Buying a washing machine is a major purchase, and if you are in the market for a new washing machine you’ll be keen to get good value for money. Your old washing machine may have failed and caused a flood in the laundry room and a water damage claim on your New Jersey homeowners insurance, so you’ll be looking to avoid that experience with your new washing machine.

You have probably noticed Energy Star rated front loading washing machines in the appliance showroom, and you may be wondering how an energy efficient washing machine saves energy. While a top loading washing machine rotates clothes and a full tub of water, a front loading washing machine rotates water through clothes at the bottom of the tub. This design difference is the key to most of the efficiency gain.

-Water use is reduced.  Energy efficient front loading washing machines typically use less than 25 gallons of water per load(compared with 40 gallons for a regular washing machine).
-Using less hot water saves on energy consumed in heating water.
-Using less water reduces the amount of laundry detergent used.
-Using less water reduces the amount of effluent that passes into the sewer system.
-Improved motors reduce electricity consumption.
-A final high speed spin cycle removes more water, reducing drying time and reducing energy consumed by the dryer.

Having chosen your new washing machine, prolong its life by maintaining it well. Make regular checks on the hoses of your washing machine to avoid a laundry flood and a claim on New Jersey homeowners insurance.

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Win a $25 Visa Gift Card from the Bogle Agency, just for sharing your story!

Are you ready for Valentine’s Day?  If not, maybe we can help! The Bogle Agency is proud to announce our New Contest, in conjunction with our latest innovative product:  Date Insurance!

At the Bogle Agency, we all like to have fun, and we recognize that Valentine’s Day can have its ups and downs.  It’s expensive to plan a Valentine’s Day date and sometimes, things don’t always go as planned.  The dinner, flowers, car service, chocolates, salon visit costs can add up, and we’d like to offer you a policy to cover those costs, in the event you don’t realize your V-Day dreams.  It’s called Date Insurance, and we offer remarkably affordable coverage for a minimal, one-time premium.

For further information about date insurance, or any other New Jersey insurance need, please call us at 1-877-453-7358, or visit our Virtual Insurance Agency at:  www.bogleagency.com.

To enter our contest, you must send your best Valentine’s Day Date story, good or bad, and submit it via e-mail to:  Bogle Valentine’s Contest.  You must also visit the Bogle Agency Facebook Fan Page and “Like” our page.  We will check!!  We encourage you to share the story and pictures on our page, but it is not a requirement to win. The more information you provide, the better your chance of winning a $25 Visa Gift Card.  And please, do remember that we are a family company!

The esteemed board of Bogle Judges will choose four winners on Monday, February 13^th and announce them on our blog, Facebook Page and Twitter account. We will also be posting the winning “Tales of Love”, so keep it tasteful.  We will closely monitor the submissions and the number of “Likes” each story gets, so encourage friends and family members to view your stories and share them

GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE!

The roof and roof gutters of your home do an important job in keeping out the elements, and roof maintenance and repairs should have a high priority in any home maintenance program. Ask your agent or insurer if you are uncertain what roof repairs are covered by New Jersey homeowners insurance.

There are two roof maintenance jobs that should be undertaken regularly.
•Inspect the roof for damage after extreme weather. Look for damaged roof covering and flashings, leaking gutters and downpipes and have them repaired so that the roof is weatherproof again.
•Clear gutters of leaves and other debris that could cause blockages, overflows and water damage. Fitting leaf guards over the gutters reduces the need to clear gutters frequently.

You must have the right ladders for accessing the roof, and proper equipment for working on the roof and gutters. It’s dangerous to use ladders that are unsuitable for the purpose, and working on the roof without the right equipment can cause further damage to the roof. Many people who are skilled and confident in DIY work around the home prefer not to attempt to inspect or repair a roof because they are uncomfortable working at heights.

Don’t take the risk of working on the roof unless you have the right equipment and are confident when working on a ladder. Hiring a professional roofing contractor to undertake regular inspection, maintenance and repair of your roof and gutters can set your mind at rest, prevent roof leaks and gutter overflows and avoid the drama of water damage claims on New Jersey homeowners insurance.

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An annoying dripping tap can keep you awake at night, but a burst water pipe that floods your home or a blocked sewer line that makes toilets, showers and sinks unusable can create havoc in your home and disturb your domestic routines.

•Prevent drains from being clogged by insoluble matter by placing a strainer in each plug hole to capture hair, eggshells, tea leaves and coffee grounds.
•Avoid getting grease and oil into drains where it can solidify and cause blockages.
•Consider the growth habits of trees you plant in your garden. Trees with invasive root systems can break sewer lines. Keep the roots of existing trees under control by regular trimming.
•Keep watch for small leaks and if you notice anything amiss have it repaired immediately to avoid further damage.

