Starting a new business often means that the owner exists for months being frugal, investing whatever income is earned straight back into business development projects. This is a precarious business model, and an unexpected, unplanned expense can threaten the very existence of an enterprise if it does not have a steady flow of cash or a reserve of capital. It’s important for a new business owner to consider purchasing NJ liability insurance to cover the risk of lawsuits being filed claiming damages.

There are different types of liability insurance products designed for the particular risks faced by various businesses. General liability insurance helps to protect a business from damage that can be caused to a third party or to the property of a third party. Owners of retail stores often carry general liability insurance for the risk of someone being injured by tripping and falling in their business premises.

Professional liability protects a business, its owners and employees from the risk of lawsuits brought by customers who claim to have suffered harm because of mistakes made in the course of providing services. Businesses such as accountancy practices and beauty salons are among the types of enterprise that often carry professional liability insurance.

An uninsured lawsuit could cost a business dearly. Liability insurance protects the business owner’s investment, allowing judgments awarded against the business to be paid by the insurer rather than from business funds – up to the limit of coverage. Talk to your insurer or agent about NJ liability insurance if you wish to protect yourself from the cost of lawsuits.

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New Jersey homeowners who want to live more sustainably have many options: conserving water, using energy efficient appliances and using renewable energy are all good ways to start going green. As a bonus, viewed from a financial perspective most green alternatives are less expensive to run than the traditional devices that they replace. Installation of some facilities like solar panels may attract state and federal subsidies, and installing solar powered intruder lights may be considered by an insurer to be a security enhancement. Homes with good quality security features may qualify the householder for reduced New Jersey homeowners insurance premiums.

Here are a few of the ways you can make a difference to the amount of energy your household consumes.

• Install solar outdoor lights – solar lighting uses electricity generated during hours of sunlight and stored in a battery ready for use after sundown.
• Use energy efficient light fittings such as low wattage compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Conserve water when washing dishes.
• Choose energy efficient Energy Star appliances when replacing electrical equipment.
• Avoid using clothes dryers in warm weather. Dry clothes naturally in the fresh air and sunshine.

Going green doesn’t have to be an “all or nothing” thing: starting to conserve water and electricity are steps in the right direction and are infinitely preferable to doing nothing. Don’t forget to speak to your agent or insurer about New Jersey homeowners insurance products that may interest the environmentally conscious home owner.
 

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Tis the Season for Holiday Parties… and Food Poisoning

Make sure you’re protected through your NJ homeowner’s insurance

The fall and winter holidays are just about here, which means cooking that Thanksgiving turkey, then stringing up the lights, and eventually dashing through the snow. The holidays also mean lots of fun, festive parties to celebrate the season. These celebrations usually feature an array of delectable foods and tasty drinks that are not only dangerous to your waistline, but if you’re hosting a party, you have more to worry about than added pounds or lumpy gravy.
 
According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated one in six people in the United States come down with food poisoning every year. And whether you’re preparing the food and drinks for your party yourself or purchasing them, you could be liable if your party guests get sick. Food poisoning doesn’t just happen to bad cooks either. Foods, such as bagged spinach — that’s supposedly pre-washed and ready to eat — can contain E. coli, which is undetectable to even the most well trained chef.
 
Fortunately, most homeowner’s insurance policies cover food poisoning situations in which your guests incur medical expenses or endure “pain and suffering” (i.e. missing work because they’re hovering over a toilet bowl). There are limits to both of these coverages and intentional poisoning is not covered (so don’t try slipping something into your pesky aunt’s pumpkin pie), but most policies provide protection from unintentional food-borne illness.
 
The best way to avoid a food-poisoning claim is to take the proper precautions when preparing your holiday fare. Here are some tips to ensure your guests leave with leftovers and fond memories, and not food poisoning.
 
1. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat or poultry.
2. Use an anti-bacterial cleaner to wipe down any surfaces, including counters and cutting boards, that come into contact with raw meat or poultry.
3. Check the expiration date on foods before using them to cook or offering them to guests.
4. Wash all produce, even the kind that’s “pre-washed,” before using it.
5. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils to stir raw and cooked food.
6. Make sure all foods are cooked to the appropriate temperature. This rule doesn’t apply to just meat and poultry either. Eggs, seafood, and even potatoes can cause illness if they are undercooked.
7. Don’t leave foods that require refrigeration or freezing out for more than two hours.
8. When in doubt, throw it out. If you’re unsure about any food – raw or cooked, prepared or homemade – don’t use it.
 
