How to Make a Renters Insurance Claim

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When disaster strikes—whether it’s theft, fire, or water damage—knowing how to file a renters’ insurance claim can make an unfortunate situation a little easier to handle. Missing a single step could lead to delays or even a denied claim. Understanding what to do, when to do it, and how to proceed is essential for a smooth resolution.

Start by Documenting the Damage or Loss

The moment you notice a loss, begin documenting everything. Take photos or videos of the damage or the area where the theft occurred. If personal belongings are missing or destroyed, create a detailed list of each item, including its approximate value, date of purchase, and any receipts you can locate. Bogden Insurance Agency, serving Berlin, CT, recommends this as a critical first step.

Contact Authorities if Necessary

If the claim involves theft, vandalism, or suspected criminal activity, contact your local police department immediately. In Connecticut, most insurers require a police report for claims involving stolen property.

Be sure to request a copy of the police report and keep the case number handy—your insurance company will likely ask for it. Don’t worry; the police understand the importance of this and will provide a copy for your records.

Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Connecticut policies typically require you to notify your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible after a loss. Many insurers now offer online claims portals, but you can also call your agent directly. Be prepared to provide details about what happened, when it occurred, and the extent of the loss.

Being prepared before an emergency can make a significant difference. Take time to review your Connecticut renters’ insurance policy with the help of Bogden Insurance Agency, serving Berlin, CT. Create a basic home inventory and keep your agent’s contact information easily accessible. That way, when the unexpected happens, you’re ready to take action with confidence.

Add-ons for a Condo Policy to Cover Expensive Items

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Bogden Insurance Agency aims to help condo owners in Berlin, CT, better protect their homes. Condo insurance can include the same add-ons, riders, and scheduled items as other types of home insurance. This blog explains what items can receive higher coverage, such as jewelry, business equipment, and hobby equipment, and how to add the rider to a policy.

Rider, Floater, Endorsement, or Scheduled Coverage?

First, let’s clarify that the terms ‘rider,’ ‘floater,’ ‘endorsement,’ and ‘scheduled coverage’ all refer to the same concept. They refer to an optional addition to an insurance policy. A rider, floater, and endorsement all cover a category or group of items. Scheduled coverage refers to a specific item.

Enhanced Coverage for Your Categories of Personal Belongings

When an individual renovates their condo, they might add a rider to cover the built-in items they add, such as bookcases, a wet bar, or a fold-down desk. Some individuals operate a home business, so they add a home business endorsement that covers their business equipment, inventory, and raw materials. Perhaps the condo owner has an expensive hobby, such as 35mm photography, videography, or podcasting. A hobbyist floater covers the equipment they purchased to engage in their hobby.

All of those examples involve a broad type of equipment or materials. What if you have just one thing you want to protect at full value? That’s where scheduled coverage comes in. For example, you’ve just become engaged, and your fiancé has invested the proverbial three months’ salary in the engagement ring. Most home insurance policies of any type limit or cap the personal property coverage to about $1,000 to $2,000. To fully insure the ring that costs roughly $7,000 to $10,000, you’d have your insurance agent add it as scheduled coverage.

Full Coverage for a Single Item

By scheduling the engagement ring in the policy, it receives full coverage at either the replacement value or the agreed-upon value. You pick the valuation method when you schedule the coverage, and it gets written into the policy. If anything ever happened to the ring, whether damage, loss, or theft, you could file a claim for its full value.

Contact Us Today

Email or phone Bogden Insurance Agency today to add coverage to your condo insurance. Fully cover your Berlin, CT, condo and your personal belongings kept inside it with condo coverage from Bogden Insurance Agency.

How Does Umbrella Insurance Protect You Against Paying Overages?

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Accidents, whether involving your vehicle or occurring in your home, can result in extraordinarily high bills. This is where an umbrella insurance policy comes in handy. Umbrella insurance provides additional coverage for other policies, enhancing your overall protection. If you have home and auto insurance, it may be beneficial to consider this type of policy. To learn more about umbrella insurance, contact us at Bogden Insurance Agency in Berlin, CT.

