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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.

Who should get a full classic car insurance plan?

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Living in Berlin, CT with a Classic Car? Consider This Insurance

Living in the Berlin, CT, area and owning a classic car requires ensuring that you get the right insurance for your vehicle. Classic car insurance is a beneficial option for classic car owners in this area and is the ideal choice in several situations.

For those Seeking Maximum Coverage

A primary reason to invest in a classic car insurance policy is to obtain the maximum coverage possible for the vehicle. Classic cars are unique because they can be excellent investments, potentially increasing in value over the years. A classic car insurance plan will ensure you have sufficient coverage to protect this value, something a standard auto insurance plan might not offer.

For those Looking for Affordable Liability Coverage

Another distinction between classic cars and regular vehicles is that classic cars may not be driven as often. Nonetheless, you still require liability coverage to meet state laws when driving your classic car. When setting up a new classic car insurance plan, your typical mileage will be considered when formulating and pricing your plan. This consideration could help you save on liability costs, as your actual risk will be lower due to reduced usage.

If you are considering investing in a classic vehicle, you should also plan on getting a classic car insurance policy. When shopping for this coverage in the Berlin, CT, area, contact our team at the Bogden Insurance Agency. Our professionals will help you develop a new policy that safeguards your vehicle and suits your requirements.

How Does Comprehensive Coverage Work? Bogden Insurance Agency

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At Bogden Insurance Agency in Berlin, CT, we understand that peace of mind is priceless when it comes to protecting what matters most. Comprehensive coverage isn’t just another checkbox on an insurance form—it’s a necessity that guards against various potential perils, from natural disasters to theft and vandalism. Learn more about this essential coverage below.

How Does Comprehensive Auto Coverage Work?

Comprehensive auto coverage is critical to any insurance policy, protecting a wide range of risks that other types of insurance may not cover. Unlike collision coverage, which only covers damage resulting from accidents with other vehicles, comprehensive coverage safeguards your vehicle against theft, vandalism, weather-related damage, and more. This means that even if your car is damaged by a falling tree branch or broken into by thieves, comprehensive coverage will step in to help cover the costs of repairs or replacement.

One notable aspect of comprehensive auto coverage is its flexibility and customization options. Policyholders can tailor their coverage limits and deductibles to suit their individual needs and budget constraints. Additionally, comprehensive coverage often includes benefits such as rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance services, enhancing the policy’s overall value. By understanding how comprehensive auto coverage works and taking advantage of its various features, drivers can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing they are protected against multiple risks on the road.

Contact Bogden Insurance Agency in Berlin, CT for Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance protects you on the road. At Bogden Insurance Agency, we want our clients to have the highest-quality and most affordable insurance. Contact us today to speak with an agent and learn more about coverage options.

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.