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.

Condo Safety Tips to Prevent Accidents

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While making your condo a cozy, comfortable environment, don’t neglect safety measures that can protect you from accidents. These safety tips from Bogden Insurance Agency in Berlin, CT can make your condo a safer place to live for you and your family.

Condo Safety Tips to Prevent Accidents

De-Clutter

If your condo has limited space and you own a lot of stuff, clutter can become a problem. Clutter anywhere in your condo increases the risk of accidents. By getting rid of items you don’t need or haven’t used for a while and properly storing items you want, you can eliminate clutter and make your condo a safer, neater environment.

Secure Stairs

Make sure your stairs have secure handrails, so you can maneuver up and down safely. If your stairs are carpeted, make sure there are no snags that can cause you to trip and fall.

Accident-Proof Bathrooms

Minimize the risk of slipping in the tub or shower by putting down non-slip decals or mats on your shower and bathtub floors. A bathroom rug secured with non-slip pads can prevent slipping when you step out of the tub or shower. You can also install grab bars to hold onto to prevent falling.

Install Proper Lighting

Make sure your condo has proper lighting to see where you’re going, especially at night. You can also plug in night lights to illuminate hallways or bathrooms to avoid walking around in the dark.   

Install Fire Safety Equipment

If your condo doesn’t come with smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, have them installed to protect you from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. You should also check these devices regularly to ensure they’re in good working order.

Last, but not least, don’t forget to purchase condo insurance to protect you from the unexpected. For quality condo coverage at an affordable cost, contact Bogden Insurance Agency in Berlin, CT.

Who Should Consider Umbrella Insurance? Assessing Your Coverage Needs

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Umbrella insurance is an additional layer of coverage that can provide protection beyond your standard insurance policies in Berlin, CT. It can protect you against unexpected events, such as a lawsuit or a car accident where you are at fault. Bogden Insurance Agency explains who should consider umbrella insurance and how to determine your coverage needs.

What is umbrella insurance?

Umbrella or personal liability insurance is an extra liability policy that can help protect you and your assets from catastrophic losses. This policy comes into play when your standard insurance policy reaches its coverage limits. For example, if you were sued and your home insurance only covers up to $300,000, and your damages were $500,000, umbrella insurance can help cover the additional $200,000.

Who should consider umbrella insurance?

If you have assets at risk in a lawsuit, you should consider purchasing umbrella insurance. Individuals with a high net worth or significant assets, such as property, investments, or businesses, should consider umbrella insurance. Additionally, if you have a high-risk job, like a doctor or a lawyer, or engage in activities that could increase your risk, such as owning a pool or renting out your property, umbrella insurance can provide additional protection in case of an accident.

How to assess your coverage needs?

You should evaluate your assets and potential risks to determine your coverage needs. First, assess the value of your assets, including your home, cars, investments, and other properties. If the value of your assets exceeds the coverage limits of your standard insurance policies, you might need umbrella insurance.

Reach Out To Us

Umbrella insurance can provide extensive protection and peace of mind to those who face significant risks around Berlin, CT.  To purchase umbrella insurance, contact Bogden Insurance Agency to get started.

Why should I get classic car insurance versus a standard plan?

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Owning a classic car has been a dream for a lot of people in the Berlin, CT area. If you choose to purchase a classic car, you will be making a unique investment as these vehicles can actually appreciate in value over time. Because of this, a classic car needs a different type of auto coverage. There are various reasons why you should invest in a classic car plan. 

Coverage for Full Value of Car

One of the most important reasons to have a classic car insurance plan is that you can get coverage for the full value of the car. Standard vehicles tend to depreciate in value each year. However, a classic car can actually increase in value. With a standard auto plan, it can be hard to capture this full value. With a classic car insurance policy, you can work with the insurer to come up with a fair coverage amount based on the collectible value. 

Coverage Reflects Liability Risks

Your classic car insurance can also be a good option as it can help reflect your current liability risks. Classic car drivers tend to drive sparingly. However, you still need liability coverage, even if you only drive a few miles per year. With classic car insurance, your plan will price your insurance based on the nominal miles driven. 

Reach Out To Us

Anyone who purchases a classic car in the Berlin, CT area will want to get the right insurance for it. When you are ready to start looking for your next classic insurance plan, it would be a good idea to call our professionals with the Bogden Insurance Agency. There are always a lot of big decisions to make when looking for this coverage, and our team at Bogden Insurance Agency can help ensure you build a plan that properly covers your classic car. 

Will my auto insurance cover the replacement of the transmission in my old car?

