Choosing the Right Commercial Insurance Policies for Your Amityville, NY Business

As a business owner in Amityville, NY, you have a lot on your plate. There’s a lot to stay on top of, from keeping up with daily operations to ensuring that your customers are happy. And one of the most important things on that list is making sure that your business has the coverage necessary to protect it from potential risks.

Most Common Commercial Policies

There are a few different commercial insurance policies commonly carried by business owners. The most common include:

Property insurance:

This policy covers damage to your business property, including the building itself, any furniture or equipment inside, and inventory. It can also help cover the cost of a temporary relocation if your business needs to close due to damage from a covered event. Your Acme Insurance Brokerage representative can work with you to find the right commercial policy.

Liability insurance:

This type of policy can help protect your business from legal claims if someone is injured on your property or if you’re accused of causing damage to someone else’s property. It can also help cover the cost of medical expenses and any settlements or judgments that may be awarded in a lawsuit.

Business interruption insurance:

This policy can help cover the loss of income and expenses you incur if your business is forced to close due to damage from a covered event.

Commercial auto insurance:

If you use vehicles for business, this policy can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement if they’re damaged in an accident. It can also help cover medical expenses for any injuries in an accident.

Acme Insurance Brokerage can work with you to find the right policies for your business. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and help you acquire a quote.

Home Insurance Options in Amityville, NY

Home insurance is something that you should never take lightly. In a disaster, you will be glad you have it. But what are your options for home insurance? There are three levels of homeowner’s coverage—actual cash value, replacement cost, and guaranteed value. Here’s a breakdown of your options.

Actual Cash Value

Actual cash value is the most common type of home insurance. It pays to repair or replace your residence with what it was worth, minus depreciation. For example, if your home was worth $200,000 when you bought it, but it’s only worth $150,000 now, your policy would only pay $150,000 to repair or rebuild it.

The actual cash value coverage also includes lost and damaged belongings. Check the individual policy for limits on certain items, such as jewelry, collectibles, and electronics.

Replacement Cost

This type of policy pays to rebuild your home with new materials, no matter the current market value. So, if a fire destroys your home and it would cost $225,000 to rebuild, that’s what your policy would cover.

Replacement cost policies also include lost and damaged belongings, but with a higher limit than actual cash value policies. Your Acme Insurance brokerage agent in Amityville, NY can help you find the right replacement cost policy and advise you of any limitations to the coverage.

Guaranteed Value

Guaranteed value is a long-term policy that ensures coverage includes reconstructing your house to its original specs, regardless of the current market price. So, if a fire destroys your home and it would cost $225,000 to rebuild, that’s what your policy would cover.

The coverage includes your belongings, too. However, it’s also essential to know that these policies often have a maximum payout limit.

Talk to your Acme Insurance brokerage agent about your options if you’re looking for home insurance in Amityville, NY.

Does your auto policy provide features you don’t use?

As auto policies evolve to provide more benefits, the team at Acme Insurance Brokerage is here to guide residents in the Amityville, NY area through the policy selection process. We understand that choosing the right auto insurance policy for your needs can often be confusing. Let us help!

What features does your auto policy provide?

You may have more protection and benefits than you realize when it comes to auto insurance policies. Today’s policies can offer everything from roadside assistance services to coverage for rental cars if your car has been damaged or destroyed in a covered accident or incident. Auto insurance can be more than just protection from accidents or theft. 

We find that our clients are often paying for features that they don’t use and are unaware of! If you haven’t taken a close look at your policy and its benefits, now is a perfect time to do so! You may have features that you aren’t taking advantage of. Reviewing your vehicle policies is always a great idea.

If, after your review, you find that there are additional features that you would like to have, it may be time for an upgrade! Today’s policies can be comprehensive and provide a high level of coverage and protection. If you want exceptional coverage, now is a great time to find out what features are available in our area.

Learn more about your auto policy options today!

Acme Insurance Brokerage is here for the Amityville, NY community. If you have questions about insurance, we can help! Give us a call, or stop by our office to learn more about your insurance options.

Classic Car Insurance FAQs

Puzzled by classic car insurance in Amityville, NY? You are not alone because most people have difficulties differentiating this coverage from standard auto insurance. So, if you have a 1969 Chevy Camaro or 1964 Ford Mustang, you must understand how classic car insurance operates to protect your prized toy. Acme Insurance Brokerage has prepared a FAQs section to shed more light on classic car insurance.

What is classic car insurance?

While standard auto insurance can protect your classic, it won’t offer full value when you suffer a total loss. Classic car insurance is an insurance plan specifically designed to protect your classic or antique car when driving, exhibiting, or restoring your vehicle.

What is the agreed value, and why does it matter?

Typical standard auto insurance policies use the actual cash value to protect your car. Simply put, the insurer compensates you after knocking off depreciation from the value of your vehicle. But since classic cars maintain or appreciate in value, actual cash value can’t work. Agreed value works because you get your classic’s actual value (compensation) when totaled or stolen.

