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What Steps Do I need to Take if I inherit a Business?

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Inheriting a business can be a big shocker. It can come unexpectedly and be a pleasant surprise, or you could find yourself in a whole new world. Before you do anything, you must assess the business’s legal, operational, and financial status. This will include reviewing bank statements, hiring professionals (such as lawyers and CPA’s), and notifying any stakeholders.

The Actions To Take

Don’t do anything in haste. For the first three months, just focus on understanding the company’s culture, employee morale, and how things operate. Review all financial and legal documents, including tax records, bank statements, legal contracts, and debt obligations. You need to determine the business’s true value and risk. You may want to secure professional guidance, such as a business attorney and a CPA, to help you navigate tax, legal, and compliance issues, including obtaining a new employer identification number. You will need to notify key stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and employees, of the change in ownership. You can then evaluate your options and engage in strategic planning. Keep your approach methodical, and you will protect the value of this inherited business while making wise decisions best suited for you and anyone else involved.

Contact Toedt Insurance Agency in Albany, NY

If you are in the Albany, NY area and are in the market for commercial insurance, please contact us at Toedt Insurance Agency LLC. We will be happy to help you.

Common Gaps Found in Standard Business Insurance Policies

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Most business owners assume their standard commercial insurance package covers everything they need. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. Standard policies frequently contain significant gaps that leave businesses vulnerable to major financial losses. At Toedt Insurance Agency LLC, serving Albany, NY, we help business owners identify and fix these coverage holes before they become expensive problems.

Cyber and Data Breach Exclusions

Your general liability policy probably doesn’t cover cyberattacks or data breaches. These can cost businesses hundreds of thousands in notification costs, credit monitoring, legal fees, and regulatory fines. Many standard policies explicitly exclude cyber-related losses, leaving you exposed. Even a minor breach affecting customer payment information can trigger mandatory notification requirements and significant expenses that can cripple smaller businesses.

Employment Practices Liability Gaps

Standard policies typically exclude employment-related claims, like wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment. These claims are becoming increasingly common and expensive to defend, even when you win. A single employment lawsuit can easily cost $50,000 to $150,000 in legal fees alone, not including settlements or judgments. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable since they often lack dedicated HR departments.

Professional Services and Errors Coverage

If your business provides any professional services or advice, your general liability policy won’t cover errors and omissions claims. This includes everything from missed deadlines and design flaws to incorrect advice or failure to deliver promised results. Professional liability insurance requires separate coverage designed for your industry and service offerings.

Check Your Coverage Before Something Happens

Contact Toedt Insurance Agency LLC for a comprehensive policy review that identifies potential exposures and ensures adequate protection for your business operations. We’re currently serving Albany, NY. 

Will Home Insurance Cover Dog Bite Lawsuits?

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Homeowners in Albany, NY often rely on their home insurance policy to protect them in cases of property damage or liability lawsuits. Understanding how your policy addresses dog bites and the potential lawsuits that may arise from them is essential.

Liability Lawsuits

Most home insurance policies include liability coverage as part of the standard policy, which can assist if you’re facing a liability lawsuit. However, it’s important to confirm the specifics of your coverage with an agent at Toedt Insurance Agency LLC. Keep in mind that there are exceptions and important details to consider regarding liability coverage.

Coverage Limits

Every insurance policy has a coverage limit. For example, if your policy’s liability coverage limit is $20,000 and the judgment against you exceeds that amount, you’ll be responsible for paying the remaining balance. If you have an umbrella policy, it can provide additional coverage to cover the excess amount.

Specific Exclusions

Home insurance policies often include specific exclusions, particularly when it comes to dogs or dog bites. Some insurance companies require you to inform them about owning a dog before filing a claim. Others may exclude incidents involving pets entirely, offering no coverage for such events. Additionally, it’s common for policies to exclude certain dog breeds or limit coverage to a single dog bite lawsuit.

To avoid surprises, it’s crucial to review the fine print of your policy before an incident occurs. The agents at Toedt Insurance Agency LLC are here to help you understand your coverage and answer any questions. If you’re currently involved in a liability lawsuit, we can assist you as well. Contact our experienced representatives today to learn more. We proudly serve the Albany, NY area.

What Types of Add-On Coverage Are Available for Auto Insurance Policies?

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When considering auto insurance in Albany, NY, most people are primarily concerned with getting collision, comprehensive, liability, medical payments and other essential coverage. You may not know that many insurers offer various add-ons that can further protect your vehicle. Toedt Insurance Agency LLC can help you determine what add-on coverage may be appropriate for your vehicle.

Common Auto Insurance Add-Ons

Common add-ons include roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, new vehicle replacement, gap insurance, and custom parts and equipment coverage. Some companies include roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement as part of their standard policies. No-claim bonus protection and key replacement coverage are also popular options. These add-ons help drivers retain a no-claim premium bonus after a claim and pay for expensive lost key fobs, respectively.

