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M&K Dignum Insurance Agency, Inc.

622 Loudon Road Suite 204
Latham, NY 12110

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Getting Your Yard Ready for Spring

The birds are chirping, the days are getting longer, and warmer temperatures are on the breezes. That could only mean one thing: Spring is arriving. And with it, there are exciting things you need to do with your yard. Here are some key ways you can get your yard ready for spring, courtesy of M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. serving Albany, NY.

Getting Your Yard Ready for Spring

Weed and trim

Out with the old and in with the new. Trim all trees and other foliage as needed. Also weed areas such as where there are plants and shrubs.

Planting a garden

Get out there and plant your seeds for a thriving vegetable garden. Or you can plant small vegetable plants that you can buy from a gardening store. Either way, in seemingly no time you will have delectable vegetables to enjoy all season and preserve for the winter. Also, consider adding compost to your yard.

Planting landscaping

You can also get creative by planting new landscaping in your yard. That could take the form of bushes, shrubs, trees, and more. Consider updating your lawn as needed. You might want to add a water feature like a small pond or fountain too.

Cleaning and maintaining deck and sidewalks

For warm-weather entertaining and relaxing, think about cleaning and maintaining your deck or patio. Or add a deck or patio if you do not already have one. Also, do whatever work is necessary to keep your sidewalks and other walkways in great and safe shape. You might need to hire professional companies to handle some of those projects.

Get organized and creative, and then tackle these fulfilling projects. If you need any further details on keeping your yard in tip-top shape, including when it comes to safety, feel free to contact M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. serving Albany, NY.

Insuring Your Exotic Vehicle

When you purchase an exotic vehicle like an Alfa Romeo or Porsche, you probably don’t think about the insurance considerations right off. At M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. we want to help you understand the need for full coverage auto insurance for your exotic car or dream car.

Also called supercars, those snazzy Maseratis and Mercedes-Benzes you see around Albany, NY use regular auto insurance, but typically at the upper coverage limits. These vehicles cost $100,000 or more, so those purchasing them want to obtain a full replacement cost if something happens to them.

What does full coverage auto insurance include?

When you choose full coverage, your vehicle gets the protection of:

  • Bodily injury liability,
  • Property damage,
  • Comprehensive,
  • Collision.

You can also add roadside assistance coverage.

The top two policy types – liability and property damage – protect other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. If you cause an accident, these coverages pay the other individuals involved who got hurt. This insurance the state requires you to carry.

Collision and comprehensive coverage protect you from financial loss relating to your own vehicle. While you’re not required to obtain this insurance, it makes sense to do so, especially when you’ve purchased a rare vehicle.

Levels of Replacement Value

Ask your insurance agent about the compensation coverage provided. The words you want to hear are full replacement value or actual replacement cost because that means you’ll obtain the actual amount it would cost for you to buy another vehicle. Anything else – any other wording – refers to depreciated cost. That would not pay for a new or replacement Alfa Romeo or Maserati, but the full replacement value would.

Contact Us Today

Drive the roads of Albany, NY with greater peace of mind with auto insurance from M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. Contact us today for auto insurance coverage that protects your investment in your exotic dream car or supercar.

How commercial insurance can save your small business

Small businesses face risks every day, including just staying financially viable. Commercial insurance can protect your business from many of those hazards, but in spite of that, most will not survive more than ten years. At M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. we will sit down with you to assess the risks that your small business faces and make recommendations for the correct types of insurance to protect your Albany, NY business.

Why Commercial Insurance?

Commercial property insurance

It is very difficult to do business if all the things that you need to carry out your business have been destroyed by a hazard. Many of those hazards would be covered by commercial property insurance. It can save your small business if you have the means to replace the items you have lost quickly and without hassle. That is what insurance will do for you. If your business doesn’t have the cash to replace things without insurance, you might have to close your doors. 

Commercial liability insurance

No one likes to think about being sued, but when you own a business, it is likely to happen to you since one-third of all businesses are sued in any given year. A judgment against you could use up all your assets, and maybe even more if you don’t have commercial liability insurance. 

Business interruption insurance

Bad things happen even to good businesses and if a bad thing happens to you and you are not able to do business for a while, you could end up not being able to remain in business. Business interruption insurance can make all the difference. It provides the funds you need to make your normal business expenses when your income has dried up to nothing. 

Contact Us Today

For more information about commercial insurance, call M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. in Albany, NY. 

How To Prepare Your Home For Winter in New York

Winter in the Northeast United States brings freezing temperatures and severe weather. Residents can face blizzards, ice storms, and more, and New York often sees several inches of snow throughout the season. Take steps to stay safe and protect your property this winter. We at M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. have been providing home insurance coverage to the Albany, NY community over the years, and we can assist with all related concerns. 

