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Blasdell, NY 14219

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Featured Insurance Blog

Can Umbrella Insurance Cover Both Personal and Commercial Needs?

When shopping for insurance, it makes sense to look for ways to save the most money while still getting the coverage you deserve. When you’re looking at a type of insurance policy that covers both personal and commercial-related needs, you might be wondering whether you can cover both under the same policy. For example, umbrella insurance covers both personal needs and commercial needs. Could you get a policy that does both, especially since umbrella insurance is designed solely to provide additional coverage when your other policies don’t quite cover the costs? Let’s look more closely at whether this is possible. Regardless of what type of umbrella insurance policy you need, you can trust us here at L & S Agency Inc., serving Buffalo, NY, to help you find a policy that meets your needs. 

Can Umbrella Insurance Help You Cover Both Your Business and Your Personal Assets at the Same Time? 

While you can get umbrella insurance policies to help you cover your personal and business needs, you unfortunately can’t get one umbrella insurance policy that covers both. This is because both personal insurance policies and commercial insurance policies have their own qualification requirements, unique risks, and other factors that won’t allow for policies that cover both. You will need an umbrella insurance policy for both policies. The good news? An umbrella insurance policy is affordable, meaning that you’ll be able to get one for each without breaking the bank. Of course, you could save even more with the right assistance. 

Get Covered With L & S Agency Inc. 

With our help at L & S Agency Inc., serving Buffalo, NY, shopping for umbrella insurance for both personal and commercial purposes is simple. Get started by comparing quotes with us now, or reach out to our team if you need additional support. 

Can Umbrella Insurance Cover Both Personal and Commercial Needs?

When shopping for insurance, it makes sense to look for ways to save the most money while still getting the coverage you deserve. When you’re looking at a type of insurance policy that covers both personal and commercial-related needs, you might be wondering whether you can cover both under the same policy. For example, umbrella insurance covers both personal needs and commercial needs. Could you get a policy that does both, especially since umbrella insurance is designed solely to provide additional coverage when your other policies don’t quite cover the costs? Let’s look more closely at whether this is possible. Regardless of what type of umbrella insurance policy you need, you can trust us here at L & S Agency Inc., serving Buffalo, NY, to help you find a policy that meets your needs. 

Can Umbrella Insurance Help You Cover Both Your Business and Your Personal Assets at the Same Time? 

While you can get umbrella insurance policies to help you cover your personal and business needs, you unfortunately can’t get one umbrella insurance policy that covers both. This is because both personal insurance policies and commercial insurance policies have their own qualification requirements, unique risks, and other factors that won’t allow for policies that cover both. You will need an umbrella insurance policy for both policies. The good news? An umbrella insurance policy is affordable, meaning that you’ll be able to get one for each without breaking the bank. Of course, you could save even more with the right assistance. 

Get Covered With L & S Agency Inc. 

With our help at L & S Agency Inc., serving Buffalo, NY, shopping for umbrella insurance for both personal and commercial purposes is simple. Get started by comparing quotes with us now, or reach out to our team if you need additional support. 

Seasonal Home Preparation

If you own a home, you probably want to take good care of it. When you live in the Buffalo area, you will fully experience the four seasons. There’s always plenty of snow and rain during winter, and significant temperature swings. For home insurance questions, ask us at L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY. Here are some tips for maintaining your home as the seasons change.

Summer

Summer fun comes with summer heat, and air-conditioning puts stress on the electrical grid. Before the heat comes, it is a good idea to perform maintenance on your air-conditioning or HVAC system.  Change air filters as needed. Check for air leaks around windows and doors.

Consider an energy-efficient upgrade to a smart technology system to help manage utility bills. 

Fall

Fall gives you a chance to check your heating system before the brutal winter cold arrives. You want to clean gutters to prevent ice dams from forming when it gets colder. Also, repair any roof leaks while the weather is still nice.

Consider adding storm windows for extra protection from severe weather and upgrading insulation to make heating your home more efficient.

Winter

During winter, one of the main concerns is preventing water pipes from freezing. Insulate exposed pipes and provide adequate heat to your basement and crawl space to have an indoor temperature above freezing throughout your house. It can be a real mess when pipes burst and the ice thaws.

Spring

Spring is a good time to check for roof leaks, clean gutters, and repair downspouts. Maintain any automatic garage doors by lubricating the tracks, replacing broken wheels, and seeing if the door works properly. Also, take a look at your home’s foundation to see if any cracks appeared that were caused by the heavy rains, so you can repair them.

Any time of year is a good time to get a home insurance review to figure out if your home insurance is adequate.

Reach out to us at L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY, for all your home insurance needs.

Collision vs. Comprehensive: Why the Difference Matters

Choosing the right type of auto insurance is an important decision that can impact your financial protection on the road. At L & S Agency Inc., servicing Buffalo, NY, we help drivers understand their coverage options so they can make informed choices. If you are comparing collision vs. comprehensive insurance, understanding how each works can help you determine what best fits your needs.

What Is Collision Insurance Coverage?

Collision insurance helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This includes collisions with other vehicles as well as accidents involving objects such as guardrails, poles, or fences.