Vehicle Protection Add-Ons

If you own a more expensive vehicle, you may want to consider add-ons for vehicle protection. These include:

  • Zero depreciation to cover the full cost of replacement parts
  • Engine protection, usually excluded from standard policies
  • Consumables coverage, for small items like nuts, bolts, engine oil and more excluded from standard repair claims

Driver and Passenger Protections

These protections can offer peace of mind if an accident or theft occurs:

  • Personal accident coverage, giving lump-sum payments to passengers if someone dies or is permanently disabled
  • Owner/driver personal accident coverage that offers the same protection as above
  • Reimbursement for keys and locks if your vehicle is stolen and later returned

You may also want to consider a provision called return to invoice, which gives you the amount of the vehicle’s original purchase price if a total loss occurs.

If you are unsure which add-ons are right for you, Toedt Insurance Agency LLC can help. We’re currently serving Albany, NY.

How Commercial Insurance Helps Businesses Hosting Special Events

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Planning a special event for your business brings excitement and opportunities to connect with customers and community members. However, these gatherings also introduce unique risks that your standard commercial policy might not fully address. Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY specializes in helping businesses understand the coverage needed to protect against event-specific liabilities and unexpected circumstances.

Coverage for Venue and Vendor Risks

Special events often involve working with multiple vendors, temporary structures, and increased foot traffic at your business location. Your regular commercial insurance may not cover accidents involving event equipment, injuries to non-employees, or property damage caused by third-party vendors. Event insurance fills these gaps, providing protection when caterers cause kitchen fires, decorators damage property, or entertainment equipment malfunctions during your gathering.

Protecting Against Weather and Cancellation Losses

Outdoor events face additional challenges from unpredictable weather conditions that could force cancellations or relocations. Event coverage can reimburse non-refundable deposits, venue costs, and other expenses when circumstances beyond your control disrupt your plans. This protection extends to situations such as vendor no-shows, power outages, or emergency situations that make your event unsafe or impossible to continue.

Liability Protection for Increased Exposure

Events naturally increase your business exposure to slip-and-fall accidents, food-related illnesses, and other liability claims. Standard policies often have limitations during special events, leaving gaps in coverage when you need protection most. Comprehensive event insurance provides higher liability limits and specialized coverage for alcohol service, participant activities, and public gatherings that standard commercial policies typically exclude or limit.

Plan Your Next Event With Confidence

Don’t let insurance concerns limit your business event planning potential. Contact Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY today to discuss commercial insurance that protects your business while allowing you to focus on creating memorable experiences.

Provisions of New York Homeowners’ Insurance Laws

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When you buy a house, you make a purchase that will have a lasting impact. Your new home represents a financial investment in your future. If your home is near Albany, NY, our team at Toedt Insurance Agency LLC welcomes the opportunity to discuss how buying home insurance can help you protect your investment. We have been working with homeowners like you since 2006.

Provisions of New York Homeowners’ Insurance Laws

Many people purchase insurance without fully understanding the state laws that ensure their insurance company provides the promised coverage. According to Legal Clarity, New York Law Section 3404 requires the inclusion of protection against fire damage in homeowners’ insurance policies. Additionally, insurance companies must offer liability coverage. Liability provisions in a home insurance policy protect homeowners against claims from individuals who may be injured on their property.

When deciding which policy to purchase, you may also encounter options for flood insurance, which is required for homes located in flood plains. Some homeowners may choose to include coverage for theft or vandalism. Your insurance company is obligated to clearly explain all the provisions of your policy before you sign it.

Call Us for Your Appointment Today

A home insurance policy is designed to protect your home and personal belongings. Our team at Toedt Insurance Agency LLC will help you understand which insurance options are essential to safeguard your investment. Homeowners near Albany, NY, have come to rely on us for our insurance expertise and dedication to excellent customer service. Call us today to schedule an appointment, and let us help you find the right insurance options.

How Your Garage Location Affects Your Auto Insurance

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Your age, driving record, and vehicle type are just a few factors that influence how insurance carriers assess your auto insurance risk. One significant factor that many Albany, NY drivers overlook is where they park or garage their vehicle daily. In other words, your home address can greatly impact your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies use various methods to measure this risk. Toedt Insurance Agency LLC is here to help drivers navigate auto insurance policies and secure the best rates possible.

What Causes High Insurance Rates in Certain Areas?

Several factors contribute to higher insurance rates in specific areas. These include high accident rates, theft, and other risks that require comprehensive coverage. Generally, drivers living in cities tend to pay higher rates. Neighborhoods with high rates of car theft also experience increased premiums. But what about rural areas? Long daily commutes, exposure to adverse weather conditions, and the absence of indoor parking can also contribute to higher insurance costs.

