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2205 College Ave
Elmira, NY 14903

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Corning, NY 14830

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Lightning, Hail, and High Winds: How Extreme Weather Poses Unique Risks for RV Owners

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RVs offer the perfect way to explore the great outdoors, but they also face unique challenges, especially when extreme weather strikes. At Stewart Agency Inc. in Elmira, NY, we know that storms can pose serious risks to RV owners, from sudden hail damage to the dangers of high winds. Understanding these risks can help you protect your mobile home.

Lightning Strikes and Electrical Damage

One of the biggest concerns during a thunderstorm is lightning. Because RVs are often parked in open spaces, they can become targets for lightning strikes. While most RVs are designed to disperse electricity safely, a direct hit can still cause power surges, fry electrical systems, and even start fires. If you’re caught in a storm, unplugging electrical hookups and using surge protectors can help prevent costly damage.

Hail Can Cause Significant Damage to Your RV’s Exterior

Hailstorms can be brutal on an RV, leaving behind dents, cracked windows, and even punctures in the roof. Unlike a standard vehicle, an RV’s larger surface area means there’s more opportunity for damage. Parking under shelter when possible or using an RV cover can help minimize the risk, but having the right insurance coverage is essential for repairs.

High Winds and the Risk of Tipping

Strong winds can be dangerous for RVs, especially when driving. Crosswinds can push your vehicle off course, while extreme gusts can even tip a parked RV over. If high winds are in the forecast, securing your RV with stabilizers and avoiding travel can help keep you safe.

Stay Protected with Appropriate Insurance

At Stewart Agency Inc. in Elmira, NY, we understand the risks RV owners face when dealing with extreme weather. Contact us today to review your RV insurance policy.

What Should You Pay Attention To When Buying Motorcycle Insurance For the First Time

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Purchasing your first motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, but before you hit the open road, it’s crucial to ensure you’re adequately insured. Motorcycle insurance provides protection and peace of mind every time you ride. At Stewart Agency Inc. in Elmira, NY, we assist riders in finding the proper coverage. If you’re buying motorcycle insurance for the first time, here are a few key things to consider.

Understanding Coverage Options

Not all motorcycle insurance policies are the same, so it’s important to understand what’s included. Liability coverage is required in most states and helps cover damages or injuries you may cause to others. However, it doesn’t cover repairs to your own bike. Comprehensive and collision coverage can protect your motorcycle from accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage. Consider your budget and the level of protection you need before choosing a plan.

Factoring in Your Riding Habits

Your riding habits can impact the type of coverage that’s best for you. If you only ride occasionally, you may not need the same level of coverage as someone who commutes daily. Additionally, if you have a custom or high-value motorcycle, you’ll want to ensure your policy covers specialized parts and accessories.

Comparing Deductibles and Premiums

Like any insurance policy, motorcycle coverage comes with deductibles and premiums. A lower deductible means you’ll pay less out of pocket if you file a claim, but it may result in higher monthly premiums. Finding the right balance between affordability and protection is key.

Choosing the right motorcycle insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. Stewart Agency Inc. in Elmira, NY is here to help you navigate your options and find a policy that keeps you protected. Contact us today to get started.

Seasonal Boat Insurance Policy Assessments in New York

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Boat ownership in Elmira, NY, comes with unique weather-related risks and challenges. These require regular insurance assessments to ensure optimal coverage. Whether your vessel is in active use or stored during the off-season, it’s crucial to reassess your boat insurance policies periodically. At Stewart Agency Inc., we’re committed to helping you reevaluate your boat insurance policies to protect your investment throughout the year.

Key Aspects to Review

During a seasonal boat insurance policy review, consider the following:

  • Liability Coverage: Ensure your current policy provides sufficient liability limits for guest injuries, boating accidents, or property damage related to your vessel.
  • Physical Damage: Check if your policy covers physical injuries caused by vandalism, collisions, or severe storms.
  • Transportation/Storage: It’s also essential to have coverage for your boat during transportation or storage.
  • Add-on Policies: Add-on policies and rider additions can cover accessories, fishing gear, and navigation equipment. If you plan to dock your boat outside of Elmira, check your policy for any current current navigational limits.

Managing Your Seasonal Boat Insurance

Keep the following tips in mind:

  • Winterization: Properly winterizing your boat each year can reduce the risk of damage and potentially lower insurance premiums over time.
  • Communication is Key: Keep your insurance provider informed about storage plans or any recent changes or updates to your boat to ensure adequate protection.
  • Bundling: Bundling policies can also help reduce premiums.

Whether you’re a recreational boater in Elmira, NY, or you enjoy boating during specific seasons or competitions, having adequate boat insurance is crucial before setting sail. For more information about seasonal boat insurance policy assessments and to determine if your current policy meets your coverage needs, contact Stewart Agency Inc. for a consultation today.

