First Time Home Buyer Homeowners Insurance | Bergen County

NJ Homeowners Insurance, Should You Increase When Home Values Go Up?

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Should You Increase Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage When Home Values Go Up?

NJ Homeowners Insurance | Bogle Agency Insurance NJ
Bogle Agency Insurance, NJ homeowners insurance experts

A common question among policyholders of NJ homeowners insurance is whether you should increase your policy coverage when home values go up. It’s a great question to ponder and one even more important to discuss with your advisor. An experienced Bergen County insurance agent will sit down with you to discuss your options.

When a home increases significantly in value, you want to make sure it is covered for the full amount in the event of the unforeseen. In addition, new purchases like expensive artwork or furniture should be inventoried with your homeowner’s insurance company. However, not every increase in value requires additional insurance. When the home values are increasing for typical market reasons, like supply and demand, increased NJ homeowners insurance coverage is most likely not necessary.

Do You Need More Insurance Coverage After A Home Remodel?

If your home’s value is tied to a major remodel it would not hurt to sit down with your NJ insurance agent. It makes sense that a major investment like an addition, new kitchen, or remodeled basement would make an impact on the price of a home. Making sure your insurance coverage can cover its’ new value is essential.

It’s Time To Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy!

Home values increase over time, that is a given. Making sure your New Jersey insurance policy is an adequate amount of coverage is important. Your agent at Bogle Agency Insurance will evaluate your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure that your home is covered. Contact our team today for peace of mind when it comes to NJ homeowners insurance.

Our team, based in Lyndhurst New Jersey, is well-versed in all insurance products.  Let us help you evaluate your auto, business, homeowners, and umbrella policies.  Our goal is to make sure that you understand what you have and what you need.  Call (201) 939-1076 today and set an appointment to evaluate your NJ insurance policies.

Avoiding Preventable Accidents In Your Home This Winter

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Bergen County NJ Homeowners Insurance Coverage | Safety & Precautions

NJ Homeowners Insurance
Bogle Agency Insurance, NJ homeowners insurance experts

Being a homeowner is a hefty responsibility and making sure your investment is covered is the most vital step in protecting what is likely the largest and most important investment you’ll make in your life.  Sit down with a Bergen County insurance agent today to review your current policy and make sure you have the proper amount of coverage in place for both your home and your possessions.

Homeowners insurance offers peace of mind, protecting homeowners during times of unforeseen circumstances.  Unfortunately, not all homeowners insurance is equal.  You should review your homeowner’s insurance to make sure it meets your specific needs.  However, while insurance offers safety and protection it is also necessary for homeowners to take responsibility to avoid unfortunate incidents that are preventable.

Bergen County NJ Homeowners Insurance Coverage | Safety & Precaution Steps For Homeowners During Winter Include:

  • Keep sidewalks, driveways, and steps clear to help prevent people from tripping or falling
  • Annual inspections and servicing of the heating system, by the utility company or qualified service technician
  • Survey your home for ice build up on the roof
  • Keep electrical meter and connections free of snow accumulations
  • Keep an adequate supply of warm clothes, batteries, and food supplies in case there is a power loss or snow accumulations that keep you indoors for extended periods of time
  • Keep your cell phone charged
  • Make sure you have fuel for your car
  • If you have a snow blower make sure you have plenty of fuel on hand

Bogle Agency Insurance covers Homeowners in New Jersey

Let our team at Bogle Agency Insurance help you with all of your Bergen County insurance needs.  Knowing you have adequate coverage will provide you peace of mind and the ability to relax and enjoy your home.  Our agents can help examine your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure that you have the coverage you need to protect your house and all of your belongings.  We welcome the opportunity to serve as your Lyndhurst NJ insurance agent and advise you on important homeowners safety measures and precautions.

Click here for some great additional information on home safety from USA.gov.

Will Your Homeowners Insurance Cover A Fallen Tree?

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NJ Homeowners Insurance Coverage | Bergen County NJ

NJ Homeowners Insurance Coverage | Bergen County NJ

Will your homeowners insurance cover a fallen tree? It is a common question when it comes to NJ Homeowners Insurance Coverage. As homeowners, we all deal with the intricacies of  homeowners insurance.  Most of us never think about whether we will actually use our NJ Homeowners Insurance Coverage, never mind thinking about what specific incidents are covered. Then one day you need it and you have no idea what is covered. So, what about that fallen tree?

Trees fall and when they fall they may land on something valuable like a car, your home, or your neighbor’s fence. These mishaps can be quite costly, especially because they are unexpected. It is important to know what your insurance covers with respect to the fallen tree. First off, damage to your home and other structures on your property is covered, although there is typically a cap on any structure other than the home. It also does not matter whether the tree was on your property or a neighboring property.

