Can You Get Flood Insurance Through Your Regular Insurance Agent?

Are you a homeowner thinking about getting flood insurance for your home? Flood insurance is an important type of insurance if you live near an area that floods regularly.

The Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency professionals servicing Scotia, NY can help. We provide insurance ranging from home insurance to flood insurance. If you need to know how to get flood insurance, we can help. Here’s what you need to know about getting flood insurance.

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance is a type of insurance that can help you repair or rebuild your home after a flood. Flood insurance is a requirement for homeowners who live in high-risk flood areas and have government-backed mortgages. If you need flood insurance, you’ll first need to find out what you can do to get your insurance.

Where Can You Get Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance is a program that the FEMA administers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. However, FEMA does not handle the sale of insurance policies to homeowners. People who want to get flood insurance must talk to their normal insurance agents. Many insurance agents can help you get flood insurance.

If I Need Flood Insurance, What Should I Do?

Call your insurance agent at Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency, servicing Scotia, NY, if you need flood insurance. As an independent insurance agent, we provide a range of home insurance types, including flood insurance. If you would like to get flood insurance for your home, we can help. Call today to find out how much flood insurance costs and what you need to do to get a flood insurance policy.

Condo Insurance and Parties: What You Need to Know

Hosting a party in a condo in Scotia, NY, can be a fun way to gather with friends and family. However, it’s important to understand how condo insurance works when it comes to such events. Condo insurance covers your personal belongings, liability, and sometimes the interior of your unit, which can be critical if things go wrong during a party.

Liability Coverage

If a guest is injured during your party—whether they slip, fall, or suffer another type of injury—your liability coverage can help cover medical expenses and legal fees if you are sued. Without sufficient coverage, you may be personally responsible for these costs. It’s important to check the limits of your policy to ensure you have enough liability protection, especially if you’re hosting a large gathering.

Property Damage

Accidents can happen during parties, including property damage. Whether it’s a broken window, damaged furniture, or spills that ruin the flooring, condo insurance may cover the costs to repair or replace damaged items. However, it’s crucial to understand what your policy covers and what may be excluded. For instance, intentional damage or negligence might not be covered, so it’s essential to act responsibly as a host.

Association Rules and Common Areas

Many condo associations have rules about parties, noise levels, and the use of common areas. Violating these rules can result in fines or penalties, and your insurance may not cover any related costs. Always review your association’s guidelines before hosting a party to avoid any issues arising from noise complaints or misuse of shared spaces.

Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency Explains Everything Concerning Insurance

Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency is here to answer all your insurance questions. We serve Scotia, NY, and surrounding cities. Contact us today.

Auto Insurance: Protection for What You Can’t See Coming

Even though there are numerous driving strategies and rules to enhance safety, it is impossible to mitigate every potential accident completely. Often, the primary risk on the road is other drivers, while other times, it might not be. Auto insurance is the solution to the known and unknown risks on the road. Therefore, many drivers in Scotia, NY depend on the reliable and helpful team at Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency for all their auto insurance requirements.

Auto Insurance: Protection for What You Can and Can’t See Coming

Several apparent driving hazards can be foreseen, and sometimes even, like the inclement weather, we can predict them in advance. However, brake failures, tire blowouts, and unexpected road debris are just a few of the many risks that remain hidden and could only be a moment away. Fortunately, auto insurance is designed to protect drivers from obvious and discreet potential threats on the road. Collaborating with a knowledgeable and experienced agent can guide you in evaluating your driving requirements and assist you in finding the auto insurance coverage you need and deserve, no matter where you drive.

Auto Insurance Solutions for Scotia, NY Drivers

Do you reside in the larger Scotia, NY area? Are you seeking more information about auto insurance, or do you require coverage for your vehicle? We can help. At Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency, our proficient and amiable team is here to assist you with all your auto insurance queries and provide the protection you need and deserve every time you take to the road. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment for auto insurance solutions today.

What Is Cyber Insurance?

In today’s digital era, several businesses operate some or all of their operations online. This often involves storing substantial amounts of data in computer systems, which inevitably puts this information at risk. Potential difficulties with these systems can create significant issues for a business. Having a cyber insurance policy in place can help safeguard your business. If you need this specific type of commercial coverage, give us a call at Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency in Scotia, NY.