Is classic car insurance mandatory?

Your collector’s car is a vehicle and poses the same risks, just like your conventional automobile. So, yes, classic car insurance is mandatory in New York and other states. To legally drive your classic car in New York, you must at least invest in the state-required liability coverage.

Is classic car insurance expensive?

Unlike a popular misconception, classic car insurance is surprisingly affordable. Because you don’t drive your classic or exotic car every day, the risk exposure is minimal, translating to affordable premiums.

Where can I purchase classic car insurance?

If you are in Amityville, NY and its environs, you don’t have to work extra hard to purchase a salient classic car insurance policy that protects your memories and heritage. All you need to do is contact Acme Insurance Brokerage, and we will guide you from there.

Is Renters Insurance Important for College Students?

If you have a child who is preparing to move off to college, life is about to be very different for everyone. Apart from buying supplies for school and their new place, you may overlook renters insurance offered by Acme Insurance Brokerage. Here are just three reasons you should purchase renters insurance in Amityville, NY for your new college student.

Protection for Expensive Belongings

Starting school, college students will often purchase new furniture, printers, laptops, and other costly items. Because of their price, these items can be difficult for most families to replace if something happens to them. Luckily, that’s where a renters insurance policy comes in, as it covers some or all of the costs associated with replacing items. Renters insurance covers factors that are beyond your student’s control, including fire and theft.

Protection for Liability Incidents

Renters insurance offers liability protection for a number of incidents that students could encounter, such as a fall or dog bite (if your student has a dog). If someone who is visiting your student’s place gets injured, renters insurance is designed to cover medical payments, potential legal fees, etc. This allows your student to focus on their studies instead of any financial burden.

Peace of Mind

When your student is traveling back and forth from college and home, such as for holiday breaks, it can be difficult to ensure their belongings are safe and sound. Luckily, a renters insurance policy can help you and your student feel confident about leaving their place because they know that they have insurance in place in the event the unexpected occurs.

If you need help obtaining renters insurance for your student in Amityville, NY, contact Acme Insurance Brokerage today.

New York Motorcycle Insurance – What You Need To Know About Motorcycle Insurance

Riding a motorcycle is a unique experience from driving any other vehicle on the road.  It’s just you and the road with a motorcycle and there’s no other experience that can replicate it.  Just as you would with a car, you are required to carry motorcycle insurance to legally ride on the road in New York.  We will cover the different types of motorcycle insurance available to choose from and what they entail.  Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY offers motorcycle insurance and other insurance needs.

Motorcycle Insurance

There are similar coverages and limits between motorcycle insurance coverage and car insurance coverage.  Motorcycles do have unique add-ons which we’ll cover later, but in essence, the terms used in both cars and motorcycle policies are almost interchangeable.  

Personal Liability / Property Damage

Personal Liability and Property Damage remain the base upon which your insurance cover sits.  This form of coverage is required in all states and must have a minimum coverage level in a dollar amount that varies from state to state.   The minimum coverages for motorcycle insurance in New York is $10,000 in property damage liability, $50,000 per person / $100,000 total accident in death liability, and $25,000 per person / $50,000 in total accident in bodily injury liability.  

Unique Add-Ons

Motorcycle Insurance has unique add-ons in the form of lay-up insurance.  You don’t ride a motorcycle year-round, especially in the snow-covered months of winter.  So, lay-up insurance is a way to keep your bike insured while it’s stored for the winter months.  There are other add-ons that you can add to your motorcycle insurance policy such as roadside assistance and other additions.

More Information

You can learn more about motorcycle insurance by contacting Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY today!

Protect your boat while it’s in dry dock

Acme Insurance Brokerage and our Amityville, NY area team understand that owning a boat can come with some logistical issues. There is the need for a dock to store the vessel while in use, and the need to find a home for your boat during the winter months. Many people opt for a dry dock solution and keep their boats out of the water when it’s not boating season. Dry dock storage also requires insurance protection, just as your boat needs to be covered when it is on the water.

Dry dock coverage for your boat

When your boat is on the water and you’re out enjoying your day on the lake, it’s easy to see why it’s necessary to have boat insurance. When your boat is away in dry dock for the off-season, it’s easy to think that you need less protection. But, let’s remember all of the reasons why insurance is necessary in the first place. 

Even when your boat is in storage, it can still fall victim to theft, vandalism, or damage. Don’t think that your need for protection ends at the water’s edge. There are very compelling reasons for carrying comprehensive boat insurance all year long, no matter where your boat may be. 

Rely on us for all of your boat insurance needs

If you are a boat owner in the greater Amityville, NY area, turn to Acme Insurance Brokerage for all of your boat insurance. Our experienced agents are here to answer all of your questions and provide the information necessary to decide which policy is right for you. Call or stop by today!

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.