It is also worthy to note that you are responsible for your deductible. This deductible can be significantly different if the tree fell as a result of a classified hurricane. Sit down with your Bergen County insurance agent to discuss the difference and what your coverage is in the event of a hurricane.

Other interesting tidbits related to homeowners insurance covering a fallen tree include:

  • If the tree in question fell on your car it will be covered by your comprehensive auto insurance.
  • Trees knocked over by water or wind will not have replacement coverage.
  • The replacement cost of a tree will be covered if it fell as a result of vandalism.

Contact our team at Bogle Agency Insurance for more information on homeowners insurance in Bergen County New Jersey. We welcome the opportunity to help you understand your policy and where you may be lacking coverage or perhaps where you may be over-insured. Let us serve as your guide to whether your homeowners insurance will cover a fallen tree, as well as answer any other questions you may have.

Click here to view a video from the Insurance Information Institute for more information related to fallen trees.

New Jersey Insurance Plans, High or Low Deductible

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New Jersey Insurance Plans – High or Low Deductible?

New Jersey Insurance Plans
Bogle Agency Insurance, Bergen County New Jersey Insurance Plans experts

An examination of New Jersey insurance plans may have you wondering whether to go with a high or a low deductible. This is a good question to ask yourself and your insurance agent when purchasing a plan.Customers should always weigh out the pros and cons of a high deductible vs. a low deductible carefully before signing up for a Bergen County NJ insurance policy.

A major benefit of a high deductible is the lower premium. This is great for a person who has a rainy day fund available. For those living paycheck to paycheck, higher deductibles could be a huge setback. Although no one can force the use of insurance, the reality is that it exists for protection against the unforeseen.

Low deductibles are available to help keep money in your pocket during an unfortunate event. This can offer great peace of mind in the event something occurs. However, a low deductible means a higher monthly premium. Consider your insurance policy carefully and discuss your options with your NJ insurance agent. The decisions you make now could affect you down the road.

Contact Bergen County insurance experts today

Contact our team at Bogle Agency Insurance today to learn more about a variety of personal and business insurance policies available. Our Bergen County insurance agents are educated, knowledgeable and available to help answer all of your questions. Let our team help you feel comfortable with your insurance options. We can be your guide to choosing the right New Jersey insurance plans for you, your family, and your business.

New Jersey Homeowners Insurance, Named Perils

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Homeowners Insurance Bergen County | Named Perils

Homeowners Insurance Bergen County | Named Perils | Bogle Agency Insurance
Bogle Insurance Agency, your choice for homeowners insurance

Knowing what the named perils are is an important part of understanding your New Jersey homeowners insurance. Peril is the name given by insurance companies to represent what is covered in a policy. Named perils is a term given to issues covered by a policy. This is important to recognize as many homeowners purchase additional policies to cover those perils not included in the standard policy. Your Bergen County insurance agent will walk you through what is included on your policy and what is not.

Common named perils include weather related incidents as well as theft.  A good example of what is not included as a named peril is damage as the result of a flood or an earthquake.  These incidents require additional policies.

Typical named perils include damages as a result of:

  • Fire
  • Lightning
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Snow
  • Ice
  • Explosion
  • Vehicles
  • Smoke Damage
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Aircraft
  • Civil Unrest

To many these issues seem unlikely but it is important to be prepared for anything and everything. Your Bergen County homeowners insurance policy will cover the standard claim issues that arise with a host of weather and human related issues not to mention water damage occurring from major plumbing issues like burst pipes or a cracked water heater. These named perils should be considered when weighing your coverage and help you determine any additional coverage that may be needed.

Call Bogle Agency Insurance Today

The Bogle Agency wants homeowners in Bergen County to feel comfortable with their homeowners insurance coverage. Our insurance agents are well versed in common policy overages as well as additional available policies. We are here to answer all of your questions and help you with your concerns. Contact our team today and let us help you understand what coverage you need in your homeowners insurance policy. Let Bogle Agency Insurance serve as your guide to New Jersey homeowners insurance.

Staying Safe In Ice And Snow

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Bergen County NJ Homeowners Insurance | Bogle Agency Insurance Lyndhurst, NJ

Bergen County NJ Homeowners Insurance | Winter Weather SafetyThere is no weather condition that stresses the need for good Bergen County NJ homeowners insurance coverage more than icy and snowy weather. From keeping your walkways clear to driving as safely as possible, there are many steps that can be taken ahead of time to prepare for the elements to avoid disaster or inconvenience this New Jersey winter.  Inclement winter weather conditions add hazards to our daily lives that in turn have the potential to create liability issues for homeowners, renters, and drivers. Protection is essential and evaluating your insurance coverage should be a priority. The Bogle Agency offers Bergen County NJ homeowners insurance options out of our offices in Lyndhurst NJ to ensure you are covered for a myriad of circumstances.

