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.

How To Prepare Your Family For Hurricane Season

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How To Prepare Your Family For Hurricane Season Bergen County NJ

prepare for hurricane season in 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

  1. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
  2. Install safety features in your house, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
  3. Inspect your home for items that can move, fall, break or catch fire and correct them.
  4. 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.
  5. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency number.
  6. Keep enough supplies in your home for at least 3 days.
  7. Assemble an emergency supplies kit. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags.
  8. Keep important documents in a waterproof container.  
  9. Keep a smaller emergency supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
  10. Practice and maintain your plan. Ensure your family knows meeting places, phone numbers and safety rules. Conduct drills.
  11. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.
  12. Replace stored water and food every 6 months.
  13. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  14. 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.
  15. 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

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Fire Prevention Tips For Parents Bergen County NJ

Fire Prevention Tips For Parents Bergen County NJ | Bogle Agency InsuranceIt’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.

Bogle Agency Insurance Is Hiring!

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Bogle Agency Is Hiring NJ Customer Service Representatives.

Bogle Agency Is Hiring NJ Customer Service Representatives | Bogle Agency Insurance

We are hiring NJ Customer Service Representatives! We are looking for a qualified Claims Customer Service Representative (CSR) and a Personal Automobile and/or Personal Lines Customer Service Representative (CSR) to join our team.

Requirements:

  • Insurance License
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience

Please contact Philip R. Bogle phone #201-939-1076, e-mail at prbogle@bogleagency.com to set up an interview.

The Bogle Agency was founded in 1919 and since then has been providing New Jersey families and businesses with the quality insurance coverage they need. Since being founded so many years ago by Horace R. Bogle, we have helped thousands of clients throughout NJ as a fourth generation agency. Our clients are our highest priority, and this is why we have become one of New jersey’s most prestigious agencies.

Bogle Agency Insurance is an Independent Insurance Agent. This provides us the ability to select the best possible coverage and pricing for our clients. We are also members of the American Insurance Marketing and Sales Society (AIMS), Independent Insurance Agents of American (IIAA), and Professional Insurance Agents Association (PIA).

We are dedicated to providing our customers with quick, professional and friendly service around the clock, 24 hours a day-7 days a week. We are proud to be available to our clients to assist  them with any concerns they might have about their insurance.

If Bogle Agency Insurance sounds like the kind of environment you would fit, and you are experienced, please contact us today to set up and interview.

 

Bogle Agency Insurance Is Proud to Announce 3 New Sales Representatives

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Bogle Agency Welcomes New Additions To Their NJ Insurance Agency Team

Bogle Agency Insurance is Proud to Announce 3 Sales Representatives have joined the Bogle team at our NJ Insurance Agency.  They will be joining a team of licensed and fully trained agents who serve their clients friendly, courteously and responsibly at one of the most prestigious NJ insurance agencies. We are happy to welcome them.

Larry Paladino

NJ Insurance Agency | Bogle Agency InsuranceLarry has extensive experience in the printing industry.  He worked at a large printing company in New York running the day to day operations and sales.   Prior to joining Bogle Agency Insurance Larry was an insurance sales representative with a New York insurance agency.  We are happy to now have him join us on this side of the river at our NJ insurance agency.

 

 

 

 

 

Louis Battaglio

NJ Insurance Agency | Bogle Agency InsuranceLou has over 26 years’ experience in the insurance vertical with the first 18 years spent providing financial estate and business planning for companies like Guardian, Hanover and Allstate to name a few.   He was a 5-time qualifier for Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT-top 2% agents in the world) 6-time qualifier for Guardians Leaders Club and 4-time qualifier for Allstate’s leaders Club.  The last eight years he added commercial property and casualty insurance to his portfolio of products and built multi-million dollar books of business for auto, truck, RV & motorcycle dealers along with used car, auto repair, body shops, tire, towing and equipment companies.   His extensive knowledge includes all aspects of insurance including group health, workman’s compensation, employee, voluntary and executive benefits. In addition, Lou has headed up regional, district and national insurance programs for various carriers thus, his sales experience is quite diverse. He is the perfect addition to join our NJ insurance team.

Patrice Proctor

NJ Insurance Agency | Bogle Agency Insurance Bergen County NJPatrice is new to the insurance industry but, she brings a wealth of sales experience from her prior career at ADP.  She is experienced in the life & health insurance field through her network of associates she worked with previously to service and place life and health insurance for customers.

