Home Insurance Myths To Avoid While Researching Policies

Windgate Insurance Agency Inc. serves the New Windsor, NY community by offering residents multiple insurance coverage types. We strive to make things easier for our clients. For over 25 years, we have been committed to providing customer service that exceeds expectations.

Home Insurance Myths To Avoid

Your home is one of your most prized possessions. However, one accident can cause major damage. That’s why home insurance is an asset. Home insurance covers you if your property is damaged or vandalized. Your personal items inside of your home are also covered if they are stolen. Liability coverage protects you if someone gets injured while visiting your home. As you are researching different policies, avoid some of these common home insurance myths.

Any Flood Damage Is Covered

This is incorrect. During severe weather in New Windsor, NY, there is a possibility that flooding will occur. If your home is damaged due to a flood, you will not be automatically protected under your home insurance policy. You’ll have to look into adding special flood coverage.

Your Luxury Items Are Covered

This is also incorrect. If you have special luxury items such as antiques, you’ll have to amend your policy to ensure that you are covered if the items are damaged or stolen.

I’ll Be Covered If I Start A Work From Home Business.

If you want to start a work from home business, you are not fully covered under your home insurance policy. Working from home exposes you to a unique set of risks. That’s why you’ll need to look into a commercial policy to cover your business fully.

Consult With Windgate Insurance Agency Inc. 

Visit our website to learn more information about home insurance.

5 Classic Car Insurance Questions to Ask Your Agent

If you have a classic car and need to make sure it’s properly insured, you might have some questions about the kind of policy and level of coverage you really need. At Windgate Insurance Agency Inc., we’re here to help you get answers to your questions so you can make an informed decision about protecting your vehicle. If you’re in the New Windsor, NY area, you can talk to one of our knowledgeable agents today and get the information you’re looking for. Some of the questions you might want to ask your agent about classic car insurance include:

  • What kind of policy do you need for a classic car, and how is it different from the regular auto insurance?
  • How often should you review a classic vehicle insurance policy, and what changes should you look for?
  • Do the policy requirements for a classic automobile change depending on the year, make, or model of the vehicle?
  • Who can you come to when you have questions about the policy you have on your classic car?
  • What, specifically, makes a car a "classic," and how does it qualify for this type of insurance policy?

Reach out to us at Windgate Insurance Agency Inc. today, and let us help you find the right classic car insurance policy for your needs. All of our New Windsor, NY area customers can work with dedicated agents to get their questions answered and policies issued, so they’ll be ready to move forward with a policy that’s a good fit for their needs. We can help you do the same when you get in touch with us today. You don’t have to spend any time worrying about the protection you have on your classic car when you can have good insurance you can count on.

Renter’s Insurance Covers Your Belongings

When you rent an apartment or home, your landlord’s insurance policy covers the physical structure. If the pipes burst, the landlord fixes it. They do not pay for your personal belongings that incurred damage when the pipes spewed water everywhere.

Your renter’s insurance pays for your personal belongings.

Your policy from Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc. of New Windsor, NY covers the contents of your domicile as well as those stored in another area. If you rent a storage unit or store things in a marina locker, those items also typically receive protection from a renter’s insurance policy.

You may have to ask for these locations to be specifically added to the policy, or the policy language may already include items stored in other locations. Some locations, such as storage facilities, also require you to obtain a small policy through them to ensure you carry enough coverage.
You need to ensure that you enumerate all of the items you own when you obtain your insurance policy, not the ones inside your apartment. If the facility includes separate storage units, you need to include those items in determining your insurance needs.

Your insurance agent may ask you to complete a home inventory. This lists the items you own and their value. The inventory helps determine the level of coverage you need.

Completing the inventory helps you obtain the right amount of coverage. Buying a $5,000 policy when you really own $7,000 of items leaves you with $2,000 or more to spend out of pocket if your home incurs personal property damage.

That “or more” that you would need to spend refers to the type of reimbursement for your property you would obtain. If your policy says, your item replacement occurs at “replacement value,” that differs from “actual value.” Please read the policy before you sign it and buy it because the actual value would reimburse you for your property’s current value, which means depreciated value. Your $2,000 camera lost value when updated models of the camera came out. At actual value, you would get the depreciated value of the camera.

Contact Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc. in New Windsor, NY for more information on renter’s insurance. Let us help you better understand your policy or obtain a new one.

What is included with motorhome insurance in New York?

