The top types of commercial insurance lines to consider for your small business

As a small business owner in the Amityville, NY area, it is critical to have a comprehensive insurance program to protect your business. The agents at Acme Insurance Brokerage have put together a list of important coverages for businesses to consider. 

General Liability Insurance 

A general liability policy is essential for all small businesses. It will protect you in the event a third party sues you for damages. A liability policy is critical if your business operates at a location where clients are on site. If a client slips and falls while on your business premises, you will be protected in the event of a lawsuit.

Product Liability

If the nature of your business is to sell products, it is critical to consider a product liability policy. Even if your product seems harmless, you will be protected in a lawsuit if a third party claims your product has caused harm. 

Professional liability policy

Unlike a business that needs product liability, if your business provides a service, you should consider a professional liability policy (also called an E&O policy). An E&O policy will provide you with protection if you fail to provide the service or make an error while providing the service to a client and that client suffers a financial loss as a result. 

Workers Compensation 

The state may very well require workers’ compensation if you have enough employees. However, even if it is not required, you may want to consider it if you have employees. In the event an employee is injured while working, a workers’ compensation policy will help cover the medical bills and lost wages.

If you would like to learn more about the insurance policies available to protect your business, reach out to an agent at the Acme Insurance Brokerage today. We proudly serve the Amityville, NY area. 

Swimming Pools and Home Insurance: What You Should Know

Many people grow up dreaming of having a pool in their backyards. However, as many Amityville, NY homeowners learn, having a pool increases personal risk and may cause a spike in home insurance premiums. So, before you have a pool installed on your property, here are a few things you may want to take into consideration.

Why Does a Swimming Pool Result in a Higher Insurance Premium?

Your homeowner’s insurance policy is designed to protect your house and personal property, as well as protect you from costly liability lawsuits. In the event that a guest is injured while at your home, an insurance company will take care of the medical expenses, cover their lost wages, and even pay for non-economic damages.

Swimming pools increase the chances of a slip and fall or a drowning incident, which your insurance company could be held responsible for. To cover these risks, your insurer is likely to charge a higher premium on a monthly basis.

Does It Matter What Type of Swimming Pool You Have?

Your homeowner’s insurance will likely cover any damage that occurs to the pool, but the level of the protection could vary depending on the exact kind of pool you have. For instance, above-ground pools are portable and typically considered personal property. If it suffers damage by lightning, in a fire, or by another covered event, repairs or a replacement is likely to be paid for by your insurer.

However, in-ground swimming pools may be considered personal property, part of your swelling, or a completely separate structure. The coverage limit for this will be based on the home value. Of course, an additional rider can always be purchased for additional protection. For more clarification on this, speak to one of our agents at Acme Insurance Brokerage.

Is It Possible to Reduce Your Premiums?

You should be able to reduce your insurance premiums by taking steps to protect others. For instance, you can reduce the risk of young children coming onto your property and entering your pool without your permission by building a fence with a locking gate around your pool. You can also help prevent nighttime slips and falls by installing lights around the swimming pool. A mesh or solid cover can be used to cover the pool and reduce the risk of someone accidentally falling into the water and drowning.

If you have questions about how a swimming pool can affect the premiums of your homeowner’s insurance in Amityville, NY, reach out to our insurance agency at Acme Insurance Brokerage.

Why Does Auto Insurance Matter?

If you own a car or have plans to purchase one soon, you’d better heed the advice by Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY, and purchase auto insurance. Obtaining auto insurance offers you a wide range of benefits — some of which have been highlighted in this post. 

Liability protection

Regardless of your driving experience, there’s a possibility of you crushing other vehicles on the road or hitting pedestrians. If this does happen, you can be held responsible since it is your car that caused the mess. 

You’d be required to bear the costs of repair (if other cars were damaged) and treatment costs (if anyone was hurt). Since you weren’t ready for such costs, they can significantly inconvenience you. However, with auto insurance, your insurer would offer a helping hand. 

Compliance with the law

In New York, it is a requirement by the law that you obtain auto insurance when driving on public roads. Driving without proper insurance coverage has many consequences such as:

  • Getting your driving privileges suspended
  • Incurring a fine of up to $1,500 and an additional $750
  • Getting your car impounded 
  • Facing a 3-month jail term

Protection of your asset /car

If your motor vehicle suffers damages due to accidents, fire, or other covered perils, your insurer will step in and bear the repair costs. And if the car is damaged beyond repair, the insurance company will replace it with a new one.

Medical Payments

If you cause accidents that result in injuries while driving, your auto insurance company will pay the costs of treatment for those injured, and this will save your pocket significantly. Similarly, if you or your passengers sustain injuries following an accident, MedPay or PIP coverage pays for the medical costs.

Buy Auto insurance today

Anything can happen on the highways when your least expect it. Don’t assume that you are a pro driver who doesn’t need auto coverage. Instead, be wise and contact Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY for an affordable auto insurance quote.  

