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I have a small online business with no employees. Do I need commercial insurance?

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Commercial insurance has benefits for almost any business owner. If you have assets you want to protect, commercial insurance can help you do that. Even if your business is small and you have zero employees, there are still many benefits that a commercial insurance policy can provide. Speaking with one of our Berlin, CT team members at Bogden Insurance Agency can help you explore your options and get the coverage you need to meet your company’s needs. 

What is commercial insurance?

In short, commercial insurance is insurance designed to protect your business from losses by providing many different forms of customizable bundled coverage. Of course, like any insurance policy, the goal is to get insurance that will meet your company’s unique needs. Hence, the term "customizable." A licensed agent can ask the questions needed to help you get the coverage you need to protect your business and receive coverage from loss and other unexpected situations. 

I have a small online business with no employees.

Regardless of whether you have a brick-and-mortar location for your business or your business is virtual or online, you have assets to protect. This alone suggests that you can benefit from the protection that commercial insurance can provide for you. As a virtual business owner, specific forms of coverage are designed for people who do business online. Your insurance agent can help you explore these coverage options and select the ones that would best suit your business. Online business owners have assets to protect and losses they can face if their businesses aren’t adequately protected. If you have questions about commercial insurance, we’re happy to answer them. Call us. 

How to File a Home Insurance Claim Successfully

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Experiencing damage to your home can be overwhelming, but knowing how to file an insurance claim properly can help you manage the situation more effectively. Here at Bogden Insurance Agency, serving Berlin, CT, and surrounding areas, we’re committed to helping you navigate the claims process smoothly and successfully. Here are the steps to start the process.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

Before doing anything, make sure that it is safe to assess the damage and enter the home. Your safety is key. Once it’s safe, take a detailed account of what’s been affected in your home. Documenting everything accurately is crucial for your claim.

Step 2: Document Everything

Take clear photos or videos of all the damage. Documenting these details is critical for your insurance claim. Make a list of damaged or lost items and note any changes that occur to the home. Keep receipts if you need to buy anything to make immediate repairs or cover living expenses if you can not live in your home during renovations.

Step 3: Stop Further Damage

Make sure that your property is safe from further damage. This may include covering broken windows, turning off water to prevent flooding, or other immediate measures. 

Step 4: Work with the Adjuster

Our adjuster team will visit your home to assess the damage. Be prepared to show them the damage and provide the documentation you’ve collected. Answer any questions thoroughly and keep notes about what is discussed for your own records.

Contact us today!

If you’re in Berlin, CT, or the nearby areas and need to file a home insurance claim at Bogden Insurance Agency, we are here to help. Contact us today, and let’s start the claim process together. 

Why Renter’s Insurance is Essential if You Have a Pet

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Residents of Berlin, CT, love their pets. About two-thirds have at least one pet in their household. While having a dog, cat, or other animal can bring you joy, it can also pose a liability risk. That’s why you must ensure that your renter’s insurance policy covers incidents caused by your furry friend. Bogden Insurance Agency can help you determine what you need to cover your risk.

Injuries and Damages Your Pet May Cause

The American Veterinary Association indicates that 4.5 million people suffer dog bites annually, sometimes inflicting severe injuries. You’ll be responsible for medical expenses if your dog injures another person while on your rental property. Animals can inflict other injuries, too, including broken bones and bruises, if someone trips and falls over the animal. Generally, most renters’ policies provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability. You’ll have coverage up to your liability limits when your pet injures someone. The same applies if your pet damages someone’s property while in your rental home. However, you must check your policy terms to determine if it covers pets.

What If My Renter’s Insurance Doesn’t Cover Pets?

If, after reviewing your policy, you determine that pet liability isn’t included, you have another option. Some insurance companies offer separate animal liability coverage on top of the renter’s insurance. The size of your pet and its breed, as well as your location and the liability limits you choose, will determine the cost of this extra insurance. Note that the cost for some dog breeds that cause injuries will be higher. It’s important to understand your policy terms and make an informed decision about the coverage you need for your pet.

Note that renter’s insurance or additional pet liability will not cover damage to your items or the unit where you live. If you need advice on pets and renter’s insurance, the professionals at Bogden Insurance Agency, servicing Berlin, CT, will gladly help. Call today.

Will condo insurance cover the carpet damage from my burst pipes?

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Condo insurance is similar to homeowner’s insurance. It provides coverage for the interior of a condo and the condo owner’s personal belongings. However, unlike homeowners’ insurance, it doesn’t cover a condominium’s exterior or common areas. Condo owners own the interior walls, floors, and fixtures of their condo. The Bogden Insurance Agency team in Berlin, CT is dedicated to helping condo owners understand how condo insurance works.

How does condo insurance work?