This type of coverage is especially popular among drivers who frequently travel in high-traffic areas or urban environments where accidents are more likely.

What Is Comprehensive Insurance Coverage?

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events. This can include incidents such as theft, fire, vandalism, falling objects, or weather-related damage, such as hail or flooding.

Drivers concerned about risks beyond their control, such as natural disasters or vehicle theft, often choose to carry comprehensive coverage for added peace of mind.

Do You Need Collision or Comprehensive Insurance?

Deciding between collision and comprehensive coverage depends on your individual needs, driving habits, and level of risk tolerance. Many drivers choose to carry both types of coverage for broader protection, especially if their vehicle is newer or has significant value.

An experienced insurance agent can help you evaluate your situation, review your current policy, and recommend coverage options that align with your budget and protection goals.

The team at L & S Agency Inc., servicing Buffalo, NY, is here to help you navigate your auto insurance options. As an independent agency, we work with multiple carriers to find the best coverage for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about your options.

I Have A Pool. Is Umbrella Insurance a Good Idea?

Owning a swimming pool can be a great source of enjoyment, but it also introduces additional risk. Pools increase the likelihood of accidents involving slips, falls, and other injuries, which can lead to costly liability claims.

At L & S Agency Inc., servicing Buffalo, NY, we help homeowners understand how owning a pool can affect their insurance needs. Even with a standard home insurance policy, liability limits may not always be sufficient to fully protect your assets.

What Is Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance is a policy that provides extra liability coverage beyond the limits of your home insurance policy. If a liability claim exceeds your homeowners’ insurance limits, an umbrella policy may help provide additional financial protection.

This type of coverage is designed to help safeguard personal assets in the event of serious injury claims or lawsuits.

Who Should Consider Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance may be appropriate for homeowners whose assets exceed their existing liability coverage limits. It is often considered by individuals who want added protection against large liability claims.

Homeowners who frequently choose umbrella insurance include those with swimming pools, trampolines, or other features that may increase the risk of injury on their property.

Why Pool Owners Often Choose Umbrella Insurance

If you own a pool, umbrella insurance can help provide added protection in the event of a lawsuit related to a pool-related injury. Serious injuries can result in medical expenses and legal costs that exceed standard liability limits.

L & S Agency Inc., servicing Buffalo, NY, works with multiple insurance carriers to help homeowners compare umbrella insurance options. Whether you are reviewing your home insurance or exploring umbrella coverage, our team is available to answer your questions and help you choose coverage that fits your needs.

What Doesn’t Home Insurance Cover for Homeowners in Buffalo?

Home insurance is essential for homeowners in Buffalo, NY. However, a standard homeowners’ insurance policy does not cover every type of damage you may encounter. With heavy snowfall, harsh winters, and a large number of older homes in the area, understanding what your policy excludes is just as important as knowing what it covers. At L & S Agency Inc., we help homeowners navigate their insurance options to find policies that provide comprehensive protection when it matters most.

Flood Damage Is Not Covered

Standard home insurance policies do not cover flood damage caused by heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, or overflowing rivers and lakes. Homeowners in Buffalo, NY, may need a separate flood insurance policy to protect against these risks.

Sewer and Drain Backup Exclusions

Sewer and drain backups are typically excluded from standard homeowners’ insurance policies. Coverage is usually available only by adding a specific endorsement. Without this add-on, damage caused by backed-up drains or sewer lines may not be covered.

Normal Wear and Tear

Home insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental damage, not routine maintenance issues. This means aging roofs, worn plumbing, foundation cracks, and HVAC system failures caused by normal wear and tear are generally not covered.

Ice Dams and Maintenance-Related Damage

Damage caused by ice dams may not be covered under some policies. Claims can be denied if the insurer determines the damage resulted from poor maintenance, such as inadequate insulation, ventilation issues, or failure to remove excessive snow buildup.

Coverage Limits on High-Value Items

Standard homeowners insurance policies place limits on coverage for high-value items, including jewelry, artwork, collectibles, electronics, and other valuables. If you own items that exceed these limits, you may need scheduled personal property coverage to ensure full protection.

A standard home insurance policy provides strong foundational coverage for homeowners in Buffalo, NY, but it is not all-inclusive. Understanding what is not covered allows you to add the appropriate endorsements and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. To learn more about policy exclusions and optional coverages, contact L & S Agency Inc. today to speak with one of our experienced insurance professionals.

Am I Required to Get Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

Full coverage auto insurance is the most expansive type of coverage you can have. If you want to ensure that your vehicle is fully covered under your auto insurance policy, then you’ll want full coverage. But is full coverage required? Who should consider full coverage for their vehicle?

Knowing the answers to these questions can help you choose a policy that’s right for you. The professionals at L & S Agency Inc., servicing Buffalo, NY, are here to help. We can answer your questions about auto insurance and help you decide whether you should get full coverage, liability, collision, or something else. 

About Full Coverage Auto Insurance

Full coverage auto insurance is a type of insurance that combines multiple types of coverage into a single policy. This means that if you’re getting full coverage, you are getting policies that include collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance. If you have questions about what’s covered under full coverage auto insurance, speak with your insurance professional to learn more. 

