Integrated pest management focuses on preventive measures, rather than pesticides, to keep homes pest-free. The best part? These practices are generally simple and inexpensive. Now that temperatures are heating up in the Northeast, tourists aren’t the only newcomers flooding the…
Property and casualty insurance can be complicated. This probably helps explain why some misconceptions about insurance persist, even among people who’ve been buying insurance for years. Here are some mistaken beliefs that are surprisingly common. All policies are pretty much…
New York’s Local Law 55 of 2018 created additional obligations for owners of multiple dwellings (3+ units) when it comes to pests, molds and other allergens. Owners must perform annual inspections of all units and common areas for indoor allergen…
If you've received our postcards, you may have noticed that our policies include sewer backup coverage. That's because backed-up sewers can cause a great deal of damage to floors, walls, furniture and electrical systems. Most insurance companies offer sewer backup…
A coinsurance clause typically appears in the "Conditions" section of an insurance policy. If you're short on time, here's the bottom line: you don't want it. Coinsurance can take many forms in the insurance world. The general concept is that…
Is someone online pretending to be you when shopping or banking? Have your online identity and passwords been posted on the dark web for sale? Unfortunately, the answer is, “quite possibly.” In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission received close to…
Brrr . . . It’s getting cold outside! Freezing temperatures can lead to frozen pipes and water damage in your home or building. Fortunately, you can take several steps to help prevent freezing pipes. Disconnect all outdoor hoses, and turn…
Insuring apartment buildings and condominium and co-op buildings can be complicated. Understanding where the responsibilities lie between owners and tenants—as well as what insurance you can and should require from tenants—can be equally complex. And if you sit on the…
New York City building owners with outside fire escapes have two choices regarding these external means of egress: keep them maintained or remove them. Fire escapes are a classic feature of New York City architecture, romanticized in books, plays and…
When comparing insurance policies for your apartment building, make sure you understand the differences between Basic Form coverage, Broad Form coverage, and Special Form coverage. The first two might save you money in the short term. However, no one wants surprises…