Vargas & Vargas Insurance

1133 Washington St
Dorchester, MA 02124

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Potential Gaps In Your Home Insurance Coverage

https://youtu.be/EJ9X4i_nTK0

Making a house feel like a home is made up of many things, from our belongings, pets, and family. Therefore, having the right insurance coverage to protect you from any unforeseen events is essential. As each home is unique, your insurance should be tailored to your needs and requirements. Otherwise, you may find that your claim for damages isn’t covered and have to pay for it yourself.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance can help you in making sure your home is fully insured. Don’t put off checking if your coverage is sufficient until it’s too late! Homeowners are sometimes shocked to discover some areas of their insurance policies are not covered. Although dealing with insurance can be tricky, we can help make it easier by providing some helpful advice about what may be overlooked or insufficiently covered in your policy.

A Comprehensive Coverage Level

When it comes to ensuring your home is secure, the insurance policies you choose should be comprehensive and detailed. Many insurance holders purchase coverage at various levels, with one being more extensive than the other. Generally, we suggest getting the highest tier available as it usually provides sufficient protection for what we need. Some agents start with a lower tier and gradually increase their coverage; however, this is not recommended when it comes to home insurance as there can be areas left unprotected or overlooked.

When protecting the things we value most, it’s not advisable to skimp on specific areas as you will discover that you get what you pay for. You need to ensure, first and foremost, that you have the right protection at an affordable cost, even if it is not the lowest price available.

Sufficient Insurance Coverage Levels

Your home insurance policy consists of six different coverages, each with its own coverage limit – the maximum sum your insurer will pay out should you file a claim. Some insurers may provide lower limits to reduce the cost of the quote they offer, however this could be inadequate for certain types of claims. In what follows, we will outline each coverage and suggest suitable limits for each.

Dwelling

Dwelling coverage safeguards the physical structure of your dwelling from destruction caused by a range of causes. With regards to dwelling, you are not permitted to decide on the coverage amounts. Instead, it is determined automatically depending on the cost of replacing your home.

Other structures

Home insurance policies also cover damage to structures not attached to the main house, such as fences, garages, pools, driveways and sheds.

Generally, the amount of coverage is set at 10 or 20 percent of the amount for the dwelling coverage; however if you have expensive other structures that are worth more than these limits allow for, you can purchase additional coverage.

Personal property

This coverage applies to any possessions you have in your house and garden. If they are destroyed or taken, the insurance will pay to repair them or get new ones.

The amount of coverage is usually equivalent to 50-70% of the dwelling protection provided by the insurance company, and this limit is pre-set.

Loss of use

If you need to leave your home due to a disaster or emergency, loss of use coverage will pay for temporary housing. Generally, the maximum amount covered is 20-40% of the dwelling coverage.

Medical payments to others

This policy provides financial protection for medical costs incurred by someone hurt while on your premises. This includes damage from falls, cuts, dog bites and other injuries.

Generally speaking, the minimum coverage limit for this part of the policy is $5,000.

Personal liability

When a person is hurt on your property and you are sued for it, this section of the policy can help pay for medical bills, legal costs or settlements.

It is essential to choose a coverage limit that is high enough – usually between $100,000 and $1 million – as lawsuits today can be expensive. In some cases, they may even exceed that amount, which is why we advise people to get umbrella insurance too.

Additional insurance options

This optional coverage can be a useful addition to your policy; it is not included in the main categories listed above. Personal injury coverage safeguards you from potential libel, slander, or defamation lawsuits.

Sewer and Water Backup Endorsement

This coverage, which is an additional expense, covers any overflow due to backup in the plumbing system, such as pipe backups, drain blockages, sewer line clogs or sump pump overflows. This is distinct from the standard overflow protection, which guards against backups in toilets, sinks and drains.

Service line coverage

This coverage, available for an additional fee, covers any repairs that need to be made to pipes or wires coming into your premises. These may include electrical lines, water pipes, or septic lines. The typical limit for this type of coverage is usually between $10,000 for services and $50,000 – 100,000 for equipment repair.

Equipment breakdown coverage

This coverage compensates for any damage to your home appliances (air conditioning, furnaces, etc.) caused by power surges, electrical shorts, mechanical failures, motor burnout or operator mistakes.