Increased Liability Coverage

Home and auto insurance policies each come with a certain amount of liability coverage, which protects you against accidents. However, problems arise when these policies don’t provide enough coverage to cover the costs of an expensive accident. A serious accident can be highly costly, and if you don’t have sufficient liability coverage, you may still owe money for damages after the insurance company has paid. Umbrella insurance can cover this overage.

Understanding How It Works

When an accident occurs, followed by a stack of bills, your home or auto insurance steps in first and pays for the damages up to the policy’s maximum payout. The umbrella policy then covers any overage beyond this. This prevents you from being stuck with bills after maxing out your liability coverage. Umbrella insurance is an excellent way to add extra liability coverage to your other policies, providing a high level of protection.

Securing Umbrella Insurance in Connecticut

If you want to enhance your liability coverage, contact us at Bogden Insurance Agency in Berlin, CT, to get started.

What Does Agreed Value Coverage Mean for Classic Car Insurance?

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Classic cars are a cherished investment for millions of Americans. From Chevrolet Corvettes to Ford Thunderbirds, there are many makes and models to consider owning, whether solely for the collectible status or for joyrides in a famous piece of the past. One thing to keep in mind when driving vintage vehicles is insurance. At Bogden Insurance Agency, we help vehicle owners in Connecticut secure specialized classic car insurance to safeguard their investments and provide peace of mind. Let’s take a closer look at the agreed value coverage in classic car insurance policies and what it means for you.

Defining Agreed Value Coverage

When deciding on a classic car policy, the insurer will use a combination of photos, appraisals, current condition reports, and/or historical documentation to determine the value. The goal is to reach an agreed value between yourself and the insurer, which will be the amount the collector car is insured for. If you need to make a claim, the agreed value coverage policy will provide a payout of up to that full amount to the repair shop or directly to you, minus a deductible, if the vehicle is totaled.

Standard vs. Agreed Value Coverage

A classic car policy is different from standard auto insurance, which considers depreciation when insuring cars for their actual cash value. Agreed value coverage for a vintage vehicle does not include depreciation, so no matter how much its value has gone down over time, the value and maximum payout are locked in from the opening of the policy.

Get in Touch With Bogden Insurance Agency

If you’re in the market for a classic car, it’s a good idea to prioritize an auto insurance policy with agreed-value coverage for vintage vehicles. The right policy will make servicing and repairs has more manageable so you can maintain your ride for years to come with reassurance that your investment is well-protected. Contact Bogden Insurance Agency serving Berlin, CT for help finding a classic car insurance policy.

Short-Term Auto Insurance Options in Berlin, CT

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There may be instances in life when you need short-term or temporary auto insurance options. While weekly, monthly, or even daily insurance solutions may seem appealing, they may not always provide sufficient coverage. Typically, short-term auto coverage policies last for 6 or 12 months. At Bogden Insurance Agency, we assist clients in Berlin, CT, in finding reliable short-term auto insurance options that offer the protection and peace of mind they need.

Assessing Short-Term Auto Insurance Needs

Before deciding on your short-term auto insurance needs, consider the following:

  • Your needs: Consider why you’re seeking short-term auto insurance. This will help you match your specific needs with the coverage options available. Some reasons for considering short-term auto insurance might include infrequent driving, borrowing a car, or having a student away from home.
  • Providers: Always research providers to determine which ones are reputable and offer the protection you’re seeking, especially for short-term coverage.

Pros and Cons of Short-Term Auto Insurance Policies

While the most notable benefits of short-term auto insurance policies include enhanced flexibility and cost-effectiveness, it’s important to be aware of potential drawbacks. These solutions often offer fewer coverage options and may require data sharing via plug-ins and smartphone apps. Compare your options before settling on a policy that’s ideal for your specific needs.

While finding an auto insurance provider that offers long-term solutions and protection is generally recommended, short-term insurance may be necessary periodically, depending on your needs. Whether you’re insuring a new vehicle for a short period or temporarily covering a parked car, Bogden Insurance Agency in Berlin, CT, is here to help. To learn more about short-term auto insurance options tailored to your specific needs, contact Bogden Insurance Agency today.

