insurance

Does Renters Insurance Cover Theft?

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If you’re a renter in or near Berlin, CT, it’s a smart idea to get renters insurance. Your landlord’s insurance will almost certainly not cover your personal belongings. If there’s a disaster or burglary, and you don’t have renters insurance, you’ll have to foot the bill to replace everything. It’s crucial to understand how these policies work before you get one, though. 

Typical Coverage

Most policies will cover your belongings under the covered perils, including natural disasters, theft, and vandalism. Renters policies usually don’t cover damage to the structure. For example, suppose someone breaks a window, breaks into your home, and steals your belongings. A renters policy will cover your belongings, but not a new window.

Coverage Limits

Policies will cover only items stolen up to a specified amount, known as your coverage limit. If you have $10,000 in damages, but your coverage limit is $5,000, the policy will only pay $5,000, even if your damages exceed that amount. An agent at Bogden Insurance Agency can help explain more about coverage limits. 

Specific Exclusions

Many renters policies specifically exclude high-priced items that are more likely to be stolen, such as expensive electronics or jewelry. You may have to purchase additional coverage for these items or a special policy. Extremely valuable items, such as art collections, often require a special policy. 

It’s best to make a list of the items in your home and their replacement costs. Include things like electronics, furniture (in case it’s damaged in a natural disaster), clothing, books, kitchen appliances, and anything else in your home. Remember small things like silverware and dishes, too.

Then, contact Bogden Insurance Agency. Our representatives can help you find a policy that meets your needs. We’re currently serving the Berlin, CT area. Contact us today!

Does Your Condo Insurance Cover Flooding and Natural Disasters in Berlin, CT?

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Owning a condo requires specialized insurance, depending on the level of protection you’re seeking and the type of endorsement makes sense to you. Anytime you invest in a condo, understanding if your traditional condo insurance covers flooding and natural disasters is crucial. At Bogden Insurance Agency, serving Berlin, CT, we’ll work with you to find the type of policy that is suitable for your concerns, based on your location and the type of coverage you’re seeking.

HO-6 Coverage

For those who own a condo in Berlin, obtaining and maintaining personal condo insurance, or an HO-6 policy, is necessary to cover a range of damage that can be caused by common weather events. Some of the weather events covered with a standard condo insurance policy include:

  • Windstorms and hail
  • Fire and smoke
  • Lightning strikes
  • Explosions and certain types of water damage (to an extent)
  • Weight of ice, snow, or sleet

Flooding

Unlike other incidents, flooding is not often covered with a traditional condo insurance policy, even if some water damage is protected. You’ll most likely want to purchase an additional flooding insurance plan via FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP. We can assist you with this process to ensure your flood insurance policy is up to your standards of coverage and care.

Knowing your options when it comes to flooding and natural disasters as a condo owner is imperative, whether you’ve just invested in a condo for the first time, or you’re a long-time owner. At Bogden Insurance Agency, serving Berlin, CT, we’re well-versed in the arena of condo insurance and can help you find policy add-ons that protect you where you need it most. To learn more about your options with regard to natural disasters and flooding, contact us for your consultation today.

How Umbrella Insurance Can Protect You Against Holiday Mishaps

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The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and, unfortunately, increased risks that many homeowners don’t consider until it’s too late. From hosting large gatherings to decorating with elaborate displays, the festive months can expose you to liability situations that exceed your standard insurance coverage limits. Bogden Insurance Agency, serving Berlin, CT, knows that understanding these risks before they occur can save families from devastating financial consequences.

Holiday Entertaining Creates Hidden Liabilities

When you open your home to friends and family during the holidays, you’re taking on significant responsibility as a host. If a guest slips on your icy walkway, gets injured by holiday decorations, or gets into an accident after consuming alcohol at your party, you could face substantial liability claims. Standard homeowners insurance typically provides limited liability coverage, often between $100,000 and $500,000. That may not be sufficient for serious injury claims or property damage lawsuits.