Scheduled Items

Scheduling items is a great way to guarantee your valuables are protected. By paying a few extra dollars, jewelry, art and other precious objects will be insured if they are damaged or stolen.

One of the benefits of this policy is that if you make a claim there is no deductible and mysterious disappearance (losing an engagement ring down the drain) would be covered too. T

o avoid having to pay out-of-pocket for losses, we recommend speaking with your insurance agent to ensure these important coverages are included in your policy.

New Additions and Alterations Yo Your Home

Making improvements to your home can be enjoyable, but it is important to evaluate your insurance policies to guarantee that any new changes are adequately insured.

Adding value to your property through renovations or new additions requires special attention when reviewing your home insurance policy. Not only does a stunning kitchen renovation affect the look of the house, but also any expansion of the square footage should be noted as well. If you are increasing the size of your house, then you need to modify the limits for dwelling coverage. Likewise, if you are making significant changes in outdoor areas such as a swimming pool or patio area, then other structures limits need to be adjusted accordingly.

Examining any considerable alterations to your home can be a beneficial technique to review and adjust your existing insurance policies, or search for another provider if you don’t feel satisfied with the amount of service from your present insurance company.

Working Remotely Or Running A Business From Your Home

It is easy to think that working from home would be included in a typical home insurance policy, given the increase of people who do this. However, this is not necessarily true. If you are just doing paperwork at home in your pajamas, there is no need for extra coverage. However, if you are starting a business from your house such as selling jewelry or running a photography studio, it may be necessary to take another look at your policy since some risks associated with those kinds of businesses may not be covered by the standard plan.

When talking to your insurance agent about any business activities conducted in your home, they will confirm if it is a “permitted incidental occupancy”. This would qualify you for restricted liability and property coverages. In the event that your business venture isn’t covered by this exception, you will need to get a complete commercial insurance policy to ensure proper protection.

Starting a home business can be an economical way of entering many industries from the comfort of your own home, but it is essential to take all the necessary precautions to ensure that the business succeeds.

Local Independent Insurance Broker

It can be difficult to know how to best insure our homes, but these tips should help point you in the right direction for obtaining the most suitable coverage. If you still have queries regarding your policy or would like further information, Vargas & Vargas Insurance will be happy to answer your questions; contact us at 617-298-0655.

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Buried Service Line Insurance Coverage: What Is It?

Service line breaks can be costly and unexpected, as they are not usually visible to homeowners. These lines provide water, gas, electricity, and other essential services to homes. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance we’ve seen how damaging a service line break can be when homeowners must pay for repairs out of pocket due to a lack of coverage on their homeowner’s insurance policy. Homeowners should only have to worry about having to dig up their garden for access if there is a punctured pipe – not the full cost of repairs too.

In this article, we’ll explore the optional endorsement you can add to your policy that provides protection for your home from any service line damages, as well as what is and isn’t covered in the policy.

Does Home Insurance Cover Service Lines?

Service lines are an important aspect of a home, but they are not usually included in a typical homeowners insurance plan. However, it is possible to include coverage for service lines by purchasing an extra endorsement from most insurers. This type of coverage provides protection from any unexpected expenses caused by damaged service lines on the property, such as tree roots blocking water pipes or cracked sewer lines. It would cover the costs for fixing or replacing these utility lines, including the expensive digging required to access them and any landscaping that may be disturbed during repairs.

Once your deductible has been paid, your insurance provider will cover the costs of repairs or replacements. Service line breaks can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, so it is beneficial to add this endorsement to your policy in order to avoid incurring these large expenses out of pocket.

Damages That Are Covered

Service line coverage endorsement typically covers damages such as:

  • Wear and tear
  • Rust, decay, deterioration, and corrosion.
  • Additionally, it may cover damage from tree or root obstruction or
  • Vermin, insects, or rodents.
  • Landscaping or excavation accidents,
  • Freezing,
  • Collapse, and
  • Mechanical or
  • Electrical breakdown may also be covered.
  • Weight from cars can cause the collapse of an above-ground structure.

The Types Of Services Provided Include:

Examples of the various services that are part of a house can be seen here.

  • Telephone cable lines
  • Water Pipes
  • Drains,
  • Natural gas
  • Sewage
  • Fuel
  • Sprinkler systems
  • Liquid flow lines
  • Steam
  • Fiber optics
  • Buried electric wires

Types Of Service Lines Not Covered

These service lines are not included in the service line coverage.