Commercial Insurance for Side Gigs

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Many people supplement their income in Berlin, CT by working side gigs. These gigs often involve driving for a ridesharing platform or renting out their homes through a bed-and-breakfast app. Like any business venture, these activities require commercial insurance. In this blog, we at Bogden Insurance Agency will explain the types of commercial insurance needed for the most common side gigs.

Ridesharing or Delivery Services

If you drive for Lyft, Uber, or other car services, or provide personal shopping and delivery through Shipt, DoorDash, GrubHub, etc., you need gap coverage. These platforms provide some insurance to cover their independent contractors’ liability. However, there are four phases in a driver’s day:

  • Offline
  • Available
  • En-Route
  • On-Trip.

When drivers log off and close the app, they enter the offline phase, during which only their personal insurance protects them. Once a driver signs in, the ridesharing or delivery platform’s commercial auto insurance protects them during the en-route and on-trip stages. This coverage applies from the moment they accept an assignment until they complete the delivery.

However, both Lyft and Uber have coverage gaps during the available stage, when a driver has the app turned on but hasn’t accepted an assignment. Adding ridesharing gap coverage ensures you’re protected during this phase, whether you’re transporting people or delivering groceries.

Short-term Rental Side Gigs

Those who earn a side income from Airbnb or Vrbo also need commercial insurance. A standard homeowners insurance policy doesn’t provide all the necessary coverage. If you’re renting out your entire home long-term, you’ll need a landlord policy. For short-term rentals, such as through Airbnb or Vrbo, you’ll need both short-term rental property coverage and home-sharing insurance. These policies apply when you host a guest and include a "No Forced Entry Requirement" for filing a damage or theft claim.

Contact Bogden Insurance Agency Today

Ensure your side gig remains profitable with commercial insurance coverage from Bogden Insurance Agency. Before you start your business in Berlin, CT, secure the appropriate commercial insurance to protect your financial security.

Protecting Your Home-Based Business in Berlin, CT: Insurance Considerations

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If you’re running a home-based business in Berlin, CT, protecting your investment, assets, and operations is crucial. While operating a business out of your home provides many benefits, it also introduces unique risks involving insurance and your assets. Protecting your business with the right insurance policy, with the help of Bogden Insurance Agency, can safeguard your operations, livelihood, and future plans.

Understanding the Limits of Homeowners Insurance

Unfortunately, traditional homeowners’ insurance is not always adequate when it comes to protecting your home-based business. Standard policies may severely limit coverage or exclude coverage entirely for home-based business-related equipment, activities, and liability concerns. For instance, a traditional policy may not provide the protection you require if a client is injured on your property.

Considering Different Types of Insurance Policies

When building a home-based business in Berlin, CT, there are a few types of insurance you may want to consider, including:

  • Business Property: Covers business equipment, tools, and resources
  • Professional Liability: Protects against negligent or error claims in your work
  • General Liability: Protects against third-party claims of damage and/or injury
  • Continuity: Business interruption insurance provides ongoing financial support in the event of a fire, natural disaster, or disruption

At Bogden Insurance Agency, we will work with you to determine which insurance policies are right for you based on your business type, industry, and home-based business needs. The more familiar you become with building a comprehensive insurance policy specific to your needs, the easier it will be for you to maintain your peace of mind. If you’re ready to protect your home-based business in Berlin, CT, and want to do so with a custom-tailored insurance policy or plan, contact Bogden Insurance Agency to schedule your consultation and quote today.

Extending the Coverage of Renters Insurance with Add-ons

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At Bogden Insurance Agency, we want Berlin, CT, renters to enjoy the optimum protection for their homes. Whether you rent an apartment, condo, or house, your home remains your castle, and it deserves the best protection possible. We recommend adding riders to your policy to cover higher-cost items.

Typical Add-ons and Riders

Riders and add-ons let a renter add coverage for things like a home-based business and potential pet damage to the landlord’s home. Scheduling expensive items covers personal property damage that the policy would not fully cover otherwise. These additions to a renters’ policy don’t add much in premiums-just a few dollars. They provide full coverage for your expensive items like an engagement ring, work computer, or surfboards.

