I would recommend getting an expeditor. They can probably get most of the violations dismissed and save you a huge amount of time dealing with the City and the Building Dept, etc. I can recommend one to you:
Professional Expediting
Phil Ferrara - 917-817-6289
Olga Stahurski - 718-938-9440

For full disclosure, that is my brother and sister-in-law, but I have recommended many of my insurance cients to them and have always had a positive response.

Posted by: WSNarrows at October 24, 2009 1:04 PM in response to 20-y.o. HPD Violations

If you are close to the water (Shore Road area), most carriers will not insure you. I have 2 or 3 (depending on your floor) and they are very affordable. Please call for a quote.

Narrows Inurance Agency, Inc.
9201 4th Ave, 7th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11209
(718) 745-1500

Posted by: WSNarrows at September 28, 2009 12:06 PM in response to Renters Insurance

If you are interested, please call me for a quote. I can go over all of the coverage information with you.

Thanks,
William Smoltino
Narrows Insurance Agency, Inc.
9201 4th Ave., 7th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11209
(718) 745-1500

Posted by: WSNarrows at September 28, 2009 12:02 PM in response to Renters' Insurance

Hi,
Please feel free to call my agency for a quote:

Narrows Insurance Agency
(718) 745-1500

Posted by: WSNarrows at August 3, 2009 11:00 AM in response to Condo Insurance

As you can see from all posts above, you really can't get an accurate idea based on what everyone else has. There are many variables incuding type of coverage, driving record, location, age, gender, and sometimes members of household and credit come into play. You also may be able to get discounts if you have other products with a company. I represent several auto insurers. If you are interested, feel free to call my office:

Narrows Insurance Agency
(718) 745-1500

Posted by: WSNarrows at July 31, 2009 12:57 PM in response to Cost of BK Car Insurance?

It is important to get the right coverage when your property is under construction. Feel free to give my agency a call for advice/ quoting:

Narrows Insurance Agency
(718) 745-1500

Posted by: WSNarrows at July 28, 2009 11:44 AM in response to Builder's Risk

Hi, I am an independent agent. We represent most major companies. We also have special programs for brick buildings that are extremely competitive. Feel free to call us:

Narrows Insurance Agency
(718) 745-1500

Posted by: WSNarrows at July 9, 2009 3:09 PM in response to Homeowners Insurance

If you need homeowners, feel free to contact me:

William Smoltino
Narrows Insurance Agency
(718) 745-1500

Posted by: WSNarrows at July 8, 2009 4:46 PM in response to Condo Insurance

I recommend Carlo Ferraris @ Allegheny Productions in NYC. I have seen some of work and it is very good.

Allegheny Productions LLC
147 West 29th Street, 3rd Fl.
New York, NY 10001
tel. 212 967 9275

Posted by: WSNarrows at July 6, 2009 4:57 PM in response to Art Framers

The benefit of using a mortgage broker is that they have access to more lending facilities than going directly to a bank. Make sure you find a reputable one. I have a mortgage banker/broker that I have used and always refer friends and clients to - Frank Cutrone (516) 353-0206. Tell him Will from Narrows Insurance referred you. Good luck.

Posted by: WSNarrows at June 25, 2009 8:48 AM in response to Benefits of a Mortgage Broker?

If you have any problems, feel free to call me. I am an independent agent representing most major carriers. I shop for the best quote.

Theodore Garatziotis
Narrows Insurance AGency, Inc.
(718) 745-1500

Posted by: WSNarrows at June 24, 2009 5:35 PM in response to Homeowner's Insurance

Some carriers have special programs for homes like yours. Please feel free to call me for a quote.

-William Smoltino
Narrows Insurance Agency
718-745-1500 (9am - 5:30pm)
718-745-2520 (after 5:30pm)

Posted by: WSNarrows at May 27, 2009 7:06 PM in response to Insurance for my Brownstone.

I am an independent broker and have used Farmers on occasion. They are a good company. If you would like some advice or help in obtaining additional quotes, feel free to call me:

William Smoltino
Narrows Insurance Agency
718-745-1500 (from 9am-5:30pm)
718-745-2520 (after 5:30pm)

Posted by: WSNarrows at May 27, 2009 7:02 PM in response to Farmers Insurance... any good?