Things You Should Know About Classic Car Insurance

If you are an owner of a classic car, you know that purchasing, modifying, and maintaining your precious vehicles cost a lot of money. Therefore, you want to do your best to protect your precious belonging. The best way to do that is to get classic car insurance that will provide your classic car with the protection it deserves. If you are currently looking for an insurance policy, Acme Insurance Brokerage serving Amityville, NY created a list of things you should know about it: 

  • Your car must be old enough in order to be considered classic and be eligible for classic car insurance. Classic cars are at least 10 years old. Moreover, they also need to achieve historic or rare interest through being restored, maintained, and preserved. 
  • Standard auto insurance is different from classic insurance. Your standard auto insurance policy may not cover the actual value of your classic vehicle. Typical classic car insurance will cover the full agreed value of the car minus the deductible and/or the car’s salvage value. 
  • There are certain factors affecting the cost of classic car insurance. These factors include the following: location and storage of your vehicle, the value of your classic car, and how you drive your car (remember that classic cars are not made for regular everyday use). 

Acme Insurance Brokerage – We Will Find a Perfect Policy For Your Precious Car

If you are a resident of Amityville, NY or another nearby town and lucky owner of a precious classic car that needs to be insured, Acme Insurance Brokerage will help you find a perfect policy. Our insurance agents will answer all of your questions and provide you with the information you need. Feel free to visit our website or give us a call for more information. 

Is Renters Insurance Worth it?

If you are renting a home or an apartment in Amityville, NY, you will require insurance coverage to protect your valuables. Don’t be tempted to think that your landlord’s property coverage will shield your belongings — it only covers the physical building itself. In light of this, you should consider buying renters insurance from Acme Insurance Brokerage and stand a chance to enjoy the below benefits.  

It shields your belongings

The losses you would incur if something unforeseen unfolds, causing you to lose your valuables such as clothing, furniture, jewelry, electronics, and so forth, are covered by your renter’s insurance policy. 

While renters insurance doesn’t prevent mishaps from happening, it ensures that you don’t start from scratch when disasters strike. 

It offers liability coverage

If someone who visited you in your home encountered an unfortunate event that results in serious injuries, you’d be liable to meet their hospitalization and medical bills. Besides, you may face legal suits if the injured person goes ahead to sue you. Luckily, the costs are covered by your renter’s insurance, lessening your financial burden. 

It covers additional living expenses

Whereas you least expect it, your home can become uninhabitable as a result of a covered peril. This would leave you with only one option – relocating while repairs or reconstruction take place. But assuming you were low on cash, how would you manage? It would be hectic, but not when you have renter’s insurance. 

It could be required

While no law requires you to buy renters insurance, some landlords may insist you purchase renters insurance. Why? Renters insurance shields landlord’s from tenants’ actions that may harm other renters. 

Buy renters insurance today!

Are you ready to get started with renters insurance? Please contact Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY, for an affordable quote. Are you worried about the budget? Don’t be. We can customize your renter’s insurance coverage to fit your budget. 

Why New York Business Owners Should Consider Adding Cyber Liability Coverage

Acme Insurance Brokerage provides coverage to the Amityville, NY community. For over 20 years, we have strived to make sure that our clients have the coverage they need to be prepared in any situation. We offer a wide variety of custom policies. As a family-owned and operated business, we treat all of our clients like extended family.

Why New York Business Owners Should Add Cyber Liability Coverage

The Amityville, NY economy relies on the success of thriving businesses. As a business owner, you have likely made a lot of sacrifices in order to fulfill your dream. Commercial insurance supplements your hard work by protecting your most valuable asset. Commercial insurance covers the physical structure of your building against possible damage. All of your equipment and inventory that you rely on to successfully operate your business is also covered if it is vandalized or stolen. Commercial insurance covers your business if you are the victim of a fire or natural disaster.

As you figure out the type of commercial insurance policy that suits your business, consider this current age of technology. The majority of businesses today use electronic devices to store important information. If your electronic documents were lost or compromised, you may be left in a tough position. If those documents contain sensitive customer or employee information, you could face potential legal action. Cyber liability coverage can help protect your business in these situations. The policy protects your business in the aftermath of a costly data breach. You’ll be covered as you figure out how to restore the lost data. You’ll also be covered if you decide to shut down your business until everything is settled. If one of your customers pursues litigation against you on the basis of your business having a faulty network, cyber liability insurance will cover your business through the legal process.

Acme Insurance Brokerage Will Help You Protect Your Business

Visit our website to learn more information about commercial insurance.

Home Insurance vs. Condo Insurance: What is the Difference?

Even if you bought a townhouse or garden-style condominium in Amityville, NY, you will need some form of home insurance. You will not have a traditional house policy, as you do not own the lot and in some instances, the physical structure of your home is actually owned by your homeowner’s association. Acme Insurance Brokerage can help you sort out exactly what kind of policy you will need.

Protecting the Parts that You Own

Your home or condo insurance will include all the parts of the building that you actually own. Your purchase agreement will indicate if you own the interior walls and floors, but not the exterior or roof. The deck and patio may not be part of public spaces. Even your garage may be considered a communal structure.