Your renters’ policy provides limited coverage for all of your personal property without these add-ons. Most policies only cover $1,000 worth of personal property. That doesn’t cover everything the typical person owns, not even their clothing.

Learning Which Add-ons Work for You

Every renter doesn’t need every rider. You’ll only need an add-on to your policy to cover specific items you own. Schedule a consultation with your insurance agent to determine which additions to your policy you need. They’ll ask you a few questions about your career and hobbies, plus how you use your home. For example, if you develop photos at your rented home, the insurance agent will suggest covering your work or hobby equipment by scheduling it for its full replacement value.

Contact Our Insurance Agents Today

Don’t go another day without the full protection that your renters’ insurance could provide you. Call or email Bogden Insurance Agency to insure your rented Berlin, CT, home.

The Basics of Condo Insurance in Berlin, CT: What’s Covered and What’s Not

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Investing in a condo is a significant decision, which is why protecting your new asset is just as crucial as selecting the right unit for your needs. When investing in a condo in Berlin, CT, choosing the right condo insurance policy is vital. At Bogden Insurance Agency, we’re here to help you better understand what’s covered and what’s not when it comes to finalizing your decision on your condo insurance policy.

What is Covered?

When investing in condo insurance, the following is typically covered:

  • Personal Property: Personal furniture, electronics, clothing, and belongings are typically covered with traditional condo insurance.
  • Liability: Liability coverage protects you from legal and medical bills due to property damage or bodily injury in your condo.
  • Interior: Condo insurance typically protects against alterations and improvements needed inside, such as new cabinets, fixtures, and even new flooring.

What’s Not Covered?

  • Structure: The building structure of your condo is not typically covered with traditional condo insurance, which often falls to the condo association.
  • Flood: Flood damage is not often covered by a traditional condo insurance policy. Most flood policies are provided via private insurers or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  • Earthquakes: Earthquake damage coverage is not typically included with standard condo insurance policies.
  • Negligence: Negligence and/or intentional acts, such as failing to maintain your condo, are not covered.

Protecting your valuables, property, and entire investment in a condo is imperative, whether you’re a serious property investor or purchasing your first residence. Anytime you invest in a condo in Berlin, CT, protecting your investment with the right insurance policy is key. To learn more about your options and the basics of condo insurance (including what’s covered and what’s not), contact Bogden Insurance Agency today.

Why the Need for Umbrella Insurance Increases as You Age

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Bogden Insurance Agency wants to help you understand the advantages of obtaining umbrella insurance for both personal and commercial use in Berlin, CT. Purchasing an umbrella policy provides liability coverage that can prevent you from paying a settlement out of pocket. This financial security blanket becomes increasingly important as you age because financial stability is critical with less time to recover monetarily from a liability claim paid out of pocket.

The Consequences of No Umbrella Coverage

Without umbrella coverage, an accident occurring when you’re 30, causing liability, may force you to exhaust your retirement fund, investment portfolio, or savings account to pay the settlement. Based on NerdWallet’s data, a person aged 35 typically has retirement savings of $49,130. Even if you decimate the account, if you retire at age 70, you could replenish it by investing just $102.35 per month on top of your usual monthly deposit.

Now, consider a liability-causing accident happening when you’re 60, without umbrella coverage. At this age, the average retirement fund contains about $537,560, as per NerdWallet. With only ten years left to reimburse yourself before retirement, you’ll need to add roughly $409.41 monthly, on top of your regular deposits, to repay your account.

How Umbrella Insurance Can Help

The same scenario featuring umbrella coverage plays out very differently. You pay a few dollars per month for a $1 million umbrella policy. If a liability-causing accident happens, the policy pays the settlement after your primary policy reaches its maximum. Your retirement fund, investments, and savings remain intact.

At Bogden Insurance Agency, we strive for a secure outcome for our neighbors in Berlin, CT. We can help protect your financial security with an umbrella policy. It can complement your auto insurance, home coverage, and any other primary policy with our agency. It’s worth reaching out today to secure your future.