Why it’s a Good Idea for an Annual Policy Review

Why it’s a Good Idea for an Annual Insurance Policy Review


Annual Insurance Policy Review | Bogle Agency Insurance
Bogle Agency Insurance, insurance coverage for your home or office

There are many reasons while its a good idea for an annual insurance policy review when it comes to your Bergen County insurance policies. Let’s face it, elements of your life are constantly changing.  When you don’t review your insurance policies on a yearly basis there can be gaps in coverage.   Changes that occur in your life could include a new vehicle, the purchase of art, or perhaps the acquisition of new equipment for your business. This is why Bogle Agency Insurance, the go-to source for insurance in New Jersey, recommends an annual insurance policy review.

Questions to ask yourself:

These are but a few things to consider when reviewing your current NJ insurance policies. Life moves at such a fast pace that we may not even realize the changes that are occurring affect our insurance coverage. Should you have any major changes in your life at any time during a policy’s term we recommend that you contact Bogle Agency Insurance 201-939-1076, to discuss the changes.

Contact Bogle Agency Insurance today for your annual insurance policy review

Contact our team at Bogle Agency Insurance today to schedule a review of your current New Jersey insurance policies. We will help make sure that there are no gaps in your coverage. In addition, we will make sure that you do not have unnecessary coverage. Let our knowledge and experience offer the advice you need to cover the unexpected. An annual policy review is always a good idea.  And an experienced Lyndhurst NJ insurance agent is essential in making sure you have the coverage you need.

NJ Insurance, Hurricane Coverage and Claims

NJ Insurance, Hurricane Coverage and Claims

Hurricane Preparedness NJ Bogle Agency Insurance Hurricane Insurance


NJ insurance concerns often relate to hurricane coverage and claims. A hurricane is a weather event that none of us have control over. While many come and go leaving little more than a few branches in the yard and puddles in the driveway others can leave fallen trees and flooding in the basement. Regardless of what may or may not occur it is important to sit down with your Bergen County insurance agent to make sure you have the hurricane coverage you need.

A hurricane means torrential rains, often resulting in flooding; powerful winds that can bring down trees and blow away anything not tied down; and violent waves causing erosion and more. Most people think about hurricane damage occurring to homes. But it is important to realize that damage can occur to businesses as well. It is important that your NJ commercial insurance policy offers the coverage you need to give peace of mind when a hurricane hits.

Post hurricane tips for your business:

  • Make sure you can account for all employees who were at your facility during the storm.  If rescuers are needed call the appropriate emergency response group.
  • Be careful of flooded areas and be aware that the water may contain hazardous materials.
  • Do not drive through bodies of water.  A puddle may look like a puddle but could be far deeper than you realize.
  • Pools of water may have an electric charge so stay clear.
  • Have your building inspected by an engineer.  Wind damage could be more severe than you think.
  • Photograph all damage and make an appointment for an assessor to come out to survey the extent of damage.

Hurricanes are a fact of life when living near the coast. The aftermath can be shocking and costly. Understanding your homeowners insurance or your commercial insurance is essential. Sit down with your New Jersey insurance agent today and learn more about coverage and the claims procedure in the event of a hurricane.

Bogle Agency Insurance, your NJ insurance experts

Contact our team at Bogle Agency Insurance today to learn more about homeowners insurance in Bergen County NJ. We welcome the opportunity to help you evaluate your coverage. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide to NJ insurance, making sure you understand Hurricane coverage completely.

Winter Preparation for your Home & Business

Is Your Home or Business Ready for Winter? | Bogle Agency Insurance


Preparing your home for winter | Bogle Agency Insurance

Is your home or business prepared for winter? This is an important question to ask yourself. Winter readiness can save you from undue stress and prevent you from having to perform costly repairs. . Snow loads and freezing temperatures are but two things that can do a number on a building or a property. Preparing your home and business for winter is important! Your Lyndhurst NJ Insurance Agency is a great resource for this process.

Whether you’re preparing your home for winter or preparing your business for winter, it doesn’t have to be challenging. For starters, you can take the time to make sure all outdoor plumbing is turned off and irrigation lines have been blown out. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant damage. Ensuring that any pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures are insulated is important as well. While some homeowners insurance policies cover frozen pipes, you need to check with your insurance agent to make sure that you are covered in the event of burst plumbing in your house and property. Insurance companies say you should have your heating system checked regularly as well. Keeping a home or business warm is important! While you do not need to keep your home hot, it should be warm enough that the pipes cannot freeze!

