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.

Give the Perfect Gift of Life Insurance

Have you started your holiday shopping this year?  Before long, people will be lining up in stores and placing their orders online.  It’s an annual shopping frenzy.

But have you stopped to think about what your family really needs this season? 

For many of my clients, it’s Life Insurance. 

Life Insurance is what protects your family if something were to happen to you or your spouse.  Think about what you would want for your family in that situation.  Would you want your wife to be a stay at home mom?  Would you want your kid’s college education to be paid for?  Would you want your family to pay off the mortgage and be debt free? 

Life Insurance is about preparing for the unexpected and making sure your family is taken care of.  It’s not a fun thing to think about for a lot of people, but it’s very important.

Many people avoid buying life insurance because they think it’s expensive.  But that couldn’t be farther from the truth!  In fact, life insurance is extremely affordable, especially for a young healthy family.

So before you stand in line buying coffee pots and crock pots this Christmas, stop and think about what is truly important?  Purchase life insurance and insure that your children will be taken care of for years to come.

Call me at 888-565-2212 or visit me online today for a no-obligation Long Island life insurance quote from the Bryan Agency. Visit us online for a life insurance calculator & other tools.

Let us help you do your holiday shopping. At the Bryan Insurance Agency we are the leading agents in life insurance for the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New York.

The Basics of Long Island Homeowners Insurance

Accidents and natural disasters can take you by surprise at any time, and having a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy will keep you and your family protected. These policies are designed to cover the cost of repairs or replacements of your house and your possessions that result from an assortment of covered events, including fire, severe weather, theft and vandalism. Flood and earthquake insurance will likely need to be purchased separately, if desired.

Homeowners insurance covers these incidents up to policy limits, which can vary depending on the coverage you select and the premium you opt to pay. This means that your property or liability claims won’t be covered past the limit you select on your policy. This is plenty of coverage for many people, but other people who own expensive items may need more coverage. This could apply to you if you have expensive jewelry, electronic equipment, fine artwork, rare collections or any other items of high value. In such cases, you can purchase coverage with higher property limits or you can add riders to your policy to cover specific high-value items such as a collection of custom-built furniture.

The premiums you pay for this valuable coverage can vary widely between insurance companies, which makes it important to compare quotes. Your independent insurance agent can shop around for policies that meet your unique needs and discuss coverage options with you so you can make an informed decision on which policy is best for you and your family. Don’t forget to ask if you qualify for discounts such as a safe home discount.

Protect your house and everything inside that makes it a home. Call Bryan Insurance Agency at (888) 565-2212 for more information on Long Island home insurance.

Commercial Property Insurance Coverages

Commercial property coverage is one of the most basic forms of business insurance and comes standard in most business policies. If you’re a business owner, you probably have this coverage. But what exactly does it cover? Each policy from various insurance carriers will differ in terms and conditions, exclusions and limitations. Below is a list of general items that are likely to be covered, however, you should check with your agent or insurer for the specifics of your unique policy.

1. Computers and media: Similar to personal property coverage, this policy covers computers, hardware, software etc. It can also cover replacement or repair of lost or damaged data resulting from covered damage to computer equipment.
2. Equipment breakdown: Covers the expenses associated with repairing or replacing equipment following mechanical breakdown, including air conditioners, boilers, phone systems, break room appliances etc.
3. Personal property: This includes contents owned by the business, which may include furniture, merchandise, fixtures/artwork, raw materials etc.
4. Laptops: This coverage is unique from general computer coverage because it protects laptops and other portable/mobile devices at any location worldwide, and even while in transit.
5. Lock and key replacement: Covers the cost of rekeying your business’ locks following the theft of the keys to the premises.
6. Property of others: Protects you against damages or loss to the property of customers that is in your business’ possession, such as computer equipment undergoing repairs by your business.
7. Business income: Offers reimbursement for a loss of earnings resulting from a covered loss or damage to your property. It can also cover higher costs of continued operations after a covered claim.
8. Money and securities: Covers money and securities used in your business if they are lost, stolen or damaged.