Condo owners invest in condo insurance to protect the interior of their condos. This insurance is designed to pay for the interior structure of the condo, including the floors, walls, fixtures, and the personal items of the condo owner. It also includes liability coverage if someone is injured or incurs property damage while visiting your condo. In short, condo insurance is bonded coverage designed to protect the interior of your unit, the fixtures, plumbing, and more. Condo insurance also covers repairing or replacing your personal belongings if they’re damaged due to a covered event or situation. 

Will condo insurance cover the carpet damage from my burst pipes?

Yes. If your pipes burst, your condo insurance will pay for the replacement and repair of your burst pipes and anything else that’s damaged due to the incident. However, if your pipes burst due to negligence on your part, the repair or replacement of your pipes, as well as any other damaged items, may not be covered by your condo insurance. If you have questions regarding what’s covered by condo insurance, call us. We’d happily answer your questions and help you explore your options. 

What Can You Expect From Your Umbrella Insurance Policy?

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Securing Additional Protection with Bogden Insurance Agency

Selecting the right insurance policy is crucial to safeguarding what truly matters to you. An effective way of achieving this level of protection is through an umbrella policy. For those in Berlin, CT searching for this type of coverage, Bogden Insurance Agency is here to help. We understand the value of additional coverage to protect against claims and loss. Collaborating with our agents offers an easy and convenient avenue to secure quality coverage and enjoy improved peace of mind.

Exploring Insurance Options with Bogden Insurance Agency

At Bogden Insurance Agency, our emphasis lies in providing you with quotes from diverse insurers, thus enabling you to make informed decisions that best suit your individual requirements. Our agents play a pivotal role in ensuring that you feel comfortable with the insurance policies you own and provide continuous support when choosing them. Connecting with us simplifies your search for the right policy, as opposed to trying on your own.

Why You Need Umbrella Coverage

It is a common misconception that umbrella coverage benefits only those with substantial assets. However, practically everyone can profit from this vital protection. This policy comes into effect where other policies reach their limit, thus designed to extend your insurance coverage. For instance, if you face an auto or home insurance claim that exceeds your policy limits, the umbrella coverage steps in, offering robust coverage.

Reach Out to Bogden Insurance Agency Today

For those in the Berlin, CT area seeking an umbrella insurance policy, contact us today at Bogden Insurance Agency. Our insurance agents are devoted to offering the protection and support you need and deserve, equipping you with the confidence to handle any claims. We are here to help you leave your insurance worries behind, allowing you to enjoy moments with friends and family in the present.

Classic Car Insurance: Optional Coverage Types

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If you are actively restoring your classic vehicle, you may want to pursue optional coverage that will protect your vehicle while it is being modified. Learn about some optional coverage types. Then, reach out to a Bogden Insurance Agency representative who serves Berlin, CT to update your insurance policy.

Preservation Options

Preserving your classic car will require that you purchase OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts. You can provide proof of your restoration project simply by outlining the steps that you plan on taking and by submitting receipts that support your project.

As your preservation project is underway, keep a careful record of all the automotive materials that you have purchased. Keep the receipts for your purchases in a spot where you can easily retrieve them. When it is time to modify your insurance policy, you will have the information needed to prove that your project is underway.

Tools

Consider the tools that you are using to restore your vehicle. These tools should be insured during the restoration project. Receive an appraisal of the equipment that you will be using while modifying your vehicle. Seek a classic car insurance add-on that will provide adequate coverage for the essential materials that you will be using.

Memorabilia

Hood decorations and other memorabilia items that are displayed on your vehicle and inside of it can be insured. These items may be valuable, both monetarily and sentimentally. Keep track of all the memorabilia you own. Then, seek coverage for these items.

Consult With Us

Our friendly agents at Bogden Insurance Agency will answer any questions that you have about classic car insurance. Reach out to one of our agents who serve Berlin, CT at a time that is convenient for you.

How to Keep Your Tires in Good Condition

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Your vehicle tires can be compared to shoes. Your car can’t run properly unless its tires are in good condition. While it’s easy to forget about the needs of your tires, doing so can cause a chain of reactions that can endanger the performance of your vehicle and the safety of you and your passengers. Your insurance representative at Bogden Insurance Agency serving Berlin, CT, wants you to learn how to keep your tires in good condition.

How to Keep Your Tires in Good Condition

Rotate Tires Regularly

Tires wear differently depending on where they are in your vehicle. The turns you make, the way you drive and road conditions are all contributing factors to how your tires wear down. The rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated at least once every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Talk to your auto mechanic for more detailed guidance on your best tire rotation frequency.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated

Check your tire pressure regularly. You can do this yourself with a handheld tire gauge or a gas station using their equipment. Your vehicle mechanic can also do this for you. Driving on over or under-inflated tires causes unnecessary wear and tear on tires, making them wear out before their time.

Maintain Proper Wheel Alignment

Tires that are not properly aligned cause uneven and rapid tire wear. You may end up with a tire that has barely any wear on half of it while the other half is showing threads. Have your alignment checked if you notice uneven wear patterns on your tires, your steering wheel is off-center when driving straight, or your vehicle pulls to one side.

