insurance

From Bay to Sound: How Amityville Boaters Can Avoid Coverage Gaps Between Waterways

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It’s just perfect. Boating around Amityville, NY, offers the best of all worlds. The sheltered Great South Bay and the wild open waters of the Atlantic right beyond Fire Island … It’s paradise. But moving between these waterways can expose you to risks and coverage gaps many boat owners overlook. At ACME Insurance Brokerage, we help local boat owners tailor their boat insurance to fit their lifestyle and the realities of Long Island’s diverse coastal experience.

Different Waters, Different Rules

Water is water. Not so fast. Policies often distinguish between “inland”, “bay,” and “coastal” navigation. A policy written for protected waters typically excludes coverage once you’re in the open ocean. And that means if you take your boat from the Bay out toward the Sound or beyond Jones Inlet, you are losing your protection without even knowing it. No collision coverage. No towing. And now liability protection.

Before you head out, review your boat insurance policy to make sure you’re covered regardless of where you operate your boat. But that’s not all. You need to confirm your policy includes:

  • Agreed value versus actual cash value on a total loss, which is especially important for older boats (Agreed value will pay out up to an agreed-upon amount, while actual cash value will pay out up to the value of your boat, minus depreciation.)
  • Salvage and wreck removal coverage (Salvage or removal costs often far exceed the value of your boat.)
  • Environmental liability (In case you accidentally spill fuel or spring a leak during an accident.)

Smart Coverage for Local Conditions

In Amityville, NY, shifting tides, shallow channels, and sudden coastal storms can create real risks. A customized policy from ACME Insurance Brokerage can include seasonal lay-up coverage, hurricane haul-out reimbursement, and even protection for trailers or equipment stored ashore.

Keep Your Adventures Seamless

Nobody has time for the fine print, but ignorance is not an option when your lifestyle and financial security are at stake. Schedule a quick policy review with ACMS Insurance Brokerage to make sure your boat insurance moves the way you do, from the Bay to the Sound and everywhere in between. The right coverage keeps you focused on what’s important: the horizon, not the exclusions page.

Company Cars Versus Personal Cars: Are You Fully Protected?

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If you are a business owner, you know purchasing commercial insurance to protect your business assets is essential. Many company owners seek advice to select the best insurance options. If your company is near Amityville, NY, our team at Acme Insurance Brokerage can help you create the ideal insurance portfolio. We’ve been working with businesses like yours since 1994.

Company Cars Versus Personal Cars: Are You Fully Protected?

If your company owns cars or trucks for business-related purposes, they must be covered by commercial auto insurance. But there are circumstances where the use of those vehicles may be problematic. For example, some people use their company-provided car for personal travel (with company permission). But the company’s commercial auto insurance policy may not fully cover personal drive times.

Check with your insurance agent to help you fully understand your coverage during the times you or your employees are driving company cars. You may want to add a named nonowner or extended nonowned coverage endorsement (add-on) to ensure adequate coverage. If you or your employees drive company cars and don’t also have personal cars, ask whether your commercial auto policy has an endorsement for that. An endorsement can extend your company’s liability insurance to every driver who uses company-owned cars.

Call Us for an Appointment

Commercial insurance policies protect your business assets, such as your property and company vehicles. Our team at Acme Insurance Brokerage will also help you protect your employees with health insurance and a workers’ compensation policy. Businesses in the Amityville, NY, area have been trusting us for over 30 years.

Four Ways to Get Your Home Ready For the Fall Season

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As a homeowner in the Amityville, NY, area and surrounding communities, it’s important to prepare your home for the fall season as the weather cools and the seasons change. Below are four essential tasks to help get your home ready.

1. Clean Your Gutters

As the weather cools down, leaves will begin to fall. Take this time to clean out your gutters and remove fallen leaves and other debris. If your gutters aren’t cleaned before winter, you risk serious roof damage. Snow, ice, and rain sitting in clogged gutters can damage the system and lead to costly repairs.

2. Inspect Your Roof

While working on your gutters, inspect your roof for missing shingles or soft spots that need to be patched. Addressing these issues promptly will help protect your roof from further damage. If a full roof replacement is necessary, it’s better to complete it sooner rather than later.

3. Trim Your Trees

If you have trees close to your home or hanging over parts of your house, trim them during the fall. Cold weather and ice can make tree branches brittle, increasing the risk of falling limbs that can cause significant damage to your home.

4. Check Your Insulation

With cooler weather approaching, inspect the insulation in your attic and basement. Proper insulation helps retain heat in your home during winter, reducing the strain on your furnace and lowering your utility bills.

