Bergen County NJ Halloween Safety Tips

Posted by B3X2lG9n0X3 on October 24, 2016

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.

Bergen County Insurance Agency Included In IIABA’s Best Practices Study

Posted by B3X2lG9n0X3 on September 14, 2016

Lyndhurst NJ Insurance Agency | Included In IIABA’s Best Practices Study

For the 13th consecutive year Bogle Agency Insurance in Bergen County NJ, a Lyndhurst NJ Insurance Agency, has been selected to be part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (IIABA or the Big “I”) “Best Practices” Study Group. This is a great honor for our Lyndhurst insurance agency and demonstrates our commitment to excellence. The “Best Practices” Study Group includes only 254 independent agencies from across the U.S., a pool selected from more than 1,800 nominated insurance agencies. For our Bergen County insurance agency to be included in this study consecutively for 13 years speaks to the quality and consistency of our services.

The Best Practices Study has been an annual study since 1983, serving as the foundation for efforts to improve agency performance around the country. The annual study of leading independent insurance agencies, which is conducted for IIABA by Reagan Consulting of Atlanta, Ga., documents the business practices of these high performance agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices. Best Practices serve as a baseline, one which offers agencies an opportunity to perform better, offering exceptional service to their clients.

To be nominated for the Best Practices Study an insurance agency must be nominated by an IIABA affiliated state association or an insurance company. The agencies nominated qualify based on outstanding customer retention, growth, stability and financial management. The 2016 Best Practices Study sponsors include: Agency Business Solutions and Amerisure Insurance, Applied Systems, Beyond Insurance, Central Insurance Companies, Chubb, CNA, EMC Insurance, ENCOMPASS, The Hanover Insurance Group, The Hartford, Imperial PFS, InsurBanc, Kemper, Liberty Mutual, MetLife, The Main Street America Group, Nationwide, Travelers, Vertafore and Westfield Insurance.

Bogle Agency Insurance was founded in 1919 and offers Commercial, Personal, Health and Life insurance products in Bergen County New Jersey. Contact our team today to learn more about your insurance options from our experienced insurance agents in Lyndhurst NJ.

National Preparedness Month

Posted by B3X2lG9n0X3 on September 7, 2016

Bergen County Preparedness Month | National Preparedness Month in NJ

National Preparedness Month is here in Bergen County and across the nation. As its name suggests this month is a great month to think about the unexpected and how you can best prepare for a myriad of situations, from natural disasters to burst pipes and everything in between. Much of this Bergen County preparedness involves planning and protection. Your Bergen County insurance company can help you with planning and protection.

Where do you start when you think about preparedness. A great place to start is with communication. Last year’s theme for National Preparedness Month was “Don’t Wait, Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today”. This theme highlights the need to not only make a plan but to also communicate the plan. This can be as small as communicating with your family or taking the communication into the workplace and your overall community.

Another important part of being prepared is being insured. There is no time like the present to sit with your Lyndhurst NJ insurance agent to discuss your current coverage and where you may be lacking. This includes homeowners insurance, auto insurance, and business insurance to name a few.

Of course the object of National Preparedness Month is to think about your plans for a number of potential incidents and threats. This effort is backed by FEMA and certainly stresses the need to create a plan for the worse case scenario. Knowing your main threats is a part of this. For example, here in Bergen County we may not be facing the threat of wildfire as communities in the West do but we certainly face the potential of hurricane related damage. Other potential catastrophes could include power outages, terrorist activity, blizzard conditions, and contaminated water.

Contact our team at Bogle Agency Insurance for help assessing your coverage and your planning. We welcome the opportunity to serve as your guide to insurance in Bergen County NJ. Let our knowledge and experience help you navigate National Preparedness Month in Lyndhurst NJ.

Click here to learn more about National Preparedness Month from NOAA.

Renters Insurance, Why Is It Needed?

Posted by B3X2lG9n0X3 on August 13, 2016

NJ Renters Insurance | Why Is Renters Insurance Needed In NJ?

NJ Renters insurance is an option many people weigh and the question on their minds is why is it needed? The answer to this important question is essential for renters to understand. Many people are aware of homeowners insurance in Bergen County, noting its necessity for securing a mortgage for one thing but also for protecting homeowners against major catastrophes that can occur. The reality is, however, that renters have possessions too and their personal effects are worth protecting.

