April is Stress Awareness Month! | Blog | Vargas & Vargas Insurance

Stress Awareness .jpgEveryone has to deal with stress occasionally. It is an unavoidable part of life. In small doses stress can act as a stimulant, encouraging hard work and completion of tasks. In large or constant doses, though, stress can be a very negative influence on your health. 

Stress can manifest itself for a number of different reasons. New responsibilities at work, moving to a new place, and changes in relationships are just some of the reasons that adults succumb to stress. Children can also suffer from anxiety when they change schools, get too little sleep, or have trouble with friends or classmates. No one is exempt from the dangers of stress.

People who suffer from high amounts of anxiety can suffer from symptoms that include:

  • Headache
  • Upset stomach
  • Low energy levels
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Changes in appetite
  • Overwhelmed feeling
  • Low self esteem

The items listed are just a small portion of the full list of the possible signs of stress . If you notice that you are suffering from these symptoms because of a high level of stress, talk to your doctor about what you can do to decrease your stress levels. Your doctor may suggest some stress relief methods and coping strategies. These typically come in two distinct families:

Relax your Mind

There are many ways that you can relax your mind. The key to helping relieve your stress is to find out what works best for you. Some people find relief in cathartic methods, such as talking to people about their stressors. The person you talk to can be almost anyone – a family member, a friend, a counselor or therapist, or a clergy member can all provide a listening ear. 

If you need to express your feelings, but don’t feel comfortable divulging your feelings, you may find a journal can provide you with a sense of release as well.

You can also relax your mind with other activities, such as:

  • Meditation
  • Guided imagery
  • Volunteering
  • Creative outlets
  • Hobbies

Try a few of these stress relief methods, and see which become part of your routine. 

Relax Your Body

In addition to relaxing your mind, relaxing your body is an important part of stress relief. One of the most common means of body relaxation is regular exercise. In addition to making sure that you are in good physical condition, exercise can be a great way to release stress.

Other techniques that can help relax your body include:

  • Breathing exercises
  • Progressive muscle relaxation
  • Everyday physical activities (housecleaning, yard work, etc.)
  • Yoga, tai chi, or other mind and body exercises

In addition to these ways to de-stress, there are a few things that you can do now that will help you avoid some stressors all together. Make sure that you have healthy eating and sleeping habits, and try to find a healthy work/life balance. Get yourself organized, and make sure that you and your family are protected, even in your worst-case scenarios.

One of the best ways to make sure that you avoid stress later in life is with insurance policies! They can provide peace of mind that you just can’t find anywhere else, and they can help you protect every part of your life – your health , your home and car, your business, and much more!

If you want to learn more about how you can achieve serenity with insurance protection, call 877-550-0025 now. A Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent can help you through the process of protecting yourself and your family against the possible stresses of the future.

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What Happens to My Auto Insurance After a Hit & Run?

By carlos vargas • November 21, 2025
If someone hits your car and drives off, it’s called a hit and run . Imagine leaving the grocery store to find your bumper smashed with no note or witnesses. It’s not just the damage that’s frustrating; it’s the uncertainty about what to do next. Why Are Hit & Runs Confusing? Many drivers aren't sure what to do because we aren’t often taught how insurance works for these situations. But the more you know, the more protected you’ll be. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance , we guide drivers through hit and run claims, breaking down the process in simple terms. Key Questions Answered: What is a hit & run under Massachusetts law? What auto insurance helps in this situation? Will your premium go up? What immediate steps should you take? What Is a "Hit & Run"? A "hit and run" involves another driver damaging your car or injuring you and leaving without giving their info. It could happen in a parking lot, on the street, or even at home. Massachusetts law requires you to report it and file a claim. Coverage That Helps in a Hit & Run Your auto policy can help—if you have the right coverage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Essential for covering injuries to you or passengers. Collision Coverage: Covers car damage but requires you to pay the deductible. Note: Massachusetts is a no-fault state , needing collision and/or UM coverage for protection. Will Your Insurance Rates Rise? It depends. If considered a not-at-fault accident, rates might not increase. However, lack of a police report or a history of claims might affect rates. Reporting it properly is crucial. What Actions Should You Take? Call the police immediately to file a report. Take photos of all damage and surroundings. Seek witnesses or security camera footage. Contact your insurance agent for advice on filing a claim. Keep all records , like police reports and photos. The Bottom Line You can't control reckless drivers, but you can control your preparedness. Here's what you need to know: Have collision and uninsured motorist coverage for protection. A police report is essential. Your agent is your best ally for making claim decisions.  If you’ve returned to your car to find damage without a note, you know the stress. Now you know the steps to take and the protections you need. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance , we’re here to make this simple and stress-free. Unsure if your policy protects you from a hit & run? Call us at 617-298-0655 . Let’s ensure you’re covered before it happens.

