3 Reasons Why You Should Trim Your Trees Before the First Snowfall

Posted on November 11, 2021November 11, 2021 by cvargas

homeowner looking at freshly trimmed trees in her yard during winter

Most Boston-area homeowners don’t realize how important it is to trim your trees before the winter season. After all, there is very little information about winterizing the landscape to minimize potential damage. The truth is that nature has its fair share of adverse effects on properties. It would be best for every homeowner to be ready for such seasons and protect their homes.

Trimming trees in winter is one of the best ways to maintain safety and control the size of trees. It can also help to create appealing shapes to make your landscape look organized. Full-swing winter is likely to remove all leaves, and it makes the best time to rethink tree trimming. Here is why.

1. Reduce Tree Exposure to Pests and Diseases

Winter months are prone to various pests and diseases. You can reduce the infection of your trees by pruning as a measure to regulate diseases. There are other reasons why winter is the best time for pruning. For example, you will require pruning of oaks due to oak wilt and beetle infestations.

2. It Preserves the Appearance and Value of Your Property

You can shape your trees to make them look stunning and align with your home landscape. Therefore, pruning allows you to remove branches hanging in the walkways or help to promote growth.

The damage caused by overhanging branches to your house is also significantly reduced to save on your insurance coverage. Insurance agencies will consider all security risks when assessing damage to your home caused by trees during winter.

3. Reduce Stress for Your Trees

Most trees go dormant in winter. Therefore, it is the perfect timing to trim to ensure you preserve the tree’s energy for healing and growth once the season passes.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is a top-rated local independent insurance agency. We cater to client-specific needs and have customized insurance coverage at competitive prices. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Everything You Need to Know About a Condominium Master Policy

Posted on November 1, 2021October 16, 2021 by cvargas

A condominium master policy is an insurance policy that the condominium association purchases, and the unit owners routinely share the cost. It is a policy that protects the ground of a unit, the common areas, and the unit owner’s personal belongings. The policy also offers liability protection in case there is an accident within the unit’s walls.

A condominium master policy has effects on both the condominium association and the condominium unit owners. The coverage of the condominium master policy, however, is dedicated to the master deed of the association.

Like other insurance policies, policyholders can decide on the three main plans depending on their preferred coverage:

1. Bare Walls-In Coverage

Bare walls-in coverage is the plan with the smallest area of coverage. It covers the physical or actual structure of the condominium. This includes the materials used to construct and erect the building. But bare walls-in coverage does not cover anything inside the unit. So it becomes the responsibility of each unit’s owner to seek additional coverage.

2. Single Entity

This plan covers everything listed on the bare walls-in coverage and some types of built-in property, such as fixtures and finishes. These fixtures and finishes must be original to the unit and not anything that the unit owner added.

3. All-In Coverage

This policy covers all the elements listed above. It also includes all the fixtures and structural elements associated with each unit, including in-built appliances and upgrades by the unit owner.

Advantages of organizing a master condominium plan are that:

It makes it easy for the developer to sell or separately finance different portions of the premises.
It makes it easier for sub-residential condominium owners to get mortgage financing.
Residential condominium developers have control over portions of residential sub-condominiums for longer than the period outlined in the Georgia Condominium Act. The developer will have control over the master condominium association, which maintains all the building structures.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is one of the premier local independent insurance agencies. We work for our clients and not the insurance company. Our team will customize your insurance coverage to your specific needs at the right price, and we’re also here to answer all your insurance questions. So contact us today.

4 Amazing Tips for Preparing Your Car for Winter

Posted on October 25, 2021October 16, 2021 by cvargas

Approximately 2,000 people die each year, and 135,000 are injured in the United States due to snow and ice on the roads. Driving under such conditions is dangerous, but unfortunately, drivers do not take the time to learn seasonal driving tips. This makes driving a vehicle a lot more difficult than usual. It is important to get the car ready with the best auto insurance and ideas to keep your expenses low. Here are great tips that will help you overcome cold weather challenges as you’re preparing your car for winter.

1. Check the tread and air pressure of the tires

During winter, the condition of your car’s tires is paramount to its performance. Proper air pressure helps the vehicle to roll and have adequate support at all times. The rubber must also have a healthy tread to keep enough traction on the ground.

If you realize the footprints of your car tires have too much wear, replace them. It is also wise to buy all tires from one source to ensure the balance of your car and avoid accidents. Check the pressure of the tires frequently during winter; tires tend to lose pressure more easily if the temperature drops beyond zero.