Get More Liability Coverage for Your Home and Auto Policies With Umbrella Insurance

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If you already have a home insurance policy and an auto insurance policy, there is another type of insurance that you may be missing – umbrella insurance. This type works with those other two policies to leave you better protected. It’s a good idea to look into this kind of insurance policy to see whether you need this type of protection. Call us at Stewart Agency, Inc. in Elmira, NY to get umbrella insurance.

More Liability Coverage

It’s essential to have enough liability insurance in case of a serious accident. When you have auto and home policies, each of these comes with a specific level of liability insurance. This pays for someone else’s medical bills and other costs when they have been in an accident for which you’re liable. With auto insurance, this is for the other party when you’re involved in a car accident. With home insurance, it’s for the other party when they have an accident in your home or on your property. The issue is that these policies often have very little liability coverage, leaving you vulnerable if there is a serious and expensive accident.

How It Works

Once an accident occurs, the first step is for your home or auto insurance to come in and pay for the accident. The policy that responds can only pay up to the maximum set by the policy. If anything is owed after that, your umbrella insurance will come down and pay this overage. This can save you enormous money if the accident is severe. It’s always a good idea to have this protection just in case of an accident.

Get Umbrella Insurance in Elmira

When you need this important protection, we’re here to help. Call us at Stewart Agency, Inc. in Elmira, NY.

Flood Insurance: What Type of Flooding Does It Cover?

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Flood insurance can seem relatively straightforward. Most who are considering flood insurance are looking to defend their properties against flood damage that extreme weather events like hurricanes or flash flooding could cause. But you might be curious: Would flood insurance cover interior flooding that is not caused by external factors? Knowing this ahead of time will prevent you from relying on a policy that may not pay out when you need it most. Let’s take a closer look at what your typical flood insurance policy will cover and how you can get the coverage with the support of us here at Stewart Agency Inc. in Elmira, NY.

Does Flood Insurance Cover External Flooding, Internal Flooding, or Both?

Flood insurance policies are designed to cover external flooding caused by things like storms and hurricanes. This is because specific policies like homeowners insurance may not cover these with their policy. However, flood insurance policies won’t cover internal flooding caused by developments like plumbing leaks. The good news? Most homeowners insurance policies will cover damage caused by flooding due to internal plumbing problems. If you have both a flood insurance policy and coverage for your home or property, you will have the coverage you need to ensure you’re protected against flooding inside and out.

Secure a Flood Insurance Policy Seamlessly With Stewart Agency Inc.

If you live in an area susceptible to floods, having a flood insurance policy can provide you with the peace of mind you need, knowing that you’ll be able to afford any damages caused by flooding. We here at Stewart Agency Inc. in Elmira, NY are always ready to support you as you look for flood insurance for your home. Compare New York insurance quotes with us today!

Gap and Umbrella Policies – Do You Need Them?

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As a car owner, you are responsible for purchasing auto insurance. Without it, you might not be able to afford auto repairs or the costs of injuries you or the other driver may sustain in an accident. If you live near Elmira, NY, and have questions about auto insurance, our Stewart Agency, Inc. team can help you explore options that may be right for you.

Gap and Umbrella Policies

In New York State, you are required to have coverage for property damage and bodily injury. You might also choose to add coverage for collision (the cost of damage to your car) or liability (in the event of being sued by the other driver.) If your accident causes sufficient damage to declare your vehicle a total loss, the amount of money your insurance pays may not be enough to pay the amount you still owe your lender. Some auto lenders will encourage car buyers to purchase a gap policy, which will pay the difference between the amount paid by insurance and the amount you still owe.

Clients with additional personal resources (such as a home or boat) in addition to their car may consider buying an umbrella policy. Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage if a judgment against you exceeds your policy limits. Umbrella policies typically have a higher limit of liability insurance – sometimes up to $1 million.

Contact Us Today

Our team has years of experience and wants to give you peace of mind regarding your insurance needs. Clients in the Elmira, NY, area can feel confident when visiting us for their insurance needs. Contact us for an appointment or a quote today, and let’s makensureu have the coverage you need.

Commercial Insurance: Are Cyber Attacks Covered?

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Businesses sometimes overlook the fact that cybersecurity is not perfect and not intrinsically included in a commercial insurance policy. Understanding if your commercial insurance includes cyberattack coverage is immensely crucial, especially for larger firms, as it forms a crucial part of protecting your employees and customers. For businesses in Elmira, NY, our specialist team at Stewart Agency Inc. can guide you on how to secure suitable cyberattack coverage.

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Cyber Attacks?

Unfortunately, cybersecurity insurance is separate from traditional commercial insurance. Cyberattacks are complicated events that can cause substantial damage to a firm. Hence, insurance companies treat cyberattacks as unique incidents requiring standalone coverage. While not covered by standard commercial insurance, businesses can bundle cyber insurance with their commercial policies.