Call Bogle Agency Insurance today at 877-453-7358 FREE to learn about your insurance options and to see if your current coverage is adequate for the constantly growing and changing coverage needs of you business and your family. Our NJ Insurance agents can help you make educated and informed decisions about your business and personal insurance needs.

How To Prepare For Dangerous Weather In NJ

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Prepare For Dangerous Weather In NJ

Prepare For Dangerous Weather In NJ | Bogle Agency InsuranceSpring has sprung in New Jersey, even if it doesn’t completely feel like it.  Along with spring’s swinging temperatures comes unpredictable and at times volatile weather. Thunderstorms are the biggest worry of Spring weather in NJ, and with them come high winds, lightning, and flooding.With spring weather being so unpredictable it is important to prepare for dangerous weather in NJ.

To plan for inclement weather there are several items you should have on hand to make sure you get through not only the weather itself, but any aftermath. The first important item to have on hand is a battery operated flashlight with extra batteries. No one wants to be caught in the dark if hit with a power outage. Flashlights are also much safer and will last longer than candles. Another very important item to have on hand is a battery powered NOAA Weather Radio. Make sure these items are easily accessible so you can get updates on weather conditions if power and cell service are down and do not have to fumble around in the dark if the lights are out. It’s also very wise to have a fully stocked first aid kit, 3-5 days worth of non perishable food and water, along with any necessary personal hygiene items, and blankets and sleeping bags on hand at all times.

Have A Plan

Every home should have an emergency evacuation plan written out and a copy easily accessible for each member of the family. This plan should include a map of your home and routes to safety based on different scenarios from each room in the home.

Along with an evacuation plan there should also be an easily accessible list of important telephone numbers, insurance, property and medical information. Many people choose to keep all of this information together in a binder in a safe waterproof and fireproof area in a place where it can be accessed quickly.

Talk to your family about the possibility of severe weather and go over safety plans regularly. Make sure they know where they can take proper cover in different scenarios. Make sure they know where all the emergency supplies are and that each member of the family knows how to turn off the water, gas and electricity to the house should it be necessary.

Unfortunately there is often little warning when it comes to extreme weather.  Therefor learning how to prepare for dangerous weather as much as possible ahead of time is important. Being prepared not only keeps your insurance risks lower, but it insures that your family remains safe and calm in emergency situations and in turn able to help others in need.

 

How To Choose Life Insurance Beneficiaries

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Life Insurance Beneficiaries In NJ

Life Insurance Beneficiaries In NJ | Bogle Agency Insurance Bergen County NJChoosing a life insurance beneficiary in NJ should be a simple process, with very little stress involved. While it generally is a straightforward process, there can be a number of potential financial, legal and tax problems that can result from improperly naming your beneficiaries. It’s important to avoid certain costly mistakes when naming life insurance beneficiaries in NJ.

Most of the time, life insurance beneficiaries are the spouses and children of the policyholder. However, it does not have to be that way. The person or people you choose as your life insurance beneficiaries in NJ is completely your choice. While who you choose as your beneficiary is a very important choice, how you name them is also an important choice.

The Difference Between Primary and Contingent Life Insurance Beneficiaries

There are two ways to go about legally naming a life insurance beneficiary in NJ.

  • Primary beneficiary: A primary life insurance beneficiary is the person(s) who will receive the proceeds of the policy when the life insurance policyholder dies.
  • Contingent beneficiary: Otherwise known as a secondary beneficiary, this person will not receive any life insurance proceeds unless the primary beneficiary is no longer alive. The secondary beneficiary would, for example receive proceeds if the policyholder and the primary beneficiary passed aways at the same time.

Most professionals will tell you, to avoid any issues in the future, naming both a primary and a contingent beneficiary at the same time is the best, and safest way to go.

The Difference Between Revocable and Irrevocable Life Insurance Beneficiaries

There are also two different classes of beneficiaries. They are revocable and irrevocable beneficiaries.

  • Revocable Beneficiaries: The policyholder has the right to change the beneficiary of the policy at any time without any consent from the previously named beneficiary.
  • Irrevocable Beneficiaries: The owner of the life insurance policy cannot change the designation of the beneficiary without the consent of the original beneficiary.

