How Renovations or Home Additions Can Affect Your Coverage Automatically

Posted on by admin

Taking on a home renovation or adding extra space is an exciting endeavor, but in New York, these changes can quietly impact your homeowners’ insurance. While some coverage adjustments may happen automatically, it’s important to confirm that your policy fully protects your investment. Get in touch with your insurance representative at VAC Insurance Agency, serving Brooklyn, NY, to ensure your coverage is up to date. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know.

Why Coverage Might Adjust Automatically

Many homeowner’s policies include an inflation guard or automatic increase clause that raises your coverage limit when your home’s value increases. If you add square footage, upgrade finishes, or complete high-end renovations, your insurer may adjust your coverage to reflect the higher replacement cost. While this is helpful, it may not be enough to fully account for the value of your improvements, especially with rising construction costs in New York.

What’s Covered During Renovation Work

Standard homeowners’ policies often provide limited protection for materials and work in progress. For example, if you store expensive appliances or fixtures in your garage before installation, theft or damage may not be fully covered. Larger projects—especially those involving outside contractors—may require a builder’s risk policy to safeguard the work until it’s completed.

Why a Policy Review Is Crucial Mid-Project

Automatic coverage increases can create a false sense of security. If your renovation significantly boosts your home’s value, the adjustment may fall short of the actual replacement cost. In New York, severe weather and high labor costs can push replacement values well beyond initial estimates.

Before your project wraps up, check in with your insurance agent at VAC Insurance Agency, serving Brooklyn, NY, to ensure your policy reflects your home’s new features. This proactive step ensures your hard work and investment are fully protected, preventing unpleasant surprises if you ever need to file a claim. Contact us today for more information and personalized assistance.

Does Flood Insurance Cover Outdoor Structures?

Posted on by admin

Flooding is, unfortunately, a common occurrence in Brooklyn, NY, and it’s expected to become even more frequent in the coming decades. Flood insurance is crucial for safeguarding your home and assets against flood damage. However, it’s important to understand its limitations so you can plan accordingly.

Flood Insurance and Outdoor Structures

Generally, flood insurance will cover a detached garage. However, it typically does not cover other outdoor structures such as porches, decks, swimming pools, fences, or well/septic systems. Additionally, your vehicle and any personal belongings inside it are not covered, even if the vehicle is parked in the garage. To protect your vehicle from flood damage, you’ll need comprehensive auto insurance.

If you have personal items outside, such as plants, bicycles, or sports equipment, it’s best to bring them indoors. Store them on the first or second floor of your home, as your flood insurance policy may not cover personal property in the basement.

Keep in mind that what is and isn’t covered by a flood insurance policy depends mainly on the specific policy you choose. Be sure to read the fine print carefully and consult your insurance agency with any questions you may have.

Call VAC Insurance Agency for More Information

VAC Insurance Agency understands the devastating impact of flooding on residents in and around Brooklyn, NY. We are committed to helping local homeowners and business owners find the best flood insurance coverage at a reasonable price. If you’re looking for flood insurance, contact us today. We’ll review policies with you, answer your questions, and help you secure the coverage you need.

Commercial Coverage for Inventory and Other Essentials Stored Onsite

Posted on by admin

Inspect your place of business regularly and keep track of the inventory and other business essentials stored onsite. Acquiring insurance that protects your investments from theft, vandalism, and natural disasters is crucial for safeguarding your operations.

Protecting Against Theft and Vandalism

Theft and vandalism can result from either internal operations or external acts with malicious intent. Damage to your inventory, machinery, or other essentials stored within your business can disrupt operations and lead to financial losses.

Having adequate coverage ensures you can repair or replace damaged items promptly. It also provides a way to recoup monetary losses if you need to halt business operations while restoring your establishment.

Coverage for Natural Disasters

Your commercial insurance policy can be tailored to protect your business against natural disasters. Items stored within your facility, such as inventory, equipment, and furnishings, could be lost or damaged during events like high winds or heavy rain.

With proper protection, you can avoid significant financial setbacks and out-of-pocket expenses while reestablishing your business. Your policy can cover finished goods needed to fulfill orders, as well as shipping and receiving equipment, computer systems, and other valuable items stored on-site.

Expert Guidance from an Insurance Agent

Do you need assistance setting up your commercial insurance policy? Schedule an appointment to discuss your coverage needs. An agent from VAC Insurance Agency will review your inventory and other essentials stored within your facility.

If you’re in the Brooklyn, NY region, an agent can help you explore different types of commercial insurance to ensure every valuable item is adequately protected.