Your agent can help you select a policy that has the coverages your business needs for optimal protection of its assets. Don’t miss the chance to work with a professional agent in finding the right policy at the right price.

Ask us about how to properly insure your business. Call us at 888-565-2212 for more information on Long Island business insurance.

Commercial Auto Insurance Pollution Coverages and Exclusions

It makes sense for insurance companies to control their liability as much as possible. This is why certain pollution exclusions exist in commercial car insurance policies. Insurance carriers can also offer coverage that protects you from specific risks of your business. As such special pollution coverages can be added to a commercial car policy. Here are the differences between the exclusions and coverages.

Pollution Exclusions
Your commercial auto insurance will cover any bodily injuries that staff members suffer in an accident. Those will injuries will not be covered if they are a result of the release, seepage, dispersal or escape of pollutants from that vehicle. Most of the time, employees should not be dealing with pollutants. The only case they would be is if they have the appropriate coverage for it. Obtaining coverage is relatively easy when your workers are handling pollutants in the correct manner. Most businesses don’t have anything to do with waste or pollutants, only some businesses will need to deal with that. Before you decide whether the exclusion with affect your business, you should ascertain what exactly a pollutant is. Even simple items like paint and industrial solvents may be considered pollutants which will make events like an office renovation a risk when transporting pollutants.

Pollution Optional Coverage
There are certain times when your business needs to be involved in transporting and dispersal of contaminants. If you have coverage and are compliant with waste handling regulations, and an accident occurs, then your insurance carrier will not exclude the claim. If you are handling waste and pollutants on a regular basis, then you should definitely include that coverage. This will help when it comes time to handle claims for injured workers, and it will also help with paying fines to the government for accidents or spills.

Assess your daily activities and decide whether or not to add pollution coverage or to exclude it. Is it practical for your business? Is it worth the risk to forgo it?

If you'd like to sign up for Long Island commercial auto insurance, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 888-565-2212.

Auto Insurance Coverages for Long Island

Long Island NY is the largest island in the continental U.S. and many would claim it to be the most beautiful as well. Bryan Insurance Agency serves Long Island, as well as Queens, Manhattan, New Windsor, Newburgh, Middletown, Cornwall and the rest of New York with quality and affordable insurance. Since 2004, The Bryan Agency as stood as an independent insurance agency that not only provides insurance, but cares about their client. To Bryan, the client comes first. They stand on the their promise to do whatever it takes to protect you, your family, car, business, home and more today and into the future.

Long Island Auto Insurance

If you are involved in an auto accident, auto Insurance is there to protect you from financial loss.   It is a contract, between you and the insurance company that secures your protection for as long as the contract is valid. Most contracts last 6 months. Every month that you pay the premium, they will cover your financial expenses in the case of an accident, minus your deductible. An insurance policy is set to your specific needs to cover you from all the risks you may encounter in your life. Property, liability and medical coverage for you and your passengers are all parts of auto insurance.

• Liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage.
• Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car.
• Medical coverage pays for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.

New York requires all drivers to obtain auto insurance. In order to ensure that you not only meet the lawful amount of insurance, but have enough to protect you fully in the case of an accident, t is best to talk to an independent insurance agent. They will discuss with you such things as your driving history, as well as the specifics behind what a policy actually covers to make sure you are aware of all details in your insurance policy.

The Bryan Agency is a full service independent insurance agency that represents over 15 different carriers. An independent insurance agency has the ability to search and find you the best insurance policy that fits your needs and budget.

Bryan Insurance Agency LLC is here to help you find the best insurance possible that fits your needs and budge. Give us a call at 888-565-2212. Let us help you find Long Island Auto Insurance and more.

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!

How Much Life Insurance Should I Have?

The answer to the question, “How much life insurance should I take out?” is often met with the seemingly counter-productive question, “How much life insurance do you need?” This is not because life agents wish to be difficult or mysterious but because this question is not one they can answer for you but one you must answer for yourself.

