Skip to content
Click to Call
Kimberly J Brennan Agency

83 Haviland Dr, Suite 3
Patterson, NY 12563

Get Directions
Featured Insurance Blog

Protecting Your Rights: Filing a Claim for Insurance Fraud Explained

Insurance fraud is on the rise in New York, and law enforcement is diligently working to curb it. At the Kimberly J Brennan Agency, we are contributing to this effort. While law enforcement tackles large-scale fraud, we focus on smaller cases. With our extensive experience in dealing with home insurance fraud, we aim to transform this stressful situation into a manageable one.

Procedure to Report Home Insurance Fraud in New York

To report a home insurance fraud, visit our office and file a claim. We will require photographs, videos, and documents related to the alleged incident. Following this, our fraud team or a third-party agency will conduct an investigation. The outcome of their investigation will decide whether to proceed with the case. It is crucial to respond to any follow-up inquiries to strengthen your case. We aim to resolve the issue within a few weeks, but the timeline may vary depending on the complexity of the case.

If your mortgage or government program is linked to the alleged issue, we will notify your lender and HUD. We refer significant cases to the New York State Department and the National Insurance Crime Bureau, who may request additional information.

Importance of Reporting Home Insurance Fraud

Regrettably, many New Yorkers do not report insurance fraud. By not reporting, you indirectly aid criminals in evading justice, allowing them to continue their illegal activities until they are caught. Reporting halts their activities and prevents them from committing more serious crimes in the future. It also helps other potential victims avoid falling into the same trap and keeps repeat offenders under surveillance, thereby keeping them away from the public.

Victims of insurance fraud often require support to return to everyday life. We are with you every step of the way as you report home insurance fraud. We will explain the process in detail and keep you updated until the issue is resolved. Contact Kimberly J Brennan Agency or visit our office in Patterson, NY, for more information on home insurance fraud.

What You Should Know Before Buying a Home

Purchasing a home is a significant decision. It often represents a family’s most valuable asset and can be essential for funding retirement, amongst other things. This article will discuss a few basic tips that everyone should know before signing on the dotted line. Those seeking insurance in New York, including Patterson, NY, should consult with the experts at Kimberly J Brennan Agency. We can help you find the right home insurance policy.

Essential Considerations for Homeowners

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that your home is an investment. Therefore, it’s prudent to consider not just your personal preferences but also the home’s overall value in the eyes of potential future buyers. Taking a long-term viewpoint can help prevent potential problems. For instance, considering aspects like school district quality can have an impact on your home’s value, even if you don’t have children.

It’s also recommended that the home be inspected by professionals. Expert evaluations can help identify potential long-term problems such as water damage, decaying wood, or mold. If these issues are discovered, repairs can be requested before completing the purchase. Financial institutions often require such inspections because the property itself typically secures mortgages.

Additionally, mortgage providers also necessitate home insurance policies. If a disaster like a fire damages a property, its value depreciates, increasing risks for lenders. Home insurance is vital for protecting homeowners from various threats, including weather incidents, theft, and personal liability situations like injuries occurring on your property. However, coverage specifics can vary considerably between policies. Therefore, working with insurance professionals to scrutinize each policy is important. If you are seeking assistance from agents serving New York, including Patterson, NY, contact Kimberly J Brennan Agency at your earliest convenience.

How do I make sure I have enough home liability coverage?

Understanding Crucial Aspects of Home Insurance in Patterson, NY

Balancing your home insurance needs and affordability can be a complex task that requires the involvement of knowledgeable professionals. Enter the team at the Kimberly J Brennan Agency in Patterson, NY. Having suitable home insurance is always crucial, regardless of where you live in the country.

Consider Your Total Net Worth

Most insurance companies provide liability coverage ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. Consider your net worth before automatically assuming these amounts are sufficient. To increase your liability protection, it might be advisable to add an umbrella policy to your coverage.

Consider Possessions That Might Increase Your Liability

If you have a swimming pool or trampoline, your liability increases. The same applies if you own a dog, with some insurers even refusing coverage for certain breeds.

Do You Host Many Gatherings?

If you frequently entertain, there’s an increased risk of someone filing a lawsuit against you. You might want to enhance your existing liability insurance coverage.

Apply Safety Measures to Your Swimming Pool

Having a swimming pool enhances your liability coverage needs. Some insurers may refuse to cover a pool with a diving board or slide. To mitigate risk, ensure the pool is secured by a fence, preferably without a slide or diving board. The fence should be tall enough to prevent young children from entering the area unattended. Additionally, consider installing sensors that trigger an alarm if an object falls into the pool.

Contact our office at Kimberly J Brennan Agency in Patterson, NY today, and let our team help you with your home insurance needs in New York.

Does Home Insurance Cover Attached Structures?

You may know that homeowner’s insurance typically covers houses or other designated dwellings. Still, our team at Kimberly J Brennan Agency Patterson serving New York and Patterson, NY knows that it can be confusing to figure out what structures are covered by a home insurance policy. Some homeowners may have attached structures on their property such as a garage, deck, or even an unattached shed that could cause one to doubt whether those structures are protected by the policy. 

Without training in the insurance industry, the average homeowner may have misconceptions about what insurance policies can cover. To make things more complicated, every home insurance policy has different terms that may exclude some aspects of the property from coverage. The only way to know for certain whether an attached structure or part of a property remains protected by an insurance policy is to speak with an agent at our office or read the terms of your policy. We’re always happy to answer questions like this when our clients call us on the phone or stop by our office. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Attached Structures?

If your house has an attached structure like a garage, deck, or in-laws suite, part of your home coverage may be able to cover that structure. If that structure is damaged through a qualifying event or belongings that qualify for coverage are stolen from that area, you may be able to get assistance with the cost of recovering from that incident through your insurance policy. Before you bank on your insurance company covering that structure, you should ask a qualified insurance professional at our agency to confirm and explain what’s covered.

To protect your home, call our team at Kimberly J Brennan Agency Patterson, serving Patterson, NY and New York.