Vargas & Vargas Insurance knows that talking about life insurance can be an uncomfortable experience. We want the greater Dorchester, MA community to turn to us for their life insurance needs. We can help you protect your family and loved ones, no matter what the future may hold.
Learn more about your life insurance options
Having the right life insurance can serve you and your family well. Depending on the type of policy you select, you can enjoy several benefits while still living. In addition o death benefits, some policies provide cash value and growth during the policy’s life, as long as it is kept current and in force.
Term life insurance is often a good idea for anyone looking to cover their burial expenses or other end-of-life costs. These policies are usually affordable and can help ease your family’s pain during the immediate period after your passing. Permanent policies, like whole life, variable, and universal insurance, provide death benefits and offer other features.
If you want to learn more about the life insurance options now available, it makes sense to sit down with a local agent. This can help you make the right decision.
Call today for an appointment.
If you are a resident in the greater Dorchester, MA area, it’s time to get to know the Vargas & Vargas Insurance team. We are here to help you find the right insurance solutions for your needs. Now is a perfect time to sit down with us and learn more about your life insurance options. Our team is ready to help, and we always look forward to working with you. Give us a call today!
Home insurance is there to help pick up the pieces in the event of a catastrophe or mishap. From direct damage due to third-party negligence to shielding you from nature’s wrath, being insured is vital. But when can your home insurance get denied by your current carrier? What can you do when you find yourself without proper coverage in the event of an emergency?
The truth of the matter is that there are a lot of things that can cause your carrier to drop you from being insured. It all really centers around the policies and practices of each individual company.
However, there are a few that are almost universal among many carriers. Some of the more common include:
If the house becomes in extreme disrepair
Non-disclosure of damages to, or the result of, the home
Insurance fraud
Non-payment of premiums
Excessive past claims
Missing a filing deadline
Criminal record of certain judgments, such as arson
Certain types of dog breeds
This is by no means a complete list. The problem is that every insurer has its own guidelines to follow when it comes to the home. However, the above problems are common among many companies and something you should consider when your home insurance is denied.
What about being denied specific claims from your insurer? In many cases, this happens because of a lack of specific coverage. For instance, earthquake and flood protection often require their own insurance plans separate from the home.
Some insurers will still cover you even if you’ve experienced any of the above. However, the premiums you’ll have to pay are usually quite higher. This is because you’ve been established as “high risk.”
If someone or the property is deemed as a high risk, this means that there is a greater chance of the insurer losing money due to damages.
What Can You Do When Home Insurance is Denied?
You could always appeal to the insurance company and plead your case. In some instances, this may prove beneficial, especially if you’ve invested in preemptive measures.
For example, taking the time to make sure the home is up to code and in good condition after a denial may change the mind of an insurer. Especially if you can reinforce the validity of the repairs by having the home inspected.
Your local independent insurance agent is the best way to appeal your case as they have a relationship with the insurance company.
Another thing you can do is spend time looking for an insurer who’ll cover your home. As I said, every insurer is different and some may be willing to overlook specific issues. But that’s when your payments may increase due to being a high risk, as mentioned above.
Bear in mind that the very reason why one insurer dropped or denied you could be why it’ll be difficult to find another. At least not without addressing why you were denied in the first place.
Never Give Up, Proper Protection is Worth the Effort
If you’ve been denied in the past for home coverage, give us a call at Vargas & Vargas Insurance. Contact us today to see if we can help you get the coverage you need to protect your investment as well as your family.
In the worst-case scenario, you don’t want to face disasters and accidents alone. We are able to give you some peace of mind by finding the insurance coverage that you require.
Keeping up with your car’s maintenance can be a hassle…but we’ve got exciting news for you! By prioritizing the maintenance schedule for your car you can avoid some potential insurance claims!
Does keeping up with my car’s maintenance really make a difference?
We know, it’s draining to try to stay up to date on car maintenance. It seems like there’s always something to fix! Unfortunately, a lot of people avoid taking care of their cars until it is too late. According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported by Fox13, the average amount of car accidents due to poor maintenance tallies in at a whopping 45,000. You definitely don’t want to be a part of that statistic. Read on for some helpful tips to avoid insurance claims and enjoy safe travels!
What should be on my maintenance checklist?
One item you’ll definitely want to include on your checklist is to inspect your tires! Make sure they still have good traction and check to be sure the tire pressure has an ideal PSI. This is something you’ll want to do routinely – not only during springtime!
