Skip to content
Click to Call
AW Burchell Agency Inc

114 River St
Cortland, NY 13045

Get Directions

What Off-season Motorcycle Insurance Coverages Do You Need?

If you’re a motorcycle owner, you might want to ensure that you have off-season insurance coverage included in your current policy. Off-season motorcycle insurance is designed to protect your bike during the off months and differs from standard coverage. If you want to learn more about specific off-season coverage, our agents at AW Burchell Agency Inc. in New York are here to help.

What Does Off-Season Motorcycle Coverage Entail?

Off-season motorcycle coverage applies when you’re not using your motorcycle due to the time of year or weather conditions. This type of coverage is designed to cover theft, vandalism, and weather damage. If you’re not riding during these months, you’ll want to protect your motorcycle. During this time, if your motorcycle isn’t insured, damages must be paid out of pocket.

Why is Off-Season Coverage Necessary?

While it may seem unnecessary, off-season motorcycle coverage can be beneficial for various reasons. For instance, comprehensive coverage can protect your bike from non-collision damage. It also affects your liability coverage and ensures your motorcycle is protected from risks. Another significant benefit is that you can lower your coverage rates during this time and avoid any gaps in coverage.

Other Factors to Consider

Many factors affect off-season coverage, and not all insurance companies offer this. Companies dealing with loan and lease agreements and insurance policies will need to be reviewed frequently. Additionally, motorcycle owners will need to review state laws annually to ensure their policies provide adequate coverage. If you’re still confused, don’t worry, as agents at AW Burchell Agency Inc. in New York can help you understand off-season motorcycle insurance coverage. We’re just a call away.

Unique Things You Didn’t Know Boat Insurance Covers

Owning a boat is an adventure, but it also comes with responsibilities—like ensuring you have the right insurance. At AW Burchell Agency Inc., serving the entire state of New York, we understand that boat insurance isn’t just about covering accidents on the water. Many policies include unique protections that most boat owners don’t even realize they have.

Lost or Stolen Personal Belongings

Did you know your boat insurance might cover more than just the vessel? Many policies include coverage for personal belongings on board. That means if your expensive fishing gear, water sports equipment, or even your phone is lost or stolen while on the boat, your insurance could help replace them.

Emergency Towing and Assistance

Cars aren’t the only things that break down unexpectedly—boats do too. If your boat runs out of fuel, experiences mechanical failure, or leaves you stranded, many policies include emergency towing and assistance. This can save you from a stressful situation and a hefty towing bill.

Wreckage Removal

If your boat sinks due to an accident or storm, the cost of removing it from the water can be significant. Some policies include removing wreckage and ensuring an expensive cleanup fee if the worst happens.

Fuel Spill Liability

Accidents happen, and if your boat leaks fuel or oil into the water, you could be responsible for cleanup costs. The good news is that some boat insurance policies cover fuel spill liability, protecting you from unexpected environmental fines.

Not sure if your current policy includes these coverages? AW Burchell Agency Inc., providing boat insurance to residents in New York, can help you navigate your options and ensure you’re fully protected. Contact us today to learn more!

Umbrella Insurance – What It Does and Doesn’t Cover

Umbrella insurance can reduce out-of-pocket costs you might incur due to general liability for an injury or damage. Let’s explore what this type of insurance covers and some limitations you may face as a business owner.

Umbrella Insurance Provides Enhanced Coverage

You likely have a liability insurance plan that provides protection against injuries and damage. However, a liability insurance policy has a limit, which outlines the maximum amount your policy will pay. If any expenses exceed this limit, you will be responsible for paying them. An umbrella insurance policy is an enhanced type of coverage covering the difference your liability policy doesn’t cover.

Umbrella Insurance Coverage for Unique Situations

Umbrella insurance coverage is beneficial for unique business situations. A business that generates a lot of revenue may benefit from being covered by an umbrella insurance policy. If a business owner deals with a lot of sales and expenses, a future lawsuit could be costly. Umbrella insurance coverage can also benefit a business that poses many hazards. If hazardous materials and dangerous equipment are used regularly, there may be an increased risk of someone becoming injured or something becoming damaged. An umbrella insurance policy offers additional liability protection that a standard commercial insurance policy doesn’t offer.

Insurance Exclusions

An umbrella insurance policy will not cover your business. If you are concerned about damage occurring to your business, you must obtain a separate insurance policy covering your business and the equipment within it.

Contact An Insurance Agent Who Serves New York

Our agents at AW Burchell Agency Inc. are here to assist. Schedule an appointment with an agent to discuss umbrella insurance coverage that will benefit you.

Which Primary Policies Can You Add Flood Insurance To?

If you’re considering adding flood insurance to your primary policy, you have several options. These can be personal policies or policies for your commercial property.

Homeowner Insurance

Homeowner insurance is a standard primary policy for clients who want to purchase flood insurance. These policies cover damage from some natural disasters but not water-related ones. This is where flood insurance becomes essential to protect homes, buildings, and other structures on the property. This is also crucial for any properties that you rent out to protect the structure you own on the property.

