Is Flood Insurance Included in Traditional Home Insurance Policies in New York?

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If you’re a new homeowner in Scotia, NY, or you’ve recently moved to New York, you might be curious about the limitations of your home insurance coverage. Many homeowners are often surprised to discover that traditional insurance policies do not cover flood protection. If you’re located near a river, such as the Mohawk River, which has a history of flooding, obtaining the right insurance policies is crucial for protecting and preserving your investment. At Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency, we’ll work alongside you to ensure adequate protection for your home against flooding year-round.

What’s Covered in Standard Homeowners’ Policies?

Standard homeowners’ policies in New York include coverage against theft, vandalism, liability, wind, hail, fire, and smoke damage. However, this coverage does not extend to flood damage or unexpected flooding.

How to Obtain Flood Insurance in NY

Obtaining flood insurance in Scotia is possible through private flood insurance providers and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Acquiring flood insurance via the NFIP (backed by FEMA) is one of the most common methods of protecting your home’s interior and exterior from unexpected flooding, regardless of the root cause of the flood.

Flood insurance, when properly obtained, covers:

  • Contents (from furniture and electronics to clothing)
  • Building/structure (from your foundation and electrical configurations to HVAC equipment and utilities).

To check if you live in a flood zone in Scotia, research FEMA flood maps. Compare high-risk zones to moderate-to-low-risk areas. Even low-risk areas contribute to approximately 20% of flood claims in and around Scotia.

To ensure your tranquility anytime you live near water or a river in Scotia, NY, it’s essential to review the existing homeowners’ policies you have. You can also work with an agency, such as Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency to learn more about flood protection add-ons.

Condo vs. House: The Unique Risks That Make Insuring a Condo Different

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Owning a home—be it a house or a condo—comes with responsibilities, and one of the most crucial is ensuring you have the appropriate insurance coverage. While both types of property require protection, insuring a condo differs significantly from insuring a single-family home. At Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency in Scotia, NY, we assist condo owners in understanding these differences so they can select the right policy for their needs.

Grasping Shared Responsibility

One of the most significant differences between a house and a condo is shared ownership. When you own a home, you’re responsible for everything—inside and out. With a condo, you typically only own your unit’s interior, while the condo association maintains the exterior, common areas, and even some structural elements. The association carries a master policy, but that policy doesn’t cover everything. It’s vital to understand where their coverage ends and where yours begins.

Liability Risks in a Condo Community

Another key difference is liability exposure. In a house, any accident on your property is your responsibility. Shared spaces like hallways, lobbies, and pools create additional risks in a condo. If an incident occurs in your unit and causes damage to a neighboring condo, like a water leak or fire, your personal insurance needs to step in. Without the right coverage, you could be facing unexpected expenses.

Customizing Your Condo Insurance

Because condo insurance needs are unique, a standard homeowners policy won’t suffice. It’s crucial to ensure you have the right coverage for your unit, personal belongings, and liability.

At Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency in Scotia, NY, we specialize in helping condo owners find the right insurance solutions. Contact us today to review your policy and ensure you’re fully protected.

Are Your Tires Covered By Your Auto Insurance Policy?

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Experiencing a flat tire can be incredibly frustrating. Whether it’s due to a nail on the road, a blowout while driving, or even vandalism, tire damage can occur when you least expect it. But does your auto insurance cover the cost of repairing or replacing your tires? At Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency, proudly providing auto insurance to individuals in and around Scotia, NY, we aim to help you understand how your coverage applies to tire damage so you’re not caught off guard.

When Auto Insurance Covers Tire Damage

In some instances, your auto insurance policy may help pay for tire repairs or replacements, but it depends on what caused the damage. If your tires are damaged due to an accident covered under your collision insurance, the cost of replacing them may be included in your claim. Similarly, if your tires are slashed or stolen, comprehensive coverage could step in to help.

When You’re Likely Paying Out of Pocket

Unfortunately, auto insurance does not cover normal wear and tear. If your tires wear out over time or develop a slow leak, that’s considered routine maintenance, and you’ll be responsible for replacing them. Even if you hit a pothole and damage your tires, your policy may not cover it unless your vehicle sustains additional damage that qualifies under collision coverage.

Understanding Your Options

Knowing what your policy includes can save you from unexpected expenses. If you’re unsure about your coverage, Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency, serving the region in and around Scotia, NY, is here to help. Contact us today to review your auto insurance policy and ensure you have the protection you need.

Does Commercial Insurance Include Cyber Liability Coverage?

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Cyber threats are becoming increasingly common as technology permeates every industry. Many companies take measures to protect themselves against cyber threats, such as installing the latest virus protection software. However, insurance from Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency is crucial in dealing with these attacks.

Understanding Cyber Threats

Cyber threats, also known as cyberattacks, involve hackers infiltrating a company’s database using various methods, such as malware, viruses, phishing emails, and other tactics. Once hackers gain access to a company’s data in Scotia, NY, they can steal social security numbers, which can be used for identity theft. They can also access credit card numbers to steal money from customers.

Cyber Protection

Companies strive to protect themselves from these threats in several ways. Employees often receive additional cybersecurity training to ensure they don’t open phishing emails or click on suspicious links. Many companies invest in IT teams to ensure virus software is up to date and secure the Wi-Fi network. However, sometimes hackers can still infiltrate a company’s system.

Cyber Liability Coverage

Many businesses invest in cyber liability coverage. While necessary for many companies, some commercial insurance doesn’t include cyber liability coverage. Small businesses that operate on a cash basis may need commercial insurance but not cyber liability coverage, which is why it can be an option.

However, most insurance companies offer cyber coverage as an additional add-on to standard business policies. Understanding what your insurance policy covers is crucial to ensuring you’re adequately protected. Speak with a Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency agent today to ensure you have the coverage you need. We currently service the Scotia, NY, area.

Are there any unique home insurance options I should consider?

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If you are in the Scotia, NY area, you will want to ensure you are always adequately insured. This means having a quality home insurance plan for anyone who owns property here. When you are looking to build a home insurance plan, there are different options to consider. There are various unique options, in particular, that you can consider that will help secure and insure your property.

Water Backup Coverage

Water backup is a risk that all people need to think about. If your sewer line, main line, or water line ever gets backed up, it could cause a lot of damage. Unfortunately, this might not be covered by your main insurance plan. You will get the coverage needed to address this risk with a water backup provision.

Ordinance or Law Coverage

If you ever need to make a repair after damage, you may find that local zoning and ordinance laws have changed, and the repair costs have gone up dramatically. An ordinance or local law coverage plan will help protect you from higher costs.

Equipment Breakdown

A basic insurance plan might not cover major equipment in your home. However, if you have mechanical equipment coverage, you could get additional support if equipment or appliances need repairs or full replacements.

In the Scotia, NY area, it is always a good idea to insure your home. One of the ways that you can do this is by speaking with someone that you can trust. When you call our Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency team, you will get any guidance needed to create a new plan. Our support with the Rowledge & Falvo Insurance Agency will help ensure you know the different options and build the best policy possible.

Can You Get Flood Insurance Through Your Regular Insurance Agent?

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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.

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