is more chance for an accident. Therefore, where you choose to live can impact your rates. Consider visiting with us before purchasing a home if you’re concerned about the costs (it is based on the zip code).

6. Your Vehicle

The vehicle you choose to purchase also makes a difference! Some vehicles cost a lot more to repair than others, which drives up their rates. Easy way to avoid buying a money-sucker? Call us first and let us quote the vehicle before you sign on the dotted line.

7. How Often You Drive

If you take public transportation and only drive on the weekend, you'll pay less than someone with a long commute. Make sure to review your annual mileage and daily commutes with us (especially if they change) so that you can receive the extra savings.

8. Raise Your Deductible

A higher deductible (your out of pocket cost in a claim) means a lower monthly rate. If you have $1000 in savings and could afford to use it if you had an accident, then you’ll save on your insurance cost by having a $1000 deductible instead of a $250. We can help you review the costs and benefits in your specific situation.

9. Your Agent

And the best way to save? Work with a local agent! You'll get the coverage you need plus you'll have an advocate working on your behalf to find the best rate, all the discounts, and an easy explanation of any gaps in your coverage. It's the #1 way to control your risk, maximize your savings, and protect your family.

We want to be your agent!  Call us to discuss your policy today and let us see how we can save you money on your car insurance! At Bryan Insurance we have over 10 different car insurance carriers that specialize in giving you the best coverage at the best price in New Windsor, Long Island and the surrounding New York area. Call us at 888.565.2212 or visit us online.

You had a claim. Now what?

It happened. You had a claim. This one was not fixable on your own and you had to call your agent or company to put the claim in. Now what?

Claims can be a stressful process.  I've worked with my clients after car accidents, home fires, storm damage, and even a death in the family.  Insurance claims are often tied to the most stressful events in our lives.

That's why it's extremely important that you work with an agent and a company that you trust and who you know will be able to walk you through the process.

After an insurance claim, you will be assigned to an adjuster who will evaluate your loss.  Most times, they will come out to take a look at what happened and speak to you. The adjuster will determine the settlement amount based on what is fair to put you back to where you were before the claim and also answer any questions you may have.  

So what happens if things don't go smoothly at first?  Maybe you don't agree on the amount or can't get the right documentation?

That's where I come in.

My job, as your agent, is to also be your advocate.  My office goes to work to help you communicate with your adjuster if there is a problem.  That means that when you need help, we're there.

Yes, sometimes you can get cheaper rates with unknown companies.  And you might love being able to buy online without talking to an agent. Sometimes you also get what you pay for. Cheaper doesn’t always mean better especially when you are up to your eyeballs in paperwork from a claim and you feel like no one is listening to you.

But when it comes down to those stressful moments, it's great to have someone you know on your side. Someone who can explain the process or just to listen if you need to talk.  Call my office today and let us protect your family from the next claim.  

At the Bryan Agency, we are your claim advocates. We have over 20 years of industry experience and 15+ in working in and helping people with claims. We are experts at claims in New Windsor, Long Island and the surrounding New York areas. Have a claims question? Call us at 888.565.2212 or visit us online today!

3 Easy Home Maintenance Tasks for July

Regular home maintenance is important and frequently overlooked, especially in the summer. Let’s face it, the summer goes by so fast, who has time to worry about all the inner workings of the house? We tend to forget about our air conditioning system. That is, until it quits working on the hottest day of the summer!  That's why, we're providing a few simple tasks and reminders you can do each month to keep your home in tip top shape all year long.

Here’s some quick Home Maintenance To-Do’s that take less than 30 minutes each!

1.)  Do an energy audit.  Hot weather is a great time to find all the spots in your home where air may be sneaking in.  Plugging those leaks can save as much as 20% on your heating and cooling bills!  

Look at every door and window area for places where you can see daylight through a crack or feel a draft.  Don't forget the mail slot and fireplace too!  If you'd rather use a professional, contact your utility company for a recommendation on a home energy auditor.

2.)  Protect your patio furniture.  You probably have all of your nice outdoor furniture in use right now.  Make sure to take a few minutes to clean it each week (and protect it during storms) and it will last for many years.  

Check the tags on pillows and cushions for specific cleaning instructions and regularly hose down the furniture itself. Remember, patio cushions are a favorite place for busy squirrels so try to keep them protected!  

3.)  Save on Home Insurance.  If we don't currently insure your home, call us for a quote today.  We'll look for every possible discount without sacrificing important coverage.  Great insurance coverage is the best protection you can have!