What Are The Best Ways To Prepare Your Home For Winter Storms? 

While winter storms are part of life for Albany, NY residents, you can take steps to prepare. Below are some suggestions to make sure you’re ready for winter storms. 

  • Before winter strikes, repair your roof and gutters. Heavy snow can put pressure on already damaged roofing. Make sure all gutters are clean and your roof is free of leaks and undamaged. 
  • Insulate any exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing. Frozen pipes can burst and cause water damage. 
  • Install weather stripping and insulation to keep the weather out and heat in. 
  • Warm, dry conditions caused by heaters and fireplaces can cause fires. Make sure all smoke detectors are working. Replace their batteries.
  • Snow-clogged chimneys and vents can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Check your carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries. Be sure they’re functioning correctly. 
  • Invest in a quality home insurance plan from an established firm, such as ours at M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc.

Do You Need Home Insurance in New York? 

While different states and cities have specific requirements for insurance minimums, carrying home insurance is vital to protect your investment. Without home insurance, homeowners may be unable to afford home repairs following a severe winter storm. You should carry a policy that meets your needs, even when not legally required. 

Give Us A Call

Reach out to us at M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. today and speak with one of our agents. Our experienced agents know your area’s policies and will help you choose the proper protection for your home and family.

When do you need to have an auto insurance plan in Albany?

Most people in the Albany, NY area will want to have access to a car as it will make it much easier to get around the community. When you are looking to own a car here, it is important that you spend the time you need to assess your insurance needs for the vehicle.

There are various reasons why someone here should get auto coverage for their car. 

Comply with All Requirements

A very important reason to have auto coverage when you are here is to ensure you can comply with all requirements. Anyone that is going to take their car out on the road in New York will need to have auto coverage for liability insurance. Further, if you have taken out a loan, you will be required to carry a full comprehensive plan at all times. 

Cover Yourself and Car

Having an auto insurance plan is also a good idea as it can ensure you are able to cover yourself and your car. If you are going to purchase a car, you will want to know that your asset is protected and that you have support if you are found liable for an accident. With a full auto insurance policy, you will receive all of the coverage that you need. 

Contact Us Today

It continues to be very important that people in the Albany, NY area get the insurance they need to protect their vehicles. If you are going to buy a car in this area, calling the team with M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. can be a great idea. The professionals with M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. know the value of this coverage and will offer any support that you need to build your next auto insurance policy. 

3 Types of Online Business Insurance You Need to Know About

You must be adequately insured if you’re running an online business in Albany, NY. Although many policies are available to help cover your business and assets, knowing which types best fit your needs is essential.

Here are three types of insurance you should consider for your business from our team of insurance experts at M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc.

3 Types of Online Business Insurance 

General Liability Insurance

As an online business, you are susceptible to lawsuits and other risks. Without general liability insurance, you could be sued for damages caused by your business, such as if your product accidentally causes damage to a customer’s property. This insurance can help protect your business from these risks.

General liability also covers you in reputational harm cases, such as when a customer claims a poor interaction with your business damaged their personal or professional reputation. You may also use a general liability policy to protect your intellectual property from theft or other misuse.

Product Liability Insurance

You may be held responsible for the products you sell, even if you didn’t make them. Product liability insurance can help protect your business from costly lawsuits. If a customer is injured by a product you sell, they may sue you for damages. Product liability insurance can help cover the costs of these lawsuits, including legal fees, settlements, and judgments.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance will protect you financially if you are sued for negligence or for giving bad advice. It will also cover you if one of your clients suffers a financial loss because of something you did (or didn’t do). Without professional liability insurance, you could face a substantial financial burden if something goes wrong. The cost of defending yourself in court can be astronomical; if you lose, you could be ordered to pay damages and legal fees.

These are just some examples of insurance that can benefit an online business. Others that might be of interest include cybersecurity insurance and business interruption insurance.

Contact Us Today

Our team at M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. is happy to serve clients in Albany, NY and surrounding areas. We offer insurance services to help protect your online business. We are here to help you find the right coverage, and we will work with you to find a policy that fits your needs.

If I rent out a room in my house, do I need to change my home insurance?

If you’re renting out a room in your house in Albany, NY, you may be wondering if you need to change your home insurance. Unfortunately, there’s no consistent answer because home insurance policies differ widely on this one. Sometimes policies from the same insurance company even differ, so be careful about googling for an answer.

We recommend checking in with a qualified insurance agent at M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. agents to see what your policy covers before renting a room in your house. That doesn’t mean you can’t get a roommate, but you may need to purchase additional coverage or a separate policy if you want to be sure that you’re covered. 