Consult With Us

When your tires are in poor condition, they are more prone to sudden failure and unexpected response. For instance, balding tires are more susceptible to hydroplaning and skidding. For information about auto insurance or assistance with a claim, contact Bogden Insurance Agency serving the greater Berlin, CT region.

Food Truck Insurance: Savoring Success on Wheels

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Running a food truck is a dynamic venture that combines culinary passion with mobile entrepreneurship. Food truck owners face unique challenges and risks that demand specialized commercial insurance coverage in the Berlin, CT area. 

Understanding the Risks on the Road

Food trucks operate with specific challenges that traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants may not encounter. Insurance coverage needs to account for:

  • Mobile Operations: Serving customers on the move requires coverage that adapts to the unique risks of mobile food service.
  • Vehicle Protection: As the food truck is both a kitchen and a vehicle, insurance must cover potential damages to the vehicle, whether in transit or parking.
  • Liability Risks: Serving food to the public raises liability concerns, including the risk of foodborne illnesses or accidents in the food truck.

Vehicle and Equipment Coverage

Adequate insurance for food trucks includes:

  • Commercial Auto Insurance: Protects the food truck against damages or losses while driving or parking.
  • Equipment Breakdown Coverage: Addresses the cost of repairing or replacing essential kitchen equipment in case of malfunctions.

Liability Protection for Mobile Operations

Food truck owners need liability coverage for:

  • General Liability Insurance: Protects against claims of bodily injury or property damage that may occur in a food truck.
  • Product Liability Insurance: Covers legal expenses and settlements if a customer experiences illness or injury due to the food.

Navigating Event-Specific Risks

Food trucks often participate in events, festivals, and catering, introducing additional risks:

  • Special Event Insurance: Extends coverage to specific events, ensuring the food truck is adequately protected during off-site operations.
  • Catering Liability Insurance: Addresses liabilities unique to catering services, such as accidents or injuries at private events. 

Bogden Insurance Agency Can Help You

At Bogden Insurance Agency, we can help answer questions concerning commercial insurance. We serve the Berlin, CT area. Contact us today. 

4 Important Reasons for Carrying Homeowners Insurance on Your Rental Property

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Rental properties can be a great investment. However, investment properties you own in places such as Berlin, CT can come with their share of risks. One way you can go about protecting yourself from risks is to carry insurance through us at Bogden Insurance Agency.

Here are four important reasons for carrying homeowners insurance on a rental property:

1: Protect the Property

The homeowner’s insurance will protect the property. This means that damages caused by things like fire, storms, or vandalism will be covered. You can have repairs done that you may not have been able to afford without insurance. 

2: Liability Coverage 

Liability coverage in Berlin, CT from a company such as Bogden Insurance Agency will also protect you from legal and financial losses that would happen if someone were to injure themselves while they were on the property. Slips and falls are just one example of the types of liabilities you’ll be protected from. 

3: Rental Income Loss

When you have a rental, you will count on the income from that rental that your tenants pay. If there is damage to the rental that prevents the tenants from staying there, then this means you won’t have that income any longer. When you carry insurance on the property, you can also be protected from the loss of rental income. This means you’ll be protecting your income as a whole. 

4: Protection For Your Furnishings

If you provide furnishings or appliances in the rental, the insurance can protect those items. This means if they end up being stolen or damaged, then you will have insurance to help cover the cost of repairing or replacing them. If you are ready to get insurance for your rental property, we at Bogden Insurance Agency can help.

Do I need renters insurance if the landlord already has homeowners insurance?

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If you rent in Berlin, CT, you may be required by your landlord to carry renters insurance as a condition of your lease. Even if your landlord does not require you to carry renters insurance, you should consider whether a policy is something you want. At Bogden Insurance Agency, we can help you explore your options so you can make the best decision for your own circumstances.

Your Landlord’s Homeowners Insurance

Your landlord is responsible for the property and the structure where you live. If there is a major disaster, such as a fire, the homeowners’ policy will be the one that repairs the damage or replaces the building. The landlord’s policy will also cover all the public or common areas, such as hallways. If someone has an accident in a common area, the landlord is the one who will be responsible.

Why Do You Need Renters Insurance?

While your landlord insures the property, that policy will not cover your personal belongings. If there is a disaster, or if you are the victim of a burglar, your belongings will probably not be covered. 

A renters insurance policy will cover items like:

  • your furniture,
  • the appliances you own,
  • window treatments and rugs,
  • electronics, such as your television and computer,
  • clothing, 
  • and other personal items you may own.

Consult With Us

Even though you are not responsible for the building, you could still suffer a lot if something unexpected happens. You can protect yourself by making sure you have enough coverage that your belongings are protected. If you want to ensure that your Berlin, CT home has the protection you need, call Bogden Insurance Agency so we can show you how affordable renters insurance is.