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Flood Insurance in New York

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A flood is when there is excess water is in areas that are usually dry. Although the chance of a flood is a real possibility in many parts of the USA, it is not covered under standard homeowners and renters policies in New York (NY) and needs to be purchased separately.  Depending on where you reside, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal program designed to assist communities, may be available. NY state is a member of NFIP.  You can purchase NFIP flood insurance through private insurers like VAC Insurance Agency serving the Brooklyn, NY area.

You can purchase flood insurance for homeowners, tenants, or business owners. Flood insurance can provide coverage for the following depending on your policy type and wording – structural damage, including water heaters, floor surfaces, and after flood clean up. Check your policy if you have any buildings not attached to the main dwelling to make sure they are included. Renter’s should check if your landlord has this type of flood insurance cover in place. An additional flood insurance premium will allow you to insure the contents of your home. Flood insurance policies offer limited coverage for business owners on their business buildings and contents.

Flood insurance is normally an annual premium and has a 30 day waiting period and therefore requires preplanning. It is also important to note that your flood insurance premium is affected by your flood insurance risk based on floodplain maps and whether you live in a special flood hazard area.

Please don’t get caught out in a storm. It is worthwhile consulting with the qualified people at VAC Insurance Agency serving the Brooklyn, NY area, about your flood insurance requirements for your property. Contact them today!

Which coverages should you focus on when starting a small business?

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Starting a business, no matter how small, is a big step. The mere thought of bringing your idea to the world is not easy, and that’s why you want to take every step to protect your business once it’s on its feet. At VAC Insurance Agency, we recommend checking various business insurance policies, especially mandatory ones like workers’ compensation and general liability, to cover every possible scenario. Here are some of the critical business insurance to consider.

General liability

Every business needs general liability insurance to protect it from various claims. General liability insurance protects your business against lawsuits that could result from bodily harm or property damage. 

Workers compensation 

Worker’s compensation is mandatory for all businesses with employees. The policy covers your workers by paying for their medical bills and income lost when they get injured in their line of duty. It also pays for funeral expenses and lost income if someone dies while at work. You should get this policy if you run a risky business or your company involves working with many employees.

Professional liability insurance

While not all businesses have to carry this policy, it’s always a good idea to have one. Your new business is young and growing. At this critical stage, you’re working on building long-term relationships with your customers. Professional liability insurance ensures that you don’t close your Brooklyn, NY businesses when a client sues you for poor quality products, false advertisements, or late delivery.

Disaster insurance

Disasters hit everywhere, including your precious business. If you operate your business in an area that is prone to disasters, disaster insurance can be a great option to keep your business running.

Looking to buy the above policies for your new startup in Brooklyn, NY? VAC Insurance Agency can help you find a policy that matches your needs. Contact us for more information, questions, or new policy discussions.

New York Home Insurance – How to Storm Proof Your Home for All Seasons

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When you live in New York, storms are a part of the life of living on or near the seaboard water. It can make you feel like your home insurance is a nightmare. 

At VAC Insurance Agency, we can help Brooklyn, NY residents storm proof their homes. Use these tips to storm proof your home, and you won’t stress nearly as often about your home insurance when those storm surges are on the horizon.

Fix Your Roof

Roof problems are an insurance nightmare, on a normal day of the week. During storm season, they cause even more stress. Before storms hit, make sure that your roof can handle that stress so that your insurance company doesn’t have to.

Storm damage to a roof can cause any problem from roof repair to massive flooding. It might also cause rot or mold, or major property damage. Fix your roof before the storm.

Clean Up the Landscape

When you are storm proofing is the time to clean up your landscape. Cut back any tree branches or foliage that might come down and cause property damage or a slip and fall liability.
 
Any landscaping that is near the home will need to be trimmed back or removed.

Clean Your Gutters

Heavy gutters from previous storms or seasons can be a mess when a storm arrives. It will be a mess at home, and with your insurance company.

If there is damage here and a storm hits, water flow might cause incredible flooding. 

Protect Yourself Today

When you are getting ready for a storm in Brooklyn, NY, you will feel overwhelmed. These are the most basic tasks to start with to storm proof your home. There’s only so much you can do when Mother Nature hits. Let us help. Call VAC Insurance Agency for a quote today to make sure your home is covered. 

Why You Need Flood Insurance

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There are many types of insurance that are needed to protect your home from various disasters, accidents, and calamities. However, many people don’t think to add a flood insurance policy to their existing home insurance policy. However, most home insurance does not cover specific types of floods. This makes it essential to have a separate flood policy in case the worst should happen. To talk to an agent about flood policies, call us at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY.