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Auto insurance provides many beneficial forms of coverage for drivers. From liability coverage for accidents where you’re at fault to protection from unforeseen situations like flooding and theft, car insurance offers many coverage options for drivers. However, car insurance doesn’t cover everything. There are circumstances where auto insurance wouldn’t cover an incident or situation, and you may have to pay out of pocket for these types of situations.

Our team at Bogden Insurance Agency is committed to helping Berlin, CT residents get the coverage they need.

What does auto insurance cover?

Auto insurance provides drivers with a wide variety of different coverage options. Most states require drivers to carry auto liability insurance which covers any property damage or injuries you cause to others while driving. However, this type of coverage will not cover any damage to your car or any personal injuries you sustain in an accident.

Collision coverage covers the damage your car sustains in an accident as well as any personal injuries you may sustain as a result of an accident. Comprehensive coverage covers non-moving accidents. For example, if a tree branch falls on your car, comprehensive coverage will cover the repair or replacement of your car.

Theft, vandalism, and damage from inclement weather conditions are also examples of situations that are covered by comprehensive auto insurance.

Will my auto insurance cover the replacement of the transmission in my old car?

Maybe. If your transmission is damaged as a result of a covered incident or accident, your collision car insurance will cover the repair or replacement of your transmission. However, if your transmission fails on its own due to normal wear and tear, your auto insurance will not cover the repair or replacement of your transmission.

Looking for Insurance in Berlin, CT?

If you have questions about coverage options when it comes to auto insurance, call us at Bogden Insurance Agency. We’d be happy to help you explore your options. 

Does commercial insurance cover ransomware attacks?

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Ransomware attacks are becoming more frequent and malicious. Ransomware is malware that encrypts data, rendering it unusable or unreadable until a ransom is paid. These attacks can be extremely damaging, resulting in downtime, loss of data, and damage to a business’s reputation. With the increasing threat of ransomware, Bogden Insurance Agency wants businesses in Berlin, CT to understand their insurance options to mitigate the risks associated with these attacks.

Does commercial insurance cover ransomware attacks?

Some commercial insurance policies offer specific cyber policies that cover cyber risks, such as ransomware attacks. Cyber insurance policies can offer additional coverage, such as data recovery and cyber liability insurance, which covers legal fees and damages resulting from a cyberattack. 

Another type of insurance policy that may cover ransomware attacks is business interruption insurance. This policy covers loss of income and expenses related to a cyberattack interrupting your business operations. This policy can be invaluable in recovering from a ransomware attack, as businesses face the ransom demand and the costs of dealing with the attack, such as data recovery and IT support.

Businesses should ensure that they understand the terms and conditions of their policy and speak with their insurance agent to identify any gaps in coverage. Cybercrime and its associated risks change rapidly; check your coverage at least once a year to ensure your business has the coverage it needs.

We Can Help!

Ransomware attacks can be extremely costly in the short and long term. Berlin, CT businesses need to understand their insurance options to effectively mitigate the risks associated with these attacks. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take action to protect your business today by contacting Bogden Insurance Agency. This can be confusing, so contact us anytime you have questions.

Tips to prepare your house for a storm

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Preparing your home for a big storm here in the Berlin, CT area can feel daunting, but at Bogden Insurance Agency we recommend several steps you can take to get ready. 

Preparing your house for a storm

First, make sure you have enough supplies on hand in case of an emergency. Keep a stocked first aid kit, flashlights, and batteries in easily accessible places. Have three days’ worth of food and water stored away in case the power goes out. Consider investing in a generator if you live in an area where storms are frequent or particularly severe. 

Next, assess any potential risks to your home and take necessary safety precautions. Put up storm shutters or plywood boards on windows to protect against flying debris that could break the glass. Secure outdoor furniture and equipment like grills or patio umbrellas so they don’t become projectiles during strong winds. Make sure trees on your property are trimmed and well-maintained so that limbs don’t fall on your house during a storm. 

Finally, create an emergency plan with family members so everyone knows what to do when a storm is approaching your area. Talk about where everyone will go if their home isn’t safe and make sure everyone knows basic first-aid tips should someone need medical attention during the storm. It’s also important to have important documents like IDs, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc., all stored safely in waterproof containers just in case you need them during evacuation or recovery from storm damage afterward. 

Keep Your Home Insurance Updated

By following these steps, you will be prepared for whatever weather may come your way! For more tips, and to get the right insurance coverage for your needs, give us at Bogden Insurance Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the Berlin, CT area.