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Auto Insurance

There’s a New Headlight Law in Massachusetts!

Posted on by cvargas

Did you know that Massachusetts drivers will be subject to a new driving law starting on April 7, 2015? Familiarize yourself with the new law, and its potential consequences, below:

new headlight law in massachusetts

What is the new law?

Beginning on that day, you will need to turn on your car’s headlights any time that you have your windshield wipers on. Here in Massachusetts, the law has always stated that you need to have your headlights on during the night (specifically from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise). Now the law also specifies that headlights are required when windshield wipers are needed, including during a sunny afternoon storm.

Here is the exact wording of the new law, with the amended wording in bold font:

Section 15 of chapter 85 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2012 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the first sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:— A vehicle, whether stationary or in motion, on a public way, shall have attached to it headlights and taillights which shall be turned on by the vehicle operator and so displayed as to be visible from the front and rear during the period of 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise; provided, however, that such headlights and taillights shall be turned on by the vehicle operator at all other times when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced such that persons or vehicles on the roadway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet or when the vehicle’s windshield wipers are needed; provided further, that this section shall not apply to a vehicle which is designed to be propelled by hand; and provided further, that a vehicle carrying hay or straw for the purpose of transporting persons on a hayride shall display only electrically operated lights which shall be 2 flashing amber lights to the front and 2 flashing red lights to the rear, each of which shall be at least 6 inches in diameter and mounted 6 feet from the ground.”

What happens for drivers that fail to comply?

If the weather required that windshield wipers be used but you do not illuminate your headlights, you can be pulled over by a police officer. They can warm you of the new law, or even give you a nominal ticket for the infraction. The more important factor to consider is that this infraction is considered a traffic violation, meaning that it could raise your auto insurance rates the next time that you renew your policy.

Every Massachusetts driver will need to follow this new law starting on April 7, so make sure to pass the news on to your friends and family. One great way to do that is to send them a link to this blog post. Also take the time to tell them about the great experiences that you’ve had with the insurance professionals here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, and let them know that an auto or home insurance quote is only a phone call away!

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Bruce Jenner’s Auto Insurance Woes

Posted on by cvargas

Here’s a name that you may not have heard in a while: Bruce Jenner. Most famous for winning a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. Jenner has been in and out of the press over the last forty years thanks to his movie and TV work, including several years on Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Recently, though, it’s not his TV appearances that have him making headlines – it’s a car accident. TMZ reported the accident on February 7th, stating that Bruce crashed into at least one car around noon. There were reportedly four cars and at least seven people involved in the accident. While Bruce wasn’t visibly hurt, one woman was killed in the accident.

Bruce Jenner Auto Insurance Woes on Car Crash
Photo Courtesy: RadarOnline.com

Since Bruce allegedly caused the accident, it will be up to his auto insurance policy to cover the costs associated with it. Unfortunately, it has been found by Radar Online that Bruce only had insurance coverage up to $250,000 – not nearly enough to cover the cost of the accident that he caused, especially if the family of the deceased woman decides to sue him for additional damages. Even though he is reported to be worth millions of dollars, this accident may cause him financial ruin – something we’re sure he wasn’t expecting. That’s the moral of this very sad story – disaster can come when you’re least expecting it, so make sure that you are prepared with proper insurance coverage.

Auto insurance is key when you’re looking for financial protection on the road. Think about it this way: if you cause an accident, you will be held responsible for the cost of fixing all of the damage done. This obviously includes damage to the car or cars involved, but also damage to other types of property (including structures, signs, etc) and damage to people involved (and these medical bills can add up fast).

These damages will probably be rather low for a small accident or fender bender, but you never know if and when you will be involved in a major accident like Jenner. As the saying goes, you should “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” While no one wants or expects to cause a horrific accident, you should be carrying enough auto insurance to protect yourself – just in case.

The same also goes for other types of insurance. Carrying the minimum amount of coverage (as defined by the state of Massachusetts) is typically ill-advised. You will find that insurance premiums from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency are very affordable, and will provide you coverage in the worst case scenarios in their respective situations, from auto accidents to home destruction, to earthquakes and health issues and more.

If you don’t want to face the same potential financial ruin as Bruce Jenner, we advise you to call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 right away. One of our dedicated insurance experts will be happy to provide you with a Massachusetts insurance quote for a policy that will ensure that you and your loved ones are financially protected in even the most distressful situations.