Additional Liability Needs of Child Care Providers

Posted on by admin

When you purchase a home in New York, it’s essential to protect your investment with home insurance. If you’re located near Brooklyn, NY, our team at VAC Insurance Agency is eager to assist you in selecting the right policy. We’ve been serving homeowners like you since 1976.

Understanding the Additional Liability Needs of Child Care Providers

If you’re a homeowner providing childcare services in your home, you have additional liability needs. According to the New York Office of Children and Family Services, you assume responsibility for the children’s safety, which necessitates additional liability insurance. The same source suggests that most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t provide adequate coverage in the event of a disaster or accident. Although you’re a homeowner, this situation calls for a form of business insurance known as daycare liability insurance.

As per Thimble, if a child under your care is injured in your home due to equipment, a fall, or an injury from another child, daycare liability insurance can cover the child’s medical expenses. The insurance may cover your court costs if you face allegations of slander from a parent or a rival daycare business. If you’re paid to provide childcare in your home, your agent can help you estimate the amount of additional liability insurance you need.

Contact Us Today for Your Appointment

We’re a second-generation family-owned insurance agency. Each VAC Insurance Agency team member is committed to providing insurance education and excellent client support. Homeowners near Brooklyn, NY, trust us with their insurance needs. Call us for an appointment today, and let’s work together to find the right insurance policy for you.

How Flood Insurance Can Protect You From Broken Sump Pumps and Sewer Backups

Posted on by admin

Living in Brooklyn, NY, you might think floods are a rare occurrence. However, heavy rainfall can lead to other issues such as sewer backups and sump pump failures, leaving your basement or lower level in disarray. VAC Insurance Agency can guide you on how a flood insurance policy can shield you from these risks.

Homeowners’ Policies Don’t Cover These Risks

While a standard homeowner’s policy covers water damage caused by burst pipes and water intrusion from severe storms that break windows, it typically does not cover damage if your home fills with water because your sump pump stops working. Physical structures and contents in your basement or areas below ground level will be at risk. To safeguard your home, you need either a flood insurance policy or a water damage provision that covers damage from sump pump failures and sewer backups. These policies can help cover the costs of cleanup and replacement.

Flood Insurance Versus Water Backup Insurance

Before deciding on coverage, determine what you want to protect. Flood insurance will cover your home’s physical structure and foundation, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. However, if your basement floods due to a non-working sump pump or sewer backup, a flood policy may not cover contents like clothes and furniture. For some, adding a water backup provision to your homeowner’s policy may be a better choice. This coverage will pay for sudden and accidental water damage. However, water backup provisions will not cover damage caused by neglecting sewer pipe maintenance or failing to replace a non-working sump pump.

Protect your home from unexpected water damage by contacting VAC Insurance Agency, serving residents of Brooklyn, NY. We are more than happy to recommend coverage that fits your needs.

Why Your Business May Need Worker’s Comp Insurance

Posted on by admin

When you have a business with any number of employees, it’s always a good idea to have worker’s compensation insurance, often known as worker’s comp. It’s a type of insurance that protects everyone involved in case of accidents. Accidents are common and can happen anywhere in any place of business. It doesn’t take much for someone to fall and become injured, which can be highly expensive for the business. Call us at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY to learn more about worker’s comp.

Protecting Your Business with Worker’s Comp

When you have worker’s comp in place, it protects your business against both accidents that happen at work and any illnesses that are work-related. These can be highly expensive to handle, and it’s much better to have insurance handle them than for your business to pay for them by itself. These bills can include all of the medical bills for the injured party and any therapies that there is an ongoing need for. They can also be the cost of lost wages and any legal expenses surrounding the accident. Paying all of these can be challenging for a small business without this type of insurance.

Protecting Your Employees with Worker’s Comp

Your employees also get protection when you have worker’s comp in place. If you didn’t have it, your business would have to pay all the expenses from the accident, which may be difficult. If a company isn’t able to pay what it owes, that would put its employees in a bad position. When worker’s comp is in place, the employees know that they can count on an accident being covered if it should ever happen.

Securing Worker’s Comp Insurance in New York

To ensure you and your employees are protected, call us at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY.

Preparing your home and family for an emergency

Posted on by admin

Emergencies can occur anywhere and anytime, but you can be prepared with proper planning. At VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY, our team of experienced independent insurance agents is here to ensure that you have the appropriate home insurance to protect you in the event of an emergency.

Preparing Your Family for Emergencies

It’s crucial that your family has an emergency plan. Whether it’s a route to exit the home in case of a fire or a designated gathering spot in the event of any other type of emergency, every family member needs to be well aware of the plan. It’s also essential to keep all your important documents, including your insurance policy, in one container that can be easily grabbed and carried away with you if you need to evacuate.