One of the most important things a homeowner can do to avoid a minor problem turning into a major crisis is to become familiar with the water shutoff valve. You may be able to fix some minor problems yourself, and it’s useful for a homeowner to know how to replace a worn tap washer or adjust a toilet cistern ball float. Serious problems in your home’s plumbing or drainage systems should only be tackled by a qualified plumbing specialist. Call your agent or insurer if you are uncertain what types of plumbing repairs or water damage may be covered by New Jersey homeowners insurance.

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-For immediate release-

Consolidated Insurance Agents announced today its new association with Bogle Agency Insurance and Merwin & Paolazzi Insurance Agency

Monmouth Junction, NJ (January 16, 2012) – Consolidated Insurance Agents LLC announced today their affiliation with Bogle Agency Insurance and Merwin & Paolazzi Insurance Agency, both of Lyndhurst, NJ, as equity partners.  Coupled with over a dozen producing agencies, Consolidated Insurance Agents LLC is the Garden State’s fastest growing network of independent insurance agencies.

“We are thrilled to add these prestigious agencies to the ranks of Consolidated.  Their decades of industry experience and strong carrier relations complement our current offerings and add over $35M of premium volume,” said John K. Tiene, Consolidated CEO.

Philip R. Bogle, President of Bogle Agency Insurance, a fourth-generation agency, commented, “I’ve been watching the development of agency networks over the years, and we feel strongly that Consolidated Insurance Agents is the right alliance for us.”

 “The retail insurance market is changing and it is more difficult than ever to increase profits.  Joining Consolidated will ensure our ability to compete and grow effectively over the next 15 to 20 years,” said Michael Merwin, president of Merwin & Paolazzi Insurance Agency.

Consolidated, a New Jersey-based network of independent insurance agencies was formed by the Pavese-McCormick Insurance Agency of Monmouth Junction, NJ and the Valvano Insurance Agency of Linden, NJ in 2010. They were soon joined by United Assurance of Fair Lawn, NJ. Today, the member agencies of Consolidated Insurance Agents LLC control over $150 million in premiums and provide direct markets for nineteen independently-owned agencies.

 Member agencies benefit through direct access to standard markets without large volume commitments that provide agents higher retention and new business sales opportunities as well as aggregation of premiums. In addition, they provide their members access to a wide variety of additional products and services agencies need to compete and survive in the current marketplace.

CIA is currently accepting applications from like-minded agents for equity and producing partner opportunities.

To learn more about the program the CIA website address is: www.consolidadedinsurancenj.com.

And to learn more about the Bogle Agency, please visit them at their website and Virtual Insurance Office at: www.bogleagency.com, or via twitter at: @bogleinsurance, or its Facebook Fan Page at:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bogle-Agency-Insurance/171280236234707

John K. Tiene

CEO

Consolidated Insurance Agents LLC

3759 US 1

Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852

Office:   (732) 960-2035

Cell:      (609) 923-5280

Fax:      (732) 200-3428

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What do you look for when you’re purchasing New Jersey homeowners insurance?  Your home may be your largest investment, and finding the best insurance to protect that investment can be a complex task. Many homeowners turn to insurance agencies to manage their homeowners insurance needs. But what services would a good insurance agency provide? Here are a few features that you might look for:

• An agency should employ efficient and knowledgeable insurance professionals.
• An agency should provide friendly, personalized service: discussing and understanding your insurance needs, helping to identify the best value insurance product, and after-sales assistance like reminders when policies are due for review or renewal.
• Agency staff should have a wide range of expertise in different insurance products. Your current focus may be on homeowners insurance but it’s important for an insurance agency to be able to be a single point of contact for personal and business insurance requirements.
• An insurance agency should offer expert assistance when a policy holder needs to file an insurance claim. Filing a claim may follow an unpleasant experience like a house fire or burglary, and at such times policy holders look for a combination of sensitivity and professional expertise.

These are some of the important features of a good insurance agency. Shopping for the best New Jersey homeowners insurance will be a breeze with the help of a good local insurance agency, so give us a call today!

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Have you purchased a New Jersey life insurance policy? It’s important to remember that someone other than you will be filing any claim on your life insurance policy, so make sure you have complete records relating to the policy as part of your personal papers.

There are a few essential items of information to be noted.