Data Breaches

The data stored on your computer system might involve essential information about your company, confidential data about your employees, or even customer data. Leaks of such data can cause serious disruptions to your business operations and damage your company’s reputation. In today’s world, data breaches can occur in numerous ways and happen alarmingly regularly. The cost of addressing such breaches can be substantial. Thus, businesses must be adequately covered against such eventualities.

Managing a Breach

The aftermath of a data breach can be devastating for a small business. Following a breach, a business may be required to compensate the victims. In addition, it would have to invest resources into identifying and fixing the problem to prevent future breaches. This might require additional IT personnel or expenditure on encryptions and other cyber security measures. With these costs potentially high, possessing cyber insurance becomes imperative.

Get Cyber Insurance in New York

Understanding the frequency at which businesses suffer from data breaches underscores the importance of cyber insurance. To learn more about this critical form of coverage, contact us at Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency in Scotia, NY. Our skilled agents can help you secure the right policy for your business.

Home insurance endorsements to personalize your policy

A traditional home insurance policy generally includes some basic coverage that all home policies have. You determine the amount of coverage for different aspects of your home. You can choose the type of content coverage you have and the liability coverage your policy provides. At Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency in Scotia, NY, we personalize your policy to meet your needs and ensure you understand which carriers provide the coverage you need.

Guarantee Replacement Cost

Though one of the more expensive endorsements, this is also one of the most valuable. Given the unpredictability of building costs, your basic home coverage may not suffice to replace or repair your home to its pre-peril condition and quality. This coverage guarantees that you will have your home completely replaced.

Identity Theft Coverage

Having your identity stolen is a nightmare. While this coverage won’t restore any cash stolen from your bank account, it can assist with fraud protection and help restore your name and credit. Additional options can be added to this coverage; consult your agent about what is available from your carrier.

Scheduled Personal Property Coverage

Some categories of personal property have limits under a traditional home policy. This includes items like electronics, jewelry, and art. The limits are relatively low and might leave you with insufficient coverage. With this endorsement, you can increase a category to the level you require. If you need more coverage for more than one specific item, such as several fine pieces of jewelry, you will need to increase this coverage.

In Scotia, NY, Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency provides all the necessary insurance information and assistance. Contact our office today to discuss your home insurance requirements.

Why Flood Insurance is Becoming Increasingly Important in New York

Why Flood Insurance is Becoming Increasingly Important in New York

The State of New York is known for its wine, sports teams, impressive lakes, vacation areas, and major cities. It is not necessarily considered a flood-prone state. However, securing flood insurance is becoming increasingly important even here in the Empire State.

In the Scotia, NY area, Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency ensures you are covered.

Here are some reasons why you should consider flood insurance:

Flood Insurance is not part of a basic homeowner’s insurance policy.

Flood insurance is managed through the National Flood Insurance Program and is not a part of most homeowners’ basic insurance policies. It must be secured separately. Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency can assist you.

Climate change

Storms, including those involving rain and wind, seem to be growing stronger and more frequent, increasing the chances of flooding.

Increasing developments

More and more housing and commercial developments are creating ponding and flooding in areas that were not previously subject to such risks, and this trend is likely to continue.

Changing and expanding flood zones

A property purchased five or ten years ago that was high and dry at the time could now be in a flood-prone area. We can help determine your need for flood protection.

Get your quote today.

If you live in the Scotia, NY, area, we invite you to learn more about flood insurance at Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency. We are here to answer your questions, offer a no-cost home insurance review, and provide a no-obligation price quote. Contact us to get started today.

Three Types of Protection in Condo Insurance Policies

Condo insurance works very much like home insurance, but there are distinct differences. A condo generally doesn’t come with an outdoor space, and the owner doesn’t own the entire building. Condo insurance is explicitly written for condos, so you aren’t insuring any areas you don’t need to. When you buy a condo or want to change your existing condo insurance, call us at Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency in Scotia, NY, to discuss a condo policy. 

Dwelling Protection

The insurance needs of a condo owner are unique. They don’t own the whole building, and they don’t own the outside walls of their dwelling. The policy will include only the specific areas that you own. The condo board already insures everything else, and you don’t have to pay for covering those areas. This is protection against damaging events, such as certain disasters and calamities, that can cause the condo to need repairs. 

Belongings Protection

You have a lot invested in your condo and in the other things you own. Your condo insurance can cover anything in your condo against certain risks. For example, a damaging incident that destroys your belongings can be covered, and the policy will pay to have those things replaced. 