Anyone that is in the New Windsor, NY area should consider getting a motorhome. When you do have a motorhome, it can provide you with a great mode of transportation that will also give you a place to sleep and relax at night. When you do purchase a motorhome, you need to make sure that you get proper insurance. A full policy will include several forms of coverage that can protect you and the vehicle. 

Liability Coverage

As an owner of a motorhome, you will take on a unique set of liability risks. These risks can include the risks that come with driving the motorhome on the road and having a guest over to your motorhome when you are not on the road. When you get a full insurance policy, it will give you the insurance protection you need to mitigate the risks in both of these situations. 

Coverage for Asset

With your motorhome insurance policy, you are also going to receive coverage for your asset. If you get a motorhome, you will spend a lot on the purchase and upkeep of it. Due to this, you will want to protect this investment as well as you can. A great way to do this is by getting a full insurance policy will collision and comprehensive protection. 

As you are trying to get a motorhome in the New Windsor, NY area, you need to consider your insurance needs carefully. A great resource to reach out to when looking for insurance is Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc. The team at Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc. can answer your questions to ensure that you are fully aware of your options. This can help to ensure that your asset is fully covered and protected at all times.

Will Motorcycle Insurance Cover Medical Expenses After a Crash?

Motorcyclists that live in New Windsor, NY understand the importance of carrying enough insurance on their bikes. Often, your lender will insist that you carry a specific amount of collision coverage on your bike if you’re still paying on the loan. In addition, the state of New York requires that you carry a large amount of liability insurance in the event of an accident. This protects the other party in case of damage to their vehicle, medical expenses, or death. At Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc., we want to make sure that you are also protected if an accident should occur. 

Far too many drivers on the road don’t carry enough insurance, and some drive illegally with no insurance at all. It’s important to protect yourself by carrying coverage to protect yourself against this, as well as to make sure that any medical expenses you incur as a result of a crash are covered. Your medical insurance alone may not cover your bills, so you may need to add extra medical coverage to your motorcycle insurance. A single accident can be enough to bankrupt you if you aren’t covered, so it’s important to make sure that you’re carrying enough medical coverage to handle your bills so that you can heal. 

New Windsor, NY motorcyclists need to have the best coverage possible. Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc. understands how important the correct insurance coverage is, and can help you select the best types of medical coverage so that you’re protected in case an accident should occur. Contact us today to learn more about the best motorcycle insurance for your individual situation, so that you’re as protected as possible. 

What protection does boat insurance offer

You have bought your boat and are getting ready to take it out to enjoy, but what about boat insurance? The state of New York does not require you have boat insurance to register your boat, but that does not mean having it is not a good idea. With more than 7600 lakes and 70,000 miles of river, you will have lots of places to enjoy your boat, but it also means there are many places and ways you can run into difficulties. At Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc. in New Windsor, NY, we are a family-owned independent insurance agency. We have been helping our customers find the right insurance at the right price for almost 30 years. 

Physical damage

Boating is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it is not without danger. Other boaters are potential hazards, but so are underwater rocks, docks, and buoys. All of these can cause extensive damage to your boat. Weather presents a lot of potential for damage to your boat. Boat insurance covers the boat on the water or at the marina. This is one good reason to maintain your coverage all year even when you won’t be out with your boat. 

Theft

You have invested a considerable amount of money in your boat and motor, and losing them to theft would be a catastrophic loss. Boat insurance will cover your boat and motor against theft from your mooring, dock, or marina. You need to read your policy to see what other equipment on your boat will be covered.

Liability

You need to protect yourself when you are out boating, and if you cause an accident or damage to someone else’s property, you need liability coverage. Getting sued could put your assets in danger, and that is never a good idea. 

Boat insurance protects you in many different ways. Why not give Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc. in New Windsor, NY a call or stop by our office to discuss the right coverage for you.

When is getting umbrella insurance a good idea?

Having proper insurance is a vital asset for anyone that is in the New Windsor, NY area. When you have insurance, you will often have liability coverage that will provide protection if you are at fault in an accident or cause other forms of damage. For those that are looking for the most amount of personal liability coverage, getting an umbrella insurance policy is a good idea. There are several situations when getting this insurance coverage could be beneficial.

When you Want More Liability Coverage

The first situation when you should get an umbrella insurance policy is when you want to have more liability coverage. Most of the time, you are going to already have some liability coverage through your existing home and auto insurance policies. However, if there is ever a very bad accident that causes a lot of damages, the coverage you have may not be enough. In these situations, having an umbrella insurance policy would be beneficial.

