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Fenzl Insurance Agency

138 Main Street
Hamburg, NY 14075

Does your auto insurance cover a vacation auto rental?

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In New York, drivers must have at least liability insurance to take a vehicle on the road. When you are headed for vacation and need a rental car, you will likely book it online. The questions will start immediately: where, when, and what vehicle is just the beginning. Our team of agents at Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY is here to answer any questions you have about auto insurance coverage.

There isn’t just one answer: "Does your auto insurance cover a vacation auto rental?" The answer is maybe, possibly. It depends on the type of coverage you have on your auto. If you have basic auto insurance, which is liability only, that will not be enough coverage. The rental car company will want you to have coverage on the vehicle. If you have a newer vehicle with an auto loan or a leased vehicle, your coverage should be adequate for the rental company.

Your insurance coverage is good in the United States or Canada but not in Mexico or Europe. The rental company may try to talk you into getting excess liability insurance. This is unnecessary if you feel safe with the amount of coverage you have on your auto policy. They also offer you insurance to cover the car’s contents from theft. This is also unnecessary coverage if you have a home, condo, or rental with insurance coverage. Those types of insurance cover theft.

You should check with your credit card company to see if they offer car rental coverage. This allows them to be the primary coverage on the vehicle.

If you want to renew your auto insurance or have questions, contact our office at Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY.

Do I need motorcycle insurance to drive in the state of New York?

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Many people enjoy riding motorcycles on the streets and local highways. Although not all states require motorcycle owners to carry insurance, most do, and New York is one such state. Our team at Fenzl Insurance Agency is committed to educating and insuring motorcycle owners in Hamburg, NY.

What is Motorcycle Liability Insurance?

Motorcycle liability insurance is similar to auto liability insurance. It provides coverage for other drivers if you’re found at fault for an accident or property damage. This coverage will pay medical bills for anyone who is injured in an accident where you’re at fault. This insurance will also cover any damage you cause to other people’s property while driving your motorcycle. Drivers should be aware that liability coverage isn’t designed to cover your injuries or any damage to your motorcycle or property. It will only cover damage or injuries to other people and their property. Drivers will need to purchase more coverage if they want protection for their potential injuries and damage to their motorcycles.

Do I need motorcycle insurance to drive in the state of New York?

Yes. New York’s state minimum insurance requirements mandate all motorcycle owners to carry liability insurance. Liability insurance provides coverage for bodily injury as well as coverage for property damage for other drivers. Drivers must purchase more insurance to cover damage to their property or motorcycles. Motorcycle owners must also have a motorcycle or Class M/MJ license. New York laws mandate that all motorcycle owners must carry liability coverage as a state minimum requirement. However, motorcycle owners can purchase more coverage for their property and potential personal injuries. If you have questions regarding motorcycle insurance, contact us. Our team at Fenzl Insurance Agency would be happy to answer your questions and explore your options.

How to Protect Your Roof From Ice Dams and Why Its Important

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Winter is steadily approaching, and at Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY, we desire to ensure your roof remains in excellent condition. Learn what triggers the formation of ice dams, and discover how you can help prevent them from occurring on your roof this season.

What Are Ice Dams?

Ice dams occur when the snow on your roof begins to melt due to heat emanating from within your home. As the water trickles down the roof, it encounters colder edges, causing it to refreeze. Over time, these ice dams build up, effectively barring additional meltwater from draining. This water can accumulate under shingles, eventually leaking into attics, walls, and ceilings.

Prevent Ice Dams With Proper Insulation

The secret to thwarting ice dams lies in controlling the flow of heat in the attic. Ensuring sufficient insulation and correct ventilation prevents the snow on the roof from melting initially. Ensure that your attic’s insulation meets or surpasses the recommended R-value for your region. Inspect exhaust fans, soffit vents, and ridge vents to ensure the attic air circulates properly.

Maintain Proper Roofing Materials

Employ architectural shingles infused with weathering granules that resist snow melting. Regularly clear debris from valleys, downspouts, and gutters to allow melting snow to flow freely off. Also, trim any overhanging tree branches that could potentially deposit snow onto your roof. Setting up roof heating cables along susceptible eave edges can aid in managing the formation of ice dams.

Catch Roof Issues Early

Inspect your roof for signs of ice following a snowstorm. Also, indoors, watch for signs of leaks—water stains on ceilings and peeling paint. Addressing these problems swiftly can help minimize costly structural damage in the future.

Be proactive against the threat of ice dams to ensure the safety of your roof. If you require assistance assessing risk or selecting the most suitable homeowners coverage for your home, feel free to contact our team at Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY.

How to Protect Your Hamburg NY Vehicle from Theft, Vandalism, and Natural Disasters

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Driving an automobile in New York means that your vehicle is subject to many common perils, including auto theft, vandalism, and leftover damage from natural disasters like tornadoes.

The insurance experts at Fenzl Insurance Agency offer a few easy-to-follow tips for protecting your auto in Hamburg, NY in the guide below.