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Is Ride Sharing Worth the Risk?

Posted on by cvargas

When was the last time that you needed a ride at the last minute? If you didn’t want to inconvenience a family member or friend, you may have called a taxi or scheduled a ride through a limousine company. There is a new option entering the market for people in this predicament, though. It is called “Ride Sharing,” and though the concept may sound technologically savvy, it presents several concerns to drivers and passengers that use the associated apps.

Ride Sharing
Photo courtesy: Arbella Insurance

The Rise of Ride Sharing Apps

In the old days, you used to have to hire a limo or a cab if you needed a ride on short notice. Nowadays, though, there are several apps that provide Ride Sharing services. It’s a way for drivers to earn some extra cash providing rides whenever they can, using their personal vehicle.

Using one of these apps as easy as installing Uber, Lyft, or Sidecar and requesting a ride. A verified driver will pick you up and take you to your destination. You can even pay the driver, rate them, and tip them through the app in most cases.

The Auto Insurance Conundrum

For the most part, a ride that is taken (or given) with a ridesharing app can be broken down into three parts. The first is when the driver is looking for work, but does not yet have a client. The second is when the driver is on their way to a waiting client. And the third (as you could probably guess) is when the driver is transporting the client.

The issue that is cropping up all over the country is this: What happens when a driver is in an accident? Ride Sharing companies claim to provide excess liability insurance for their drivers, but consider this scenario: in California, an Uber driver hit and killed a six year old girl on his way to pick up a customer. The driver’s personal auto insurance policy says that Uber should be responsible because the app was active, but Uber is refusing liability because there was no passenger in the car at the time of the accident. And that’s just one example of a case – there are many more cases like this happening throughout the country, and drivers are learning the hard way that the insurance situation in these cases is very complicated.

Insurance Loopholes

An infographic provided by our friends at Arbella Insurance shows just a few of the insurance loopholes that you may encounter if you drive for a ridesharing company:

If you are running a ride sharing application, your personal auto insurance policy may not cover you for damages or losses.

Violations and accidents that occur when you are running a ride sharing app could still cause an increase in your personal insurance rates.

Ride Sharing services may provide you with additional liability insurance, but their coverage may have significant gaps. Deductibles on their insurance may also be as high as $1,000. And if they don’t provide enough coverage, you could be responsible for the difference!

So before you start to hire out your car to make a little bit of extra cash, you should carefully consider the risks that you could be undertaking. If you are still interested in taking part in the Ride Sharing phenomenon, make sure that you call your Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent at 617-298-0655 before you even think about picking up your first customer. As auto insurance experts, we will be able to help you ensure that you’re covered in all of the situations that you encounter on the road – even if you have a client in tow.

*Edit: There is now coverage available for drivers while they are logged in to ride sharing apps but do not have an active passenger. Read more on Insurance Journal here: ISO Introduces Endorsements to Address Ridesharing Policy Gaps

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Four Simple Ways to Increase Your Car’s Value

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Are you thinking of trading in your car in the near future? If you are, it may be worth taking these four steps to increase your car’s value – this will mean that you get more for the car that you get rid of, and therefore will help you pay less for your new car!

Four Simple Ways to Increase Your Car's

Even if you’re not thinking of getting a new car on the horizon, number 4 is great advice that you can start following now to ease potential headaches down the road.

1. Clean the Interior

There is nothing quite like a good first impression when you trade in your car. Make sure that the first thing the buyer sees will be a clean, well polished interior. If your interior is already in good condition, you may only need to vacuum out recent dirt. If your interior is in slightly rougher shape, it may be worth paying for an interior cleaning at a car wash. If you really want to go the extra mile, purchase new mats from an auto supply shop.

2. Polish and Repair Headlights and Windshield

Another great way to make a positive first impression when you’re selling your car is to make sure that it shines when the buyer watches you pull up. The best way to do this is with clear, bright headlights and a windshield that is free of chips or cracks.

You can shine up or replace your headlight covers with a quick purchase from your local auto parts store, and a windshield is quickly repaired or replaced by an auto glass repair company. We are partial to Anytime Auto Glass here in the Greater Boston area – they have same day service that will come to you!