Liability Protection

This type of coverage protects you in case someone gets injured while they’re inside your condo. When this happens to a third party, you’re responsible for the medical bills that become due. When you have condo insurance, it pays those bills plus other costs like legal bills and lost wages. 

Get Condo Insurance 

Going without condo insurance is never a good idea, and your condo board will require it. Call us at Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency in Scotia, NY to get started. 

What Van Owners Should Know About Commercial Van Insurance

Understanding Commercial Van Insurance in Scotia, NY

Scotia, NY, business owners who use vans are legally obligated to possess a commercial van insurance policy. Though a basic policy offers necessary coverage in case of accidents and injuries, other policies deliver comprehensive protection, safeguarding your assets against unfortunate incidents.

Basic Commercial Van Insurance Requirements

New York law mandates commercial van operators to hold a commercial auto insurance policy encompassing:

  • A minimum liability limit of $25,000/person
  • A minimum of $50,000/accident for bodily injury
  • A minimum of $10,000 for property damages

As New York is a "no-fault state," bodily injury coverage not only includes third-party victims but also drivers covered by the insurance policy and any passengers.

Why Consider Additional Coverage?

Several reasons compel Scotia, NY business owners to opt for more than just a basic commercial auto policy:

  • Basic coverage doesn’t offer compensation for theft, vandalism, and damage caused by natural disasters. Comprehensive insurance is a must for these.
  • While a basic policy covers damage to another vehicle, damage to the insured vehicle is only covered if the other driver is at fault and adequately insured. To avoid out-of-pocket expenses to fix your van if the other party is uninsured or underinsured, consider uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Commercial auto insurance doesn’t encompass business assets or products transported in the vehicle.

Assessing Your Options with Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency

With Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency, you’ll receive comprehensive assistance in assessing your commercial insurance options, thus ensuring the best picks for your business. Reach out today for more information or to get policy quotes.

Insurance Coverage for Automated Equipment

The inclusion of automated equipment in many factory settings can significantly reduce the manual work required from employees. This article provides tips and insights on protecting your business with adequate insurance coverage for your automated machinery.

What is Automated Equipment?

In most production industries, various forms of automated machinery, like conveyor belts, inventory pickers, and industrial mixers, are indispensable. These machineries are often used to mass-produce items for third-party resale. Automated equipment streamlines production processes, enhancing business productivity and efficiency. Therefore, such valuable assets should be safeguarded with comprehensive commercial insurance.

Why Do You Need Insurance?

Choosing an insurance policy for your automated equipment should take into consideration your largest investments. A well-thought-out insurance policy can take care of the financial implications for repairs and replacements when needed. Thus, your insurance policy becomes a crucial financial backup if any equipment breakdown occurs.

The Importance of Inspection

Your factory’s automated machinery needs regular inspection to determine its current status and health. Timely addressing any issues discovered during these inspections can enhance your machinery’s lifespan and performance. It is advisable to ensure that equipment is in optimum working condition. Functioning automated equipment tends to have a higher value than those in need of repair or replacement.

Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency: Your Preferred Insurance Partner

Take proactive steps to protect your business today. Contact one of our agents at Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency in Scotia, NY. Our representative will gladly discuss your automated machinery insurance needs and help prepare your tailored commercial insurance document.

How to Check Home Insurance Rates Before a Purchase

When buying a house, figuring out the home insurance rates beforehand is smart. Knowing these things in advance will help you to control long-term expenses down the road. It may even allow you to avoid buying something that could make you unhappy due to sky-high costs. Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency serving Scotia, NY, knows it might seem a bit tricky at first, but here’s a straightforward way to go about it.

Step by Step

Start by going online. There are plenty of websites where you can enter some basic info about the house you’re interested in, like its location and size, and they’ll estimate the insurance costs. Keep in mind, though, that these are just estimates, and the real rates can be different.

Next up, reach out to an insurance agent such as Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency serving Scotia, NY. Talking to a professional can give you a clearer picture. They can look into the specifics of the house and offer you a more accurate quote based on the house’s condition, features, and any safety devices installed.

It’s also a good idea to check rates from different companies. Insurance costs vary greatly from provider to provider, so getting a few quotes can help you find the best deal.

Lastly, consider the house’s location and how it affects insurance rates. Areas prone to natural disasters like floods or earthquakes might have higher insurance costs. Knowing this can help you budget better for your new home.

So, while checking home insurance rates before buying might seem daunting, it’s doable with some research and help from professionals like Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency serving Scotia, NY. Contact us today to get started!