2. Fill up the fuel tank

You cannot be too sure of accessing gas stations during winter. Some streets will probably be filled up with snow during winter, limiting the number of gas outlets you can access. Therefore, keep your fuel tank full at all times to avoid inconveniences. A full tank will also save you the time and effort of driving around looking for a gas station, further reducing the cost.

3. Use snow tires

Using regular tires during winter is not a good idea. The texture of snow, rock salt, and ice can take a toll on rubber, which will force you to spend more on tires due to wear and tear.

4. Make sure you have up-to-date insurance

To stay safe in winter driving conditions, have your car insured and protected from as many conditions as possible. Consult Vargas & Vargas Insurance for amazing deals that will keep you safe and at peace throughout the season.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is one of the premier local independent insurance agencies in the area; we work for our clients and not the insurance company. We will customize your insurance coverage to your specific needs at the right price and are here to answer all your insurance questions. Contact us today to start preparing your car for winter and every other season.

4 Winter Home Protection Tips to Keep Your Home Safe

Posted on October 18, 2021October 15, 2021 by cvargas

With your pumpkins carved and visions of the holiday season on your mind, you know winter is right around the corner. This makes it a great time to get your home ready for the upcoming colder months. Here are a few winter home protection tips to get your home ready for the winter.

1. Clean the Chimney

According to Bob Vila, a home improvement expert, there are more than 25,000 home fires each year that start in the chimney, costing around $125 million in property damage. Cleaning your chimney should top your list so that you’re ready to build a fire on the first cold night.

2. HVAC Service

You want your home’s heating system to be in tip-top shape when the cold arrives. HVAC service saves you money by changing the air filter, calibrating the thermostat, and identifying small repairs before they become big problems.

3. Replace Batteries in Fire Alarms and Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With colder weather and shorter days, your family spends more time indoors. There is an average of 346,800 house fires each year. You want to keep your family safe, so it’s a great time to replace the batteries in fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. You can also replace damaged ones or install them in areas that don’t have coverage.

Pro Tip:

Check with your homeowner’s insurance provider. You might get a discount for installing additional smoke alarms.

4. Trim Tree Limbs

Your trees grew during the spring and summer, and you might have tree limbs overhanging your roof. It’s time to trim those limbs before winter storms and ice cause them to fall on your roof or damage your home in some other way.

Once you’ve finished with these winter home protection tips, it’s also a great time to review your homeowner’s insurance to ensure you have the best coverage and pricing. Vargas & Vargas Insurance is one of the premier local independent insurance agencies. We work for our clients and not the insurance company. We will customize your insurance coverage to your specific needs at the right price, and we’re here to answer all of your insurance questions. Contact us today.

Does My Home Insurance Cover a Flooded Basement?

Posted on October 4, 2021September 30, 2021 by cvargas

Your home is a haven for you and your family. When floods happen, the last thing you want to hear is that your flooded basement isn’t covered. At such a time, safety and getting help are your priorities.

What many homeowners do not know is that having a home insurance policy is crucial. On the other hand, even those with home insurance aren’t always aware if it covers flooding and to what extent they will be compensated in case of such an event.

To understand how insurance works and know if your policy covers flooding, our professionals at Vargas & Vargas Insurance are on standby to simplify the process for you. We listen, advise, and guide you in making an informed choice.

What Is Flood Insurance, and Do Insurers Provide a Flood Policy Cover?

Flood insurance is any policy that covers your home, electronics, and other important belongings from losses occasioned by flooding. Generally, it comes as a separate cover due to the high risk involved. But it may vary from company to company.

New developments in the mortgage industry within Massachusetts require lenders to ask for flood insura n ce, and several insurers have developed appropriate packages for homeowners. These new developments point to a higher risk of flooding, and the lenders want to protect their investments. On the other hand, taking the cover as a homeowner puts you at ease if flooding happens.

Why Flood Insurance Is Necessary

Generally, home insurance covers you from any damage that may occur. The different policies have several aspects that detail what is covered and to what extent. Flood insurance is a specific home insurance cover that will cover you when flooding happens, including if you have a flooded basement.

To choose the ideal policy, it is a good practice to seek help. Work with a trusted agent who will help you go through the policies, terms, and conditions, among other things. This will help you determine if the insurer and their package fit you or if your home is covered in case of flooding.

Parting Shot

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is one of the premier local independent insurance agencies. We work for our clients and not the insurance company. We will customize your insurance coverage to your specific needs at the right price. Our team is here to answer all of your insurance questions, so contact us today.