Insurance is meant to give policyholders peace of mind, offering the assurance that should something happen they will be protected. NJ Renters insurance covers damage to personal items like furniture, jewelry, bicycles, and the like, in the event of a fire or flood for example. It can also save you should your home be robbed. Renters insurance is typically not very expensive but well worth the investment should you face a circumstance of loss.

Renters insurance in Lyndhurst NJ also covers you against liability should someone get hurt inside of your home. In addition, if something happens to your home that is your fault you will be liable to damages to the property. While you may not leave the stove on on purpose the reality is that if a fire results from your forgetfulness you will be the one responsible for the damages. NJ Renters insurance will save you in this circumstance.

When you are a renter it is important to understand that your landlord’s property insurance will cover structural damage to his property but not account for any of your belongings. It is often hard to envision something awful happening to your home but in the event of a catastrophe you will have no recourse to cover your loss if you do not have renters insurance. In a nutshell, renters insurance protects you and your belongings.

Contact our team at Bogle Agency Insurance today for answers to all of your insurance questions. We welcome the opportunity to inform you, filling you in on what is and what is not covered by typical renters insurance policies. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide to insurance in Bergen County. Let us answer you questions about renters insurance and why it is needed.

What Is A Surety Bond?

Posted by B3X2lG9n0X3 on August 3, 2016

Bergen County Business Insurance | Surety Bonds

What is a surety bond? It is a good question and one often asked by those who are required to purchase one for their business. This type of bond is a type of insurance in that offers a guarantee of coverage when compliance is not met. When a job requires a surety bond a company will purchase one through a Bergen County business insurance company.

How does a surety bond work? There are three parties involved in a surety bond, the principal, the surety, and the obligee. The principal is the person, or business, that buys the bond and is performing the services for which the bond covers. The surety is the insurance company guaranteeing the obligation of the principal. The person, or business requiring the bond is referred to as the obligee. In most cases the obligee is a governmental entity, whether it be local, state, or federal.

An example of a surety bond would be in the case of road work. The businesses bidding on the road work know they will be required to present a surety bond to proceed with the work. The winning bidder will get the bond, assuring the governmental entity charged with the road that the work will be completed and if it is not the work will be guaranteed.

A surety bond is required only when requested. While this type of insurance is typically only required when public entities are involved there are times when they come into play. These bonds are typically associated with large construction projects. Most insurance agents in Lyndhurst NJ can help explain the need for a surety bond as well as how to obtain one.

fails to comply with bonding terms and requirements, the surety company is financially obligated to cover damages up to the bond limit (or penalty) of the bond. The surety bond principal is also required to reimburse (or indemnify) the surety for losses paid to damaged parties.

The party requiring the bond is called the obligee. Each obligee has a specific bond form that is prepared and pre-populated for your convenience by Surety Bonds Direct. The specific bond limit, term, and other key information related to the customer and obligation can be found on the bond form.

Contact our team at Bogle Agency Insurance today to learn more about Bergen County business insurance and surety bonds in Bergen County NJ. We welcome the opportunity to answer all of your insurance questions. Let our knowledge and experience help you understand what type of insurance you need. We welcome the opportunity to answer your question, whether it be what is a surety bond? or something else entirely.

FROM THE FRONT LINES: BOPs Sam Zamloot Commercial Lines Producer Bogle Agency Insurance

Posted by B3X2lG9n0X3 on July 24, 2016

NJ Business Owner Insurance Policy | Bergen County NJ

Commercial insurance is best obtained through specialists who know your areas and are willing to get to know your business. Talk to an agent knowledgeable about a NJ Business Owner Insurance Policy (BOP) for your business and and what it can offer. One of our Bergen County insurance specialists was recently interviewed by ia Magazine on the subject of BOPs and the article revealed just how much experience of an agent can help a business owner when picking the right commercial insurance. Sam Zamloot stresses the importance of selecting insurance policies on a case by case basis. A great example comes with selecting the right package.

FROM THE FRONT LINES: BOPs Sam Zamloot Commercial Lines Producer Bogle Agency Insurance

NJ Business Owner Insurance Policy | Bergen County NJ — Sam Zamloot Commercial Lines Producer Bogle Agency Insurance

bogleagency.com INTERVIEW BY JORDAN REABOLD

How did you get started at your agency?

