New Cars Causing an Increase in Distracted Driving

Name: Vargas & Vargas Insurance
Address: 1133 Washington St, Dorchester, MA, 02124
Telephone: 617-298-0655

Posted on December 27, 2017December 19, 2017 by cvargas

Cars used to be a tool that would get you from one place to another. Now a car is so much more than a mode of transportation. In fact, a majority of new cars come with an ‘infotainment’ system standard – a far cry from the AM/FM radio and CD player that most drivers were excited about just a decade ago. While they may seem like an upgrade, the features available in new cars are causing an alarming increase in the number of distracted drivers on the road.

In a 2017 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, researchers evaluated the infotainment systems in 30 model-year 2017 vehicles. Of these 30 vehicles, all generated at least moderate demand for drivers’ attention. In fact, 12 of the 30 systems generated a very high level of distraction.

It was found that the most distracting activity performed on the car’s infotainment systems was programming navigation, which takes an average of forty seconds to complete. In the time necessary to complete this task, a car moving at 25 mph would travel the length of four football fields!

Thankfully, there are steps that you can make to ensure that you (and the other drivers in your life) are safe despite all the bells and whistles in your new cars. Simply ensure that you program navigation when the car is not in motion, and that texting and social media are also disabled while the car is moving, in accordance with the voluntary guidelines proposed in 2012 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Don’t forget that Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency is here to help with your car insurance needs. Whether you have a cassette player or a new-fangled ‘infotainment’ system, we can get your vehicle protected with the best Massachusetts auto insurance. Just call us at 617-298-0655.

Questions Asked when Buying Auto Insurance

Posted on December 7, 2017November 29, 2017 by cvargas

When you call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency to get an auto insurance quote, your agent will ask you a series of questions about you, your car, and your driving habits. These questions are designed to assess your risk, and the premium that you will pay for your insurance policy. These questions should always be answered truthfully and to the best of your ability. Here are just a few examples of the questions your agent may ask:

Where do you live and park your vehicle? – The crime rate in the area where your vehicle is normally parked will be considered.
How much do you drive? – Someone is riskier to insure if they drive dozens of miles a day vs. someone that barely uses their vehicle.
Will you use your car for work? – Vehicles used for business purposes may require extra coverage to be fully protected.
Who else will be driving the vehicle? – Other drivers that live with you should be listed on the policy, including spouses and licensed children.

When determining your premium, your insurance agent will consider your answers to these questions, along with the make and model of the vehicle and other factors (including the minimum required insurance coverage in the state of Massachusetts).

Looking for an auto insurance quote? Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency may be able to save you money on your premium by shopping insurance providers to find you great coverage at a great price. Just call 617-298-0655 to get a free, no-obligation Massachusetts auto insurance quote.

Stay Merry and Bright: Winter Safety Tips

Posted on December 4, 2017November 29, 2017 by cvargas

Can you believe that it’s December already? It feels like 2017 just started, but we’re getting ready to close the books on this wonderful year. This winter, we want to make sure that you and your loved ones stay safe so that you can enjoy the festivities of the holiday season. Here are just a few tips to help you avoid needing to file an insurance claim this winter:

Driving in the Massachusetts winter weather can be a hazard. Always be vigilant when on the road, and make sure to never get behind the wheel if you’ve had too much to drink. Check out our blog all about driving in the winter for more tips!
When there’s a fresh coating of snow on the ground, it’s a blast to play outside with the little ones. Make snow angels and build a snowman, but make sure that you take plenty of breaks from the cold, and know the signs of frostbite. Remember – children get cold faster than adults!
If you use a fireplace or candles, make sure that you never leave them lit unsupervised. Always make sure that fires are completely extinguished before you leave the room, and keep a vigilant eye on children and pets around flames.

Don’t forget to share these tips with your friends and family! Simply send them a link to this blog post – remember, sharing is caring… especially when it comes to safety. And stay on the lookout for many more holiday themed blogs this month from your friends here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency.

Historic Vehicle License Plates for Classic Cars

Posted on November 16, 2017November 2, 2017 by cvargas

At Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we love seeing classic cars on the road. It takes us back to a simpler time. Did you know that classic cars can have special license plates in the state of Massachusetts? Here are the two specialty plates that you can request for your antique vehicle:

Antique Plates – These plates may only be used for vehicles that are over 25 years old. In addition, the vehicle must be used only for exhibitions, car club events, and similar activities. The total cost of this plate is $50 annually – this will increase to $80 annually if your antique plate is personalized.