3. Make any Easy Repairs

When someone is buying your car, they will look for any reason that they can find to negotiate the price down. It is your job as the seller to make sure that very few of these opportunities exist. Before you sell, take the time to do any simple repairs. It may seem counterintuitive to spend money on a car you wish to sell, but look at it this way: the money that you spend on most repairs will come back in spades when you sell!

4. Get Your Paperwork in Order

Anyone that owns a car should follow this advice: whenever you get a receipt for anything that has been done to your car, you should save it. You can keep a physical file of invoices and repair receipts, or scan all of the papers and keep a digital folder of your records. With this information, you can easily prove that your car has been properly maintained. It should also be noted that this tip is equally applicable to almost any asset, including homes, boats, and more!

If you are in the market for a new car, make sure that you call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 to get a Brockton, Sharon, or Jamaica Plain auto insurance quote from one of our friendly and knowledgeable insurance agents. We are always happy to serve you, and look forward to finding you the perfect car insurance quote to fit your needs.

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7 Driving Mistakes That Could Put You At Risk

Posted on by cvargas

Each time that you get into a vehicle, you are taking a risk. While most car trips are without peril, there are some driving habits that may put you at an increased risk for calamity. In 2013 alone, there were an estimated 3.8 million crash injuries that required medical attention, and 35,200 deaths related to traffic collisions.

7 Driving Mistakes That Could Put You At Risk

Here are 7 driving mistakes that could put you at risk:

1. Ignoring Road Conditions – Before you even think about driving somewhere, you need to consider the conditions. If it’s too wet (whether from snow or rain) or visibility is poor, you should consider postponing or cancelling your drive. A trip out of the house isn’t worth the risk if conditions are bad.

2. Driving Drunk or Drowsy – You should also consider your personal condition before you start to drive. If you have been drinking, or if you are overly tired, don’t allow yourself to pilot a vehicle. This also applies to feeling extremely angry or upset – all of these conditions will cloud your judgment and may slow your reaction time.

3. Running Yellow Lights – Some drivers take a yellow light as a sign to speed up so that you can make it through the intersection. In truth, a yellow light should signal exactly the opposite – stop safely if you can. You should only go through a yellow light if it would be unsafe for you to stop in time.

4. Not Signaling – If you want to be safe while you drive, you need to communicate with the drivers around you about your intentions. The best way to do this is with appropriate use of your turn signals!

5. Texting – When driving, you need to pay attention to the road. Texting is one thing that will ensure that you’re spending 100% of your attention elsewhere. When texting, you are much more likely to stray into another lane, fail to stop, or any number of potentially fatal driving mistakes.

6. Tailgating – You need to leave enough room between your vehicle and the car in front of you so that you can come to a safe stop or get around the vehicle if need arises. The generally accepted rule for following distance is the Three Second Rule.

7. Speeding – Did you know that speeding is the most common bad driving behavior? The speed limit represents the fastest speed you should go to be safe, so abide by it! In truth, going an extra five or ten miles an hour won’t make you reach your destination all that much faster, so don’t risk it.

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we provide Massachusetts auto insurance that will protect you in the event of a car accident. Of course, we would rather that you aren’t involved in any accidents, so please make sure that you don’t commit any of the errors above. If you need a new auto insurance quote, please contact the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.

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Do You Have the Best Auto Insurance Possible?

Posted on by cvargas

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we always want to bring you the best: the best auto insurance, best home insurance, best business insurance, and so on. We ensure that this is done by making sure that our insurance agents are the best of the best. Only then can we know for certain that our customers are getting optimal policies and excellent customer service.

best auto insurance in dorchester boston massachusetts

At our agency, we are always looking to educate our customers about their insurance. If, for example, you are looking for the best auto insurance policy available, you can use the following four pieces of advice from our insurance professionals.

Have a balanced deductible and premium.

An insurance policy is always a balancing act between two things – the deductible and the premium. If one is too low, then the other is too high. You can lower your monthly payment, but it will mean paying more out of pocket when you need to make a claim. On the other hand, a low payment on a claim typically means an elevated monthly payment. Finding the right balance means some trial and error, and the advice of an experienced insurance professional.

See if a payment plan could lower your expense.