High-Risk Flood Zones

There are many areas near bodies of water that are considered to be at high risk for floods. These areas are in places that are expected to flood on a basic schedule such as once every 10 years, once every 20 years, etc. These areas often come with mortgages that require you to have flood insurance on your home. You can’t even get the contract signed unless you agree to get flood insurance. But even if it was not required, homes in these areas should always have a flood policy. 

Low-Risk Flood Zones

If you are not in a high-risk flood zone, it’s still important to have flood coverage for your home. It gives you peace of mind so that you don’t have to get worried every time there is bad weather. It’s also important because floods can and do happen in low-risk areas. There is no area that can’t have a flood of some kind, so every home should have flood insurance. 

Getting Flood Insurance

If you don’t already have flood insurance on your home, it’s time to get it. Don’t be caught in a flood without coverage for it. To find out more about these policies, all us at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY.

Why do Brooklyn business owners need commercial insurance?

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Anyone that is a business owner in the Brooklyn, NY area knows that there are a lot of opportunities to be successful. If you want to run a good business here, it is important that you find ways to mitigate your risks. One way that this is done is by getting the right insurance. A typical Brooklyn business is going to need to have a commercial insurance plan for a few reasons.

Businesses Need to Protect Assets

A reason that you will need to have a commercial insurance plan is that it can be used to protect your assets. Businesses today are going to need to invest in many assets to get their company off the ground. This includes major equipment, inventory, and a variety of other assets. If you purchase a commercial insurance policy, you are going to have the coverage that is needed to protect your assets.

Commercial Coverage is Often a Requirement

You will also need to have a commercial insurance plan as it is often a requirement. Those that are going to start and grow a business can find that raising money from the outside is quite helpful. However, when you do bring in outside capital, you often need to meet different insurance standards. Lenders, investors, and other interested parties will often have specific insurance requirements. 

When you are looking for a new business insurance plan in the Brooklyn, NY area, it is always a good idea to speak with the VAC Insurance Agency. There are always going to be a lot of decisions that need to be made as you are looking for commercial coverage. The insurance professionals with the VAC Insurance Agency will offer the support that is necessary for you to build and choose a new insurance plan. 

I Just Bought My House. Do I need Home Insurance?

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If you own a house in Brooklyn, NY, you can’t afford to live in it devoid of proper home insurance. It’s prudent to safeguard your home and belongings to help you get on your feet following an unexpected eventuality. When shopping for a superb home insurance policy in Brooklyn, NY, you should look for a home insurance policy from VAC Insurance Agency to safeguard you and your dwelling.

Home insurance isn’t legally required in New York, but many home lenders require it as a prerequisite as long as the loan facility is outstanding. But whether home insurance is needed or not, it’s a worthwhile investment that every homeowner should consider. 

Why you need home insurance

Your home is likely one of the most precious assets you possess. As such, you need to secure it with home insurance. Here are reasons you need to invest in home insurance:

  • Protection of your assets: If your personal property in your dwellings, such as furniture, clothing, and electronics, are vandalized or stolen, personal property coverage helps to pay for their replacement after loss or damage from a covered peril.
  • Liability protection: If you or your family member are legally responsible for destroying other people’s property or inflicting injuries to someone, liability coverage comes in and helps cater for repair costs, medical costs, and possible legal fees.
  • Protection of your investment: Home insurance policy guarantee that your house is protected from unforeseen uncertainties such as explosions, storms, theft, fire, lightning, and other risks. The dwelling coverage protects the structures of your home, including floors, walls, and in-built appliances.
  • Safeguards your guests visiting your premises: The medical payments coverage pays for medical costs for the injured guests while on your property, irrespective of who is at fault.
  • Protects other structures: Unattached structures to your home such as gazebo, shed, and unattached garage are covered by adding other structures insurance in your home policy plan.

Your home insurance should be unique to your home and your needs. To learn more about home insurance policies, call or visit our offices at VAC Insurance Agency located in Brooklyn, NY today!

Flood Insurance Questions Answered To Help New York Residents Find Coverage

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VAC Insurance Agency provides coverage to the Brooklyn, NY community. We recognize that each of our clients has unique individual needs. That’s why we offer custom policies. We are an independent insurance agency built on honesty and professionalism. We are confident that we can help find coverage to protect your assets in any situation.

Flood Insurance Questions Answered

You never know when a disaster may occur. Flood insurance gives you a safety net if severe weather passes through the area. Here is a look at some common flood insurance questions to help you find the right policy.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Flood insurance is a special type of coverage that protects your Brooklyn, NY property if it suffers flood damage. The policy covers interior and exterior damage to your home, as well as your personal items.

Is Flood Insurance Add On Coverage?

No, flood insurance is not add-on coverage. You cannot rely on your home or condo insurance to protect you if your property suffers damage. Flood insurance policies are the only way to ensure you have full coverage.