Coverage for More Situations

You should also get an umbrella insurance policy to ensure that you have coverage for more situations that could arise. With the home and auto policies, the circumstances that you have personal liability insurance coverage for are somewhat limited. When you get a full umbrella insurance policy, the situations that are covered will be far more inclusive. 

Those that are in the New Windsor, NY area, and are looking for an umbrella insurance policy, calling the Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc. would be an excellent place to start. When you speak with the Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc., you will quickly find out why they are great resources for you to use. Our team here will be able to answer any questions that you have to make sure that you receive all of the guidance and support that you need when picking a policy. 

When is getting umbrella insurance a good idea?

Having proper insurance is a vital asset for anyone that is in the New Windsor, NY area. When you have insurance, you will often have liability coverage that will provide protection if you are at fault in an accident or cause other forms of damage. For those that are looking for the most amount of personal liability coverage, getting an umbrella insurance policy is a good idea. There are several situations when getting this insurance coverage could be beneficial.

When you Want More Liability Coverage

The first situation when you should get an umbrella insurance policy is when you want to have more liability coverage. Most of the time, you are going to already have some liability coverage through your existing home and auto insurance policies. However, if there is ever a very bad accident that causes a lot of damages, the coverage you have may not be enough. In these situations, having an umbrella insurance policy would be beneficial.

Coverage for More Situations

You should also get an umbrella insurance policy to ensure that you have coverage for more situations that could arise. With the home and auto policies, the circumstances that you have personal liability insurance coverage for are somewhat limited. When you get a full umbrella insurance policy, the situations that are covered will be far more inclusive. 

Those that are in the New Windsor, NY area, and are looking for an umbrella insurance policy, calling the Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc. would be an excellent place to start. When you speak with the Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc., you will quickly find out why they are great resources for you to use. Our team here will be able to answer any questions that you have to make sure that you receive all of the guidance and support that you need when picking a policy. 

How Much Say Does My Condo Association Have In My Insurance?

If you live in a condominium, you’re probably going to be subject to the governance of a condo association, which will function much like a typical homeowner’s association. These groups benefit condo owners with general management to ensure that the neighborhood is kept in good condition, and will typically provide insurance for the general building that you live in and for the community.

When it comes to your condo insurance, however, you’ll be expected to buy it yourself. Essentially, your condo association’s insurance covers everything outside your home, and your condo insurance covers everything inside your home.

So, the question is: How much say does your condo association have in your insurance? The answer is that it varies from one association in New Windsor, NY to the next.

  • Some condo associations may have no input whatsoever on your condo insurance. This means that you can go without any protection at all if you like. Of course, that would mean that if something happens to your possessions in a fire, the building repairs will be covered, but your belongings will not be.
  • Some condo associations may require that you buy a minimum amount of protection, but will not have any input on who you buy that coverage from.
  • Some condo associations may insist that you go through a specific insurance company to get covered.

If your New Windsor, NY condo association falls into the first two categories, get in touch with Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc. to see what they can do for you. Your condo association’s insurance will cover anything that happens to the exterior of the building. Still, when it comes to your possessions and the safety of the people inside your home, you’ll need an ally like Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc. on your side.

Purchasing Life Insurance for Children in New York

Daily, parents have many tasks to take care of, such as working, paying bills, maintaining their household, and, most importantly, taking care of their kids. Having kids is one of the greatest gifts that can happen to you, and it is of the utmost importance to protect them at all times. In addition to the latter, preparing for their future while they are babies is never a bad plan to have in mind. 

At Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc., our agents are highly knowledgeable and can ensure you receive the best insurance options available. We are located in New Windsor, NY, and have served the local community since 1991. Our clients always have a variety of questions to ask us, and we can steer you down the right path to satisfaction. Here are some quick things to keep in mind when you are purchasing life insurance for your child that will be beneficial to you as parents. 

When should you purchase life insurance for a child?

There is no golden age as to where you have/need to purchase life insurance for your child. However, it never hurts to start investing in it when you feel like you’re ready. Preparing a cushion for them now is excellent just in case a parent(s) pass away. 

How does life insurance benefit a child? 

By starting early, you give the child a better chance to qualify for life insurance later on in life. It is also a financial savings net for your child as well. As the money you invest in their life insurance continues to grow, when it is time to start distributing those funds, you will notice that starting early was all worth it.

Are you thinking about any questions or concerns that you are not quite 100% of the right answers? Our agents are available for scheduling in-person consultations. Reach out to our office in New Windsor, NY to speak with our team and get started with a quote.