Who Needs Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

You can benefit from full coverage auto insurance if you have a car loan. In fact, you’ll probably be required to get full coverage auto insurance before your car loan is approved.

Even if you don’t have an auto loan, you may still benefit from full coverage auto insurance if you’re buying a new car. Full coverage insurance can pay to repair or replace your vehicle if something goes wrong, which is helpful because you may not be able to afford to replace it on your own. 

Contact Your Insurance Agent

Want to know more about auto insurance options like full coverage? The professionals at L & S Agency Inc., servicing Buffalo, NY, are here to provide you with information to help you make an informed decision as you choose your auto insurance policy. 

Does Umbrella Insurance Pay For Legal Fees?

Umbrella insurance is a valuable tool for individuals facing liability lawsuits in Buffalo, NY. These policies can help cover many of the expenses associated with lawsuits, but it’s essential to understand your policy’s details rather than make assumptions.

Legal Fees

Most umbrella insurance policies cover legal defense costs, but they may not allow you to hire just any lawyer. Typically, the insurance company will require you to choose from a list of approved attorneys. Additionally, legal fees must not exceed your policy’s coverage limits. Before hiring a lawyer, it’s crucial to consult with an agent at L & S Agency Inc. to ensure your legal expenses are covered.

Judgments

Umbrella policies often help cover judgments against you in liability or defamation lawsuits, protecting your assets. However, every policy has limitations and exclusions. For instance, claims involving malicious intent are commonly denied.

For example, if someone slips and falls on your property, your umbrella policy may provide coverage. However, if you intentionally harm someone, such as punching them, and they sue you, this is considered malicious intent, and your policy will not cover the claim.

Business Lawsuits

Another common exclusion is coverage for business liability lawsuits. Umbrella insurance is typically designed to cover personal liability, including bodily injury and property damage. These policies often supplement other insurance, like home or auto policies, once their coverage limits are reached.

However, umbrella insurance does not usually cover lawsuits against businesses. If you own a business, you’ll need a commercial insurance policy to protect your company in the event of a lawsuit.

An experienced representative at L & S Agency Inc. can help you better understand how umbrella insurance works, including its limitations and exclusions. We’ll work with you to ensure you have the protection you need. Contact us today to learn more! We proudly serve the Buffalo, NY area.

How Home Insurance Protects You Outside Your Residence

A home insurance policy does more than protect your Buffalo, NY, residence. It can also help you when you are away from home. Many people are unaware of or overlook these advantages when shopping for a policy. L & S Agency Inc. can explain the additional protections your policy provides.

Protection for Personal Property

Your home insurance policy offers off-premises protection for personal property. You can find this coverage under Part C of your policy. It protects your personal belongings, wherever you travel, up to a specified limit. Covered risks include theft, fires, and accidental damage. For example, if you leave a laptop or camera in your vehicle and it’s stolen, your home insurance policy will cover their replacement. Similarly, if your luggage is damaged or stolen while traveling, its contents may be replaced.

Other off-premises provisions include belongings placed temporarily in storage units and items damaged or stolen from on-campus housing at colleges and universities. Note that off-premises coverage is generally limited to 10% of your Part C coverage limits.

Personal Liability Protection

Part E of your policy provides personal liability protection for you and members of your household if you’re sued for bodily injury or property damage you accidentally cause to others. As with personal property protection, this coverage applies wherever you are. If you accidentally damage your neighbor’s property, your home insurance will pay for the damage. Your policy will also cover damages from injuries or mishaps that you are liable for while away from home. Review your policy to determine which incidents are covered and which exclusions apply.

To learn more about what off-premises coverage is included in your home insurance policy, contact L & S Agency Inc. We’re currently serving Buffalo, NY.

Should You Update Your Auto Insurance After Installing Aftermarket Parts?

If you’re purchasing aftermarket parts for your car, it may not occur to you to notify your auto insurance company. However, your auto policy carrier can only cover what it knows about. If you live in Buffalo, NY, it may make sense to update your auto insurance when installing aftermarket parts, depending on the cost and what you expect to be reimbursed for the parts.

Why Get an Updated Auto Policy?

The short answer to this question is that aftermarket parts can increase the value of your car. Once your car’s value increases, you may need to purchase a policy that covers its full value. Whether it’s new rims or a screaming stereo system, not everyone can afford to lose the value of those items if the car is stolen or the parts are damaged.

When Can You Skip Calling Your Carrier?

At L & S Agency Inc., we know that not every upgrade is worth calling your insurance carrier. For example, small upgrades on an older car that you only drive occasionally and keep securely locked in a garage may not require updated coverage.

If you choose to get aftermarket parts, though, it’s important to add up the costs. Too often, car owners purchase aftermarket parts, only to forget or vastly underestimate the value of each upgrade over time. This common trap can lead to a lot of headaches if you want to make the same upgrades on a replacement vehicle or if you need to repair the components on your current one.

Have questions about your auto insurance in Buffalo, NY? Contact L & S Agency Inc. to discuss your options, especially if you’re seeking custom coverage tailored to your aftermarket updates.