Preparing Your Home for Emergencies

When an emergency occurs, it may mean that the power is out. If you have a generator, that will alleviate a lot of the worry. If you don’t have a generator, it’s important to have lanterns, flashlights, and candles so you are not sitting in the dark. You may also want to have portable chargers so that you can keep your phone and other electronics charged. Keeping cases of water for drinking and some additional water for washing is also a good idea. A camp stove or grill allows you to cook or at least make a cup of coffee or tea. Have your vehicle gassed up in the event you have to leave.

When you are ready to review your current home insurance coverage, our agents at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY, will provide the answers and information you need. Call our office or contact us through our website.

Why should I get flood insurance in Brooklyn?

Posted on by admin

Real estate ownership has always been a wise investment, particularly in the Brooklyn, NY area. However, if you’re planning to purchase property in Brooklyn, securing the right insurance is crucial. One type of coverage that should be on your radar is flood insurance. There are several reasons why this coverage is vital in this area.

Challenges of Floods and Storms in the Area

One compelling reason to get flood insurance in Brooklyn is the area’s history of storm-related risks. Brooklyn’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes it susceptible to storm surges and hurricanes. In the past, these events have led to severe flooding, causing significant damage to properties throughout the area. With flood insurance, you can ensure that you have the necessary coverage to protect yourself in such situations.

Financing Requirements

Another reason to consider flood insurance in Brooklyn is that it might be a requirement. If you’re financing your property purchase in Brooklyn, your lender will conduct regular flood zone assessments. If your property is found to be in a flood zone, the lender will likely require you to carry flood insurance. If you fail to secure a policy independently, you could end up with a force-placed policy that is more costly and offers less comprehensive coverage.

Securing insurance in the Brooklyn, NY, area is always prudent. If you’re in the market for a new insurance plan, contact our team at VAC Insurance Agency. We’re here to provide the support you need to create a plan that meets your specific needs.

Do You Need Umbrella Insurance on top of a Commercial Insurance Policy Bundle?

Posted on by admin

Umbrella insurance doesn’t replace a commercial insurance policy bundle. Instead, it’s designed to provide coverage when you reach the limits of your existing policies. While not all businesses need umbrella insurance, it can be a lifesaver for many.

Signs You Need Umbrella Insurance

Companies in Brooklyn, NY, operating in industries with a high incidence of lawsuits, such as law, financial services, and healthcare, may want to consider umbrella insurance. This type of insurance increases the limits of your liability policy, providing the funds needed to make a settlement offer or pay a judgment. It can also cover legal costs if your regular insurance policy has reached the limit specified in the policy terms and conditions.

Umbrella insurance is also beneficial if you sell high-value items like jewelry, antiques, or luxury vehicles. It offers more coverage than commercial property insurance, ensuring you’re fully compensated if a valuable asset is stolen, vandalized, or damaged in a natural disaster. Companies that own expensive machinery and equipment may also want to consider umbrella coverage to ensure these essential tools can be easily repaired or replaced if necessary.

Learn More from VAC Insurance Agency

VAC Insurance Agency can work with your Brooklyn, NY business to help you find an umbrella insurance policy that meets your needs. We also sell commercial insurance if you want to bundle your umbrella insurance with other policies to lower costs. Contact us to learn more about your options or to request price quotes.

I’m Paying for My House In Cash. Should I Still Get Home Insurance?

Posted on by admin

Home insurance is a requirement for some people, but even if home insurance isn’t required for you, there are still many benefits of home insurance to be aware of. At VAC Insurance Agency servicing Brooklyn, NY, we can help.

We provide home insurance to homeowners who want to protect themselves from financial risk. If you’re paying for your house in cash, you may not be required to get home insurance. However, you may still benefit from getting home insurance. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Home Insurance?

Home insurance is a policy that can pay to repair or replace your home and belongings if a covered event occurs. It provides financial protection following events like home fires, lightning strikes, burglary, and vandalism. Talk to your insurance agent to find out the full range of coverage that a home insurance policy provides.

Who Is Required to Get Home Insurance?

You will most likely be required to get home insurance if you are borrowing money to buy your home. Most lenders require home buyers to get insurance to protect their investments. If you are paying for your house in cash, you will most likely not be required to obtain a home insurance policy.

What Are the Benefits of Home Insurance?

Even if you don’t have to get a home insurance policy, this type of insurance has many benefits!

  • Peace of mind. Insurance can give you peace of mind, knowing you’re protected from financial risk when a covered event happens.
  • You won’t have to replace your home if it’s destroyed in a covered event. If your home is destroyed in a covered event, you won’t have to worry about paying to replace it. Your insurance policy is there to help.

Do you want home insurance? Call VAC Insurance Agency servicing Brooklyn, NY. We’re here to help.