Other items to include on your auto maintenance checklist:
A few other important things to stay on top of:
Schedule an oil filter change. Oil reduces the friction between moving parts in a running engine. If you don’t have your oil changed you could do serious damage to your engine.
Replace windshield wipers. You don’t want to be caught in rain (or snow) with inadequate wipers! You won’t be able to see what’s in front of you which could result in an accident.
Check your battery. Be proactive about checking your car’s battery! Even if it seems to be working fine, it is always a good idea to have the battery inspected to prevent an unexpected failure.
Check your lights. Even in normal driving conditions, using your headlights anytime you’re driving has been proven to reduce accidents by 5-10%. Why not take it a step further and make sure every light on your car is in good, working condition?
Don’t forget the finishing touch!
As part of your spring auto maintenance schedule, consider having your car detailed. Chances are high that your car looks a little worse for the wear after all of the snow and dirt from this winter. Give your car a spring cleaning that will leave you feeling refreshed and confident in your car. We recommend Neponset Circle Car Wash for all your detailing needs!
Stay up to date and stay safe!
All of the preparation in the world can’t prevent every accident, so make sure your auto coverage is sufficient by referencing this guide. Now, no matter where you’re headed, you can travel confidently and safely knowing that you’ve stayed up to date on your maintenance!
Vargas & Vargas Insurance, we can help you customize your auto insurance so that it works best for you. We are one of the premier local independent insurance agencies, and we truly work for our clients, not ourselves. Our team of friendly experts would be happy to answer all of your insurance questions. Contact us today.
As we’re nearing the warmer months of the year, it’s time to start thinking about how your air conditioner performs. And I’m talking about both central air and window-based units. With proper AC maintenance, you could save quite a bit of money.
Not only does maintenance help you save on the electricity bill, but it can also prevent accidental fires and other forms of property damage. For example, do you know how much a leaky swamp cooler could cost you in repairs if not dealt with immediately?
So, what are some ways to protect your home and your bank account?
Clean and/or Replace Filters
A clogged filter can cause all kinds of issues for any HVAC system. Even window-mounted air conditioners can form sheets of ice if the filter is clogged. And that causes a completely different problem.
This isn’t to mention how a clogged filter causes the unit to work much harder to cool the home. This, in turn, results in wear-and-tear leading to malfunctions and repair costs much sooner than anticipated.
Make sure all of your filters are either replaced or cleaned, depending on the type of system you have in the home.
Ensure Ductwork and Intakes are Clear of Debris
Over time, ductwork and air intakes for HVAC systems can become filled with dust and various forms of debris. Part of your annual AC maintenance should include ensuring the system has clear access to move air.
This means also going outside and making sure bushes, plants, and other elements are clear of the air conditioner.
In the event of a swamp cooler, it’s probably a good idea to install new pads. Wind can blow all kinds of debris into the wells of the evaporative cooler, which means it will have a harder time pulling air in to cool.
Properly Inspect Power Cords and Electrical Connections
Always ensure your power cords and electrical connections for the HVAC system are properly secured. In some cases, it may be a good idea to call an electrician to verify your power cables don’t pose a threat to the home.
While you’re at it, also make sure you don’t have too much of a load on a single power socket.
A lot of people will use extension cords and power strips to accommodate their electronics. The end result could be a fire caused by an over-taxed power cable trying to draw more power than the strip can handle.
Out of the different forms of ac maintenance, your power consumption is perhaps one of the most important to verify.
Inspect Weather Stripping Along Windows and Doors
Weatherstripping is one of the most important facets of saving money for both heating and cooling needs. This is the fine strip or silicone that lines the edges of windows and doors.
Making sure the strip is in good condition means less cool air escapes to the outside. Thus, your home stays cooler for longer periods of time.
Consider Shades or Blackout Curtains
Sunlight coming into the home can generate a great deal of heat. Depending on where your windows are located, the home could be exposed to a continuous bombardment of sunlight.
Blackout curtains are relatively cheap and can stop the light and heat from the sun.
If you don’t like the idea of sunlight being completely blocked, you can always go with shades or other window dressings that limit how much light comes into the home.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of the Cure
Preventing issues through ac maintenance today can save you a small fortune down the road. And don’t forget, you could always approach the homestead from the perspective of going green. For example, adjusting your thermostat so the AC isn’t constantly running.
After ensuring your cooling systems are running efficiently, give Vargas & Vargas Insurance a call to also make sure your home is protected in the worst-case scenarios. Don’t let accidents this summer cost you. Contact us today for a customized plan and keep your home safe year-round.
