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Blasdell, NY 14219

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Are There Different Types of Umbrella Insurance?

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Understanding and Choosing Umbrella Insurance in Buffalo, NY

Umbrella insurance extends coverage beyond the limits of other insurance policies, providing protection for expensive claims and lawsuits in Buffalo, NY. With L & S Agency Inc., we help you configure a suitable umbrella insurance policy that covers excess liabilities for potential high-risk activities.

Getting to Know the Common Risks Covered by Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella policies typically cover you against high-cost damages involving bodily injury, libel and slander, legal defense costs, tenants’ injuries, and property damage, particularly if you’re a landlord. For instance, if you often participate in youth sports coaching or hunting, you face the risk of a lawsuit for a major injury under your watch.

Other scenarios needing umbrella insurance include owning a pool or trampoline, a large dog, firearms, participating as a board member of a nonprofit organization, frequently hosting parties, or writing product or business reviews online. Therefore, it’s crucial to customize your policy based on specific risks that apply to you, outlining explicit scenarios covered alongside legal fee coverage, court costs, and when the umbrella policy will step in.

Securing the Right Policy

It’s essential to understand that homeowners who resort to umbrella policies for their properties can’t use the same policy for protecting their business, and vice versa. As a rule of thumb, umbrella coverage is highly recommended for public figures or those whose assets exceed the liability limits of their other insurance policies.

Let L & S Agency Inc., serving Buffalo, NY, help guide you toward securing a proper umbrella insurance policy. Reach out to our office today for a consultation.

Enjoying Spring in Buffalo? Make Sure You’re Covered!

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At L & S Agency Inc., we know the feeling that winter goes on so long in Buffalo, NY, that spring might never come. It does every year without fail, and there are so many ways to celebrate.

Celebrating Spring in Buffalo, Safely!

It’s notably a time to get your home ready for spring activities, including preparing the yard for fun. If you have kids, you know this is when they’ll be bursting with pent-up winter energy and looking forward to play. Ball games, barbecues, parties, and even energetic activities like trampoline or bounce house games are all on the menu, especially if someone has a spring birthday.

The dog gets to play, too, and if your home is where kids hang out together, you’ll have guests frequently into the summertime. Without dampening the fun, we’d like to remind you that great home insurance is meant to cover accidents that happen for your peace of mind while you’re enjoying spring and summer activities.

Coverage Gets Specific for Certain Risks

The home insurance you select covers everyday life in Buffalo, NY in many ways, but some activities and situations need to be communicated for proper coverage. At L & S Agency Inc., we can help you reach out to your insurer and make sure you’re properly covered for dogs, trampolines, swimming pools, and other areas where the chances of a claim might be a bit higher.

It’s a practical matter that we take care of for many of our clients, tailoring policies for their family’s needs. If you’re concerned about higher levels of risk, we also offer umbrella policies that take liability a bit further when needed, just in case. The right insurance is a practical matter. Call us, then relax and enjoy!

Top Tips For Driving on Snowy Roads

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Buffalo residents know that about 90 inches of snow can fall during a single winter. This can make for hazardous driving conditions. At L & S Agency Inc. serving the greater Buffalo, NY region, we are passing along these top tips for driving on snowy roads.

Be Prepared in Case You’re Stranded

As soon as the first snow falls, prepare your car in case of emergency. Create an emergency preparedness kit that includes a blanket, gloves, hats emergency drinking water, and high-protein snacks. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use it, but keep it in your vehicle in case you get stranded.

Switch to Snow Tires

For many other parts of the country, all-season radials may do the trick. But for Buffalo drivers, it’s wise to switch to actual snow tires for the winter season. When spring comes, you can change back to your regular tires. The extra traction and peace of mind are well worth the added time and expense.

Check Your Battery

Cold temperatures drain car batteries faster. If you have an older car battery, you might be better off bringing it in and getting a new one. An auto parts store or car dealership can check the battery and let you know the best course of action.

Know How to Drive Out of a Skid

If your rear wheels skid, steer in the direction you want to go. If your front wheels skid, straighten the steering wheel and gently ease off the gas.

Avoid High Speeds

Even if you have a high-performance vehicle or an SUV that drives great in the snow, your fellow drivers on the road may not feel so confident. Avoid speeding or driving in an aggressive manner, as this puts everyone in danger.

Call Today To Discuss Your Options

To make sure you have adequate car insurance, contact L & S Agency Inc. serving Buffalo, NY. We’re here to help you during snowy Buffalo winters and all season long.

Get More Liability Coverage With an Umbrella Policy

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An umbrella policy is a great type of insurance to have for many reasons. It adds to the amount of coverage that you have in your home and auto policies. It comes at a far lower cost than if you were to add coverage directly to those two policies. Umbrella insurance comes with a very high maximum payout, but it doesn’t cost very much to get. It’s a great way to get the coverage you need without a huge price tag.