To determine the best coverage, here are some things to keep in mind when renting out a room:

  • Does my current policy cover roommates?
  • Do I need to purchase additional coverage or a separate policy?
  • What kinds of things will my new policy cover?
  • How much will it cost to add this coverage?

Get The Right Insurance Coverage For Your Needs Today

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to changing your home insurance policy if you’re renting out a room in Albany, NY. It depends on your insurance company and your policy. Some policies cover roommates, and some don’t. It’s a good idea to check with M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. to see what your policy covers before renting a room in your house. You may need to purchase additional coverage or a separate policy if you want to be sure that you’re covered. 

Do I need auto insurance in New York?

People living in the Albany, NY area are going to find that being a car owner is a good idea as it can make your life much more efficient and convenient. While there are benefits that come with owning a car, you do need to make sure you have proper coverage for it.

There are different reasons why NY car owners need to have auto insurance:

You Need to Comply with Law

One of the reasons that someone here will need to carry this insurance is so they can comply with the law. New York drivers need to make sure that they meet all standards set by the state, which will typically include having liability coverage. If you do carry this insurance at all times, you can avoid penalization while also being protected against the risk of being named liable in an accident. 

You Want to Cover Your Vehicle

While it is important that you remain covered with insurance to be in good standing with the law, protecting your car is also beneficial. If you are able to invest in this insurance with comprehensive coverage, you will get support to replace or repair your car. This will be helpful if your car is damaged in an accident, stolen, or you incur another type of loss. 

Get Auto Insurance Today

If you are a resident of the Albany, NY area, you will want to own a car and ensure you have the proper coverage. There are a lot of choices you need to make when looking for support and the team with M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. will help you build an ideal plan. M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. provides you with ongoing support to ensure you know all of your options and needs as you build a new plan. 

Required Commercial Insurance in New York

If you own a business in New York, chances are that you need at least one type of commercial insurance to stay legal. There are two types of commercial insurance that the state mandates, but not every company will need them both. It’s important to know what they are so that you know if you need to get them to protect your company.

To get started with commercial insurance, call us today at M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. in Albany, NY.

Required Commercial Insurance

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

This type of insurance pays for the medical bills and other expenses such as lost wages for employees who are injured while working or who contract a work-related illness. It also pays disability benefits when necessary. This type of insurance is important for protecting your business from these expenses after an accident. It’s also important for employees to know that it’s there in case an accident should happen. In New York, if you have any number of employees working any hours, even part-time, you must have this insurance for those employees. 

Commercial Auto Insurance

If your business owns any type of vehicle, it must be covered by a commercial auto insurance policy. There are several types of coverage that have to be in this policy to keep it legal. There are several amounts that are required to be included in these policies. There is an amount required for bodily injury liability for a single person injured in an accident, and other is required for all of those who are injured. There is an amount required for one person’s death and another amount for everyone who has died. There is an amount required for property damage liability and one for personal injury protection. Then, there are amounts required for one person injured by an uninsured motorist and another for all of those injured. 

Get Insurance Coverage

To get your commercial insurance, contact us at M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. in Albany, NY.

My Home Is Under Construction. How Do I Insure It?

Your home is under construction. You’ve put a lot of time and money into it, and you don’t want anything to happen to it.

But what happens if something does go wrong? How do you insure your home during construction?

M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. in Albany, NY can assist you in navigating important insurance coverages. Here we discuss how to protect your investment by insuring your home during construction.

Get Builder’s Risk Insurance

There are a few different ways to insure your home during construction in Albany NY. The most common way is to purchase what is known as a builder’s risk policy from M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. This type of policy will protect your home from the damage that may occur during the construction process. Builder’s risk policies typically cover things like fire, wind, and hail damage. It’ll also usually cover theft of materials from the job site.

Get Homeowners Insurance

Another way to insure your home during construction is to purchase a homeowner’s insurance policy. This type of policy will protect your home from the damage that may occur after the construction process is completed. Homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover things like fire, wind, and hail damage. It’ll also usually cover theft of personal belongings.

Get Warranty Insurance

Another way to insure your home during construction is to purchase a warranty policy. This type of policy will protect your home from the damage that may occur after the construction process is completed. Warranty policies typically cover things like defects in workmanship or materials. They will also usually cover repair or replacement costs if something goes wrong with the home after it is built.

Give Us A Call

For more expert insurance advice, please feel free to contact us at M&K Dignum Insurance Agency Inc. in Albany, NY.

We’ll be happy to help you insure your home during construction.

Our Partners:

  • Andover Insurance
  • Eastern Mutual
  • Hanover Insurance
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Main Street America
  • Nationwide
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  • Travelers