If you have questions about whether your homeowner’s policy covers food poisoning or any other party-related risk, any of us at the Bogle Agency will be happy to answer your policy questions. We can be reached through our state-of-the-art website at:  www.bogleagency.com, or by calling us at 201-939-1076, or toll free at 1-877-453-7358.

We hope you enjoy a safe and enjoyable holiday season and be sure to look for other safety tips and even some tried-and-true recipes to delight your guests on on Facebook Fan Page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bogle-Agency-Insurance/171280236234707

Many homeowners in New Jersey are choosing to rent out their homes rather than sell at a loss. Before you turn the family home into a rental property you may need to inform your local authority, mortgage lender, and New Jersey homeowners insurance provider about your plans to rent out your house. You may also want to consider making a few cosmetic changes that could attract tenants who are prepared to pay you a higher rent.

Stand across the street from your house and try to see it from a stranger’s perspective. Does the paintwork look dusty, is the garden overgrown, or is the gate hanging off its hinges? Things like these are the first impressions your house gives, so it’s important to attend to any weak spots in the presentation of your home. Doing this may not require you to spend a lot on paint or repairs; for example, if paintwork is looking tired, you may be able to bring back its sparkle by cleaning with a pressure hose.

Next, look at each room in the house and consider what you can do to improve its appearance without breaking the bank.

• Inexpensive new light fittings in a bathroom or kitchen can give an impression of spaciousness.
• A coat of paint can transform kitchen cupboard doors. (You can even paint over melamine if you first apply a spray treatment to the smooth surface.)
• Freshen up tired-looking wall surfaces by washing down with sugar soap.

Simple cosmetic changes like these have the potential to transform your home’s appearance and appeal. Having made these changes and spoken to you agent about any necessary changes to your New Jersey homeowners insurance arrangements, you’ll be ready to start advertising your home as a highly desirable rental property.
 

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Having a blocked sewer line is an unpleasant experience that is very disruptive to your daily life; it can also be costly to fix.  New Jersey homeowners insurance may compensate you for the cost of drain repairs in some circumstances, but the best way to avoid a blocked sewer is to be careful about what you put down the drain.

A simple way of preventing insoluble materials from getting into your drains is to fit strainers over drains in your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room to catch food, hair, and other debris that could clog a drain.

Hardware stores sell chemicals that can be used to clear drains, but with a little care you can avoid such measures. For a more gentle approach:

• Pour hot water down your drains regularly. Running hot water down the drains helps to melt oil or grease that could clog drains.
• Use lemon juice to neutralize odors. Lemon juice helps to neutralize any bad smells, but remember to use only juice; slices of lemon will clog the drain.
• Help your drains flow more freely. Use a sink plunger to loosen debris that may be collecting in the drain. Mild clogs might be cleared by putting a few tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) down the drain followed by a cupful of white vinegar; the soda and vinegar react together to disperse particles clogging the drain.

A little gentle treatment has got to be better than using harsh caustic substances to clear your drains. Even better, prevent unwanted waste from getting into your drain and avoid the disruption of major sewer blockages and the drama of related New Jersey homeowners insurance claims.
 

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The whole of the East Coast of the United States is vulnerable to storms that come in from the Atlantic Ocean, and homes in the densely populated states along the Atlantic seaboard are at risk of severe damage from wind storm. The home and contents portion of a standard New Jersey homeowners insurance policy may provide some financial against losses resulting from wind storm and other disasters.

New Jersey is one of the 18 states where special hurricane deductibles apply. These deductibles were established with the aim of making insurance coverage more accessible in high-risk areas without driving up premiums in areas that are less vulnerable to hurricane damage. Hurricane deductibles are usually expressed as a proportion (typically between 1 and 5 percent) of a home’s insured value. This means that a policy holder whose home is insured for $200,000 and has a 3% deductible pays for the first $6,000 of hurricane damage. 

Purchasing insurance protection for wind damage is a sensible precaution. Safety authorities recommend that residents of regions that are vulnerable to severe wind storms take steps to protect their properties from damage. Your home is better able to survive a wind storm if you have added a layer of protection to keep out wind and water, so consider installing storm shutters and reinforced garage doors.

Make sure that you understand how your percentage deductibles for wind storm damage in New Jersey differ from the dollar deductibles for other losses such as burglary and fire. Talk to your insurer or agency if you’re unsure how your New Jersey homeowners insurance policy protects you.

Announcing the Return of Bogle “Refer A Friend” Rewards

Refer a friend to our agency and get a complimentary gift card!

Here at the Bogle Agency, we’re looking for new business, and we are willing to pay you to help! 