Is Flood Insurance Only For High-Risk Areas?

No, even if you don’t stay in a high-risk area, you still qualify for coverage. Accidents can happen at any time, so you have to be prepared.

When Should I Look For Coverage?

You can find a policy at any time. However, keep in mind that there is a waiting period before your coverage starts. It’s not recommended that you wait until a few days before severe weather moves into the area to find coverage. You may risk being left unprotected if a disaster happens.

VAC Insurance Agency Will Help You Find The Coverage You Need

Visit our website to learn more information about flood insurance.  

Required Commercial Insurance in New York

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Every state has laws about what types of commercial insurance are required for most businesses. While there are many other types of coverage recommended for certain types of businesses, only two are required. If you need required commercial insurance, contact us at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY.

Workers’ Compensation

This insurance type is required by state law for every business of every kind with any number of employees. This is in effect whether they are part-time or full-time. This coverage pays for the medical bills that become due after an employee is injured at work. This protects them by making these funds available to them after an accident, but it also protects your company. It pays those bills so that your business isn’t sued to recover them. 

Commercial Auto

Every business that owns a vehicle must cover it with commercial auto insurance. There are a lot of different types of commercial auto coverage that are required under New York law. These include specific monetary amounts in coverage that cover both one person who is injured and another for everyone who was. The coverage must also include a set minimum amount for death liability for one person and another amount for the death liability for everyone who dies in the accident. Another minimum amount is set for personal injury protection, which covers your own injuries in an accident. There is also coverage required for property damage that you are liable for. There is another minimum amount set for coverage for accidents with an uninsured motorist. This includes an amount for one person injured and another for everyone injured. 

Get Commercial Insurance Coverage

When you own a business in New York, it’s important to have the right kinds of commercial insurance to keep your company running legally. If you need commercial coverage, call us at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY.

 

How can home insurance protect my Brooklyn property?

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The Brooklyn, NY area is a great place with a lot of history. When you live here, you are going to have access to many professional opportunities and fun activities all over the main New York City area. If you decide to buy a home when you are in this area of New York, you will want to know that it has the right insurance. Your home insurance plan can protect your Brooklyn property in several ways. 

Coverage for Dwelling

A way that your home insurance plan can protect your property is by protecting your dwelling. If there is ever a fire, a bad storm, or even vandalism, it could result in significant damages to your home. Fortunately, you can mitigate these damages if you get a full home insurance plan. This insurance will provide the coverage necessary to repair your property to ensure you can use it for years to come.

Personal Belongings Coverage

You can also get protected through a home insurance plan by getting protection for your personal assets. Most people will accumulate a lot of personal items as the years go by. These items could include furniture, electronics, or even clothing. If there is ever a fire or theft, you could lose these items. If you get home insurance, you will also receive a provision that can be used to mitigate this risk by providing coverage for your personal assets.

A Brooklyn, NY property owner needs to take their insurance needs seriously. One form of insurance that many people in this area need to get is home insurance. If you are looking for a plan, you should call the VAC Insurance Agency. The VAC Insurance Agency team understands the importance of this coverage and offers guidance to help you build a quality plan. 

Why Buy Flood Insurance?

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If you’re wondering if flood insurance is worth the cost, consider the alternative of paying for damage from flood disasters on your own. The cost of repairing or rebuilding your home alone could lead to financial ruin. Flood coverage from VAC Insurance Agency provides you with financial support to recover from flood disasters. Here’s why flood insurance is important to Brooklyn, NY homeowners.

New York is Prone to Flooding

New York is prone to severe rainstorms, hurricanes, and blizzards that can cause flooding. This puts New York home and business owners at risk of flood damage. With flood coverage, you’ll have financial help to recover from a flood disaster.

Floods are Extremely Destructive

Floods can cause catastrophic damage. Even a few inches of standing water can destroy the foundation of a home, not to mention cause extensive water damage to flooring, walls, furniture, and other belongings. Unless you have the funds to repair your home or replace your goods out of pocket, you will do well to protect yourself with flood insurance.

Not Everyone Qualifies for Federal Aid for Flooding

You can only apply for federal aid for flooding if your area is declared a national disaster. This aid comes in the form of loans that need to be repaid. In contrast, the financial support you receive from flood insurance doesn’t need to be reimbursed, saving you tens of thousands of dollars or more out of pocket.

Flood Coverage is Affordable

If you live in a non-flood zone area, you can obtain flood coverage at an affordable cost. You can purchase flood coverage to protect your home, your belongings, or both to give you the protection you need to recover from any unforeseen flood disaster.

To learn more about flood coverage or purchase flood insurance for your Brooklyn, NY home, call or visit VAC Insurance Agency.