Did you know that certain types of payment could get you a discount? Depending on your insurance provider, you could get a discount for paying your 6 month premium in full. This discount could be up to 10% of your rate! With proper planning and saving techniques, it is possible for anyone to save up the required amount in advance of the payment due date, and doing so could save you a significant amount on your next insurance premium.

Ensure that you take advantage of all possible discounts.

To get the best car insurance available, you need to make sure that your insurance agent searches for a policy that will get you great coverage at a great price. This often means searching for a policy that has several available discounts for which you quality, for example:

Depending on your unique situation, your insurance agent can search and make sure that you get car insurance from a provider that offers discounts that match your circumstances.

Shop around for a new policy.

Following a major life event or a period where you have a spotless driving record, it could be in your best interest to search for a new car insurance policy. Sometimes changing insurance providers will mean a better rate (and even better coverage) than your previous provider, even when factoring in any loyalty discounts that you may have. And remember – it never hurts to keep your eyes open, so make sure that you consult with your insurance agent about your current policies at least once a year to explore your options.

If you want to see if obtaining a new auto insurance policy is the best option for you, all you need to do is call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff would love to walk you through the quote process. And one of the best benefits of using an independent insurance agency is that you only give us your vital information once, then we shop around for you to find the best auto insurance to fit your needs!

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The Best Auto Insurance Policies Cover Underinsured Motorists

Posted on by cvargas

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance agency, we pride ourselves in providing the best auto insurance policies available to our clients. As a part of this goal, we want to make sure that your car insurance has coverage for underinsured motorists.

Auto Insurance Policies Cover

You should know if this coverage is included in your policies, and also know why this coverage is essential to all drivers. If you don’t, here are a couple of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that we get about underinsured motorists and how they affect your Massachusetts car insurance:

What is an underinsured motorist?

In the simplest possible terms, an underinsured motorist is someone that doesn’t have enough car insurance to cover the expenses of a car accident where they were at fault. Similarly, an uninsured motorist is someone who (illegally) is driving without insurance coverage for their vehicle.

What happens if an underinsured driver hits me?

If you are in an accident, and an underinsured (or uninsured) driver was at fault, you may have issues getting your insurance provider to pay to repair your vehicle or pay medical bills.

While there are minimum amounts of liability insurance that Massachusetts motorists must purchase, it is not always guaranteed that a driver with the minimum amount of coverage will be able to fully cover the damage of an accident that they cause. Unfortunately, there is always the chance that you will be involved in a crash where the other driver is at fault and is unable to fully cover the damages that they cause with their car insurance policy.

What does underinsured motorist coverage typically include?

When you have underinsured motorist coverage as a part of your Massachusetts auto insurance policy, you are guaranteed to be financially protected by your insurance provider if the driver at fault isn’t able to cover the damage. This means that you won’t have to worry about having your car repaired or your medical bills paid if you get into an accident, because you will always be covered – even if the other driver isn’t!

In addition to covering car repairs and medical expenses, some underinsured motorist coverage options also include coverage for other miscellaneous bills or expenses that you run into because of an accident, sometimes even including medical coverage for passengers of your vehicle, pain and suffering caused by the accident, and lost wages.

What about “Hit and Run” accidents?

In most cases, if another driver hits you and then flees the scene, they will be considered an uninsured motorist. This means that an underinsured/uninsured motorist addition to your current Massachusetts auto insurance policy can protect you from the potential financial burden of a “hit and run” accident!

How can I get underinsured motorist coverage?

That’s easy! Just call 617-298-0655 and speak to a Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency representative. One of our agents will be happy to review your current policy and make sure to upgrade your coverage so that you have the best auto insurance possible. It’s always our pleasure to help our customers, so don’t hesitate – call now!

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Have a Car Accident? Follow These Nine Steps

Posted on by cvargas

There is no way to predict if or when you will get into a car accident. Help to prepare yourself ahead of time by becoming familiar with the steps you need to take if an accident occurs.

Have a Car Accident? Follow These Nine Steps

Many people get flustered or overwhelmed when they are in a car accident. If you’re afraid that this will happen to you, consider printing out this list and keeping it in your car’s glove compartment for easy reference.

1. Identify Injuries

Your first priority when an accident occurs should be seeing if there are any injuries. If anyone involved is injured, call an ambulance as soon as possible.