If you need any help, I am an independent broker. I will shop through most major carriers for you.

William Smoltino
Narrows Insurance Agency
(718) 745-1500 (from 9:00AM - 5:30PM)
(718) 745-2520 (anytime)

Posted by: WSNarrows at May 20, 2009 4:27 PM in response to Homeown insur. going up(again) !

As several other people mentioned, many companies have dropped out of coastal areas (including Allstate & State Farm). The companies are waiting for NY to be hit with a huge storm. I am an independent insurance agent located in Brooklyn. We have many clients within 1 mile of the coastline and have several companies willing to insure coastal regions (including Bay Ridge, DUMBO, and even beachfront in the Hamptons). Insurers are willing to do business in these areas- you just need to know which ones! Feel free to contact me...even if it's just for advice.

William Smoltino
Narrows Insurance Agency
(718) 745-1500

Posted by: WSNarrows at May 20, 2009 4:20 PM in response to Can't Get Insured Near Water

Chubb is definitely worth it. I initially had Allstate and I cannot say enough about why one should stay away from Allstate...I had one incident years into the policy and they really worm their way out of coverage.

I dropped them and went to Chubb and got a City Homes policy. THeir coverage is extensive - I lost my keys and they paid the several hundred dollars for all the lock replacement no deductibles, just a lot of belts and whistles on their policy.

Posted by: argentina at July 9, 2009 6:51 PM in response to Homeowners Insurance

I've always heard that Chubb is great but many feel the premiums are unaffordable. All depends on how much risk you can tolerate.

Posted by: grand army at July 9, 2009 8:30 PM in response to Homeowners Insurance

My condo in Park Slope is under All State.

Posted by: crimsonson at July 9, 2009 9:46 PM in response to Condo Insurance

We used State Farm through Alan Wheeler Agency--it was pretty cheap for basic coverage, decent service.

Posted by: woodys at July 10, 2009 2:53 PM in response to Condo Insurance

We used State Farm through Alan Wheeler Agency--it was pretty cheap for basic coverage, decent service.

Posted by: woodys at July 10, 2009 2:53 PM in response to Condo Insurance

Darren at Prints Charming has done almost all our picture framing. He's very knowledgeable, really understands how different frames complement (or don't) a specific piece of art, what color of mat board you need etc. His taste is somewhat conservative but always with the needs of the art uppermost. He's not inexpensive.

Posted by: grand army at July 13, 2009 6:26 PM in response to Art Framers

Don't necessarily just go with Brownstoner. Shop around. We were also told we needed a Builder's policy, but then discussed this with our contractors, architect, and others, and found much better pricing elsewhere to cover both during the construction phase and thereafter.

We were "lucky" in that the timing of our constuction coincided with the renewal of our policy, so we just swapped carriers at the same time.

Posted by: sunspot19 at July 28, 2009 2:21 PM in response to Builder's Risk

Thank you all for your comments.

Posted by: diors at July 28, 2009 10:57 PM in response to Builder's Risk

I think we paid around $700/6 months but we gave up ownership about a year ago when our lease was up and now use zipcars and avis and sometimes enterprise. One last point as you consider the math on this. Although zipcar and car rentals are criminally expensive in this city, owning a car also leads to a long list of incidental expenses from registration fees to parking garages (don't forget tips) and tickets (I got two in one year despite being extremely careful and storing in a garage) to oil changes and car washes and inspections and tires and occasionally repairs. As far as I can tell from having been on both sides, there is virtually no way to come out ahead on owning unless you literally use the car three weekends out of every four, year round, for things that you would otherwise need to rent for. Now if you're willing to pay for the convenience, that's another matter.

Posted by: zgori at July 31, 2009 3:16 PM in response to Cost of BK Car Insurance?

The real information bring to you also on the Best Car Insurance free Quotes, Guides, including Tips hire:

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Posted by: yo2n at August 1, 2009 4:21 AM in response to Cost of BK Car Insurance?