Uses of a Life Insurance Death Benefit
Life insurance is the only type of insurance policy that you can use to create a lifestyle for your heirs after you pass on. This makes it an extremely individual product. Instead of deciding what the value of an object is and then insuring said object for that amount, with life insurance you must decide how powerfully you want your death benefit to affect the lives of your beneficiaries and assign a value to that power and legacy creation.

The first step toward deciding how much life insurance you need is to really understand what your beneficiaries can use the death benefit for. These uses include:
- Paying off debt
- Saving for retirement
- Supplementing an income
- Replacing your income
- College tuition
- Starting a business

Considering Your Situation

When you look at the above list of possible uses for a life insurance death benefit there are probably some that immediately appeal to you and others that don’t. Those that do are based on your lifestyle, your family and the people that you have chosen to receive your death benefit.

When you are deciding how much life insurance to take out, write down all the things you want your death benefit to be used for and then estimate the amount of money that goal or use would take.

For instance, let’s say you want your beneficiaries to be able to use your death benefit to pay off your home and car, replace your salary for 3 years and pay the college tuition expenses for your child. Write down each of these uses and the amount of money each requires. The final amount that you get is a good reflection of the actual death benefit you probably want to purchase.

Adding in a Dash of Budget

Now that you have the amount of life insurance you’d like to have, it’s time to deal with your budget. Using the death benefit amount you have chosen, ask your agent to give you a quote for both term insurance and permanent insurance. Compare prices and see if you can afford one type of coverage with your actual desired death benefit. If not, then consider shaving off a little here and there until you reach an amount that gives you a premium you can afford.

And that’s it—you’ve created an individual life insurance policy with a death benefit that reaches as far as you want it to and a premium you can sustain.

If you would like more information or a quote on life insurance, please call us at (845) 565-2200 or visit us online to get a Life Insurance Quote

Also, visit us online for a free Life Insurance Calculator

Life Changes...So Should Your Insurance. When to Review your coverages.

Insurance is a static product—but it shouldn’t necessarily be. Your insurance plan should be dynamic and should respond to the changes that you go through over the course of your life. But the only way for your insurance policies to be dynamic is for you to review them regularly so that you can ensure that they keep up with the pace of your life. Here are six different life events that should prompt you to review your insurance coverage and come up with a more fitting plan.

College graduation: When you graduate college, you might not have much more than an auto insurance policy. But this is the time to consider life insurance and, if you move into your own apartment, a renter’s insurance policy. After college you will probably have a lot of debt to deal with. A life insurance policy will ensure that your family isn’t responsible for the debt that you leave behind. Renter’s insurance will protect your contents from possible damage and will protect you from liabilities if anyone is hurt in your home, because the last thing a new college graduate needs is a lawsuit form someone who is injured in their apartment or the expense of replacing items damaged during an insurable incident.

Getting married: As a Newlywed you face the challenge of adjusting to the idea you are now, and will be, part of united partnership. You are no longer a single individual trying to make your way through the financial pitfalls of life. You must now consider joint expenses, joint financial responsibilities and a joint future. You may need to increase your life insurance death benefit while changing your primary beneficiary, talk about changing the limits and deductibles on any renters or homeowners insurance policies since living together could double the value of your personal contents, add your spouse as a driver to your auto insurance policy and consider an umbrella policy to fill any liability gaps you might have.

Having a baby: With a new baby on board, your life is going to change completely—and so are your insurance policies. This is a good time for you and your spouse to increase your life insurance death benefits, adjust your contingent beneficiaries to whomever will get custody of your child should you both pass away, increase the limits on your homeowners or renters insurance and even consider reducing your deductibles so that you have fewer out-of-pocket expenses to worry about. You also should consider adding a life insurance policy for your child so that you can lock in rates that they will still be able to pay once they have children of their own.

Moving: When you move to a new home or apartment, you must consider the new area you live in and any additional risks it might bring. You must also think about any new furnishings you will be adding to your new residence and the possible increase in insurance limits they might require. Lastly, consider any new debt you’ve taken on in the move and adjust your life insurance policy to account for that.