Commercial Insurance

You want to protect your business property from water damage as a business owner. The standard commercial property damage policy covers some natural disasters, such as wind damage and natural fires. However, flood insurance only covers water damage and includes anything from floods to other storm-related damage. If you have multiple commercial properties, you will need to attach a policy to each one.

Renter Insurance

As a tenant, you may not be responsible for the damage done to a home you’re renting. However, at the time of the damage, your personal property in or on the property will need to be replaced. To have flood insurance for your personal property, you’ll need to have a renter insurance policy in place first to make a claim for any damages you incur.

Auto Insurance

To get flood insurance protection for your vehicle, you’ll need to have a primary auto insurance policy with full coverage before you can get flood insurance. Remember that your auto insurance will cover some natural disaster damages and situations out of your control, but nothing related to flooding or excess water damage.

If you live in the New York area and would like to add flood insurance to one of your policies, contact AW Burchell Agency Inc. today for more information.

Term vs. Whole Life Insurance

Term and whole life insurance offer protection for New York residents who lose a close loved one unexpectedly. However, important differences between the two policies are important to be aware of. If you’re considering life insurance, consider the pros and cons of term and whole life insurance carefully to pick the best policy.

What are the Differences Between Term and Whole Life Insurance?

Term insurance is cheaper than whole life insurance but only valid for a specific time. Once the term is up, the insurance policy is no longer valid. If you only want coverage for a set period, i.e., until a mortgage loan or a child’s college education is paid off, term insurance will likely meet your needs. However, if you want to ensure your loved ones receive compensation no matter when you die, then whole life insurance is your best bet. As an added benefit, whole life insurance has a cash value element that term insurance doesn’t offer. You can tap into the cash value as often as you’d like or allow the money to accrue interest to return the highest possible dividend.

Get Professional Life Insurance Advice from AW Burchell Agency Inc.

AW Burchell Agency Inc. has over thirty years of experience helping people in New York and Pennsylvania find life insurance that meets their needs. If you want to learn more about coverage options, life insurance carriers, or the requirements for getting approved for a life insurance policy, contact us at your convenience. One of our agents will work with you to help you get the coverage you need and deserve.

What is Non-Owner Auto Insurance – and Do You Need It?

Driving is a great privilege and convenience, especially if you own a vehicle. Being on the road as a driver carries great responsibility, and part of that responsibility is to purchase auto insurance. If you live in the Cortland, New York area, our AW Burchell Agency Inc. team is ready to provide you with a full range of options for your auto insurance needs. Our team, previously known as the Rainbow-Wafer Agency, has provided insurance for our area for over 30 years.

Understanding Non-Owner Auto Insurance

If you have a driver’s license but don’t own a car, you must still purchase auto insurance. This type of insurance is called non-owner auto insurance. Buying non-owner insurance will provide you with liability coverage, covering any damage or bodily injury you cause while driving someone else’s vehicle.

Our research shows that non-owner car insurance is less expensive than traditional car insurance. Many drivers mistakenly believe that they are covered by the insurance of the person who owns their car. This isn’t the case; you need insurance to cover your actions as a driver. The complete cost of these policies will depend on your age, your driving record, the number of years you have been driving, and your location.

Contact Us Today

Car owners and non-owners must obey the New York State laws regarding auto insurance. Talking with one of our experienced agents at AW Burchell Agency Inc. will help you understand all your available auto insurance options. Cortland, New York, residents can feel confident, allowing us to provide them with insurance recommendations. Call us for an appointment today, and let’s talk about insurance.

New Trends in Commercial Insurance

As a business owner or manager, safeguarding your assets is a critical responsibility. To accomplish this, you need comprehensive commercial insurance that protects your property, takes care of liability issues, and ensures your employees’ safety. For businesses operating in New York, the AW Burchell Agency Inc. provides sound commercial insurance guidance and expertise, backed by nearly 17 years of industry experience.

Understanding the Emerging Trends in Commercial Insurance

Navigating the commercial insurance landscape becomes easier when one is familiar with the current trends impacting it. For instance, policy selection is headed towards automation, according to EasySend. Thanks to "smart" analytics, clients can efficiently select policies and effortlessly enroll online. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is streamlining policy underwriting, resulting in quicker quotes.

The Exciting Role of AI

Besides expediting the policy selection process, AI allows insurance companies to analyze client data, detect fraud, and evaluate their marketing strategies. As businesses adopt more technology, the demand for novel insurance products, such as cyber insurance, escalates. Similarly, the value of business interruption insurance is increasingly being recognized, considering the impacts of previously enforced work stoppages. Furthermore, commercial auto policies are evolving to include insurance for autonomous vehicles like drones and robots.

Schedule an Appointment with Us Today

At AW Burchell Agency Inc., we look forward to meeting you and helping safeguard your business with suitable insurance options. New York business owners in need of appropriate insurance solutions can rely on our expertise. Contact us today, and let’s discuss your specific insurance needs.