At the Bryan Insurance Agency, we are the experts at keeping you safe this summer and saving you money. We can help you with your insurance wherever you whether it be New Windsor, Long Island, the Hudson Valley or any area in New York. Call us or visit us online today for a quote on your home insurance. 888.565.2212.

What To Do When Your Home Is Vacant

Selling your home can be a stressful process, especially when it doesn't move quickly.  With a new job looming or the purchase of a new house, you may have no choice but to leave the home vacant for a short time until it sells.  

The problem?  Vacant homes fall under different insurance rules and can leave you at risk.  Homes are typically considered vacant when the utilities are shut off and/or furniture has been removed.  If you forget to tell your agent that your home is vacant, you might not be covered in the event of a loss

Insurance companies view a vacant home as a higher risk.  There are more opportunities for vandalism and no one living there to protect the home from fire or storm damage. 

So what should you do when moving?

First you need to talk to your insurance agent and get the details on your policy.  Since policies vary by state and insurance company, there is no single right answer.  Sometimes an insurance company can make an exception to your current homeowners policy if you give them a heads up ahead of time.

If you do have to purchase a separate policy to cover your home as a vacant home, many carriers allow you to do this for a shorter period of time such as 3, 6 or 9 month increments.

Explain the situation to your agent.  Ask what coverage is included and what is excluded (specifically for vandalism).  Also, you want to find out what changes can be made to protect your home. For example, investing in an inexpensive alarm or camera system might help not only in the insurance cost but also in your peace of mind. You can also look into having your real estate agent or a property manager periodically check in on the property every few days to be sure that the house is okay.

Selling a home doesn't always follow a quick timeline.  If you're facing the possibility of leaving your home vacant, contact us first and find out how to best protect yourself and your property.  

                                                                             

At the Bryan Insurance Agency, we are the leading agent for vacant homes and homes under construction in the Hudson Valley and Long Island. Contact us for a quick tips sheet on how to keep your home safe. You can reach us at 888-565-2212 or online at http://www.bryanagency.com 

Renters Insurance - Why You Need It

If you are currently renting your home or apartment, it’s time to learn more about renters insurance! 

Homeowners insurance covers the house itself and the items inside.  But if you don’t own the home, you don’t need insurance to cover it.  All you need is coverage for your actual personal belongings.

It might not seem like a lot, but all those little items add up!  When you think about the cost to replace your furniture, dishes, sheets, clothes, books, and everything else filling up your home, it’s probably a lot more than you thought. 

Renters insurance is an affordable way to protect what you’ve worked hard to acquire.  And it’s probably a lot cheaper than you’d expect!  In fact, many times the discount you receive on your auto insurance for having multiple policies can almost pay for the entire renters policy!

Renters Insurance will cover personal belongings within your home as well as a limited amount of property off premises (such as items in a storage building) or your laptop when it’s in the car. 

It also includes important liability coverage.  If you accidentally cause a fire that burns down the property, your insurance pays the landlord to replace it (protecting you from a damaging lawsuit).  In fact, many landlords now require that tenants carry a certain amount of liability insurance before they approve the lease. 

So if you’re renting, it’s time to look at protecting your valuables.  Give us a call today or visit us online and ask for a no obligation quote on renters insurance.  And don’t forget to find out how much you’ll save on your auto insurance too!  

At Bryan Insurance we are the leading experts in New Windsor, Long Island, the Hudson Valley and New York for renters insurance. 

Discounts, Discounts, Everywhere... But Are You Getting All of Them?

 

 

Discounts are the best way to save on your insurance premium each and every month.  But a lot of people are missing out on them!  With a little bit of paperwork from you to your agent, you could see great savings.

1.)  Security Discounts - Does your home have a security system or fire protection system?  Some of these devices will help you save big on your home or renters insurance.  If you have a certificate of installation (and even if you don’t), let us know and we’ll see if you qualify.

2.)  Driver Training & Defensive Driving - Did your child take Driver’s Ed?  Did you take a Defensive Driving course?  These classes will typically qualify for discounts!  Just bring in a copy of your completion certificate and we’ll get it added to your policy. Did you know you can now take the course online from the comfort of your couch? www.HVDDonline.com

3.)  Good Grades - Good grades will help you save!  Some of our policies offer a discount for full time students 25 years of age and under who maintain a high GPA.  Give us a call to see the requirements for your policy. 