Changing careers: If you change careers, you might have a longer drive to work which could require an adjustment to your auto insurance policy. In addition, if your income has increased along with the change, then you will need more life insurance coverage. If your new career involves working from home or for yourself, then you have new liability issues that your homeowners insurance policy will not cover, so you need to make the proper adjustments there as well.

Divorce: The ending of any relationship is sad and requires a lot of lifestyle and emotional adjustments. But it also requires some adjustment to your insurance policies. You might need more life insurance coverage depending on how much debt you are left with after the divorce and depending on your future childcare needs. You also need to adjust your life insurance beneficiary information. Your homeowners or renters insurance may need some changes in deductibles and limits and you might want to consider adjusting your auto insurance coverage especially if the divorce results in your driving more to see your children, driving further to work or simply being forced to drive around more often during the course of the day.

While these examples all give you a starting place for determining when you might need to update your insurance policies, they certainly don’t represent every change you could encounter that will result in the need for an updated insurance policy. At a minimum, make sure you review all policies annually to catch any other changes that need to be made along the way.

Not sure when your last review was? Call us (845) 565-2200 to schedule a review now or visit us online at http://www.bryanagency.com/!

Santa Claus is Coming...and so is the "Smartphone Scrooge"

In spite of the poor economy, parents are determined to make this Christmas the best one yet for their kids.

One of the hottest items on 2011 Christmas Lists will be a smart phone. These clever little devices are packed with fun gadgets, games, and ringtones which make them a top choice among teens, while capabilities like parent controls and GPS locators make them a smart choice for parents. Many parents have found that the peace of mind in being able to keep in touch with their kids is well worth the cost of a cell phone.

Unfortunately, Identity thieves love smart phones, too! Identity thieves attack where you’re most vulnerable and that’s exactly what they are doing when it comes to kids and smart phones.

Cell phones come equipped with simple ringtones. There is a vast market of clever ringtones that can be downloaded for free. However, many of these ‘free’ ringtones are offered by identity thieves as bait. Often what is downloaded is a great deal more sinister than a ringtone. Many of these sites can attach viruses used to steal personal information and use it for Identity Theft.

Parents should safeguard themselves by attaching strict Usage Guidelines to the gift of a smart phone. The following are some guideline suggestions which are important to the security of your personal business and the safety of your kids:

- Don’t send text messages to receive free ringtones. Use the ring tone that came with the phone. It is the only sure-fire way to avoid identity theft with ringtones. Only buy ringtones from reputable cell phone service providers like AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Read the terms and conditions before you allow your kids to make any purchases.

- Don’t put personal information like banking, credit card numbers, or even date of birth on cell phones. The less personal information there is on a phone, the less thieves have to work with.

Most phones have the capability of setting a PIN number for the phone.But most users never that option considering it an inconvenience. To stay safe, set a PIN number that your child can remember. If the phone is lost or stolen, thieves can’t open the phone and get to personal information.

Children should follow basic safety precautions to prevent losing the phone or leaving it unprotected where thieves can steal it. Advise them to let you know immediately if they can’t find their phone.

For more information about how to protect you and your family from identity theft for less than $5 a month, visit our website at www.bryanagency.com or email or call 845-565-2200

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Insuring your in-home business

Did you know?
Approximately 40 million Americans operate full- and part-time businesses from their homes. The home-based business represents a substantial investment of time, money and property. Yet many business owners do not have the coverage necessary to protect themselves and their businesses.

Is my in-home business covered under my homeowners policy?

Not sufficiently. Many homeowners policies provide only a limited amount of coverage for business-related exposures. Depending on your policy, your homeowners insurance may cover your business, but probably only to a maximum of $2,500 for business equipment in the home and $500 for equipment away from the premises. A stolen business credit card, a power surge causing the loss of important computer data and a lawsuit over a business-related matter are not covered.

How can I get the most appropriate coverage for my home business?

There are three ways. First, you may be able to add a home business endorsement to your existing homeowners policy.