I started in the industry in 1989 and worked for three insurance companies over a 25-year period. I helped many agencies and producers sell commercial insurance, so I figured I should do it myself. I made the move this year to the agency side. My background in loss control and marketing has really helped me succeed as a producer.

Why BOPs?

BOPs started out as small, basic policies for a limited number of businesses, but over the years, the insurance carriers have expanded eligibility, coverage and limits. I find them great to use whenever possible, since the insurance companies usually have broadening endorsements, which pick up usual coverage and broaden the limits. It makes it a lot easier than rating and writing a commercial package policy, where each special coverage has to be endorsed onto the policy. Many times, the BOPs are much more cost-effective for the client, and that helps during the sales process.

Biggest BOP challenges?

Comparing one company against another for a client. Companies all have a unique coverage endorsement that provides coverage or higher limits compared to another company. You have to completely understand what your client is doing in order to recommend the proper company and policy.

What do you tell a first-time BOP client?

I explain it this way: A BOP is like when you purchase an automobile and you want a certain option, so you include a “package,” which includes the option you want and options you really do not need. A BOP is much like that, since it includes options that are important to one business but unimportant to another. However, in the end, it is the most cost-effective way to secure the coverage.

BOP advice for a fellow agent?

Spend time with the client to understand their business. If a client’s business is nearby, visit. Review their website to get an understanding of what they do. Remember that one policy does not fit all. BOPs can be customized to the client’s individual needs.

Favorite success story?

BOPs proved what a valuable product they were after Hurricane Sandy. Many customers who just had package policies didn’t have coverage for their loss of income and food spoilage exposure as a result of off-premises power interruption. One of our clients was very happy that her loss was covered under her BOP policy because of this supplemental endorsement, which we add on all food service businesses.

Future of BOPs?

I see the BOP market expanding since it enables companies to cut overhead and be more cost-effective.

Jordan Reabold (jordan.reabold@iiaba.net) is IA assistant editor

NJ Business Owner Insurance Policy Benefits

A business insurance package may have great coverage but the hoops a business owner needs to jump through and the costs associated with these packages can often be prohibitive, a NJ Business Owner Insurance Policy (BOP) can offer a more cost effective option while giving the customer exactly what he needs. A BOP tends to be a better fit for small and mid-sized companies. An agent must understand what a business does and know the needs of the business however, in order to recommend the BOP from the right insurance company.

It is important to understand that a NJ Business Owner Insurance Policy (BOP) will be a far more cost-effective option than going with an a la carte package. In essence the most important part of a BOP is getting to know the client, to ensure that his coverage is what it needs to be. To that end, an experienced commercial insurance agent in Bergen County NJ will work for a client far more effectively than someone online or someone with no knowledge of your business and your needs.

The staff at Bogle Insurance Agency is well educated and knowledgeable on insurance and we have specialists to help you and your small business with your individual needs. If you are looking for a NJ Business Owner Insurance Policy consider sitting down with Sam Zamloot today. Sam will make sure that you get the BOP you need, one which works for you and for the individual needs of your business. Here at Bogle Agency Insurance you are a name, not a number.

Click here to read “3 Coverage Enhancements to Look for in BOPs This Year” from ia Magazine.

Protect Your Business From Hurricane Damage

Posted by B3X2lG9n0X3 on July 10, 2016

NJ Business Insurance | Hurricane Damage Protection

It’s easy to relax and feel very little, if any threat from a hurricane when your business isn’t directly on the coast. But just because major hurricanes don’t hit your area of NJ often, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared when it does. All it takes is one, and in Bergen County NJ it’s not if we will have to deal with a hurricane, but when. With that in mind there are steps to protect your business from hurricane damage and get the most out of your NJ business insurance.

The best way to recover from a disaster smoothly is to have a plan in place ahead of time. Performing a business impact analysis is the first step to a solid recovery plan. Considered the impact to every department and every process of your business that has the potential to be disrupted should your area be hit by a hurricane. Does your NJ business insurance cover all your vulnerabilities?

Once you have your business impact analysis set, then perform a pre-loss assessment. This will keep you from being caught off guard by the potentially high costs of being hit by a hurricane or any natural disaster. This will also help you to not rush to any poor decisions in the heat of the moment like getting price gouged by unscrupulous contractors. Calling a professional restoration company to perform the pre-loss assessment for you can get you solid estimates for different repair scenarios. This ultimately allows you the ability to know exactly how much, and what kind of NJ business insurance you really need.