• Record the name of the company issuing the policy and the address of its headquarters.
• Record the name and contact details of the agency that sold you the policy.
• Record the policy number, type of policy and date it was issued.
• Record the amount of death benefit purchased.
• Identify the beneficiaries you wish to receive the insurance payment.

Be sure to record where the original copy of your New Jersey life insurance policy is stored. It’s important to keep all of this information up to date by recording any changes that may take place over time, such as changes of name. Take copies of your life insurance records and store each copy in a separate place. One copy of the records should be in a place where your beneficiaries will look for them, and a backup copy should be kept somewhere away from your home, in a safe deposit box, a friend’s house, or as a digital record. Keeping this information up to date will ensure a stress-free payout in the future.

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Standard New Jersey homeowners insurance may cover garden trees for a range of risks such as fire, lightning, and vandalism. Homeowners often purchase additional coverage for valuable mature trees and for the risk of wind damage. Fortunate homeowners with large properties and ample, mature trees sometimes hire an arborist to care for trees in the garden.

Arborists are trained and equipped in the care of trees. They provide a range of specialized services:

• Arborists carry out pruning to maintain trees. They can remove branches that interfere with wires and parts of buildings or obstruct streets; remove branches that are dead, weak, damaged, and diseased or infested with insects; train young trees; and work on the shape or structure of trees to improve appearance, lessen wind resistance or increase light penetration.
• Arborists can remove trees as a last resort. An arborist is trained to determine when a tree should be removed and has equipment to carry out this task safely.
• Arborists undertake emergency work on trees. They are trained to work safely on heavy trees and branches that may have fallen or been damaged because of storms.
• Arborists know the characteristics of trees and can recommend varieties to be planted in specific locations.

Having invested in New Jersey homeowners insurance protection for your garden trees, take some time to select the right arborist to care for them. Be sure to hire a trained, experienced professional who carries personal, liability, and workers compensation insurance if appropriate!

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People who live in New Jersey or own a business in the state can benefit from consulting a local insurance agency when they’re in the market for the best value insurance. Insurance agencies represent a variety of insurance companies, and agency staff members are experts in a wide range of insurance products including New Jersey homeowners insurance, life insurance, business insurance and auto insurance.

• Renters’ insurance compensates you for loss and damage to possessions if there’s a fire or burglary.
• Life insurance coverage provides benefits on the death of the policyholder.
• Homeowners’ insurance covers loss and damage of your home and belongings, additional costs if you have to move out of home during repairs or rebuilding after a disaster and liability lawsuits brought against you by third parties who claim to have suffered injury because of you.
• Business insurance products include coverage for property and other business assets, workers’ compensation and professional liability.
• Auto insurance coverage to meet New Jersey auto insurance obligations can be purchased for personal and business vehicles.

Buying New Jersey homeowners insurance, for example, is simple when you consult a local insurance agency. An agency can help with tasks like obtaining insurance quotes, deciding which policies offer the best value for you, and applying for coverage. They can advise you on preparing your home inventory and will keep in touch so that you know when policies are due for renewal. The agency that helps you to arrange homeowners’ insurance coverage can be a single point of contact for any other insurance products you may need.

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Homeowners who are planning home improvement projects sometimes go to classes to develop their DIY skills. Taking classes is a sound way to learn and is a more practical approach that trying to learn on the job or researching the task on the internet. It’s important for DIY enthusiasts to be aware of their own limitations and not attempt specialized jobs like plumbing or electrical installation work that are likely to compromise New Jersey homeowners insurance (or worse, personal safety) unless they are undertaken by licensed contractors.

Here are a few tips to ensure that your DIY job is the best you can do.

• Consider hiring professional power tools and equipment if you want to do a professional job. Hiring is a much more cost effective option than purchasing expensive equipment that may not be used again.
• Don’t skimp on materials. Good quality paint, for example, is easier to use, provides better coverage and lasts longer than cheap paint.
• Remember that pre-planning and preparation are vital. Careful preparation before undertaking a woodworking task, for example, helps to avoid the risk of inaccurate measurements, incorrect cutting of wood and consequent wastage.
• Always make personal safety your top priority. Wear protective clothing, have someone hold your ladder, and avoid unnecessary risks. A DIY job won’t be so satisfying if you have broken your leg or suffered a burn!

One of the most important DIY skills you can learn is patience. It may be frustrating to have to wait for the right materials or parts to be available, but being patient rather than rushing in unprepared will help ensure that the job is done safely and competently. While you’re waiting for something to arrive, why not take the time to review your New Jersey homeowners insurance to ensure that the value of your recent home improvements is reflected in your coverage?
 

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