Year of Manufacture (YOM) Plates – To keep your car as original as possible, the state of Massachusetts will allow you to use license plates from the vehicle’s year of manufacture. The vehicle must be over 25 years old, and must have passed a state inspection. In addition, you will be required to acquire authentic Massachusetts license plated issued in the model year of your vehicle. The plates must be in good condition, and may be no more than six characters. The fee for using Year of Manufacture Plates is $50 annually.

If you’re interested in finding out more on how to get a specialty plate for your classic car, see the Applying for Specialty License Plates page on dmv.org.

We want to make sure the classic cars in the Greater Boston area are properly looked after, and protected. That’s why we offer top-notch classic car insurance for our clients. For a free insurance quote on a policy that will protect your classic car, just call 617-298-0655 and speak to a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent.

The Truth About Seat Belts

Posted on October 19, 2017October 13, 2017 by cvargas

For most of us, there is a routine when getting in the car to go somewhere. Typically, it involves arranging your stuff, possibly getting kids settled in, putting on a seat belt, and then hitting the road. You might be surprised to find out, however, how many people skip the crucial step of putting on a seat belt. Check out these seat belt statistics:

According to a study from 2012, only 73% of drivers and front seat passengers wear a seat belt in Massachusetts. The reported national average is 86%.
Car accidents are a leading cause of death of people aged 1-54 in the US.
Over 21,000 people died in crashes in 2014 – over half of those aged 13-44 in those accidents were unrestrained at the time of the crash.
The use of seat belts reduces serious injuries and deaths by about half.

In the state of Massachusetts, drivers and all passengers aged 13 and over must be wearing a seat belt when a vehicle is in operation. There are also additional child restraint laws for children 12 and under.

If you want to prevent serious injury to yourself and your passengers when you are driving, make sure that every person is properly restrained before the vehicle begins to move. This should be done for all car trips, no matter how short. While it is unrelated to seat belt laws, it is also important to remember that texting while driving is illegal in Massachusetts.

Having a top-notch auto insurance policy is another important part of owning a car. If you want a free car insurance quote or review, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.

Prepare for Fall and Winter Storms

Posted on September 25, 2017September 22, 2017 by cvargas

In the Fall and Winter, New England can get hit with some nasty hurricanes and blizzards. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare your family – do a little bit of prep now and you will be ready when a storm threatens the area. Here is a list of some of the things that you should have to get you started:

Food and Water – You should always have enough nonperishable foods and water for each member of your household to last one week or more. This typically means one gallon of water per day, plus foods like canned goods, and dry foods like cereal, nuts, crackers, and protein bars. And don’t forget to keep an emergency food supply for pets also!
Clothing – Each person in your household should have access to plenty of warm clothing, including hats and gloves.
General Supplies – If a storm is coming your way, make sure you have essential supplies handy. These will include flashlights and extra batteries, a first aid kit, paper dishware and plastic cutlery, paper towels, toilet paper, medications, and more.
Tools – You will need a few tools to weather a storm. Scissors and a manual can opener are a must. In addition, it would help if you had access to a pocket knife, multi-function tool, and a fire extinguisher.

While you’re preparing for potential storms, you should gather digital items as well as physical. There are certain phone numbers you should have stored in your cell phone. These include your local fire and police lines, the power company, the nearest hospital, and your insurance providers. To find out if your insurance is ready for a fall or winter storm, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.

My Child Got Their Driving Permit – What Now?

Posted on September 21, 2017September 18, 2017 by cvargas

Children grow up so fast. It seems like they just start to walk, and the next thing you know they’re getting their learners permit and ready to start driving. If you have a teenager who is just about to get their Massachusetts learner’s permit, here are a few steps that you should take to make it a smooth transition:

The first step that you should take when your child gets their permit is to call your insurance agent. They will help add your child to your Massachusetts auto insurance policy so that they are insured while they learn to drive.
It’s important to let your agent know if your child is a good student, and if they have completed a driver’s education course. Either (or both) of these criteria will help to lower your insurance premium.
If you want to further compensate for the cost of adding a teenage driver to your auto insurance policy, consider lowering your deductible. Ask your agent if this is the right choice for you.
While you are making changes to your insurance policies, consider adding an umbrella insurance policy to your portfolio. This coverage is very affordable, especially considering how much protection it provides. After all, teenagers are inexperienced drivers and are more likely to cause a major accident that would, without the proper umbrella insurance, potentially cause financial distress.