One of the best pieces of advice we could give you on steps to protect your business from hurricane damage, is to partner with a contractor you trust ahead of any weather events. Establishing a trusting relationship with a contractor allows you to save time and money. They know if you are hit with a hurricane that they are already hired to do the restoration work. You already know what they will charge. With these details already in place you will be on the road to opening your doors back up in much less time than if you had to go through a hiring process. You are also guaranteed an experience restoration expert will be on the job.

One final piece of advice on steps you can take to protect your business from hurricane damage, is to create a response plan, and practice it with your employees. Set up a system of communication so you are easily able to reach employees, customers and emergency services. It is important to your business to be able to have the lines of communication open as soon as possible. If nothing else, you will want to check and make sure everyone is okay. Once that is established, you can then get down to planning out when employees will be able to get back to work. A phone, text or email chain work best in these situations. Also plan a meeting place in the event all lines are down. It is important that every employee understand the response plan and are able to follow all the steps.

There is nothing you can do to avoid your business being hit by a storm like a hurricane. But when you think ahead and follow steps to protect your business from hurricane damage, you can limit the loss and stress in the days and weeks to follow.

Preventing Water Damage In Your Home

Posted by B3X2lG9n0X3 on June 28, 2016

Bergen County NJ Water Damage Prevention Tips

The 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.

How To Prepare Your Family For Hurricane Season

Posted by B3X2lG9n0X3 on June 16, 2016

How To Prepare Your Family For Hurricane Season Bergen County NJ

Hurricanes can be one of the most damaging events that your family can face. To keep your family and home as safe as possible in these intense weather conditions, it is important to take steps to prepare for hurricane season in Bergen County NJ, and the surrounding areas.

Preparing for the unexpected takes some thinking ahead, and taking action even though these problems may never (and hopefully will not) arise. It’s unfortunately more likely than not that your family will not be all in one spot when disaster strikes. You need to come up with a plan so that you can find each other in an emergency situation, and be sure that all safety measures are covered.

15 Things You Can Do To Prepare For Hurricane Season In Bergen County NJ

Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
Install safety features in your house, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
Inspect your home for items that can move, fall, break or catch fire and correct them.
Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency number.
Keep enough supplies in your home for at least 3 days.
Assemble an emergency supplies kit. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags.
Keep important documents in a waterproof container.
Keep a smaller emergency supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
Practice and maintain your plan. Ensure your family knows meeting places, phone numbers and safety rules. Conduct drills.
Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.
Replace stored water and food every 6 months.
Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
Choose an out of state friend as your family’s point of contact for everyone to call if the family gets separated.

You can never be over prepared when it comes to a potentially dangerous situation like a hurricane. Taking the time now to prepare can save you money, grief and possibly even save lives. So prepare your family for hurricane season today. Don’t put it off. The day may come where you will be very thankful that you did.

Fire Prevention Tips For Parents

Posted by B3X2lG9n0X3 on May 12, 2016

Fire Prevention Tips For Parents Bergen County NJ

It’s not pleasant to think or talk about, but it is a sad truth that children under the age of 5 are two times as likely to die in a fire than anyone else. Each year thousands of young children are killed in fires. To add to the tragedy even further, many of these fires could have been prevented. At Bogle Agency Insurance we feel it is important to pass along these fire prevention tips for parents to our NJ clients.

The leading cause of fire-related deaths for young children under the age of five are matches and lighters. Toddlers, and their tendency to play with these items are unfortunately responsible for a large amount of firesi the US and even in Bergen County, NJ. Toddlers have a natural curiosity about fire and they have a surprising ability to competently strike matches and start lighters.

What You Can Do To Prevent Fires In Your NJ Home:

Store all matches, lighters and and fire starters out of reach and out of sight of children. If possible lock them up in a cabinet. This goes for child-resistant items as well. They are not truly childproof.
Teach small children to tell you whenever they find a match or a lighter, and not to touch it
Explain to children that lighters and matches are for adults only.
Never play with matches or lighters in front of children. Teach them that they are a tool only. Remember children will imitate you!
Teach children good fire safety behaviors in the home regularly and stay consistent. Keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove when cooking, for example.
Never overload outlets in your home.
Have your heating systems checked regularly.

It is not something anyone ever wants to think about, but if you take some time and follow these fire prevention tips for parents, you can rest assured knowing that you have taken every step to make your home a safe and happy place.

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