Items on your must-do winter checklist include:

  • clear icicles
  • shovel walkways around your home, including the driveway
  • keep all stairs free of ice and snow
  • have sand, cinders, or ice melt available to sprinkle on icy areas
  • keep doors to your home and garage doors closed to avoid excess cold entering your home and freezing pipes
  • have snow tires on your vehicles
  • have an ice scraper, a blanket, and a shovel in each vehicle you own
  • make sure the defroster and heat work in your car
  • check your insurance coverage

Throughout the winter season it should be a priority to keep walkways clear of snow and ice. Preventing the possibility of someone slipping and falling in front of your house or on your property is important. In the event slips and falls do occur knowing you are backed up by a good homeowners insurance policy can relieve the stress and worry of liability.

Sit down with your Bergen County New Jersey insurance agent today to discuss your coverage and how unforeseen incidents on your property can affect it. If you have questions or concerns about your Bergen County NJ homeowners insurance policy or any of your policies, please give us a call today. Our goal is to help you understand the coverage you need and making sure you have the coverage necessary for unforeseen occurrences. Let us help you enjoy a stress-free winter season.

Bergen County Fire Safety For Homeowners

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Bergen County Homeowners Fire Safety Tips | Bergen County NJ Homeowners Insurance

Bergen County Homeowners Fire Safety Tips

Fire safety in Bergen County is important for everyone to practice. It is also a very important element of any Bergen County homeowners insurance policy that homeowners must be sure provides them adequate coverage.  Bogle Agency Insurance will make sure that you have all the right coverage for your home, and also provide Bergen County Homeowners fire safety tips to help keep your family and your investment safe.

From installing smoke detectors to annual chimney sweeps and everything in between, knowing your home is safe and prepared for a fire is essential.  If you have any doubts about how prepared your home is in the event of a fire you can consult your local Bergen County insurance agent or your fire department.

Fire safety tips include:

  • having a working fire extinguisher in every floor in your home.
  • installing smoke detectors on every floor
  • monthly testing of fire alarms
  • installing an alarm system that notifies the fire department if tripped
  • creating a fire escape plan and talk about it with your family on a consistent basis
  • cleaning lint away from clothes dryers
  • keeping things away from light bulbs
  • not overloading your outlets

We honestly could provide a seemingly endless list of fire safety tips, but many of them come down to common sense. The most important thing is to be aware and alert.  Never assume your home is clear of obstacles. Take some time to look around your home each month to make sure it is free of fire hazards.

Homeowners insurance in Bergen County is necessary to cover unforeseen accidents, incidents, damage, and catastrophes.  However, following Bergen County Homeowners fire safety tips will significantly reduce your risk of a house fire.  Knowing your home is as safe and protected as possible is a key element of healthy living.

 Click here for an extensive list of fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association.

Contact our team at Bogle Insurance today to learn more about homeowners insurance and Bergen County Homeowners fire safety tips.  Our full service Bergen County insurance agency can help you with all of your coverage needs, including homeowners insurance, auto insurance, and business insurance.  Let us serve as your guide to insurance in Lyndhurst NJ and throughout Bergen County.

More Bergen County NJ Halloween Safety Tips

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Bergen County NJ Halloween Safety Tips

More Bergen County NJ Halloween Safety Tips

Get your sidewalk neat before they trick-or-treat – Walk the path from the street to your door and clear anything that trick-or-treaters could trip over or slip and injure themselves. This includes gardening equipment, hoses, toys, potted plants, lawn ornaments and even Halloween decorations that block the path to your front door.

Make your yard spooky, not dangerous – Be sure to clean up before candy-fueled children charge through your yard. Remove dead branches, sticks and acorns, rake up the leaves, fill in holes and trim your hedges to prevent any injuries.

A well-lit driveway can still be scary – There’s nothing scarier for a homeowner than seeing a masked trick-or-treater blindly stagger up your dark driveway. Help them out by turning on all of your exterior lights and lining your driveway and sidewalk with lights or luminaries. Never use any open flames, which could lead to disaster and injury. Instead, use LED tea lights or other decorative Halloween lights to prevent a fire. These should also be used in jack-o-lanterns in lieu of candles.

Keep your beasts in the dungeon – It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a vampire bat or a kitten as a pet, a constantly ringing doorbell can be too much excitement for your animal. To keep your pet from sprinting out of your open front door and possibly injuring someone, keep them confined to another room in the house.

 

Safe Driving Tips for Halloween In Bergen County NJ

 

No speed demons allowed – If you are driving through a residential area, drive as slow as possible. Avoid passing stopped vehicles in case they are dropping off children. You should also be especially cautious when entering and exiting driveways.

The horrors of distraction – On Halloween, neighborhoods are filled with children unexpectedly darting out into the street. Put away your cell phone and don’t look away from the road to ensure you don’t injure any trick-or-treaters. You should also never drive while wearing a mask.

