5 Things You Should Always Tell Your Houseguests

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

Posted on March 1, 2017April 2, 2017 by cvargas

When you are planning to play host for a group of houseguests, whether for a weekend or an indeterminate amount of time, there are things that they should know. You need to tell them where to find their clean towels, and where the coffee is, for example.

According to the American Red Cross, there are a few other things you should go over with overnight guests for safety reasons, and they are easy to forget when a guest walks in for the first time. These tips include:

The rules of the pool or hot tub, if either will be in use, especially if there are children visiting.
Potential hazards for young children, including breakables and unsecured furniture. Designate an ‘off-limits’ room in which to store items that are hazardous.
A health emergency plan, for events like allergic reactions (make sure to ask about allergens and special diets ahead of time and warn guests of foods to stay away from).
The escape plan in case of fire, including locations of all emergency exits from your home.
Location of a nearby shelter if severe weather strikes.

If you want some suggestions for activities in the Boston area that your guests will love, follow the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Facebook Page! We are always posting about upcoming events that can help you fill your time making great memories. And know that you can also always call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency for a simple and free insurance review for all your Massachusetts insurance policies.

Three Reasons Why You Need Renters Insurance

Posted on February 21, 2017April 2, 2017 by cvargas

You would never drive a car without auto insurance, and you should never rent an apartment or a home without the proper renters insurance policy. Here are three reasons why you and your loved ones that rent their living space should make sure that they are always covered by a Massachusetts renters insurance policy:

1. You shouldn’t rely on your landlord for coverage.

Some people believe that their landlord’s insurance will cover them. While it is true that landlords do have insurance, it is a special type of policy that only covers their belongings – typically the structure of the building and any appliances that they own and lend out with the unit (like ovens and refrigerators).

2. Your belongings are probably more valuable than you think.

It’s easy to think at first that your belongings aren’t all that valuable, but think again! If there was a fire, for example, and you lost everything, you would probably spend hundreds of dollars replacing just your clothing – let alone your furniture and electronics.

3. It’s about more than just your possessions.

Renters insurance provides many types of protection. It will cover the replacement cost of your stuff, as discussed above, but it will also cover you for accidents that could occur. For example, most policies will provide coverage if you break a neighbor’s furniture, or if someone sustains an injury tripping on an unsecured rug in your apartment.

If you want to speak to a knowledgeable Massachusetts insurance agent about getting a renters insurance quote, just call 617-298-0655. And at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we also offer special insurance for people in condos and townhomes. Don’t go unprotected any longer – call our agency for a free insurance quote today.

Our Top Tips for First Time Car Insurance Customers

Posted on February 7, 2017April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Recently, we’ve had a lot of questions regarding first-time car insurance buyers. Turns out lots of new drivers are going to be on the road soon, and they will be needing top of the line car insurance from the experts here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency!

If you know a teenager that will soon be driving, make sure to share these tips with them, and have them call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 for their first car insurance quote!

There is a minimum amount of insurance that you need to have, and that is defined by the state in which you live.
If you could not easily replace your vehicle with cash on hand, you should probably have extra comprehensive and collision coverage.
Insurance policies have a maximum – if you need to make a claim, this is the most that insurance will pay out, and you will be liable for anything above and beyond this number, unless you have umbrella insurance.
If you use an independent insurance agent (like Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency), your agent will comparison shop for you, and make sure that you have great coverage at a low rate.
As a teenager, you probably don’t qualify for discounts like home and auto insurance bundling, but there are other discounts that you may get – like for being a good student or taking driver’s ed.
Your insurance premiums may seem high right now – that’s because you’re riskier as a new driver. As you age and have more experience behind the wheel, your premium will decrease.

We look forward to speaking to the new drivers in your life about their Boston auto and home insurance options. After all, making sure that the members of our community are educated about the benefits of proper insurance is our goal!

Spring Cleaning Tips that Everyone Should Know

Posted on January 27, 2017April 2, 2017 by cvargas

It’s a ritual here in the US – every spring, millions of Americans begin to clean their houses with an annual vigor. Did you know that this custom of “Spring Cleaning” may have come from Iranian, Jewish, and Chinese origins? Regardless of the reason for this custom, here are some tips that you can use to ensure that your Spring Cleaning is successful:

Work on your home from the top to the bottom and from one side to the other. Finishing rooms one at a time will give you a sense of accomplishment, and will also ensure that you aren’t carrying dirt or clutter between rooms.
If you can, multi-task. Run the washing machine or the dishwasher while you scrub or dust so that you can knock out two birds with one stone.
While you clean and organize, make a pile of things to donate – it will help you get rid of clutter, and can help benefit the community!
Go at your own pace – take breaks often to rest and rehydrate. Split big jobs into several smaller chunks so that you don’t get overwhelmed. Also, make sure that you know your limits, and hire a professional if necessary.