How to Lower High Insurance Rates

Addressing the factors that influence your auto insurance rate can help reduce your premium. Installing anti-theft devices, such as alarms and dash cams, can make your vehicle less risky to insure. If you drive infrequently, consider usage-based policies that reward low mileage. Explore other discounts, such as those for completing defensive driving courses or bundling multiple policies. Additionally, installing theft-deterrent equipment can lower your risks and premiums. Carefully evaluate all available options before choosing your policy.

Discover how you can reduce your auto insurance premiums by working with Toedt Insurance Agency LLC. Our agents in Albany, NY are ready to assist you. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Does Your Business Need Umbrella Insurance Coverage?

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Umbrella insurance provides additional protection for businesses in the event of unexpected incidents. Many businesses in Albany, NY, can benefit from this type of coverage. Companies that welcome the public onto their premises or send employees to clients’ homes are at higher risk for losses related to property damage, bodily injury, and liability claims. Similarly, businesses in industries prone to lawsuits—such as construction, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and retail—can find umbrella coverage particularly valuable. Additionally, businesses with expensive assets may benefit from the added protection that umbrella insurance offers.

How Umbrella Coverage Works

Umbrella insurance activates when the limits of your other insurance policies are reached. It helps cover significant costs related to property damage, bodily injury, or liability, ensuring you don’t face substantial out-of-pocket expenses. Umbrella policies typically cover legal fees, judgments, and settlements.

In some cases, umbrella insurance may cover damages not included in your other policies. However, it’s important to note that umbrella coverage does not compensate for losses caused by errors and omissions, criminal activity, or damage to your business property. If you want comprehensive coverage for your business vehicles, you may need to purchase a separate umbrella auto insurance policy.

Call Toedt Insurance Agency LLC for More Information

For most businesses, umbrella insurance is a worthwhile investment. Contact us to learn more about this type of coverage, how it can benefit your business, and what is and isn’t covered. At Toedt Insurance Agency LLC, we are dedicated to assisting Albany, NY, business owners and entrepreneurs in evaluating their options and selecting the insurance coverage that best suits their needs and budget.

Will Home Insurance Cover Updating Electrical Systems in New York?

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If you’ve recently found out that your home’s electrical wiring isn’t up to code, you might be wondering if your home insurance policy will assist in covering the cost of upgrades. This is a common concern among homeowners, particularly in older homes where outdated systems can present significant safety risks. At Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY, we often encounter this question, and the answer largely depends on several key factors.

Understanding What Home Insurance Typically Covers

Home insurance is designed to protect you from sudden and unexpected losses, such as damage caused by a fire or storm. However, when it comes to maintenance-related issues like updating old wiring, coverage can become a bit complex. Most standard policies do not cover home maintenance or upgrades. This means if your electrical system simply isn’t up to the current code, but hasn’t failed or caused damage, your insurance likely won’t cover the cost for updates.

Possible Scenarios for Coverage

However, if faulty wiring leads to a fire or another covered peril, your policy may help pay for the resulting damage. In such a case, repairs to the damaged parts of your electrical system could be included. But remember, this wouldn’t mean your entire electrical system would be updated to code, only the parts directly affected by the incident.

The Benefits of Updating Regardless

Even though your insurance might not cover the upgrade, it’s worth considering the long-term benefits. Modern wiring not only enhances safety but can also increase your home’s value and may even lower your insurance premiums.

For a better understanding of what your policy includes, or to explore options tailored to your home, reach out to Toedt Insurance Agency LLC in Albany, NY. We’re here to help simplify and smarten your insurance decisions.

How the Vehicle You Own Impacts Your Auto Insurance Risk

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The cost of your auto insurance is influenced by more than just your credit score and driving history. Approximately a dozen factors affect how much you pay for auto insurance in Albany, NY. However, one of the most significant is the make and model of your car. Toedt Insurance Agency LLC can help find affordable rates to insure your vehicles.

How Vehicle Statistics Impact Rates

The value of your vehicle impacts rates, with more expensive ones costing more to insure. Every insurance carrier uses a unique formula to determine rates for specific vehicles, so rates for your car or SUV can vary from carrier to carrier. Various factors influence these formulas, including:

  • Age
  • Size
  • Crash protection
  • Trim level
  • Safety technology
  • Theft rates
  • Engine size and performance

Higher trim levels come with additional features, like sunroofs, leather upholstery, and high-end sound systems, all of which enhance the driving experience. However, if your car sustains damage in an accident, these items will be more expensive to replace. Opting for a lower-level trim can help keep your premiums down.

Although the prices of electric vehicles have decreased, they are still more expensive to insure than their gas counterparts. As these are newer vehicles, insurers lack extensive statistical information about them, making them more costly to insure.

Insurance for Newer Vehicles

Most people assume their premiums will increase when they buy a late-model vehicle, even if it’s not brand new. While your premium will usually increase, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, older, less exciting models have high premiums because they may have higher theft rates. Some insurers offer a discount for vehicles three years and under, so it’s wise to shop around.

Discover how Toedt Insurance Agency LLC, serving Albany, NY, can help you find the right policy for your needs by contacting our office today.

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