Coverage generally includes business property coverage; business liability, including product, personal injury and advertising liability; loss of business income protection; valuable papers coverage; and accounts receivable.

Second, you can purchase several individual business insurance policies to provide the various coverages you need, such as business property, general liability and business income insurance.

Third, you can purchase a business owners package policy designed for smaller businesses, which combines the necessary property and liability insurance coverages you need in a single policy.

I run a day-care service in my home. Does my homeowners liability insurance extend to my business?

No. Care providers must purchase liability insurance specifically for their business. You
can, at any time, be held liable for injuries that are proven to be the result of events that
occurred while the child was in your care.

An occurrence policy will cover you at any time in the future should you be held liable for a child’s injury. You also may get coverage for children’s injuries that do not fall under liability. Accidental/medical insurance will cover injuries that are not due to negligence on the part of the provider.

What other types of insurance should I consider for my business?

If you use an automobile for your business activities, be sure that your automobile insurance will protect you from accidents which may occur on business-related errands. You may need to purchase a separate business auto insurance policy depending on your type of business and the kind of vehicle you own.

You’ll also need health insurance to cover medical costs if you become ill or injured, and disability insurance in case you become unable to work because of sickness or injury. Also, you may want to consider a small group insurance program if you have employees.

If you hire an employee, you may need to buy workers’ compensation insurance in the event that the employee is hurt on the job and needs medical treatment and income. Under certain state-specific circumstances, workers’ compensation insurance also may extend coverage to you in case you are injured at work.

Be sure that your in-home business is properly and adequately insured. Our agency can help you get the most appropriate coverage for your home business.

Not sure if you have an in-home business or want more information? Call or email us today! 888-565-2212 or info@bryanagency.com

Your Professional Insurance Agent … We want you to know about the insurance you're buying.

The Most Important Gear to Protect You on Your Motorcycle

If you own a motorcycle, one of the best parts about a nice day is going for a long ride. Whether it be by yourself or in a group, there is something about the wind in your face and its just you and the open road. But just you and the open road is exactly the reason why you have to take precautions to make sure you safe at the same time. Its also a reason why getting the right coverage can be more protection for you than your helmet and gear.

Its around this time, we get a lot of calls for motorcycle coverage. The customer calls us looking for coverage…cheap coverage. Cheap however, isn’t always saving you in the long run.

Did you know that in New York State Personal Injury Coverage doesn’t cover you on your motorcycle?
I know what you are thinking… “What? Wait a minute I see Personal Injury coverage on the quote you gave me.” Yes, there is PIP coverage for motorcycles which is required by New York State but it only applies to injured pedestrians. Not to you. Not to your passengers.

Your reply: “Ok. Well I have health insurance, so I don’t need that PIP coverage anyways." Wrong again. Unfortunately, if you are injured in a motorcycle accident where you are driving the motorcycle, your health insurance will not pick up the tab either.

Finally your reply: “Ok. Is there ANYTHING that will cover me if I wipe out on my bike?”
Yes. Actually with many companies, you can purchase voluntary coverage called Medical Payments. While sometimes this may not be as high as the limit on a personal auto policy, many companies offer coverage anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 or higher in medical payments. This is what will cover you if you are injured on your motorcycle.

One last question: “What about my passengers who are on my bike with me?”
Your passenger would be covered under the passenger liability portion on your policy. Some companies include this directly with the Bodily Injury coverage on the liability of your policy. Other companies have this as an option. Make sure your agent includes this if it isn’t already included.

Things to Remember:
Besides protecting yourself with a helmet and the proper gear, make sure you double check your coverages before you head out to hit the open road this summer. Make sure your agent max’s out the coverage for you on your policy on your medical payments. If you are getting a quote and they are quoting you with multiple carriers find out what the maximum coverage each company offers. Be sure you know exactly what you are paying for. If you are unsure of the coverages, ask your agent to explain and review them with you so that you understand them. This is the only coverage to protect you on the open road. Know before you go, it can be just as important as a helmet.