Your home insurance will protect your personal possessions, provide liability coverage for accidents that happen on your private property, and it may help cover the cost of a hotel if you need emergency housing.

The Condo Association Insurance takes Over where Yours Leaves Off

Just because you do not have insurance for the pool owned by the HOA, that does not mean that you are not protected when using it. Your condo association must carry property and liability insurance. So if you have a guest that is injured in the parking area, a claim would need to be filed with the HOA. Basically, part of your monthly fee also pays for the HOA portion of the home insurance traditionally carried by a property owner.

So, congratulations on your new home located in the Amityville, NY neighborhood! Acme Insurance Brokerage is available to help you find the home insurance policy that fully protects your single-family house or condo conveniently situated in a garden-style apartment building.

What is Collision Coverage

What comes to your mind when you come across the term collision insurance? Perhaps, you think that it’s a coverage that caters to every bill after a car crash. That’s not any further from the truth.

Collision insurance coverage only pays for car repair or replacement when involved in a collision with another vehicle or object, such as a fence. The policy may also cater to expenses incurred if a noninsured or underinsured driver hits your car.

Is Collision Insurance Mandatory

While collision insurance is not mandatory in Amityville, NY, lenders will require you to have the coverage to lease a vehicle.

What Does Collision Insurance Entail?

Collision coverage covers the expenses incurred after car damages resulting from;

  • A crash caused by another driver
  • If your vehicle hits an object
  • When another driver hits your car and lacks enough insurance to cater to the incurred costs

Nonetheless, you must prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident before filing a claim.

What is Not Included in Collision Insurance?

Collision coverage does not include;

  • Damages to your car as a result of situations that are not related to driving, such as theft, fire, or hail
  • Medical bills resulting from an accident
  • Damages to another person’s car

What is Collision Coverage Deductible?

The collision deductible is the amount deducted or subtracted after a collision claim depending on your chosen amount. However, you must ensure that the damages’ cost must be lesser than the deductible amount for the insurer to pay for the damages.

Contact Acme Insurance Brokerage for Collision Coverage

You can trust us at Acme Insurance Brokerage for quality collision coverage in Amityville, NY. Having insurance gives you peace of mind while on the road, knowing that your expenses are covered if the unthinkable happens. Contact us today for further advice on the same and to get a quote. 

Do we need classic car insurance in New York?

For car lovers that live in and around Amityville, NY, owning a classic car can be the ultimate dream. If you do decide to purchase a classic car here, it will be a prized possession and asset that you need to properly care for. Part of this includes getting the right insurance for it. There are a few reasons why you should get a classic car insurance plan. 

Get Proper Replacement Coverage

A reason that you should get a classic car insurance plan is that you can receive appropriate replacement coverage. A classic car is a unique type of vehicle as it can appreciate in value over time. Due to this, you will want to know that the replacement value of it is properly insured. When you get a classic car insurance plan, it will give you an opportunity to negotiate the replacement value with the insurer to ensure the collectible value is protected. 

Liability Coverage

When you have a classic car insurance plan, you are also going to receive liability coverage. This is a required form of insurance to drive any type of car in New York. Those that are going to get one of these vehicles will likely drive it infrequently, which means the actual liability risk is lower than it would be with a standard car. A classic car insurance plan will reflect this. 

When you are a classic car owner in the Amityville, NY area, having the right insurance is important. Since there are complexities that come with picking this type of protection, it would be wise for you to call the Acme Insurance Brokerage. The Acme Insurance Brokerage can help you be addressing your questions and assessing your coverage options. Based on this assessment you will be able to determine what coverage you need and build a policy that properly protects you. 

Renters Insurance Coverage Options

Under New York law, the owners of apartment buildings Anne houses for rent are required to maintain property insurance on the place where you reside. While it is not required for you to have a renters insurance policy, in place, it is definitely recommended That you secure a policy to protect you and your belongings. Renters insurance, also known as tenants insurance, is a policy that provides coverage that your landlord’s insurance will not. At Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY, our insurance agents understand the importance of maintaining your own protection.

Personal Property Coverage

If your apartment building catches on fire and you lose all of your personal belongings, including clothing, household items, and any furniture and appliances you have purchased, you will be glad you had a renters insurance policy in place. It will replace any belongings you lose due to vandalism, fire, theft, or even a natural disaster.

Liability Protection

Your renter’s insurance policy can also offer you liability insurance. This type of insurance will come in handy if a visitor to your apartment, condo, or house that you rent is injured in some type of accident that is not covered under the property owner’s insurance policy. Liability insurance will pay the medical bills if someone is injured and maybe even their time off of work.

Get a Quote Today

The only way to ensure that you will not lose everything you own if a disaster occurs while you are a renter is to have a renters insurance policy in place. You will need to contact an insurance agent who has experience in renters insurance. The agents at Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY are ready to assist you. Call for an appointment or quote today and let us get your policy started!