4.)  Payment Discounts - There are many different options when it comes to paying your premiums.  Some policies offer discounts for paying in full or a reduced installment fee if you put the payment on auto-draft.  We can advise you of all the payment options so you pay as little as possible.

5.)  Multi-Policy Discounts - When you have all of your insurance in one place, you save more!  If your auto and home insurance is spread out between multiple companies or agencies, let us help you consolidate.  You’ll be better protected (with less gaps in coverage) and save money!

The key?  Talk to your agent!  When we schedule regular annual reviews, we can review your policy discounts and make sure you are receiving the best coverage at the best price.  Call today (888) 565-2212 or visit us online to schedule an appointment.

At the Bryan Insurance Agency we are your local car insurance agents for the Hudson Valley, New Windsor, and Long Island and other surrounding New York areas.

Protect You & Your Family During Severe Weather

Did you know that March is Severe Weather Preparation Month? 

While here in New York it may still feel like winter outside and you can barely see the ground through all of the snow, trust me it won’t be long until spring arrives.  And with it comes spring storms!  Is your family prepared?

First things first, make sure you have designated a safe place to go to if the weather gets bad.  It could be your basement, a closet in the center of the house, or a room with no windows or outside walls, like a bathroom.  Make sure this space is cleared out enough that you could easily get your family inside if needed.  (You don’t want to be clearing out the closet at the time of a tornado or bad storm!)

Next, put together a small emergency kit. Set it up in a backpack so it’s all in one place. What would you need if the power was out?  Consider putting in flashlights, extra batteries, canned food, and plenty of water.  (Don’t forget supplies for your pets too!)

Keep emergency phone numbers in your cell phone contacts, including the phone number for your insurance company!  You could even save a note in your phone with your policy numbers too.

While we can’t prevent bad weather, it’s always great to be as prepared as possible.  Take care of your family first and know that we’ll be there to protect your belongings. 

For more ways to protect you and your family, contact us at 888-565-2212 or www.bryanagency.com. At the Bryan Insurance Agency we want to be sure you and your family are protected. Call us for a free second look. We are the top insurance agency for car insurance, home insurance and business insurance for New Windsor, Long Island and the rest of New York.

4 Simple March To Do's to Protect Your Family and Save You Money

 

 

What do you need to do this month to keep your home running smoothly and your family protected?  There are a few simple things that you can do and take less than 30 minutes of your time. Schedule one each week in March! Read below to find out! 

1.)  Change Batteries In Smoke & CO Detectors - When the time changes, it’s a great idea to change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  This way you always know that they are working and in good order!  The spring time change this year is on Sunday March 8th. 

2.)  Make A Severe Weather Plan – March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. That being said, it is the start of spring and the stormy season. Designate a safe place in your home in case of bad weather.  Stock it with basic emergency supplies and throw in an extra flashlight and batteries too! Here are some tips on downloading

3.)  Check Your Credit Report – Did you know that March is Credit Education Month?  When was the last time you checked to see that your credit reports were accurate?  If it’s been over a year, stop by www.annualcreditreport.com and order a free copy today. 

4.)  Review Your Insurance Discounts – I’m all about the discounts. Did you know that on any given car insurance policy, there are up to a dozen discounts available to you? ONE DOZEN, 12, aka a whole lotta savings opportunities! Are you getting all the discounts you qualify for?  Call us at 888-565-2212 or visit us online to review your policy and see if there are any changes that need to be made. 

And as always, give us a call if you have any questions or need assistance with car, home, business, or life insurance. At the Bryan Insurance Agency we are the top insurance agency in the Hudson Valley area serving New York, New Windsor and Long Island. Contact us today at www.bryanagency.com/contact or 888.565.2212.

 

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How to Fix a Frozen Pipe

As I watch the weather on the news I am constantly seeing words like "Arctic Blast" and "Polar Vortex"  scrolling across the screen all with subzero temperatures in the flashing up in the negatives and the they flash the wind chill which is even colder. The weather guy looks about as excited as a kid on Christmas. While I think that playing the name game with every new storm,  closing major roadways in Long Island and the 24/7 coverage of the upcoming inch of snow and negative temps  is a little overkill, there is still a concern for the safety of people and pets. And yet, out of all of the news reports, what was disheartening was that I only saw one report talking about preventing frozen pipes.

What Can I Do To Prevent My Pipes From Freezing?