It is also important to keep your gutters clear of leaves and ice. Blocked gutters can cause significant damage to your home such as major roof leaks, or permanently damaging your gutter system. Many insurance policies do not cover damages caused by clogged gutters. To prevent clogged or blocked gutters, you can use heat tape (heat cable) to prevent an ice buildup during the winter months. You can also hire a local gutter cleaning service to make sure your gutters are not clogged with leaves during the fall. Insurance companies also insist that you perform a seasonal check of your gutters to make sure you are not in danger of any potential damages.

A lack of preparation can hurt your home and business more than you know. If damage occurs to your home or business due to negligence, you may not be covered by homeowners insurance or business insurance. The lesson here lies in preparation. Planning ahead, taking precautionary measures and ensuring your home is up to par with regulations can help you ease your mind. Damages caused during winter months due to negligence, such as clogged gutters, are not usually covered by insurance. However, by taking precautionary measures, you can decrease the likelihood of damage and your own personal liability.

Learn more about Bergen County insurance and getting ready for winter

Contact our Bergen County insurance agents at Bogle Agency today to learn more about NJ homeowners insurance and business insurance. We welcome the opportunity to offer advice on how to prepare your home and business for winter. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Insurance in New Jersey and answer the question: is your home or business ready for winter?

 

NJ Small Business Winter Safety Tips

Winter Safety Tips For NJ Small Business |Bergen County Business Insurance

Winter Safety Tips For NJ Small BusinessFor small business owners, winter weather can be extremely stressful. From the worry that the weather will cause a loss in income, to figuring out how to remain open while keeping both employees and customers safe, it can be overwhelming. Not to mention keeping the building itself from damage and heavy wear. These NJ Small Business Winter Safety Tips can help you prepare a solid plan and limit the stress.

Small Businesses Must Plan for Snow Maintenance In NJ

Put someone on your staff in charge of preparing for winter weather. This includes monitoring the weather and alerting staff the forecast.  You can also have this person arrange signage for your entry ways and parking lots alerting customers to be ware of ice, etc if this is applicable. Have them make sure you are fully stocked with shovels, salt, snowblowers, etc to make sure you are ready when the weather hits.  This person should also develop a plan to contact employees to advise them of the plans for the weather, ie. closed for the day, or a delayed opening. You and your staff should also develop a plan for who clears walkways and parking lots, etc.

When Snow Maintenance is to be Done by Contractors make sure you conform ahead of time that they will be taking care of your sow removal and have a guaranteed written contract. Also make sure you have a back up plan in the event something goes wrong. 

More NJ Small Business Winter Safety Tips

Prepare Entry Areas

It is a very good idea to place “walk-off” mats at entries during periods of rain or snow. Make sure to check the condition of the mats,  ensuring that the edges are flat and do not create a tripping hazard. Also be sure to keep tiled surfaces dry and place wet floor signs in all applicable areas.

Prepare Sidewalks

Determine ahead of time who is responsible for clearing the sidewalks. It will likely be you, not your town so you must make sure that you have a designated staff member n charge of doing this task, or your snow removal contractor includes sidewalks in their services. Snow covered sidewalks are a major liability!

Clear Snow

Make sure all of the following areas applicable to your business are clear of snow and ice.

  • Hydrants
  • Control Valves and Hose Houses
  • Sidewalks, Ramps and Entryways
  • Driveways
  • Roads
  • Heating and Ventilation Equipment and Ducts
  • Roofs
  • Overhangs
  • Canopies

Snow Placement

When snow is being removed, it needs to be placed somewhere else. This place will have to be on your property. You will need to determine the best placement for this snow that is safe during freeze and thaw temperatures.

Snow placement should always be away from:

  • Main Entry and Walkways .
  • Away from Hydrants, Fire Department Connections and Outside Sprinkler Control Valves.
  • Where it will not drain onto the parking lot, street or sidewalk and re-freeze.

In Bergen County and throughout New Jersey, we can always be sure to expect winter weather and need to be prepared as business owners. Neglecting these NJ Small Business Winter Safety Tips can leave you open to liabilities no small business owner ever wants to face.