When you want more coverage for your home and auto policies, call us at L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY.

More Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is part of your home and auto policies. When you get umbrella insurance, it adds more liability coverage to both policies at the same time. This leaves you better covered in case of accidents. If an accident were to happen in your home or with your car, the cost of the medical bills and other expenses could be yours to pay. Your liability coverage pays these expenses so that you won’t be at as much risk of lawsuits. With the policy available to pay for the resulting bills, you can have peace of mind knowing that these will be taken care of. 

How It Works

After an accident has happened, your first policy comes in to pay as much as it can. This may be your home or your auto policy. Once this policy reaches its maximum, there may still be bills left over to pay. That’s where your umbrella policy comes in and pays the rest. This is very important coverage to have, and it comes at a relatively low cost. 

Get Umbrella Insurance Today

When you want to be better covered with an umbrella policy, call us at L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY.

Five Reasons You Need to Have a Home Insurance Policy

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Our agents at the L & S Agency Inc. serving the Buffalo, NY area know that home insurance is one of the most important insurance policies you can have if you are a homeowner.

 There are many reasons you should have a home insurance policy, and five of those reasons are listed below.

Five Reasons You Need to Have a Home Insurance Policy

Protect Your Property

Home insurance helps protect your home, personal belongings, furniture, appliances, and so much more if they are damaged or destroyed by fire, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes. It ensures that if the worst happens, you won’t have to take on the full financial burden of rebuilding or repairing your home.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage will come in handy if someone gets injured on your property since this type of policy can cover their medical expenses and legal fees. This helps you to protect your assets from potential lawsuits.

Peace of Mind

Peace of mind is important to your overall health and knowing that you have a safety net in case of unforeseen events can reduce stress and anxiety. Whether it’s a sudden burst pipe or a break-in, home insurance provides a sense of security that allows you to focus on enjoying your home without constant worry.

Lender Requirement

If you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to have home insurance. This protects their investment in your property, ensuring that it can be repaired or rebuilt in case of damage. Failing to maintain insurance could lead to your lender imposing costly coverage for you that may not even be as good as your own policy.

Financial Protection

In the event of a disaster, the cost of repairs or rebuilding can be astronomical. Home insurance can help ease the financial burden by covering many of these expenses. Without insurance, you may not be able to afford the repairs or the rebuilding of your home.

Reach Out To Us

Our agents at the L & S Agency Inc. serving the Buffalo, NY area are ready to assist you with all of your home insurance needs. Contact them today for an appointment to get your policy started.

Hit the Road with Confidence: Understanding Comprehensive Auto Insurance

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Getting a new car on the road can be an exhilarating experience, but there are certain precautions that need to be taken. That’s where the professionals at L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY come into play. We are able to walk all of our clients through the ins and outs of a comprehensive auto insurance policy. Before you have the chance to hit the road, these policies are a must. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know before making a final decision.

How Do These Policies Differ From Collision Insurance?

It is important to be able to differentiate between the two. Motorists will often assume that they are one and the same when nothing could be further from the truth. Collision policies offer coverage when accidents occur. On the other hand, comprehensive auto insurance policies are designed to offer coverage to the motorist for all of the other issues that may arise when they are not actually driving the car.

What Problems Arise When I’m Not Driving?

Many motorists will make the mistake of failing to consider the problems that can take place when they are not behind the wheel. This will leave them liable for any damages that do not occur as the direct result of a car accident. Let’s say that the car becomes damaged as a result of a storm or storm-related conditions. With a comprehensive auto insurance policy, the necessary peace of mind is offered.

Is This Insurance Required?

In a word? Yes. If the car is being leased or financed, comprehensive auto insurance is a requirement. Once the vehicle is paid off, the choice is yours but skimping on this type of coverage is not advisable under any circumstances.

Reach Out To Us

Comprehensive auto insurance policies can be tough to understand. When you are ready to get started, schedule a consultation with L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY. Our team is on hand, ready, and willing to take all of the guesswork out of the decision-making process.

How much umbrella insurance should you get?

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When it comes to protecting yourself from unforeseen circumstances, umbrella insurance from L & S Agency Inc. can be a great way to do so. But how much umbrella insurance should you get here in the Buffalo, NY area? 

Umbrella Insurance Coverage

The amount of umbrella insurance you need depends on the type and size of assets you have. You want to make sure that your umbrella policy has enough coverage to cover all your valuable possessions in the event of a lawsuit. Generally speaking, most experts recommend getting an umbrella policy with a limit of at least $1 million or more, depending on what you have to protect. 

Umbrella policies are also designed to supplement existing liability coverage such as auto and homeowners insurance. If you already have these policies in place, it is important to make sure that your umbrella policy coverage limit covers any potential gaps in existing coverage. It’s also important to consider different types of liability risks and choose an umbrella policy coverage limit that adequately protects against them. 