It is important to take the necessary precautions to prevent your property from becoming the next coolest ice sculpture, especially if you  have a home or business space which is not occupied during these frigid temps.

Why do pipes burst? When frozen water expands and pipes will cracks and can eventually burst. Whether you have copper or even the new plastic piping it doesn't matter, this can still happen. In these temperatures, you run the risk of your pipes cracking and having water leaking all over your property if you are not taking precautions and leave your heat at 65 degrees.  If you have sprinklers throughout the buildings of a business or an apartment complex it is even more imperative that you take precautions to keep the heat running during this time.  If you rent and know the apartment above you is empty, give your landlord a call to make sure the heat is on upstairs. Trust me, I have seen firsthand a huge mess when an upstairs apartment has a pipe bust. Your entire home or business will be ruined from water damage.  Another tip to prevent freezing is to keep the water running, even at just a trickle.


"I didn't listen to you & now my pipes are frozen - now what?"

When you have frozen pipes follow the first rule - DO NOT USE A BLOW TORCH OR OTHER OPEN FLAME! If you don't listen and thaw your pipes with a blow torch, you run the risk of the exterior or interior walls catching fire. Then you have a much bigger problem on your hands!

While monitoring it, you can use a small space heater  or a hair dryer - not unsupervised. You can also use warm water and run this around the pipes, or down the pipes. You can also use a device made for thawing pipes specifically.

If you want more information on how to protect you and your family this winter season, call us at 888-565-2212. We specialize in Long Island home insurance and New York Business insurance. Stay warm out there and try to stop watching all of the crazy weather updates.

Answers to questions you may have before going on vacation

How can I secure my house or apartment while I'm away?

Create a lived-in look to deter burglars. Do this by stopping newspaper and mail deliveries; asking a neighbor to park a car in your driveway occasionally; and putting lights on a timer or asking a neighbor to turn lights on in the evening. Use a telephone answering machine or call forwarding to quiet ringing telephones. And, make sure all windows and doors are locked to make entry difficult for intruders.

If my home is burglarized or damaged by fire, are all of my possessions covered?

Under a standard homeowners insurance policy for a single-family home, the contents of the home normally are covered for at least 50 percent of the amount of insurance on the building ($50,000 contents coverage on a house insured for $100,000). A renters policy is written for a specified dollar amount, based on what you own, to cover the loss of personal belongings in your apartment. There are special limits of liability on certain items in certain situations, however. Typically, there is a $200 limit on money and $1,500 on securities, passports, tickets and stamps. There is generally a $1,500 limit on watercraft, trailers and outboard motors. For fine jewelry, furs and watches that are stolen, a usual limit of $1,500 is set. And, there is typically a $2,500 limit for theft of guns and a $2,500 limit on theft of silverware, goldware and pewterware.
A home inventory is important to have should you become the victim of a burglary or fire. The inventory is a list of your possessions, including makes, models and serial numbers. Photographs or a videotape of your belongings are other ways of recording what you own. These records should be kept in a safe place away from the house or apartment so they would not be lost in the event of fire.

What if the items I take with me on vacation are stolen?

Your belongings generally are covered by your homeowners or renters policy anywhere in the world, including items in storage facilities, suitcase contents and items lent to friends. Exceptions to this are items usually kept at another residence of yours, which then would be limited to the greater of $1,000 or 10 percent of the personal property limit shown on your policy (some restrictions also apply to theft). Typically, you would have another policy to cover all the eligible property at that location, including loss by theft.

We'll be traveling by car on vacation. Do you have any suggestions?

Check with our agency to make sure that your policy is up-to-date, and make sure the car is in good running condition. While traveling, be sure your passengers wear seat belts and young children ride in car seats at all times. Also, keep cameras, purses and other valuables with you while on vacation; never leave them in the car.

I plan to rent a car for this trip. Is it necessary to buy the insurance the rental agency sells?

It may not be. Prior to leaving for vacation, check with your professional insurance agent to determine if your personal auto insurance policy covers damage to a rented vehicle, as many policies do. You may want to contact your major credit-card company to ask if a rental car charged to that account is covered for damage. If you don't have one of these pre-existing coverages, it may be wise to purchase insurance from the rental agency.

