New York Motorcycle Insurance Guide: Most Common Motorcycle Accident Causes

When you are a motorcycle rider in New Windsor, NY, you want to make sure that you have all the motorcycle coverage that you need. As a motorcycle rider, you have additional risks on the road and a greater potential for accident and injury. 

At Windgate Insurance Agency Inc., we want New Windsor NY motorcycle riders to have the motorcycle insurance they need to protect themselves from every possible loss. We know what the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are, and how to protect you financially from them.

Loss of Control

Loss of control of your bike is among the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. This could be caused by anything from bad weather to drinking and driving. Loss of control of your bike may also occur when you are rear-ended, or other drivers fail to check their blind spots at intersections.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving accounts for thousands of fatalities on the roads every year, both with vehicles and with motorcycles. This can include texting while riding your bike, or not thinking clearly when you are driving.

When you stop paying attention while you are riding your bike on the road, you run the risk of getting into a collision. You could be looking the wrong way, turning your head at the wrong moment, or being distracted by your phone. It will only take a second to get into a collision that could change your life.

Poor Visibility

Bad weather or low lighting conditions could result in a collision on your motorcycle. More motorcycle accidents happen at night than at any other time of the day. If you don’t have to go out on your bike at night, then avoid that if you can. It could reduce your risk of a collision and reduce the impact on your motorcycle insurance.

Get a Quote

When you are looking for motorcycle insurance in New Windsor, NY, call Windgate Insurance Agency Inc. for a quote. We know what kind of protection you need, and what will help you to sleep better at night.

How can I benefit by getting boat insurance in New York?

Those that live in the New Windsor, NY area will always want to ensure they are enjoying the local waterways as much as they can during the warm months of the year. A good way that you can do this is by investing and purchasing your own boat. Along with a boat purchase, it is also important to choose a proper insurance plan. There are a few reasons why having boat insurance here is beneficial. 

Coverage Will Protect Boat

A key benefit of having a boat insurance plan in this area is that it will protect your watercraft. A boat insurance plan can give you support if your boat is damaged in an accident or stolen. This can help ensure you are able to continue to enjoy your boat for a long time after purchasing it, which can also help protect your investment. 

Insurance Provides Liability Support

You should also get a boat insurance plan because it can give liability support. Boat operators always run the risk that they can cause an accident. If this happens, you will need to pay any damages and cover bodily injury expenses other people incur as a result of the accident. As these costs can add up quickly, having insurance in place to mitigate the risk is helpful. Boat insurance will give the necessary liability insurance. 

Those that are going to be boat owners in the New Windsor, NY area will always want to ensure they have the right insurance in place for their boat. There are a lot of choices to be made when you are looking for a new plan and Windgate Insurance Agency Inc. can make the process easier for you. Windgate Insurance Agency Inc. will offer any support that is needed to evaluate your options and choose a plan that is ideal based on your situation. 

How Can Umbrella Insurance Protect Someone?

Are you looking for insurance in New Windsor, NY, to boost your home, auto, or boat insurance? If yes, with umbrella insurance, you have a safety net to protect you when claims exceed your typical insurance coverages. Want to find out how this insurance can cover you? Please keep scrolling as Windgate Insurance Agency Inc. elaborates how umbrella insurance protects you. 

What is umbrella insurance?

It’s an insurance policy plan that comes to your rescue when faced with substantial claims exceeding your home, boat, or auto insurance. Umbrella insurance protects your assets and future earnings against unforeseen tragic events that other insurance options may not cover. 

For instance, assume you are at fault for a major accident that causes severe injuries to the other driver. Suppose your auto liability coverage has a bodily injury liability of $60,000 and the medical costs of the injured driver stand at $75,000. Without umbrella insurance, you will have to fork out the uncovered $15,000 from your pocket. And worse yet, this amount can rise significantly if the driver decides to sue you! 

What does umbrella insurance cover?

While umbrella insurance isn’t mandatory in New York, you should consider it to get the below protection:

  • Bodily injury: Covers the medical costs for injuries you sustain to other people.
  • Property damage: Pays for the property damage costs for liabilities exceeding your typical insurance coverages. 
  • Legal costs: If you are sued, your umbrella insurance covers defense costs, regardless of whether you are at fault. 
  • Personal liability: The incredible thing about umbrella insurance is that it’s broader than other liability coverages. Umbrella insurance covers you against slander, libel, and malicious prosecutions. If you are found liable for a slanderous online comment, your umbrella insurance saves the day by covering the associated legal costs.

Are you shopping for umbrella insurance in New Windsor, NY? Please contact Windgate Insurance Agency Inc. for a personalized quote.

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 You Need to Know About Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is a unique expense. Not only does auto insurance provide us with a necessary service each month, but it also fulfills a legal obligation we have to our communities and other drivers. This gives auto insurance a top priority status in our budgets. The only way you can make wise insurance decisions is if you have the right insurance information available. At Windgate Insurance Agency, Inc., serving New Windsor, NY, we are committed to bringing you solid insurance information. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about auto insurance. 

Why Am I Obligated to Carry Auto Insurance?

In addition to the fact that most states require that drivers carry at least liability insurance, there is also an unspoken obligation to the other drivers out there. Driving is a risky business. If a car accident occurs, the drivers in danger of being injured are also in danger of being hit financially with medical bills for treatment of their injuries and the cost of having their car repaired or replaced. These financial risks could leave an individual financially vulnerable following a car wreck that was not their fault. The driver that was at fault could face the same financial dangers. Automobile insurance relieves those risks by providing a policy that will pay in the event these things happen. 

What Does Car Insurance Cover?

Most car insurance policies will provide you with collision insurance that will pay for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if you should damage it in a wreck, a natural disaster, or lost through burglary. Liability insurance is a type of coverage that will pay for the costs of another driver’s repairs or medical bills if you cause them to be in a wreck. 

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

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. 

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.