If you refer a friend, who activates a new personal or commercial policy with us any time in November, we will send you a $25 Visa Gift Card as a reward. It’s that simple, but there will be a limit of one reward per household, and it must be on a new policy, not a renewal or existing policy. 

This is just our way of saying Thank You to the best clients in the business and we hope you’ll share that opinion with your family and friends.

To claim your reward, just make sure your friend mentions this program when they call the office for a quote at 201-939-1076 or 1-877-453-7358.  They can also e-mail us at: jrotonda@bogleagency.com or send us a message via Facebook on our Fan Page, and while you’re there, make sure to LIKE us too!

At Bogle, we strive to give our clients the best possible service at the best possible price.  That’s what we’re here for, and we hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you!

Don’t Be Like Jerry!  Don’t Skimp On Your Insurance!

Saving 15 Minutes Isn’t Always The Right Way.

The lesson learned from Jerry’s story in the video above is one we don’t want you to learn the hard way! In these trying economic times, it may be tempting to cancel or reduce insurance coverage to save money, but it’s a disastrous idea.

At the Bogle Agency, our independent agents are specially trained to get you the best insurance coverage for the best price out there. That’s what we do! Whether it’s your New Jersey auto insurance, New Jersey homeowners insurance, or even health and life insurance, we are committed to keeping you safe and well protected through both good, and troubled times.

Homeowners:  Don’t cut your homeowners insurance thinking that because home values have dropped you don’t need as much coverage. What you’re paying for is the amount it would cost to rebuild your home and replace your belongings. If you need to save, boost your policy’s deductible. Raising it to $1,000 from $500 could shave 25 percent off the cost.

Health Insurance:  Some cuts are fine—generic drugs instead of name brand, for instance. But skipping doctor visits is a bad idea, and so is cancelling your insurance. “I’ve seen so many people go through horrendous financial nightmares and even bankruptcy because they don’t have health insurance. This is just not one you want to mess with,” said Jonni McCoy, author of Miserly Moms: Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy.

Life Insurance:  Today many families are struggling just to pay the bills – 22% say they have missed payments on bills in the past year. During these tough times, you may be tempted to skip or skimp on life insurance. However, this is one area where it’s best to stay up-to-date. Why? Consider what the sudden loss of a working parent could mean to your family’s financial future. Are you a single parent — or know someone who is? “Life insurance can be twice as important for a single parent.” Yet, 69% of single parents with children living in the house have no life insurance at all. If this applies to you or someone you know, the Bogle Agency can help!  Our licensed agents will help you become properly protected with low-cost term life insurance.

Auto Insurance:  With the recession keeping unemployment rates high, cash-strapped drivers are taking the risk of driving without insurance. The facts state that possibly one in seven drivers go without insurance. Driving without auto insurance is serious business. Violators face vehicle seizure, driver’s license suspension, fees and jail time. Also, drivers may be considered “high-risk” by insurance companies and charged hundreds more per year–or rejected outright–the next time they apply for auto insurance.

However, not all drivers cancel coverage altogether: some opt to reduce their coverage to the state-required minimum. But even this is risky. In the event of a major accident, the state minimum may not be enough to fully cover damages, and the driver will be responsible for paying the remainder out-of-pocket.

And remember: With more uninsured and underinsured drivers on the roadways, drivers should seriously consider adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to their policies.  If you have any questions about any of the coverages illustrated above, please contact us, via the web, e-mail or phone.  We’re ready to help!

Your
New Jersey homeowners insurance policy may offer compensation when your
possessions are lost in a burglary, but your first line of defense
against thieves should always be good security. Installing a burglar
alarm and locks on windows and doors will help to protect your home from
the risk of burglary, but remember that if your mailbox is not secure, a
criminal could breach your security without even setting foot inside
your home.

Take
a minute or two to think about your mailbox. Is it lockable? Do you
always use the lock?  Next, consider whether the size of your mailbox is
adequate for the sort of mail that is delivered to your home. Is the
mailbox large enough to accommodate larger items such as catalogues and
large envelopes?

A
mailbox that is too small exposes your mail to the weather and allows
it to be easily accessible to any opportunistic passer-by on the lookout
for a chance to steal valuables or identification documents. Exposed
mail may also indicate that there is no-one at home and encourage
thieves to try their hand at breaking in.

Your mailbox may be a weak spot in your home’s security. A mailbox that
cannot contain your mail securely poses a risk of valuable or sensitive
items of mail falling into the wrong hands. Some home security measures
may reduce New Jersey home insurance costs, so if you’re considering
upgrading your home’s security by adding a security system or upgrading
locks on doors and windows, ask your agent or insurer about premium
discounts that may be available.