When you finish cleaning your house, give Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency a call and we’ll help you clean up your insurance portfolio! One of our friendly and knowledgeable agents can review your home insurance, auto insurance, health insurance, and other insurance policies to make sure that you have all the coverage that you need, and at the right price. Don’t hesitate, call now – 617-298-0655.

What Happens to a Mortgage When the Owner Dies?

Posted on January 18, 2017April 2, 2017 by cvargas

It’s a topic that no one wants to discuss, but that everyone should be talking about. Have you done any estate planning? After all, the fact is that we will all die one day, and it would be a huge burden lifted from the shoulders of your loved ones if you were prepared. Thankfully, there are lots of resources available to help make sure that your affairs are in order when your time comes.

One of the most important things that you should iron out is what will happen to your home. If you have a mortgage, there are several things that you need to consider. After all, the mortgage payments won’t just disappear!

If you have a co-borrower, the mortgage will automatically pass to them. If there is no co-borrower, a co-signer is the next person who would assume the property. If neither of these positions are filled, a Boston estate planning lawyer can help you construct a plan regarding passing your home to a person of your choice, whether it’s a child, grandchild, or someone else. When you die, your home (and your mortgage) will be transferred to that person, and it will be up to them whether to continue payments or sell the property.

Have you thought about having some extra life insurance or mortgage protection insurance to help pay for your property when you pass on? If you want to explore your options, call our agency and speak to a knowledgeable agent about what you can do to leave a parting gift for your loved ones.

Do you have any more questions about your mortgage? If so, please let me know! I have many friends in the mortgage industry and would be happy to help you find all the answers you are looking for. Also, we are always ready to answer your homeowners, automobile, homeowners, business insurance questions! Call or email me at cvargas@vargasinsurance.com, and we can find a time to chat and answer all your questions.

Resolutions for You and Your Home Insurance

Posted on December 29, 2016April 2, 2017 by cvargas

It’s almost the start of a new year, and that can only mean one thing – it’s time to start focusing on your goals and resolutions! If you’re looking for a resolution for the New Year, consider one of the following. They will not only improve your life but could also help you save money on your Massachusetts home insurance policy!

Get Organized – One popular resolution that people make for a new year is to get more organized. Whether you’re planning on cleaning your home from top to bottom, or even paring down some of your stuff, now would be a great time to update (or start) a home inventory! Having an up-to-date list of your valuables can be a huge help if you ever need to make a home insurance claim.

Quit Smoking – Getting healthy is a big goal for people when new year rolls around, and ‘Quit Smoking’ is on a lot of resolution lists. Did you know, though, that quitting could also save on your home insurance? Some insurance providers offer a discount if no one in the home smokes!

Go Green – If you’re aiming to do your part to help the planet this coming year, your insurance agent could help you! In some cases, eco-friendly and energy efficient appliances could reduce your home insurance premiums.

Save Money – There are lots of ways that you can save money. In addition to monitoring your spending and creating a budget, consider calling your home insurance agent or automobile insurance agent and asking what you could do to lower your insurance payment. We have several suggestions on how to make a big difference on your premium’s bottom line.

Auto Insurance Changes for Interstate Moves

Posted on December 28, 2016April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Some people can go their whole lives without ever moving from one state to another. If you aren’t one of those people, though, you will need to figure out the intricacies of an inter-state move. Whether you are moving to or from our great state of Massachusetts, here are three things for you to consider when it comes to your auto insurance policy:

Minimum Coverage

If you’re moving to Massachusetts, you need to make sure that your auto insurance meets the state required minimums (which are outlined here). If you are moving out of Massachusetts, you should realize that the minimum amount of coverage that you are required to purchase may increase or decrease, depending on your destination.

Personal Injury Protection

In Massachusetts, drivers are required to carry PIP – Personal Injury Protection – as a part of their auto insurance. PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages if you are involved in an accident. Ask your new insurance agent how much PIP they recommend, especially if you are moving out of state.

No-Fault State

Did you know that Massachusetts is a “No Fault” state? There are only about a dozen states that are “No Fault” – this means that drivers and passengers recover damages from their own insurance provider, regardless of who was at fault. If you are moving, read up on how this coverage will change your claims.

And remember – you must maintain auto insurance at all times, so never cancel your old policy before you have set up something new. If you have any questions about switching your automobile insurance, home insurance or business insurance over for your big move, don’t hesitate to call Vargas & Vargas Insurance 617-298-0655!

What to Do After a Break-In

Posted on December 14, 2016April 2, 2017 by cvargas

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It’s a nightmare come true for every homeowner – you come in from being away only to find that your home has been broken into. Once the initial shock wears off, what should you do? Here are four steps that you can take to start down the road to normalcy:

Immediately Call the Police

The first thing that you should do is immediately call the police. Wait outside or at a neighbor’s home for the police to arrive, and do not touch anything in your home until the police are able to investigate. File a police report, and keep a copy for insurance purposes.

Talk to Your Insurance Agent

Your insurance provider will want to know about the break in right away, and may want to send an adjuster to assess the damage. They will likely need a copy of the police report, as well as a list of the items that were stolen or damaged.