How to Choose Your Car Insurance Deductible

Posted on September 27, 2021September 24, 2021 by cvargas

Your car insurance deductible plays a significant role in your price for auto insurance. But insurance is complicated, and many people don’t fully understand what a deductible is or why it matters.

Today we’ll explain car insurance deductibles with the first-time car owner in mind. Let’s get a few basic insurance concepts out of the way.

Massachusetts Car Insurance Basics

To register a car in Massachusetts, you must insure it with liability coverage. This protects other people — and their property — from damage you might cause by driving the vehicle.

But the state liability minimums don’t include any coverage for your property or your vehicle. For that protection, you will need “full coverage,” or a package that includes both comprehensive and collision coverages.

Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle in a crash.
Comprehensive coverage pays for things like vehicle theft.

When an accident does happen, your full coverage auto policy will help pay to repair the car. But you’ll be responsible for paying a deductible, too.

What Is a Car Insurance Deductible?

Deductibles are considered a type of co-insurance. They are a pre-set dollar amount that the car owner agrees to pay first, should an accident happen.

For instance, let’s imagine you have a $1,000 deductible on your auto insurance policy. During a brutal New England snowstorm, your vehicle slides on some black ice and crashes into a center divider on the highway. Thankfully, everyone is wearing a seatbelt. No one is injured, and no other cars are involved.

You take your car to the shop, and it will need about $5,000 of work. With a $1,000 deductible, it is your responsibility to pay the first $1,000. Your insurer pays the remaining $4,000.

Deductible amounts can range anywhere from $50 to $5,000.
But $500 or $1,000 are probably the most common amounts.

If you have a high deductible — like $5,000 — then you’ll have a lower monthly insurance payment. However, you must keep $5,000 on hand at all times to pay for repairs yourself. And don’t forget that your lienholder — the bank, if you make a car payment — might require a deductible of $1,000 or less on your insurance.

Learn More With Us

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is proud to be your local independent insurance agency. We work for our customers, not the insurance companies. Contact us today to customize your car insurance coverage and learn more about car insurance deductibles.

It’s Time to Update Your Life Insurance Policy

Posted on September 21, 2021September 15, 2021 by cvargas

The winter holidays are just around the corner. Autumn is a great time to check on your life insurance policy. Suppose you need to update billing or beneficiary information, or you want to increase or decrease coverage. Handle your insurance maintenance now before getting busy with holiday cheer. The professional team at Vargas & Vargas Insurance is here to help.

COVID-19 Caused Changes in Life Insurance for Massachusetts Residents

As reported by the Patriot Ledger, the pandemic led to business closures, layoffs, and furloughs for many MA residents, particularly in the service and hospitality industries. If you were forced to find new employment, you lost your company-sponsored benefits. If those perks included life insurance, it’s time to buy a new policy — especially if you’ve purchased or sold a home.

The Massachusetts Real Estate Market Exploded in 2021

Thanks to the “white-hot” Massachusetts real estate boom of 2021, there’s a good chance you’ve bought or sold a home. You can learn more about homeowner’s insurance in another article, too.

If you bought a home in 2021, it’s time to:

Buy a term life policy to protect your spouse or partner and pay the mortgage if tragedy strikes.
Buy a whole life insurance policy that will build a cash value in a few years (you can borrow those funds later for emergency home repairs)

If you downsized in 2021, it would be a great time to put some extra funds in an annuity. Then you can safeguard it for retirement.

Finally, even if you’re not interested in buying a life insurance policy right now, it’s always a good idea to check on your contact information and beneficiary information. Make it a fall tradition!

Do Landlords Need LLCs or Good Umbrella Coverage for Real Estate Investments?

Posted on September 14, 2021September 8, 2021 by cvargas

Are you a real estate investor looking to protect your assets? Chances are you have been using an LLC or an umbrella insurance policy to keep away from liabilities that may affect your property. They are both practical to use, but there are cases where either an LLC or umbrella coverage for real estate investments is the better option.

You can make the right choice by understanding how they protect your property. There are various cases where many investors don’t understand the implications of LLC and umbrella policies. Let’s break it up!

Why You Need an Umbrella Policy

An umbrella policy is an insurance cover that adds other liability coverage to an existing insurance policy. Adding more coverage to the current coverage protects landlords against personal fiscal responsibility when cases such as injury or lawsuits occur.

The umbrella coverage for real estate investments travels with you. The policies cover personal circumstances, such as when your dog bites someone at the park; the cover also helps with medical costs.