To talk to your Boston insurance agent about the new driver in your household, just call 617-298-0655. We can help you get them added to your auto insurance policy, and get you a free umbrella insurance quote to consider.

Business Auto Insurance Coverage Options

Posted on September 18, 2017 by cvargas

To find out if a business auto insurance policy is right for you, talk to Vargas and Vargas Insurance – your Boston insurance experts.

Does your business own or use automobiles? If you have a trailer, truck, or delivery vehicle to help you get your job done, you may need a Massachusetts commercial auto insurance policy in addition to your basic business insurance. To find out if a business auto insurance policy is right for you, talk to Vargas and Vargas Insurance – your Boston insurance experts. When you’re purchasing this coverage, your agent will help you determine if you need the following:

Collision Coverage – Pays for damage to covered automobile that is caused by a collision.
Comprehensive Coverage – Pays for loss or damage of insured vehicle that is not caused by an accident.
Personal Injury Coverage – Pays medical expenses for employees and clients involved in an accident while riding in the covered vehicle. Will sometimes also cover funeral expenses, if necessary.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Helps pay costs associated with an accident with an uninsured or underinsured
Property Damage Liability Coverage – Pays damages for damage to the property of others, as well as court costs if you are sued.
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage – Pays damages got bodily injury to others, as well as court costs if you are sued.

In addition to these types of protection for vehicles owned by the business, we can offer Employers Non-Owned Car Liability Coverage for your business. This coverage is specifically designed for businesses whose employees drive their own vehicles for work purposes.

When you’re ready to talk about your commercial auto insurance needs, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We can guide you through the process and get you a free, no-obligation quote that will satisfy the needs of you and your Massachusetts small business.

Don’t Believe These Auto Insurance Myths

Posted on September 13, 2017 by cvargas

Auto insurance policies can be confusing, and you shouldn’t believe all of the information that’s out there. Sometimes misinformation spreads, but Vargas and Vargas Insurance is here to help separate fact from fiction. Here are three common auto insurance myths, debunked:

Red cars cost more to insure – When you purchase auto coverage, insurance providers aren’t going to consider the color of your car when determining your premium. Instead, they will look at the car’s make, model, and year. Other bits of information will also be factored in, including the home location of the vehicle, and information about the driver(s) of the car.

I’m covered for theft, vandalism, fire, and flood – Just because you have a Massachusetts auto insurance policy doesn’t mean you are covered for every possible type of scenario that will damage your car. People who own their car aren’t required to have coverage for these situations, so talk to your insurance agent to make sure that you will be covered in all of these circumstances.

A friend borrowed my car and got into an accident, so he is responsible for the damage – Auto insurance covers a vehicle, not a driver. If your car is in an accident, it will be covered by your auto insurance. Also make sure that your insurance will allow others to use your vehicle before you lend it to anyone not listed on the policy.

People can say some crazy things about auto insurance. If you have any questions about your coverage, all you have to do to get answers is call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. Our Massachusetts insurance agents know what is true and what isn’t, and we will be happy to help you with your queries and concerns.

Tips for Buying a New Car in Massachusetts

Posted on August 8, 2017August 4, 2017 by cvargas

Are you in the market for a new car? Massachusetts shoppers should know that buying a new car is exciting, but the process can be complicated and is sometimes stressful. In order to be prepared for your new car shopping experience, review these four car buying tips:

Just like going to the grocery store, you should never go to a car dealership on an empty stomach. Test driving and making a car purchase can be a lengthy process, and you don’t want your state of mind to be altered by hunger.
Pick the most opportune time to go shopping. You want to hit the dealership when they are looking to meet quotas – often around the end of the month. At that time, they are more likely to give you a great deal.
Before you even think about going to a dealership, know the market prices for the cars you’re interested in. You should also look into loan rates at your bank or credit union to know if what the dealership offers is good for you.
Monthly payment isn’t everything. Often, the dealership’s representative will talk to you in terms of your monthly payment. Make sure that you also ask about the loan term, interest rate, and total cost.

Also, don’t forget that insurance expenses are a part of car ownership in Massachusetts. If you would like to know an estimate of insurance costs based on the vehicle makes and models that you are considering, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 – we will give you a Massachusetts car insurance quote so that you are better prepared for your shopping adventure.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance

Our Company

Auto Insurance