When Is Condo Insurance Necessary In New York?

Mowing grass, cleaning the pool, and shoveling snow are some things you don’t have to list as a chore if you are a condo owner. However, condo insurance is always a smart choice to acquire. While your unit is under the condo owners association (COA) master policy, you need to know what exactly it covers for better coverage of your condo. Your COA’s master policy covers the building itself and common areas, such as the pool and gym. Note that COA coverage differs from one association to another, so be sure to ask what yours covers.

When you need condo insurance 

Understanding condo insurance can be challenging, especially for those not familiar with the insurance landscape. Thankfully, at Windgate Insurance Agency Inc., located in New Windsor, NY, we will break down condo insurance to make the content easily digestible. 

That said, let’s start with one of the most frequent questions we get from condo owners: When is condo insurance required?

When taking a mortgage

Unlike auto insurance, condo insurance isn’t required by law. However, if a mortgage finances your condo, your lender requires you to carry condo insurance as long as your mortgage is outstanding. 

Why do I need condo insurance?

While condo insurance isn’t mandatory, it’s recommended you carry one for the below reasons.

To protect personal belongings.

Yes, your condo association has a master policy, but this doesn’t protect personal assets. That said, you need condo insurance to protect your electronics, jewelry, furniture, and other assets from fire, vandalism, and theft.

To cover additional living expenses.

If your condo is uninhabitable for one reason or another, condo insurance covers additional living expenses such as accommodation and meals in case of a hotel stay. 

Liability protection

Because condos are within proximity of each other, there is a likelihood you might cause property damage or bodily injury to your neighbors. But just like homeowners’ insurance, condo insurance pays for damages and medical expenses for third-party loss caused.

Searching for condo insurance? Don’t look beyond Windgate insurance Agency Inc., serving New Windsor, NY, and the surrounding areas. Are you bothered by your unique needs? Don’t be. We are here to provide customized condo insurance coverage to address individual needs. Contact us today.

Life insurance: Everything you need to know as a first-time buyer

When it comes to purchasing life insurance in New Windsor, NY, you have many choices to make. From choosing a beneficiary to selecting the most appropriate type of life insurance and the amount of coverage, the process may feel lengthy and overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t need to do it all alone. Insurance professionals at Windgate Insurance Agency Inc. can help you through the process. Here is what you need to know before buying life insurance.

Buy an insurance plan you can afford

Life insurance is quite affordable, especially when you are younger. Many people in New Windsor, NY tend to get surprised at the cost of life insurance. However, that doesn’t mean you buy more or less than you need. If you are tight on budget, inquire about a policy that fits your budget.

Determine who you are protecting

Understand the reason why you are buying life insurance. If you have a spouse and children, you have enough reasons to buy life insurance. If you have elderly parents as your dependents and don’t have children, consider term life insurance instead of permanent life insurance.

Think about your beneficiary

You will need to think about a beneficiary at some point in the buying process. Your primary beneficiary is the person who will receive the death benefit in case you die.

Consider your present and future needs.

Don’t just look at your current lifestyle. Think about how your life will have changed ten years to come. You could be married, with children, or running a business. Looking into the future helps you make sound investments in securing your future. Remember, life insurance is cheaper when young.

At Windgate Insurance Agency Inc., we offer trusted and reliable guidance to provide the right life insurance policy. Our experts offer flexible options that are adaptable to your future. Call us for quotes, questions, or policy discussions.

 

What Business Owners Need to Know About Commercial Insurance

As a business owner in New York, you have a special responsibility to your company and your employees to protect your investments. These investments include both the time and the money you have put into your company. The best way to protect these investments is through smart insurance choices. At Windgate Insurance Agency Inc, serving New Windsor, NY, we understand that the best way to make these decisions is through insurance education. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about commercial insurance. 

What is Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance is a collection of insurance products that are specifically designed with the business owner in mind. These products provide comprehensive coverage for all of the areas of your business that could be financially vulnerable. Commercial insurance gives you an added layer of protection against expenses and liabilities which could harm your business. 

What Does Commercial Insurance Cover?

Each policy can be customized to fit your company’s specific needs, but, in general, commercial insurance will provide coverage in the following areas:

  • Auto Coverage: If your business operates vehicles as part of its regular operations, automobile coverage is necessary to protect both your employees and other drivers on the road. 
  • Property Damage: Property damage coverage is essential if you operate your company from a brick and mortar location. If there is damage to your property through fire, natural disaster, or burglary, the policy will kick in to cover expenses. 
  • Liability: This type of coverage is a must to protect you and your company against liability costs if someone is injured at your location or because of your services. 

If you would like to learn more about commercial insurance, please contact our office at Windgate Insurance Agency Inc, serving New Windsor, NY. 

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.