2. Notify the Police

Once everyone that was involved in the accident has been taken care of, it is time to inform the police of your accident. Later, when you speak to your insurance agency about your accident, you will probably need to have a police report available.

3. Help the Injured

While you wait for police or medical assistance to arrive, do what you can to comfort anyone that was injured in the collision. One common ailments caused by car accidents is shock, which can be helped by keeping the person warm by covering them with a blanket.

4. Survey the Accident Scene

Make sure that you take the necessary steps to protect your vehicle from further damage. If it is safe, move it out of the roadway. If you have them, you can use flares to warn other drivers of your presence. At this point, you may also want to call a tow truck. It often takes tow companies a while to reach you, so starting the process early will cut down your waiting time later.

5. Speak to the Police

Once the police arrive, you will have to provide them with information about yourself and the accident. Try to stay calm, and provide answers to their questions to the best of your ability.

6. Ask About the Accident Report

When the officer’s questions are answered, inquire about how and when you can get a copy of the accident report, as it will be a key piece of your car insurance claim.

7. Get Proper Notes and Documentation

Before you leave the scene of the accident, you need to make sure that you have a few key pieces of information about the accident. This information includes:

  • Names of all drivers involved
  • Their drivers license numbers
  • Their auto insurance IDs
  • License plate numbers of all involved cars
  • Make and model of all cars
  • Names and addresses of any witnesses
  • Name and badge numbers of police officers

8. Make Arrangements for Your Vehicle

If your car needs repairs, have it towed to a repair shop. Remember, though – you shouldn’t have any repairs done until after you speak to your insurance agent! You will likely need to have your vehicle inspected and damages appraised before you can have repairs approved.

9. Call Your Local Insurance Agent

Once all the above steps have been taken care of, it’s time to inform your insurance agency of your accident. If you are a Vargas and Vargas Insurance customer, you can do this by calling us at 877-550-0025 or by filling out our online claim form.

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Car Seat Safety for MA Drivers

Posted on by cvargas
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqCU0TuP99o&w=560&h=315]

Did you know that car accidents are the number one cause of death in children 1 to 12 years old? Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance, we want to help you be safe on the road. It is extremely important to do everything you can to keep your child safe in the car as well, and one of the best ways to do this is with the proper car seat.

There are many different types of car seats for children. The one you need depends on the age, weight, and height of your children. Here is an approximate guide of the type of car seat your child needs, based on their age, according to safecar.gov:

  • Under 1 year: Rear facing car seat
  • 1 – 3 years: Forward facing car seat with harness
  • 4-7 years: Booster Seat
  • 8-12 years: Shoulder belt

More exact laws are based on the state in which you drive (Massachusetts laws can be found here). You should also note that it is recommended to keep your child in each of the above stages as long as possible. Wait until they have met the weight and height restrictions of your seat before you move on to the next stage. Also, the backseat is the safest place for a child, so make sure that they ride there until at least age 12.

In addition to ensuring that your child is riding in the correct safety equipment, follow these safety tips for paramount protection:

  • Pad the sides of your rear facing seat to make sure that your infant does not slouch. You can use towels or blankets, even diapers will work in a pinch!
  • Rear facing seats should be reclined at a 45° angle. Follow manufacturer’s directions to ensure the correct angle is achieved.
  • Install your car seat’s top tether strap according to instructions. If your car seat did not come with a tether strap, see if the car seat manufacturer provides one.
  • Do not use a car seat that has been involved in an accident. Even if you can’t see any damage, the structure of the seat may have been weakened. Don’t risk it – invest in a new seat for your little one.
  • You can’t be sure that you’ve installed a car seat correctly if you don’t follow the installation instructions. Also double check to make sure that all the required parts are included in the packaging.

For more information about child safety seats and restraints, check out the website for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They have an abundance of car safety resources for parents, or anyone that transports children.

There is one more thing that you can do for your children when they are in the car: have a top of the line auto insurance policy.  This will ensure that your little ones, as well as all the rest of your loved ones, are taken care of in the event of an accident. 

Make sure that you have enough coverage – it only takes a few minutes of your time, and it could make all the difference if you are ever involved in a crash. All you have to do is call! Call our great staff at Vargas & Vargas Insurance at 877-550-0025.

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