Personal Liability Insurance: What Happens When Someone Gets Hurt on Your Property

By carlos vargas • November 21, 2025
In this post, we'll guide you through what happens when someone is injured on your property, how personal liability insurance can provide protection, and the steps you should take immediately if an accident occurs. By the end, you'll understand common scenarios that trigger personal liability coverage, what's included (and not included) in a standard policy, how claims are managed, and practical tips to protect yourself both before and after an accident. Understanding Personal Liability Insurance Personal liability insurance is designed to protect you financially if you are found legally responsible for someone’s injury or damage to their property. Typically, this coverage is part of your homeowners or renters insurance policy. If an incident occurs on your property and you’re held responsible, your personal liability insurance can help cover: Medical expenses for the injured person. Legal defense costs if you’re sued. Settlement or judgment amounts awarded to the injured party. Without this coverage, you could face out-of-pocket expenses which could amount to thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the situation. Common Injury Scenarios on Your Property Personal liability coverage may be applicable in situations like: A guest slipping on an icy walkway. A child falling off a swing in your backyard. A delivery driver tripping over a loose step. A neighbor’s fence being damaged by a tree falling from your yard.  Accidents can happen even if precautions are taken, and unfortunately, being "careful" doesn't automatically shield you from legal or medical bills. What’s Not Covered It's crucial to understand that personal liability insurance doesn't cover everything. Most policies exclude: Injuries to you or household members. Intentional acts causing harm. Certain high-risk situations, such as injuries from business activities conducted at home (unless you have separate business liability coverage). Understanding these exclusions can prevent surprises and the frustrations often accompanying a denied claim. What Happens After an Injury on Your Property If someone is injured on your property: Get medical help immediately — the priority should be the person’s safety and well-being. Document the incident — take photos, collect witness statements, and record all details. Notify your insurance company — report the incident promptly, even if unsure whether the injured party will make a claim. Avoid admitting fault — stick to the facts when speaking with the injured person and your insurer. Once a claim is filed, your insurance company will: Investigate the incident. Determine whether your policy covers the claim. Handle negotiations, settlements, or defense in court if necessary. How to Protect Yourself Before an Accident Happens While insurance covers the unexpected, prevention is better than reaction. Reduce your risk by: Keeping walkways clear of ice, snow, and clutter. Repairing loose steps, handrails, and flooring. Properly maintaining landscaping and trees. Providing adequate lighting for entrances and pathways. Regular maintenance not only keeps your property safe but shows responsible behavior if a claim is filed. The Role of Your Insurance Broker An experienced insurance broker can help you: Review your policy to ensure adequate liability coverage limits. Clarify exclusions so you understand what's not covered. Guide you through the claims process if an injury occurs. Suggest umbrella insurance for additional liability protection beyond your standard policy limits. Having a broker means you aren't navigating these situations alone — you'll have someone familiar with your policy advocating for you. The Bottom Line Accidents can occur anywhere to anyone at any time. If someone gets hurt on your property, personal liability insurance can safeguard your finances, cover legal costs, and help manage the situation professionally. The key is understanding how your coverage works before you need it. This involves knowing your policy limits, understanding exclusions, and ensuring you have sufficient protection in place. Additional Resources: Insurance Information Institute – Understanding Liability Coverage NAIC – Consumer’s Guide to Home Insurance