Beyond Your Property Lines

Holiday activities often extend beyond your home, creating additional exposure. Whether you’re volunteering at community events, participating in neighborhood activities, or even posting holiday photos on social media that inadvertently cause problems, umbrella insurance provides an extra layer of protection. This coverage also protects against libel, slander, and other personal liability issues that can arise from holiday interactions, both online and offline.

Peace of Mind During Festive Times

Umbrella insurance offers affordable protection that kicks in when your primary policies reach their limits. For relatively low premiums, you can secure additional coverage that protects your assets, future earnings, and financial security. Don’t let holiday mishaps turn into long-term financial nightmares. Contact Bogden Insurance Agency, serving Berlin, CT, to discuss how umbrella coverage can keep your celebrations worry-free and your finances protected.

Agreed Value Versus Actual Cash Value in Classic Car Coverage

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Owning a classic car is a special kind of pride. It’s not just transportation; it’s craftsmanship, history, and nostalgia on four wheels. Protecting that investment means understanding how your insurance values it. The difference between agreed value and actual cash value (ACV) coverage might seem like small print, but it determines how much you’ll get if the unthinkable happens. Bogden Insurance Agency, serving Berlin, CT, explains.

What Actual Cash Value Means

ACV coverage works like most standard auto policies. It pays out based on what your car is worth at the time of the loss: its market value minus depreciation. For a regular vehicle that loses value every year, that makes sense. But for a classic car, it’s often a poor fit. A rare Mustang or vintage Corvette doesn’t depreciate; it appreciates. Under an ACV policy, you could get far less than what your car is worth, even if you’ve invested years of care and restoration.

What Agreed Value Means and Why It Stands Apart

Agreed value coverage takes a different approach. You and your insurer decide on a specific value for your classic car upfront, based on appraisals, restoration records, and current market trends. If the car is totaled or stolen, you receive that full amount. There’s no haggling or depreciation adjustments. It’s designed for vehicles that hold sentimental and collectible value, not just practical worth.

Choosing the Right Fit

Classic car owners in Connecticut often balance pride with caution. If your car is a weekend showpiece, agreed value coverage usually makes the most sense. It gives you predictable protection and peace of mind. ACV might work for older cars with modest value, but it’s rarely enough for something irreplaceable.

A classic car’s worth isn’t just measured in dollars; it’s in time, care, and passion. The right coverage honors that, ensuring your car’s story doesn’t end with an unfair payout. Contact Bogden Insurance Agency, serving Berlin, CT, to learn more.

What is Auto Arbitration?

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If you’re a Connecticut driver, state laws require you to carry auto insurance. Many drivers need assistance in choosing the best auto insurance to meet their needs. If you are in the Berlin, CT, area, our team at the Bogden Insurance Agency is here to help. Since 2008, we’ve been working with Connecticut drivers like you to find the right coverage.

What is Auto Arbitration?

If your car is damaged in an auto accident and the body shop cannot reach an agreement with your insurance company, Connecticut’s Auto Arbitration process can help resolve the dispute. According to the Connecticut Insurance Department, arbitration is an official hearing before an appointed arbitrator to determine the cost of car repairs when the garage and the insurance company cannot come to an agreement. For a case to qualify for arbitration, there must be no dispute about who is at fault or the extent of the damage.

The Connecticut Insurance Department also states that claims can be brought directly by a policyholder to an arbitrator through procedures outlined in their policy’s comprehensive or collision coverage. Arbitration can help decide the amount of the garage’s repair bills, the payout for a “total loss” determination, or rental car and storage expenses. Arbitrators must be members of the American Arbitration Association.

Call Us Today for Your Appointment

Driving without auto insurance can lead to legal and financial issues. Our team at the Bogden Insurance Agency is ready to help you choose a policy that fits your needs and budget. Drivers in the Berlin, CT, area trust us for excellent customer service and personalized solutions. Call us today to schedule an appointment and let us help you find the right auto insurance policy.

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.