Turn signals aren’t terrifying – Communicate your intentions to pedestrians and other drivers by using your turn signals. If you’re dropping off trick-or-treaters, pull over and use your hazard lights.

Drinking on Halloween can be a nightmare – It doesn’t matter if you’re driving or walking, drinking on Halloween can be a deadly choice. The combination of alcohol and the increased number of people walking in the streets at night makes Halloween the most dangerous night of the year for pedestrians.

 

Bergen County NJ Halloween Safety Tips

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Bergen County NJ Halloween Safety Tips

Bergen County NJ Halloween Safety Tips

Bergen County NJ Halloween safety tips can ensure a safe and fun time.  Halloween is a holiday enjoyed by many, a time to dress up, trick or treat, and socialize with friends and family.  Taking the time to prepare for keeping everyone safe, children and adults alike, can help make this spooky holiday fun and safe for all.  The holiday usually starts with pumping carving, a great activity to get everyone excited for what is to come.

When carving pumpkins it is essential toy get everyone involved but not everyone should have sharp tools.  Get the young children to draw their designs on the pumpkins but take over the carving yourself.  While it may go without saying it remains important to not the importance of taking the steps to make sure young children do not have access to sharp knives.

When it comes to the kids make sure to keep danger at bay.  Here are a few safety tips for a safer trick or treat experience:

  • Adults should accompany children 12 and under.
  • Know the trick or treat route, especially if the kids are going on their own.
  • Cross streets at crosswalks.
  • Walk on sidewalks.
  • Stay in groups.
  • Have flashlights, reflective tape on costumes is a great idea.
  • Have flexible props.
  • Check the candy before it is eaten.  Avoiding hand wrapped, hand cooked treats is essential, no matter how appealing they may look.

The number one tip for adults is to be alert behind the wheel, kids are everywhere on Halloween and it is dark.  Halloween is a pedestrian event and being aware of your surroundings is essential if you are driving.  If you do not know the neighborhood you are driving through be even more cautious.  Expect trick-or-treaters to be walking around up until around 9:30 pm.  Make sure your Bergen County auto insurance is current.

Contact Bogle Insurance Agency today, your Lyndhurst NJ insurance agent of choice, for more safety tips.  Our knowledge and experience can help you create safer environments and make sure you have the coverage you need.  Enjoy Halloween and take the time to make sure you are safe.

Preventing Water Damage In Your Home

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Bergen County NJ Water Damage Prevention Tips 

Water Damage Prevention Tips | Bogle Agency Insurance Bergen County NJThe season for hurricanes and heavy thunderstorms is upon us in NJ,  and with that it is time to make sure your house is fortified against the heavy wind and rain summer storms produce. Bergen County NJ is no stranger to sometimes severe summer weather. At Bogle Agency Insurance we want to be sure that our Bergen County clients, and all our clients are safe and prepared for summer weather. In addition to safety concerns we also want to be sure that our customers take steps to reduce the costs of property damage and property damage insurance claims. These water damage prevention tips will help you hedge against damage and keep your home a safer place.

 

Bergen County NJ Water Damage Prevention Tips | Seal All Gaps

Over time, weather and aging can cause gaps around windows and doors. They can also form around water faucet pipes, gas pipes, around air conditioners, electrical outlets, junction boxes, circuit breakers, and electric and water meters. If water gets through these gaps, it can cause significant damage and costly repairs. To seal these gaps before water has a chance to enter, apply caulk to the area.

 

Bergen County NJ Water Damage Prevention Tips | Redirect Pooling Water

Pooling water near a house can lead to significant interior damage.

  • Make sure grading leads water away from your home and not towards it.
  • Add ground or French drains to help move water away from the house.
  • If there are homer within 6 inches of the ground, caulk around them. Also use sandbags when a severe rain producing storm is predicted.

 

Install A Sump Pump To Prevent Water Damage In NJ

  • Install a sump pump with a battery backup system.
  • For highest level of effectiveness, install the sump pump away from the basement walls and have positive drainage away from the building.

 

Protect Vents And Soffits To Prevent Water Damage In Bergen County NJ

No matter which way your roof is vented, whether it be vents on the roof, gable end vents, or vents under eaves or overhangs, wind-blown rain can enter. Soffits themselves can also can also fall victim to water damage. To perform properly during high winds, it is especially important that vinyl and aluminum soffits be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation requirements for high wind conditions.

 

Seal Your Roof Deck | Bergen County NJ Water Damage Prevention Tips

Sealing the deck of your roof provides an added layer of protection against water damage. It should be sealed to stay in place if the primary roof cover blows off. It should also be water-tight enough to keep water out of the attic should you lose the primary roof cover.

 

These water damage prevention tips will help reduce the costs of repairs and insurance claims along with keeping your home a safe and secure space for your family in Bergen County NJ, or anywhere there is a threat of severe weather.