If you own a home in or around Amityville, NY, reach out to our team at Acme Insurance Brokerage. We offer a variety of insurance options, including home insurance. Contact us today for more information about your home policy.

Preserve the Past: How to Choose the Right Classic Car Insurance Policy

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If you’re in the Amityville, NY area and looking for classic car insurance, Acme Insurance Brokerage is here to help. Our agents understand the unique needs of protecting a classic vehicle, and we can provide you with information and quotes from multiple insurers to help you find the best option for your needs. Here’s what to consider to make choosing the right policy easier.

How Much Do You Drive Your Classic Car?

Most classic car owners don’t drive their vehicles frequently, but some do. If you drive your classic car often, you may need a different type of insurance than someone who primarily stores their vehicle. Either way, there’s a policy that can fit your lifestyle and protect your car.

Where Do You Store Your Vehicle?

Storing your vehicle in a secure facility is different from parking it in your driveway with a cover over it. The storage method impacts the risk of loss and other factors, which will influence the type of insurance you need. We’ll ask about your storage details and driving habits to help find the right policy for your situation.

Do You Travel With Your Car?

If you take your classic car to shows and events, it’s important to ensure you’re protected while away from home. Working with our agents makes it easier to find coverage that fits your needs, so you can enjoy the experience without worrying about your car.

Get in Touch for Policy Information Today

Contact us at Acme Insurance Brokerage today if you’re in the Amityville, NY area and looking for classic car insurance. We’re here to help you choose a policy that provides excellent protection and gives you peace of mind, so you can fully enjoy your classic car for years to come.

Are Older Homes More Difficult to Insure?

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Amityville, NY, and its surroundings are home to many older houses. If you’ve considered buying one, you may find that some insurance carriers won’t provide you with a policy. This is because older homes have inherent risks that new constructions or buildings less than 10 years old don’t have. Finding an affordable policy may require some additional effort. However, Acme Insurance Brokerage works with several reputable providers to insure your older home.

Factors Affecting Insurance for Older Homes

Purchasing your unique home may be a dream come true for you, but some insurance companies shy away from protecting them. That’s because replacing structures and systems that are decades or even over 100 years old can be more expensive. In addition, rebuilding an older home is more costly, particularly if the building isn’t up to code or if some materials are difficult to find. Insurance costs generally rise when a home is 40 years or older.

Several common factors affect the cost of policies for older homes. These include:

  • Roofing age and materials
  • Old electrical wires pose a fire hazard
  • Outdated plumbing and sewer lines
  • Outdated construction techniques

How You Can Insure Your Vintage Residence

Some insurers will allow you to supplement a standard HO-3 homeowner’s policy with special coverage for your home’s age. Be aware, though, that if your home is exceptionally old, you may not qualify for an HO-3 policy. In these cases, you must find a provider that will issue an HO-8 policy. If your older home is in excellent condition, an HO-8 policy may be less expensive than an HO-3. You should remember that water damage is usually not included in the list of HO-8-covered perils.

Learn how Acme Insurance Brokerage, serving residents of Amityville, NY, can help you save money on coverage for your older home. Contact our representatives today.

Here’s Why Motorcycle Drivers Need to Drive Defensively

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Defensive driving is crucial whether you’re driving a motorcycle, truck, or car. However, motorcycle drivers are exposed to more risks in some ways, making defensive driving even more vital. Equally important is having the right motorcycle insurance plan. Acme Insurance Brokerage offers motorcycle insurance plans in Amityville, NY, so reach out if you need assistance.

The Importance of Defensive Driving for Motorcycles

Vehicle safety has significantly improved over the years, especially for enclosed vehicles. Features like airbags, seat belts, crumple zones, and others make cars and trucks safer to drive today. Unfortunately, many of these features aren’t practical on a typical motorcycle.

However, motorcycle motorcycle safety has also improved. Modern braking systems, helmets, riding suits, and other safety gear and features save lives. Still, a rider is more exposed on a bike than in a car. Moreover, while bad weather threatens all vehicles, it can be particularly hazardous for motorcycle riders.

The best course of action is to avoid accidents altogether. This means adhering to speed limits, avoiding risky behavior like dangerous lane splitting, and checking the weather before you ride. If bad weather is forecasted, it may be best to postpone your ride.

Ultimately, being aware of your surroundings on the road is crucial. Even if you’re a perfect driver, another driver could cause a serious accident that could leave you injured. You can protect your bike and well-being by watching for risks and extricating yourself from dangerous situations.

Motorcycle insurance is also crucial. If you need help selecting a plan in Amityville, NY, contact Acme Insurance Brokerage immediately. We’re always ready to assist motorcycle owners.