Protect Your Auto from Vehicle Theft

If you’re a new driver, you may be unaware of common sense safety tips like never leaving your car unattended for safety and to prevent auto theft.

The following are a few more safety tips to safeguard your vehicle:

  • Always keep your doors and windows locked, even when parked at home in your driveway.
  • Park in well-lit areas to discourage potential car thieves from targeting your vehicle.
  • Install a car alarm and GPS tracking system to deter potential thieves and facilitate easier recovery in the event of a carjacking or auto theft.

Safeguard Your New York Auto from Vandalism

The best way to protect your automobile from vandalism is to park in secure garages or covered parking spaces with visible security. Another little-known trick to help deter potential vandals is to use the legal amount of window tint to obscure the inside of your vehicle from view.

How to Protect Your Vehicle from Natural Disasters

Preparing for severe weather by parking your car in a covered garage is one of the best ways to prevent hail damage or other damage caused by natural disasters. Investing in comprehensive auto insurance can help protect your four-wheeled investment from all the theft, vandalism, and disaster-related scenarios above.

When you’re ready to safeguard your vehicle with comprehensive auto protection, contact a licensed and friendly agent at Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY!

Guide to Safely Hitting the Open Road on Your Motorcycle

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Motorcycle Safety Tips with Fenzl Insurance Agency

As the weather gets warmer, hopping on your motorcycle for a ride can be increasingly tempting. However, before allowing the excitement to take over, it’s crucial to be adequately prepared for your journey. Our team at Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY, would like to share some important safety tips before you hit the road.

Ensure You Have Adequate Insurance

Motorcycle insurance is compulsory by law in New York. If you aren’t covered or it’s been a while since you reviewed your policy, take care of this before riding out of your driveway or parking spot.

Get the Right Protective Gear

A motorcycle helmet is crucial for providing protection in case of an accident and from airborne debris. If your helmet isn’t equipped with eye protection, make sure you add it. Leather riding gear can also offer protection if there is a crash. Remember to bring along rain gear if rain is likely during your ride.

Pack Essential Supplies

Besides rain gear, remember to pack a few critical items, such as:

  • First aid kit
  • Cell phone for emergency use
  • Water and snacks, if you plan on a long ride

Also, keep your identification, emergency contacts, and insurance information on hand in case of an accident.

Conduct a Pre-ride Inspection

For both safety and to abide by the law, inspect the following before you ride:

  • Tire pressure and tread
  • Lights
  • Battery
  • Levels of oil, coolant, and brake fluid
  • Condition of front and rear brakes

Stay Alert and Responsible

Never assume that other drivers on the road are paying attention to you or following the road rules. Stay alert and aware throughout your ride.

Our team at Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY is dedicated to keeping riders both safe and insured. Give us a call or stop by today to ensure you have the protection you need.

Things all new homeowners should know about home insurance

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Buying a new home is one of the highlights of most people’s lives. Your first home is an adventure in so many ways, and you may find that you are woefully ill-prepared to deal with many of the things that more seasoned homeowners take for granted. Knowing about home insurance is one of them. At Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY, we work with our new homeowners to make sure they know more than just the basics about home insurance. 

Home insurance has deductibles.

You are responsible for choosing the deductible you pay for your home insurance. This is not a yearly amount; it is a per-claim amount. The higher the deductible, the better the rate you get, but also the more out-of-pocket expenses you will need to pay.

You have choices of content coverage.

You can choose to cover your content with either the current value or the replacement cost. Current value is what something is worth today with deprecation figured in. Thus, a seven-year-old sofa won’t be worth the same as a one-year-old sofa, and the amount you get will not be enough to replace it.  

Home insurance has limits on certain content.

If you have expensive jewelry, electronics, antiques, art, or an oriental rug, your home insurance policy has limits on how much it will pay and how much cash it will replace. You may want to consider raising your limits if needed. 

Home insurance doesn’t cover everything.

Your home insurance has exclusions. It does not cover flooding or earth movement such as earthquakes, sinkholes, mudslides, landslides, or wear and tear. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to maintain your home. 

Contact Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY when you have questions or needs for home insurance. 

Why you need home insurance even if you don’t have a mortgage

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The feeling of elation you experience when making your final mortgage payment may be intermixed with questions regarding your home insurance. Do you still need it? Nobody wants to pay for unnecessary services, but in this case, it’s crucial to understand what home insurance offers. At Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY, our team of independent agents possess the information you need to make an informed decision about the protection you require. 

Protecting your investment

Your home is likely the most substantial investment you will ever make. Unfortunate incidents occur, so it’s crucial to have home insurance. It serves as a safety net, protecting you from things that could significantly damage your home. Home insurance preserves your investment in two ways. It provides property coverage, which protects the physical structure of your home. Additionally, it supplies you with liability insurance, shielding your finances from lawsuits if someone is injured on your property. 