Bryan Insurance Agency has been named a Best Agency Website Finalist by Property Casualty 360

For more than 10 years, Property Casualty 360-National Underwriter and American Agent & Broker have named top agencies to its Commercial Agency Awards for Excellence program. This year, the CAAFE awards include the category of Best Agency Websites. An independent panel of judges reviewed each submission and graded websites on factors including appearance, mobility, brand awareness and multimedia. Read on to learn how Bryan Insurance Agency was named a finalist.

www.bryanagency.com

For more information on our site, please visit us at www.bryanagency.com or email us at info@bryanagency.com.


For more information on how we can help you with your car insurance, home insurance, business insurance or life insurance, please contact us at 845-565-2200 or visit us at Bryan Insurance Agency, LLC | 3068 Route 9W Suite 500 | New Windsor, NY 12553

Graduation Parties - Are You Covered?

By Guest Blogger: Nelson Rivera Jr.

It's that time of year...graduation time. This is the crowning moment in any teenagers life – graduating high school. And as many of you as parents can attest to, it is not without hard work and perseverance from both your children and you. So, to recognize this great achievement, what better way to do that than have a graduation party? Something that you, your child, their friends, and the rest of the family can do to celebrate.

Like any responsible parent, you will have drinks for the adults only and soda for your child and his or her friends. Your child is a good kid, so you have made it clear that there will be no drinking at the party, and they have agreed.

The party day arrives and all the friends and family show up. However, you, being busy hosting the party, are unaware that some of the friends show up and end up drinking in the garage and others even show up drunk to the party. They drive off to the next party and get into an accident with another vehicle. The police show up and in the report, they tell them that they were leaving your house from their friend's graduation party. Weeks later, some legal papers show up at your house for the accident, showing that you may be liable for hosting the party. What do you do now? You wonder, am I covered for this?

While this scenario seems bad, it is possible, and it is important to know where you are liable in a party. Now the question is, is this covered under your homeowners insurance? The answer is, it depends.

Here are the top questions we get around this time of year to think of when planning your party:
Q: My kids are going to drink anyway, so can't I serve them? This way I can monitor what happens.
A: If you are knowingly serving alcohol to minors, while you are covered under the liability on your homeowners under the "Social Host Liquor" rules, serving alcohol to minors is not legal and therefore may not be covered under your homeowners policy. And if you are charging for alcohol, you could fall under the "Dram Shop Liabilty" and your homeowners would not cover you for that.

Q: What if I have a party outside of the house, like at a park or clubhouse?
A: Good news! Your homeowners liability and umbrella policy will cover you outside of your home. What this means is that if you have your child's party at a park or other area, the Social Host Liquor rules will extend from whatever the limit on your homeowners insurance policy provides.

Q: If one of my kids friends shows up intoxicated to the party and I send them away, am I still liable?
A: Yes, you could still be found liable because you knowingly sent him/ her away in a vehicle when they were visibly intoxicated, and they are underage. Now, this may or may not be covered by your insurance as well.

Q: What if I am away, and my kid throws a party on their own?
A: As the owner of the house, it doesn't matter if you are there or not there. If someone gets hurt on your property, or was drinking at your house, you could be held responsible. Depending on the situation, the liability coverage of your homeowners may come into play here as well to protect you.

Q: What if someone trips and falls or gets hurt otherwise?
A: Most likely, you are covered in this event. Although each policy varies from coverages and the limits, if someone is injured on your property, you have medical payments and liability coverage on the standard homeowners policies, which protect you in this event. If you are not sure, you should check your policy or call your agent and have them review it with you.

Q: What else can I do to protect myself?
A: In today's litigious society, I always recommend to take as much liability on your homeowners as you can and take an umbrella policy as well, especially with children in the house. They are covered under your policies as a resident relative of your household as long as they are living there. An umbrella policy is extra liability that would cover over your home and auto policy and can be purchased for less than $13 per month for an extra $1,000,000 in coverage.

It is also important to review your current coverages to see what you have. If you are unsure, you should review them with your agent or insurance company.

Also, it is a good idea to have an agreement with your child. Let them know the implications of their choices and how it can affect you as well. This way, everyone can enjoy the party and celebrate what really matters, your child and their great accomplishment!

Congrats to all of the Graduates of 2012! We at the Bryan Agency wish you all of the best in your success!