Why You Need LLCs and Corporations

An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, helps protect you from any liabilities that can arise within the LLC that prevent the plaintiff from suing you personally. In the case of a lawsuit, the only thing at risk is the business’s assets, leaving the owner out of the puzzle.

The creditor may decide to collect the assets of the business. It is different from state to state, and you have to consult your agency and understand the laws behind it.

Choose What Is Best for You

The choice you make between the two depends on the real estate portfolio. For example, the umbrella insurance policy is best for making the right financial choices for landlords with small portfolios. You may also opt for both an umbrella insurance policy and creating an LLC since they work effectively.

Vargas and Vargas Insurance is among the best local independent insurance agencies in your neighborhood. We offer expert and customized services that cater to your specific needs, so contact us today.

Homeowner’s Guide to Lender-Required Flood Insurance in Massachusetts

Posted on September 7, 2021September 3, 2021 by cvargas

Many residents in Massachusetts don’t realize that flood insurance can help protect them from financial devastation in cases of floods. Flooding can quickly cause over $100,000 worth of damage to your home. However, if you have flood insurance in Massachusetts, you can receive reimbursement for your losses minus your deductible amount.

If you’re wondering how flood insurance works or if it’s something you should consider for your home, keep reading.

How Flood Insurance Works

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private insurance companies issue flood insurance. Private insurance companies offer lower premiums as compared to government affiliates. These insurance policies are available for Massachusetts residents living in designated flood areas.

This insurance plan offers policies for losses sustained by floods in homes and businesses. Flood insurance policies typically have waiting periods before coverage takes effect. However, once you subscribe to their policies, you are assured compensation in cases of floods.

Why Do Lenders Require Flood Insurance?

One of the most significant risks you can take is buying a house in a flood-prone area. Because of this, many lenders require applicants to purchase a basic flood policy. They will also evaluate your property’s situation based on the history of flooding, how the structure stands, and the risks inherent in living in floodwaters.

What You Need to Know About Flood Insurance in Massachusetts

If your home is in a high-risk area, purchasing a policy could pay off. You may reduce or eliminate your premium by switching to a cheaper policy with lower premiums. In addition, insurance provides a mechanism for immediate financial help if flooding destroys your family’s home.

It prevents you from being held responsible for paying more than necessary to repair or replace your damaged property. Get the best quote on flood insurance from Vargas and Vargas Insurance. Even if you are not in a federal flood zone, you can purchase flood insurance at a better-priced premium. This will ensure that you don’t receive charges for more than what it costs to maintain the policy.

Final Thoughts on Flood Insurance in Massachusetts

The U.S. government has placed a flood zone designation on over two million homes in the country. This also applies in states like Massachusetts. If you’re looking for flood insurance, Vargas & Vargas Insurance is the right place. We will help you find the best policy for your needs and answer all your questions about the coverage. Contact us today.

What You Need to Know About Directors and Officers Insurance in Massachusetts

Posted on August 31, 2021August 24, 2021 by cvargas

Managing a corporation is complex and comes with various risks. Directors, officers, and condominium trustee boards are held responsible for decisions they make on behalf of their companies. This can lead to errors, mistakes, and poor choices, resulting in the company leaders getting sued. Directors and officers insurance is special professional liability insurance that covers past, present, and future leaders.

Shareholders, employees, customers, and others can also sue the directors or officers of a business. Therefore, anyone in these positions in the company requires coverage regardless of the size of the organization they lead.

How the Massachusetts Insurance Policy Works

The board of directors in any corporation represents the best interest of the shareholders in their organization. Failure in doing so may lead to lawsuits that will not be covered under a standard general liability policy.

Massachusetts state laws protect nonprofit board members who serve voluntarily for specific situations. However, such members must still work closely with a qualified attorney if such lawsuits are filed.

Policy Options and Additional Coverage

There are certain limitations and exclusions that the directors and officers face with this insurance policy. So it would help to talk to your agent, who will help you determine the most suitable policy to use in consideration of the unique needs of your corporation.

Also, try to include additional coverage that caters to cyber-attacks. Malicious attacks have been on the rise, and many businesses in Massachusetts will likely fall victim to such attacks. So buy D&O insurance to keep your board of directors safe and enhance your company’s reputation.

Protect Your Decision Makers With Directors and Officers Insurance in Massachusetts

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is a top local independent insurance agency in Massachusetts. We provide quality insurance coverage that suits your unique business needs at affordable prices, so talk to our top-rated customer care desk for all your insurance questions. Contact us here and engage experts today.

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