The Difference Between Classic and Standard Car Insurance

Crafting the Perfect Protection: Standard and Classic Car Auto Insurance

At AW Burchell Agency Inc. in New York, we understand the significance of protecting your vehicles, particularly classic cars. While newer vehicles are sought for everyday use, acquiring an older car often carries sentiments of nostalgia, taking you back to a simpler era. You’ve put in countless hours and a considerable investment to restore these unique vehicles, making them classically modern in their own way. When it comes to insuring your classic car, differentiating between standard and classic car insurance is essential.

Standard Auto Insurance vs Classic Car Auto Insurance Repairs

Standard auto insurance typically covers repairs at a standard body shop using similar parts in the event of an accident, but repairing a classic car after a covered accident presents unique challenges. Classic cars often require rare parts and may need to be repaired at a specialized shop. Moreover, these classic cars may incorporate custom spare parts, complicating the repair process further.

Value of Insurance

For standard auto insurance, the vehicle’s value is dictated based on its actual cash value as determined by the insurance company, which depreciates over time. However, with classic car insurance, the insurance value is determined based on the coverage amount you and the insured agreed upon. Furthermore, classic cars may appreciate in value over time, especially when custom restored. As a result, classic car insurance may cover repairs and restoration costs, which can often exceed those of a standard car.

Vehicle Usage

A standard car insurance policy typically covers vehicles intended for daily use. However, insurance policies usually place strict limitations on the annual mileage of classic cars. Given this, classic car insurance differs from standard auto insurance in multiple aspects, warranting a tailored approach to its coverage.

Reach Out for More Information

If you want to navigate classic and standard car insurance nuances, AW Burchell Agency Inc. in New York is here to help. If you have any questions or if you’re seeking the best coverage for your classic car, call us today at (607) 753-0633.

What is not covered by Renters Insurance

While there’s a common misconception amongst first-time renters that a renter’s insurance policy is the same as a homeowner’s, the truth is that these insurance forms offer different coverage levels. This can be a complex area to navigate, which is why the AW Burchell Agency Inc. team in New York is dedicated to educating consumers about their renter’s insurance options. We aim to assist in choosing the best coverage to protect their finances from unexpected events.

Typically, renter’s insurance covers the replacement of your belongings after a deductible up to the limit set in the policy. It also covers any additional living expenses while you’re displaced from your home after a covered loss.

Further, a renter’s policy offers financial protection in case an incident that started on your property spreads to a neighboring property and causes damage. It also covers medical expenses and legal fees if someone gets injured at your residence.

What Isn’t Covered By a Renter’s Insurance Policy?

It’s important to note that a renter’s insurance policy conventionally covers windstorms, fires, explosions, theft, lightning, and vandalism. However, a standard policy does not cover floods, earthquakes, mold, bedbugs, or damage to the exterior of a home or apartment building.

Also, a renter’s policy does not include coverage for a building’s structure. That type of coverage is usually included in the landlord’s insurance policy. However, the landlord’s policy does not cover your personal items if they’re damaged because of a covered peril. Understanding what each policy covers can help ensure you have the correct insurance for your needs.

Talk To Us!

If you have questions about renter’s insurance or need more information on what a policy covers or excludes, we’d love to help! Contact us today at AW Burchell Agency Inc. in New York at (607) 753-0633.

What comes with my full RV insurance plan in New York?

Living in the state of New York presents residents and tourists with many experiences. New York’s diverse landscape ranges from bustling large cities to open mountain ranges and beautiful waterfalls. Owning an RV is a fantastic idea, allowing you to fully enjoy all the state offers. This method of travel provides a unique way to tour the area, but it is important to remember that you need the right insurance with an RV. An RV insurance plan offers comprehensive coverage.

Protection for the RV

An RV Insurance plan provides important forms of coverage, such as collision and comprehensive coverage. While these types of coverage are not strictly a requirement, it’s a good idea to obtain them to ensure you are protecting your assets as well as possible. With a fully comprehensive plan, you receive support in case you need to replace or repair your RV in the future due to accident damage or theft.

Liability Support

RV ownership comes with unique liability risks. To manage these risks, it’s smart to get RV insurance. A full RV insurance plan provides the support needed to manage risks and liability claims that could occur due to accidents on the road or when hosting others in the RV when not driving.

In New York, having an RV insurance plan is important when purchasing an RV. If you’re looking to buy one, our helpful AW Burchell Agency Inc. team is ready to discuss your needs. When you call the AW Burchell Agency Inc., you can expect the support needed to build a new plan. We help evaluate all options and build the right plan for you.

Partner Carriers


  • Allstate
  • Amercian Modern
  • Bristol West
  • Broome Co-Operative
  • Central Co-OP CCIC
  • dryden mutual
  • Fingerlakes Fire & Casualty
  • Foremost
  • Hagerty
  • JC Taylor
  • Main Street America
  • Mercury
  • National General
  • Nationwide
  • NYCM
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • Travelers
  • USLI
  • Wayne Co op