With all futures being unknown, most experts will tell you to avoid potential legal issues, you should choose revocable beneficiaries. It is a simpler options should you ever want to make changes for any reason in the future.

What If My Beneficiary Dies Before Me?

In the unfortunate event your beneficiary passes away, you will need to rename your beneficiary as soon as possible. It is actually as simple as requesting a “change of beneficiary” form from your insurance company. Should you and your beneficiary dies at the same time, the proceeds will go to your contingent beneficiary if in place, or simply to your estate.

There are a lot of personal decisions involved in choosing the right life insurance plan for yourself and your family. Naming a life insurance beneficiary in NJ is the most important. All of the plans you make are with the thought of your beneficiary in mind. Take the time to talk to an independent life insurance agent at Bogle Agency Insurance in Bergen County NJ and we will find the best plan that meets your needs.

Please also visit our NJ Life Insurance Options page for more information.

 

Understanding The Affordable Care Act & Employer Reporting Requirements

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ACA NJ Employer Reporting Requirements

ACA NJ Employer Reporting Requirements | Bogle Agency InsuranceThe shared responsibility (ESR) provision of The Affordable Care Act, or more commonly called the Employer Mandate or “Play or Pay” requires large employers in NJ pay a penalty if they fail to offer health insurance to full time employees. There is an exemption offered to small employers in NJ if they have 50 or less full-time employees. While this took effect in January of 2015, there was a special transition offered to some NJ employers, allowing them to delay their compliance without a penalty until several months into 2016. As we are now moving forward into 2016, it is time to make sure your business is fully compliant with the Affordable Care Act. We want to be sure that all businesses understand the ACA NJ Employer Reporting Requirements.

At its core, the concept behind Play or Pay is a simple one. To play the employer offers health insurance coverage to full time, or full time equivalent workers. You pay by receiving a penalty if you fail to do so. Though the concept is very simple, the details for of the ACA NJ Employer Reporting Requirements leave many open questions.

How Are Full-Time Employees Defined?

First let’s make sure we clearly understand who constitutes as a full-time employee in NJ. NJ Employer Reporting Requirements state that a full-time employee is someone who works as a common law employee for 30 or more hours per week on average. In other words, each employee with 120 or more hours of service in a month counts as one full-time employee.

What Is A Full-Time Equivalent Employee?

To calculate the number of full-time equivalent employees, total the hours of service of all non-full-time employees in a month and divide that by 120.

Am I An Applicable Large Employer?

To meet with the standards of the Affordable Care Act NJ Employer Reporting Requirements, you must figure out if you are an applicable large employer. To do this, count the number of both full time and full-time equivalent employees for each month in the previous year. Add the together and divide by 12. This will give you the result of your average number of employees. If the resulting number is under 50, you are not and Applicable Large Employer. If the result is higher than 50 you likely are an Applicable Large Employer but may have other considerations such as seasonal workers and other special exemptions.

What Is Adequate And Affordable Coverage?

To be considered adequate coverage, and employer must offer minimum essential coverage. This can be any employer-sponsored group health plan, but does not include stand-alone dental or vision coverage. To be considered affordable coverage, if elected , the employee’s contribution for self-only coverage, cannot exceed 9.5% of the employee’s income.

The Affordable Care Act can be difficult and intimidating for employers to navigate on their own. At Bogle Agency Insurance in Bergen County NJ, we can help employers understand the ACA NJ Employer Reporting Requirements and help you find the right group health insurance options for your business.

At Bogle Agency Insurance, we can help Bergen County NJ residents, and all NJ residents with all their Health Insurance and Life Insurance needs. Have a look at our new and improved Life Insurance and Health Insurance pages, full of great information.

 

Bergen County NJ Employers: Company Driver Good Practices

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Bergen County NJ Company Driver Safety

Bergen County NJ Company Driver Safety | Bogle Agency InsuranceAll companies large and small that employ anyone to drive for them at any capacity needs to have driver safety protocol and clear driving policies. From the largest trucking company, to the mom and pop pizza delivery shop, the well being of  your business and your bottom line depend on it. A Bergen County NJ company driver safety program is a business necessity.