Have more questions? Call our office (888) 565-2212 or stop in at 3068 Route 9W Suite 500, New Windsor, NY 12553. We love questions. Email us at amicovered@bryanagency.com  ***If your question is featured in one of our blogs, we will send you a thank you gift card in the mail. ***

You can also visit us online at http://www.bryanagency.com/ or www.facebook.com/bryanagency

Pet Safety: The Safest Way to Drive Your Pet Around

The Safest way to Drive Your Pet Around

What dog doesn’t like to go for a car ride every once in a while—and what dog owner doesn’t like to indulge that? And cats, while not friends of automobile transportation in general, need to visit the vet annually in order to ensure their continued good health which means they, too, must travel by car on a somewhat regular basis. But driving your pets around isn’t just a matter of throwing them into the car and hoping for the best. Here are some tips on the safest ways to transport your favorite four-legged family member.

Tips for Dogs

• Close the window: This may be heartbreaking to read, but allowing your dog to ride in the car with his head out the window is actually dangerous. Debris in the air can get into his eyes or lungs, and according to the Humane Association, cold air forced into their lungs can cause illness.
• Use a harness: Just as it is dangerous with a small child, it is dangerous to travel with your dog unseatbelted. Dogs should either be in a carrier while you drive or in a harness that connects to your vehicle’s safety belt system. This will prevent them from getting thrown and injured in an accident.
• Only bring pets to pet friendly locations: No animal should be left unattended in a vehicle, no matter how comfortable the weather is. If you are driving to a destination that does not allow pets to come inside, leave your dog at home.

Tips for Cats

• Use a carrier: For the safety of both the cat and the people in the car, trips with cats should always be conducted with the cat inside a carrier. Frightened cats are a danger in terms of their claws and their small size, so keep them in a carrier at all times.
• Get the cat used to traveling: It can be extremely stressful to your cat to go on a long car ride, even when she’s in the safety of her carrier. To get your cat used to the car, About.com recommends you take her on short trips a few times a month and reward her with treats afterward. You can gradually lengthen the trip times in order to get her ready for a multi-day trip.

It doesn’t take much effort to keep your pet safe and comfortable when traveling. Taking these extra steps will help add years to their lives.

Did you know?Did you know that Progressive Insurance is one of the few companies which provides injury coverage to your pet in the event of an accident? They offer up to $1000 of coverage if your pet is injured in a car accident.

For more tips and information on Pet Safety, call us at 845-565-2200,
email us at info@bryanagency.com or visit us online at Bryan Agency or on Facebook

The Top 7 Camper Claims...Did you know?

Camper or RV insurance is a must-have for people with travel trailers or motor homes, because insurable incidents don’t leave you alone just because you’re on vacation.

Take a look at the top 7 claims experienced by camper and RV owners, and you’ll see just how necessary insurance is whether you are on—or off—the road.

1.) Fire Damage

Gas leaks and unattended indoor cooking sessions are often to blame for the fire damage claimed by RV owners. To avoid them yourself:

• Use leak detector solution to check for gas leaks.
• Don’t leave cooking food unattended.
• Do not use a grill inside the camper.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions when using portable heating devices 

2.) Roof Damage

 Claiming damages that occur after driving into overhangs, signs and bridges is a common activity for RV owners. To avoid this:

• Know the height of your RV from the ground to its highest point.
• Always check clearances before driving underneath something.
• Remove antennas before driving if they extend higher than the highest point.

3.) Damages after a Tire Blowout

Tire blowouts can be easy to prevent:

• Keep tires properly inflated.
• Check tires at least weekly when the camper is in use.
• Keep weight appropriate to limits on the tires.
• Keep tires rotated and replaced when tread is low or tires cracked.

4.) Body Damage

Body damage can occur to any RV owner, but it can be easy to avoid if you::

• Take a course in learning how to back in, how to use your mirrors, and understanding your blind spots.
• Keep the RV or camper parked level and wheels secured so that it can’t roll.

5.) Damage to Awnings and Steps

Always retract steps and awnings before moving the RV or camper—even if you aren’t moving it far.

6.) Infestation

An unused RV makes a nice home for rodents and bugs. To lessen this risk:

• Drive the RV occasionally when not vacationing.
• Keep food and liquids out of the camper when stored.
• Keep mouse and bug traps in the camper and replace them as often as necessary.

 

7.)Theft

When travelling around from campsite to campsite, your RV can easily become the target of thieves, but you can reduce risk by:

• Keeping your RV locked whenever it is unattended.
• Keeping expensive items such as personal electronics out of view from the outside. 

For all your RV and camper insurance needs, give us a call 845-565-2200 or visit us online at http://www.bryanagency.com/. Stay safe this summer!