Bergen County insurance
Bogle Agency Insurance, your Bergen County insurance agency of choice

Bogle Agency Insurance Is Hiring!

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

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

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.

 

Questions To Ask When Buying Homeowners Insurance In NJ

Questions To Ask When Buying Homeowners Insurance In NJ

Whether you are a first time home buyer in NJ or you are looking to update your current homeowners insurance policy, it is important to begin by choosing a trusted company who has a long track record of happy customers. When you choose the right company to insure your home, you can sit down and talk through all the important issues that need to be taken into consideration when covering your home. Here are important questions to ask when buying homeowners insurance.

What Is The House Worth?

First, you need to decide on the home’s insurance value. This is based on what it would cost to rebuild the house, not the market value of the house. You can work with your agent to figure this out by using tools that consider the size and building materials used in the home.

What Is My Deductible?

You will have to choose your deductible amount when choosing a homeowners policy. You can save money on premiums by choosing a higher deductible amount. This also ensures that you will not be making several small claims, keeping you a more attractive customer and lessening the chances of being dropped by the insurer. Just be sure that with a high deductible, you have an emergency fund available to cover you.

Do I Need Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance will not be covered in a standard homeowners policy. If your home is at risk of flooding, you can buy flood insurance through your homeowners insurance agent. At Bogle, we can help you acquire flood insurance. If you have a mortgage on your home, the mortgage company may require you to have flood insurance if the home is at risk. This includes many areas in New Jersey.

Are The Contents Of My Home Covered?

Homeowners insurance will automatically cover your possessions up to a percentage of your home’s insurance value. Many time this percentage will be set at 75%. So by that logic, if you are insured for $200,000 you automatically will have your possessions covered up to $150,000. There may be a lower limit for items such as jewelry. Therefore, if you have a high amount of valuables, you may want to add some additional coverage for them. To streamline a claims process, inventory the contents of your home and keep that list updated. You can do this with photos and/or videos of each room. That way, if you have an incident you will know exactly what is missing or damaged.

At Bogle Agency Insurance, we have been in business for nearly 100 years with a long track record as a trusted NJ insurance company. Contact us today to talk about your homeowner’s policies!

 

Bogle Agency Insurance Best Practices Agency 12th Year In A Row

Best Practices Agency NJ Insurance

Bogle Agency Insurance has done it again! We have once again been chosen as an elite member of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) “Best Practices” Study Group. The IIABA was founded in 1896 and is the oldest and biggest national association for independent insurance agents and brokers. There are more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees across the country represented by the IIABA. These businesses offer their customers a choice of policies in all lines of insurance. Bogle Agency Insurance is one of only 217 agencies in the entire country chosen to to take part in this study group and is pleased to have retained our Best Practices Agency Status, as one of the top performing insurance agencies in the country for the 12th year in a row.

Below is a copy of the official announcement.

Bogle Agency Insurance Best Practices Agency

Announcement

In August 2015, Bogle Agency Insurance was selected as a Best Practices Agency. This is our Twelfth Consecutive Year Being Selected!

Bogle Agency Insurance is part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States selected as a Best Practices Agency.

Each year the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association (IIABA) and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, join forces to study the country’s leading insurance agencies. The purpose of the Best Practices Study is to compile the operating statistics of the country’s leading insurance agencies. To achieve this objective, the insurance agencies included in the annual study must first be nominated for participation by their peers and/or insurance companies to participate in this study group. The insurance agency must then submit detailed financial and operational information which is analyzed, scored, and ranked objectively for inclusion in the study on the basis of operational excellence including growth, profitability, productivity, and financial stability.

Our insurance agency qualified for participation in this status by ranking among the top performers in the annual Best Practices Study conducted by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) and Reagan Consulting. Of the thousands of insurance agencies in the United States in 2015 less than 217 insurance agencies scored high enough to qualify for this award.

Bogle Agency Insurance is pleased to have retained our Best Practices Agency Status, as one of the top performing insurance agencies in the country for the past 12 years.

Participation in the Best Practices Study has become a prestigious recognition of the superior accomplishments of the top insurance agencies. Our inclusion with these other outstanding insurance agencies clearly recognizes us as an industry leader.

Sincerely yours,

Bogle Agency Insurance Philip R. Bogle

Click to view the Official Best Practices Press Release