Driver Agreements

Whether or not your employees drive a company vehicle or their personal vehicle for business purposes in Bergen County or throughout NJ, you need to establish a contract with them regarding vehicle operation. This contract should include an acknowledgement from the driver that they are aware of company traffic safety policies and procedures, any driver performance expectations, vehicle maintenance agreements and a duty to report and moving violations received on or even off the clock.

NJ Motor Vehicle Record Checks

Checking the driving record of anyone that will be driving for the purposes of your business in Bergen County and beyond,  is very important. Screening out any potential future problems will save you time, money and in some cases legal issues. Not only should this be done prior to hiring, but you should also conduct a Motor Vehicle Check periodically for all drivers. Set a company policy that clearly state the number of violations you will allow an employee before they will lose their company driving privileges, and/or be terminated.

Have A Disciplinary Plan

You will need to decide how you will handle the course of action taken after an employee receives a moving violation, or is involved in what is ruled to have been a preventable accident. Many companies choose to enact a points system. the system provides and outline for progressive discipline, should a driver continue to develop a pattern of repeated violations. Once a driver receives a certain amount of points within a specific time frame, a clear protocol for actions will be clearly laid out.

Reward/Incentive Program

Just like the points system for disciplinary action, it’s also good practice to have a points system designed to reward good driving habits as an incentive for employees to maintain high standards. Since safe driving behaviors are a direct contributor to your bottom line, it is worth investing in these types of rewards or bonuses for your employees. While cash bonuses are often a very good incentive, you can also choose to reward your employees with recognition, or special privileges.

Bergen County NJ Driver Training/Communication

Continuing driver safety training with new ideas, or just simple refreshers can produce an amazing benefit. even the most experienced driver can benefit from periodic refresher on safe driving practices and skills. It is too easy to become complacent, especially if you are out on the road every day. Continued training and communication are invaluable tools.

Bergen County NJ Company Driver Safety

Any business that has any employee driving for any purpose, from a trucking company, to sending someone out from the office on errands, needs to have a company driver safety program for their own protection and bottom line.

 

February Is Cancer Prevention Month

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Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention

Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention | Bogle Agency InsuranceMaking healthy choices not only increases lifespan, quality of life and overall health, it also lowers health insurance costs. Health insurance in NJ is a must for all residents who want to live healthy and fulfilled lives. But it isn’t all about visiting a doctor. Making healthy choices is the responsibility of each individual.  As cancer awareness month wraps up, we thought we would take a moment to discuss Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention, and how as individuals we can make the right choices to help lower our risks.

It is estimated that roughly one-third of the most common cancers in the United States could be prevented and this of course extends right to our own homes here in Bergen County. The best methods of Bergen County cancer prevention include healthy eating, staying active, and not smoking.

Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention | Lung Cancer Risk

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the primary cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. An overwhelming majority of lung cancer cases are a result of cigarette smoking. According to cancer.gov, in 2014 alone Americans spent $11.9 billion dollars battling lung cancer. Even second hand smoke in the home or the workplace increases lung cancer risks by 20 – 30%. Many of the cancer-causing toxic chemicals in secondhand smoke are at even higher levels than the smoke inhaled directly from a cigarette. It is astounding how many cases of cancer could be prevented by avoiding cigarette smoke.

Bergen County NJ Cancer Prevention | Skin Cancer Risk

We all love our trips down the shore in New Jersey and summer here in Bergen County are beautiful. With all the fun of summer, it is easy to forget about skin protection. Skin cancer is the #1 most common cancer in the US.  Preventing skin cancer doesn’t mean you need to stay out of the sun completely. In fact, moderate time in the sun mixed with time in the shade, wearing hats and sunglasses, and of course sun screen are huge factors in skin cancer prevention.

Maintaining A Healthy Lifestyle

Staying lean and maintaining a healthy body weight has been shown to dramatically decrease the risk of a cancer diagnosis. The World Cancer Research Fund has estimated that 20% of all cancer diagnosis in the US are related to being overweight, physically inactive, poor nutrition and alcohol consumption and therefore could be prevented by a healthy diet and regular exercise.

If we all take steps to avoiding the unhealthy choices that increase our risks of cancer and instead take the positive healthy steps to reduce these risks, we will enjoy longer, more fulfilled lives and reduce the costs involved in battling this terrible disease. Bergen County cancer prevention, and cancer prevention all over the country and world should be taken very seriously.