10 SIMPLE WAYS TO GET YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTER

Even though we’re only a few days into the Fall season, it’s never too early to start thinking about winter driving safety.  Your first step in doing so is winterizing your vehicle.  The following tips literally could be life-saving, and at the very least, cost-saving. 

At the Bogle Agency, we can handle a problem if you need help with your New Jersey Auto Insurance, but we’d much rather you stay safe out there on the road, enjoying the changing season and falling leaves.

1. Get the right kind of oil change. Are you approaching the time for a 30,000-mile full service for your vehicle? If so, don’t procrastinate! Among other things, the service should include an oil change, and the oil used should have the right viscosity, or thickness, for your vehicle at this time of year. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated. Check your owner’s manual for guidance about which oil to use in different climates and temperatures.

2. Make sure you can see. When’s the last time you replaced your windshield wiper blades? They usually work effectively for about one year, so be sure to invest in some new ones if you’re due. Here’s another important step to take before you find yourself struggling to see in a blinding storm: Fill up your windshield washer reservoir with windshield washer fluid. (Plain water won’t do the trick at this time of year because it freezes.) Also check to see that your heater and defroster are working properly so you can keep the windshield nice and clear.

3. Give your battery a little TLC. This is an ideal time of year to make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion-free and that your battery has all the water it needs. If your battery is more than three years old, have a certified repair shop test its ability to hold a charge. Granted, you might be able to find a Good Samaritan to help you jump-start your vehicle in the middle of a blizzard — but wouldn’t you rather avoid such a scenario altogether?

4. Examine your belts and hoses. When you have that full service done on your vehicle, make sure the belts and hoses get checked for wear and tear — even if you’re driving a modern car. Cold weather can do a number on belts and hoses, so they deserve attention.

5. Check your tire pressure. Your tires must be properly inflated to ensure you’ll have the best possible traction as you drive along — and traction is often severely jeopardized in wet, snowy or icy conditions. The air pressure in your tires has likely dropped as the weather has gotten colder, so it’s important to see where things stand now. (You can generally expect that you’ll lose 1 pound per square inch whenever the temperature drops by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.) Again, your trusty owner’s manual will tell you what your target tire pressure should be.

6. Think about switching to snow tires. Do you live in a hilly place that gets its fair share of snow? Then you might want to improve traction even more by investing in winter tires and using them over the next few months instead of your usual all-season tires. When shopping around for snow tires, ask about all the fees that might come into play, such as fees for mounting and balancing. You can accomplish this easily and make accurate cost comparisons by asking each store for the “out the door charge.”

7. Do you have four-wheel drive? If so, it’s important to check the status of your four-wheel-drive system and be sure it’s working correctly — especially because most drivers don’t use their 4WD systems in the pleasant summer months. Be sure that the system engages and disengages easily, and that all drivers in your household know how and when to activate the system.

8. Get the antifreeze mixture just right. Aim for having a 50-50 mix of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your radiator. This will prevent the mixture from freezing even at ridiculously cold temperatures. It’s easy to check the status of the mixture with an inexpensive antifreeze tester, which you can pick up at any auto parts store. If the mixture is off, your cooling system should be drained and refilled or flushed. Be sure you’re equipped to dispose of your old antifreeze properly if you do this job yourself. It can’t just be poured down the drain.

9. Prepare an emergency kit. Store this stuff in your trunk during the winter months, especially if a road trip is in your future:

• a blanket
• extra boots and gloves
• an extra set of warm clothes
• extra water and food, including hard candies
• an ice scraper
• a small shovel
• a flashlight
• windshield washer fluid
• windshield wipers
• flares
• jumper cables
• a tool kit
• tire chains
• a tire gauge
• a spare tire with air in it
• tire-changing equipment
• a first-aid kit
• paper towels
• a bag of abrasive material such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter, which can provide additional traction if a tire gets stuck in snow.
• Also, keep the gas tank as full as you can to prevent the gas lines from freezing.

10. Know what to do if you get stranded. Don’t wander away from your car unless you’re completely sure about where you are and how far away help is. Light two flares and situate them at each end of your vehicle to call attention to your plight. Put on the extra clothes and use the blanket to stay warm. If you have enough gas in the tank, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes for each hour you’re waiting for help. Leave at least one window open a little bit so that snow and ice don’t seal the car shut. Suck on a hard candy to prevent your mouth from getting too dry.

And lastly, remember to keep your auto insurance information and agent’s phone number on hand at all times while driving.  Should you need to contact us, we’ll be happy to help you sort through any claims or questions you might have.

Happy driving!!