Covering the value of your contents

Unless you’ve completed a home inventory, you may be unaware of the actual value of your possessions. Consider all your clothes, electronics, furniture, appliances, decorations, books, and more — losing these without home insurance would result in a significant financial loss. 

Providing a temporary home if your property is damaged

Another advantage of home insurance is its coverage of living expenses should your home become untenable due to an insured peril. This loss-of-use insurance reimburses you for hotel stays and some meal costs if your home is uninhabitable. It’s a part of your policy that you would greatly appreciate. 

Consider Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY for all your home insurance needs.

Why You’re Required to Have Auto Insurance

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If you own a vehicle, having auto insurance isn’t optional. It’s a must. There are numerous reasons for this requirement, and if you’re not already covered, we at Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY, are ready to help you obtain a policy that suits your needs.

Your Auto Lender’s Expectations

An undeniable reason for insurance is your auto lender’s stipulation. If you financed your vehicle, your lender expects auto insurance to safeguard their investment. In the event of an accident that damages your car, auto insurance ensures your vehicle can be repaired or replaced as needed.

Protecting Your Financial Status

Auto insurance is instrumental in shielding your personal finances in the case of an accident. Confronting accident-associated expenses without an insurance cover could disrupt your financial stability and possibly compel you to liquidate other assets. An appropriate auto insurance policy grants you peace of mind, knowing you’re protected financially, come what may.

Safeguarding Other Motorists

The compulsion for auto insurance isn’t purely individualistic; it helps protect all road users. If the roads were filled with uninsured drivers, the potential for financial catastrophe caused by accidents would skyrocket. Auto insurance ensures that you are capable of covering expenses if you cause an accident.

Secure Auto Insurance Today

Whether you’re in the market for a new vehicle or thinking about switching your auto insurance, give us a call. We at Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY, can assist you in obtaining suitable auto insurance coverage.

Motorcycle Insurance for Weekend Warriors

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At Fenzl Insurance Agency, we offer comprehensive insurance policies to various Hamburg, NY residents, even for occasional motorcycle riders. Despite how often you dust off your bike and hit the road, procuring an inclusive insurance policy provides security and peace of mind.

Premium Coverage Selected Just For You

We believe that effective motorcycle insurance policies should handle potential issues and provide long-term protection, irrespective of how frequently you ride. We think everyone, even the weekend riders, deserves this level of care.

Our insurance options include:

  • Liability: This covers accidents and injuries that may occur in those instances when you decide to go for a ride. The frequency of your rides should not compromise the quality of your safety measures!
  • Replacement: A total replacement policy covers the cost of replacing your bike without considering depreciation, as your motorcycle will naturally lose some of its value over time.
  • Travel Protection: Regular or occasional, short or long-distance rides, consider getting travel protection. This covers you on those weekend road trips, should they involve crossing state lines or cruising hundreds of miles.
  • Comprehensive Help: Comprehensive insurance policies cover the elements that collision policies might not. This makes them indispensable for all two-wheeler aficionados, not just weekend warriors.

Discussing your needs with your agent can simplify your decision-making process by presenting the scope of your policy, the unique coverage protection it offers, and much more. Let us help you navigate your bike coverage and garner your needed support.

Contact Us for Your Motorcycle Insurance Solution

Fenzl Insurance Agency is here to help Hamburg, NY, residents find their ideal motorcycle insurance coverage. It’s crucial to protect yourself, even if you’re not hitting the road often. Call us today to learn more about the options available, and we will help you get the motorcycle insurance you deserve.

Understanding Additional Living Coverage in Displacement Situations

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The Value of Additional Coverage in Homeowner’s Policies

At Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY, we add an extra layer of protection to your homeowners’, condo’s, or renters’ insurance policy with our additional living coverage. This feature proves beneficial when your residence becomes unlivable because of a covered peril, assisting with unexpected costs.

Standard Covered Perils

Our coverage safeguards your interests against the following perils:

  • Fire and Smoke
  • Vandalism
  • Explosions
  • Windstorms
  • Water Damage
  • Roof Damage Due to Snow or Ice
  • Falling Objects

This type of coverage is designed to help you financially while your house is under repair. Covered costs may include temporary rentals, pet relocation expenses, restaurant meals, and essential purchases like clothing or personal hygiene items. The policy also includes a spending cap – the maximum amount your insurance pays for after a covered loss.

Examples of Additional Living Expenses Coverage

For instance, if your house suffers severe damage from a fire, you may need temporary shelter while the necessary repairs take place. Expenses incurred during this period, such as hotel accommodation, daily meals, and even clothing needs, are covered by the additional living expenses.

It is crucial to keep all receipts from spending during this time, as insurance companies use these details to calculate routine expenses while determining the amount you’ll receive for additional living expenses. This sum is deducted from your claim payout.

Protect Your Home with Insurance

A home, be it damaged or uninhabitable, requires protection. Ensure your property and guard your finances against calamities with an insurance policy. Contact Fenzl Insurance Agency in Hamburg, NY, for a transparent quotation today.

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