Finally, consider working with an experienced independent insurance agent who can help determine exactly how much umbrella insurance you need. They are familiar with the ins and outs of various policies and can provide tailored advice on the best option for your situation. 

Consult With Us

No matter what type of assets or liabilities you have, having sufficient umbrella insurance is crucial for financial security in case of a catastrophic event like a lawsuit or other unexpected circumstances. By taking the time to ask questions of an agent here at L & S Agency Inc. and find appropriate coverage limits, you can ensure that your assets and loved ones are adequately protected from any potential risks. So call us today! We are proud to serve the Buffalo, NY area.

When should you review your home insurance policy?

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At L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY, part of our service is reviewing your home policy with you every year. It is an important part of our service to make sure our customers have the insurance coverage that they need. 

When your policy renews

Home insurance policies renew yearly. When your policy comes to you about a month before it is due, the top page is called the declaration page. It is a synopsis of the coverage you have. You can check the amount of property coverage, the type of content coverage you have, any enforcement you have added, and any discounts you are receiving. 

You should check the type of content coverage you have. If you have actual value, it will take depreciation into account, and you will get much less than if you have replacement cost. 

If you have bought or received any expensive items

Your content coverage for jewelry is limited to $2,000. If you have jewelry worth more than that, you need to add an endorsement to your policy and get appraisals of your jewelry. This will protect your property. This also applies to antiques or electronics. 

You’ve added structures to your yard

Have you added the long-awaited deck, the swimming pool of your dream, a gazebo, or a shed? All of these increase the value of your home, and you need to inform your insurance carrier.  

Smart home safety updates

Your insurance company likes nothing better than knowing that you are adding smart safety devices to your home. Have you installed a smart home security system? Put in a Ring doorbell camera?  These can make you eligible for a safe home discount, which can bring your premium down significantly. 

We Can Help!

Contact L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY for all your home insurance needs. Give us a call today. 

Three things you should know about auto insurance in New York

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Choosing the right insurance policy is a priority when you are a motorist in Buffalo NY. There are a few things that vehicle owners need to be aware of when it comes to auto insurance. L & S Agency Inc. provides auto insurance policies to New York state residents. 

The following are three things you should know about auto insurance in New York:

The state of New York requires drivers to have insurance coverage to register their vehicles.

You need to show that your vehicle is insured to register it at a New York DMV. 

Motorists in New York can get in a lot of trouble if they’re not carrying auto insurance. Those who are caught without insurance can be cited by the police. You could have your vehicle registration and driver’s license suspended if you’re not insured and you’re caught driving on public roads in New York. 

New York State requires no-fault, liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.

There are minimum auto insurance requirements that motorists in New York must meet. Motorists need $50,000 in no-fault personal injury protection coverage per person per accident. Motorists also need $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage and $25,000 in uninsured motorist coverage. 

Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional in New York. 

Motorists don’t have to buy collision or comprehensive coverage in New York. However, purchasing these types of coverage is important if you want full coverage that will pay for damages to your own vehicle in an accident. 

Give Us A Call

The auto insurance policies we provide at L & S Agency Inc. will give you peace of mind and fulfill your insurance coverage responsibilities in Buffalo, NY. Get in touch with us today to get a policy quote. 

What is Umbrella Insurance?

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At L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY, we offer many types of insurance, including umbrella insurance. Umbrella insurance is designed to provide extra protection when you reach the coverage limits of your standard policies. 

What is Umbrella Insurance? 

Umbrella insurance is also known as catastrophe insurance. It’s designed to protect you from catastrophic events, which can be very costly. It provides liability protection beyond your regular home and auto policy and also covers situations that are excluded by these policies.

Umbrella policies are typically sold in increments of $1 million, up to $15 to $20 million.  

How Does Umbrella Insurance Work?

If you reach the coverage limit on your standard home or auto policy, umbrella insurance will cover the difference up to its coverage limit. To qualify, you must have a homeowners and auto policy that meets the requirements of the umbrella policy. 

Let’s take a look at an example of how this type of policy works. You are involved in a major auto accident that involves ten vehicles. You are determined to be the cause of the pileup. 

The total cost of the accident is $1 million. However, your auto policy only provides coverage up to $500,000. In this case, the umbrella policy will cover the gap between your liability and your auto coverage limit, which is $500,000.

What Does an Umbrella Policy Cover? 

An umbrella policy will generally cover anything that your existing home or auto policy covers, with much higher coverage limits. In addition, an umbrella policy covers legal expenses for liability, slander, false arrest, and malicious prosecution. 

Reach Out To Us

If you need umbrella insurance in Buffalo, NY, contact us at L & S Agency Inc. Our friendly agents will discuss your needs and help you select the best policy for your needs. 

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