Begin the Cleaning and Repairs

It can be very emotional to have your home invaded. When you finally need to start the process of cleaning up, consider rearranging the furniture or painting the walls to make the space feel fresh and new. This could help you and your family overcome some of the bitter emotions that often come with this kind of event.

Evaluate Your Home’s Security

If your home security system could use an upgrade, now is the perfect time to do so. Your local insurance agent may be able to help you get a discount on your home insurance policy if you have certain security features installed, such as a monitored security system and video surveillance.

Save Money on Your Next Vacation

Posted on August 10, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Spending time with your loved ones on a vacation is a great way to bond and create memories. There is only one problem, though – vacations can be expensive! Instead of breaking the bank the next time you book a vacation, do your research and take advantage of all of the money saving tips that you can find.

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we love saving you money on your Massachusetts insurance policies. In this post we want to help you save money on your next vacation, too! We have compiled several tips that you can use to save money on your next trip:

Go somewhere off the beaten path. Tourist destinations like Las Vegas and New York City are always more expensive than less visited destinations.

If you’re interested in seeing more than one city on your vacation, think about booking a cruise – you’ll see several places but only unpack once!

Travel during peak days (like on weekends) tends to be more expensive than travel on days in the middle of the week. If your plans are flexible, schedule your vacation so that you travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays – these are typically the least expensive days of the week for airfare.

Also be flexible with the time of year that you plan your vacation. Long weekends are both more expensive and more crowded at most destinations. Instead, plan a trip when there will likely be fewer crowds, and less demand for travel and lodging.

Take advantage of membership perks. Some businesses offer discounts to members of certain groups. Ask about travel deals, especially if you are a member of the military or AAA. Also consider seeing if any of your credit cards offer rewards for travel purchases.

Food is often one of the biggest expenses of a trip. Cut down on food costs by staying in a hotel with a kitchenette and cook a few meals yourself. Even if you skip going out for breakfast in favor of a bowl of cereal, you will be shocked at how much you can save. If you do opt to go out for a meal, make it lunch, which is often much less expensive than dinner, but with a similar menu.

Plan activities during your trip that are either cheap or free. Tour the local city park or beach, see if there are any free museums, get a tour of the city from a friend that lives locally – there are plenty of options.

Invest in travel insurance for your trip. While you will need to purchase the policy, the cost is well worth the value. If you need to cancel your trip for any of the covered reasons, you will be reimbursed for the cost of your vacation instead of having to take a substantial loss.

Stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog for more tips on how to save money. And remember to call us any time that you have an insurance question or if you need an insurance review. One quick call to 617-298-0655 will put you in touch with a Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agent who will help you with all of your Massachusetts insurance policy needs.

Five Things You Should Know About Your Home Insurance

Posted on June 24, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

You know that you need home insurance, but how much do you know about your policy? Do you know what your policy does (and doesn’t) cover? Do you know why you should keep your home up to date on maintenance, or what you can do to lower your premium? Find the answers to these questions and more below, and make sure to call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency with your home insurance questions.

What your policy covers.

Every policy is different, but the basic coverage types in a Massachusetts home insurance policy are the same. Your policy will probably cover your property and your possessions in the event of theft, vandalism, fire, and certain storms. It will also probably afford you some liability protection and shelter costs in the event that you are forced to temporarily reside elsewhere.

What your policy doesn’t cover.

On the other hand, you should know what’s not covered under your home insurance policy. If you want coverage for events like earthquakes or floods, you will need supplemental insurance policies. Similarly, if you have valuable items like jewelry, art, or antiques, talk to a Massachusetts insurance expert about adding these items to your home insurance policy with a floater or valuable items policy.

Why good maintenance is important.

As a smart consumer, you’ve probably realized that your insurance provider would rather have issues prevented before they become claims. Catching small problems before they escalate will mean savings for both you and your insurance provider, so make sure to stick to your home’s maintenance calendar, and have all major systems inspected by a professional annually. These two actions will help you catch small issues.

Also make sure to keep an eye on your meters – if, for instance, your water bill starts to skyrocket for no apparent reason, you could have a leak on your hand, which you should have inspected right away.

What you can do to reduce your premium.

Just as it’s important to keep up with your home’s maintenance, you should take other preventative actions in your home. Some of these actions may even get you a discount on your home insurance premium! Depending on your insurance provider, these preventative discounts could apply to homes with:

Fire alarm and/or smoke detector
Burglar alarms and/or security systems
Deadbolt locks for all outer doors
A pool cover or child-safe pool fence

To find out if you are eligible for any of these home insurance discounts, contact your Massachusetts insurance agent today.

Why you should shop around.

You shop around when you’re looking for a new home, and you need to do the same with your home insurance policy. Shopping around helps ensure that you get the right coverage for your unique needs, and ensures that the price that you pay fits your budget.

If you need help shopping around for a Massachusetts home insurance quote, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We can get quotes from several insurance providers and will help you select the one that’s right for you and your loved ones.

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