Bundling allows companies to secure specific coverage reflecting their business needs, avoiding increased premiums for general commercial insurance. If you’re considering cyber insurance, knowing your options and understanding how to bundle effectively is essential.

What Does Cyber Insurance Cover?

Cyber insurance typically covers financial losses resulting from cyberattacks. However, the digital threat landscape is vast, so it’s crucial for businesses to verify that the policy offers comprehensive cyber protection.

Key assurance areas to look out for are:

  • Data breach coverage
  • Financial coverage
  • Extortion
  • Non-compliance coverage

Securing Your Business with Commercial Insurance in Elmira, NY

In today’s digital age, cyberattacks are frequent and potentially catastrophic. Having the right insurance can make a significant difference, protecting your business and reassuring your customers. If you are a business located in Elmira, NY, we encourage you to contact Stewart Agency Inc. Our specialists can guide you through your cyber insurance needs and provide a comprehensive understanding of what you can expect.

Simple Safety: Home Improvements

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Enhancing your home security doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. Investing in cost-effective smart home devices can make your Elmira, NY home safer. Improved safety can reduce the number of claims filed on your policy from Stewart Agency Inc. This blog will discuss self-installed security systems and other intelligent features that cost less than $50.

Essential Security Systems: Cameras

Many high-quality doorbell video cameras are priced below $50. Multiple brands offer user-friendly cameras with smartphone app controls, costing between $35 and $45. They are accompanied by self-installation instructions, eliminating the need for professional installers.

Yard cameras are even more cost-effective. Depending on the brand, a single camera costs between $15 and $45. Some packages even offer up to four cameras for around $60. These systems, too, come with self-installation guides and mobile apps.

Security System Essentials: Sensors

Packages of four to six window and door sensors are generally priced around $15. These simple-to-install devices trigger an alarm when someone opens a window or door from outside. Since many security camera manufacturers also produce sensors, you can build a custom system, buying one economical element at a time.

Smart Home Essentials

With smart outlets, every home can become a smart home. These devices, which cost between $7 and $45, are available as single pieces or in multi-packs. Just plug the outlet adapter into any standard US electrical outlet, turn it on, install the manufacturer’s app on your mobile device, and complete the setup procedure. Afterward, you can control the device with home assistant systems like Google Assistant or Alexa.

Contact Us Today

Contact Stewart Agency Inc. for more information on enhancing the safety of your Elmira, NY home. Call us today to schedule a home insurance review.

How Classic Car Insurance Differs from Regular Car Insurance

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Car insurance, a legal requirement in many states, including New York, assures coverage for repairs and medical bills in the event of an accident. If you have a vehicle—a classic car, perhaps—that doesn’t see regular use, it still might be valuable enough to necessitate insurance, but not exactly your regular type of car insurance.

Distinguishing a Car as Classic

It’s not just the age—usually more than ten years—that renders a car classic. A classic car cannot be used daily and should be stored appropriately. Eligibility for coverage may require a reasonably clean driving record. Traditional car insurance protects against damage and theft up to its actual cash value. Classic cars may appreciate in value, but they are protected based on the agreed value. Given the difficulty of finding specific parts for classic cars, their insurance may cover the cost of original parts. Keep in mind that classic cars are rarely driven—usually only to car shows or on small weekend cruises. Insurers may require that classic cars be stored in a secure location such as a garage or barn.

Classic Car Quotes in Elmira, NY

If you own a classic car that you want insured and live in the Elmira, NY, area, please contact Stewart Agency Inc. Our friendly and knowledgeable agents will go above and beyond to help you find the insurance policy that best suits your unique needs.

Why all renters should have renters insurance

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As a renter in Elmira, NY, you might think there’s no need for you to have renter’s insurance. It’s easy to assume that your landlord or management company provides adequate coverage. However, they only have insurance that protects their property, not yours. At Stewart Agency Inc., we are independent insurance agents highlighting the necessity and benefits of renters insurance.

Content Coverage

Although you’re not responsible for insuring the physical building, a significant number of your assets are likely located within your rental unit. Imagine a disaster causing significant damage or total loss to your rental. Visualize losing all of your possessions. Could you afford to replace everything on your own? Consider this: all your furniture is gone, and all you have left are your clothes. Your computer, games, appliances, and dishes – all gone. The amount of money required to replace everything could be overwhelming. Renters’ content coverage provides financial aid to help you replace the things you need.

Liability Coverage

Contrary to common belief, your landlord does not bear all the liability at your rental. If, for instance, a child is injured by your equipment, it falls upon you. If your dog bites someone, you’re responsible. If your child breaks someone’s window, you’re responsible. Hence, having liability coverage is important for every tenant.

Loss of Use

If your rental suffers significant damage due to a covered peril and you need to vacate temporarily, this coverage steps in. It helps cover the cost of your temporary accommodation and potentially even some meals.

If you have any questions about renters’ insurance, don’t hesitate to contact Stewart Agency Inc. in Elmira, NY.