  • Fuel containers
  • Cabling or pipes that traverse a body of liquid
  • Sewage systems
  • Wiring or tubing that isn’t linked up and ready to go

What Does Service Line Coverage Cost

The cost of this coverage is actually very affordable and provides important protection. This coverage would usually cost between $50 and $100 per year for the $10,000 to $20,000 of additional coverage it offers on top of your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Overall cost and premium would vary depending on the insurance carrier. Because this coverage is so affordable and offers important protections, Vargas & Vargas Insurance tends to recommend this coverage for all of our client’s policies.

Protecting your home from service line breaks 

Staying on top of the upkeep and inspections of your home can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to ensure you’re protected from any possible damage by having comprehensive coverage in your homeowner’s insurance policy. As a homeowner, it is essential to understand what is included in your insurance policy and the areas where you may not be covered.

Your Local Independent Insurance Broker

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is dedicated to providing customers with the best service possible. We are independent brokers and work with many financially strong insurance companies to customize an insurance plan that meets the individual needs of our clients. For four decades, we have been helping homeowners understand the significance of having the proper homeowners insurance.

Contact us today 617-298-0655

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Need A Home Insurance Binder For Your

https://youtu.be/R3ETgKhTyF8

When buying a new house, getting help from a trustworthy insurance agent and an experienced mortgage broker is essential. Even if you have bought thirty homes before, you may not realize that homeowner’s insurance can complicate the mortgage approval process in Boston, MA.

Mortgage Company Requirement

When obtaining a loan from a bank or other lender, you will be expected to provide proof of an insurance policy sufficient to either rebuild the home or cover the mortgage amount. Your chosen mortgage broker or loan officer has to meet the lender’s standards, but it is also important for your home insurance policy to cover what it would cost to reconstruct your house in case of a claimable event and not just the value of the mortgage.

Replacement Cost Versus Mortgage Amount

It is likely that the amount to reconstruct your home will be different from the mortgage amount you take out. You certainly don’t want to miss the difference in case of a disaster such as a fire. For example, if you borrowed $250,000 after making a down payment of $50,000, that means the house is worth $300,000. But reconstructing it (including labor and materials) could cost up to $375,000. It is important to remember that there is a variation between buying and rebuilding your house.

An appropriate homeowners insurance policy would cover up to $375,000, not the amount of your mortgage.

The Mortgage Company Binder Requirement

Your mortgage broker needs to see an insurance binder with the bank’s name and the proper language. Failing to provide this correctly could lead to a postponement of the closing date. To ensure that you are prepared, a reliable Boston MA, mortgage broker will supply the exact language the bank requires and thoroughly analyze the binder prior to the closing. This way, they can make sure that the binder contains all of the necessary information and meets all of the guidelines set out by the bank. They can also help ensure that the binder is properly formatted and all of the necessary details and terms are included. This can help avoid any potential issues or delays on the closing day. By taking these steps, you can be sure that you are well-prepared for the closing and that everything will proceed smoothly

When is a great time to shop around for your insurance binder

We recommend calling local independent insurance brokers around the time that your offer is accepted and you have scheduled the home inspection process. This will give your insurance broker enough time to shop around for the best coverage at the best price for you and your new home.

Insurance Discounts

At Vargas & Vargas Insurance, we recommend that homeowners bundle their house and car insurance to get all the possible discounts. We work closely with the top mortgage brokers to ensure they have the necessary paperwork done on time; having an insurance binder is a key part of getting a home loan approved. We are experienced in dealing with all mortgage brokers in Massachusetts.

Local Independent Insurance Agency

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is a local independent insurance broker, we work for you, the customer, and not any one insurance company, and we always have time for you. We shop around with many local and national insurance companies to offer you a tailored fit insurance policy for your specific needs. We have been helping first-time home buyers for over 40  years and teaching them about the significance of their homeowner’s insurance, call us today.

Call us 617-298-0655

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If You Sold Your Car, What Should You Do With The License Plates?

In Massachusetts, all drivers are required to register their vehicles and purchase compulsory auto insurance coverage. To ensure that drivers comply with state insurance laws, drivers must turn in their license plates before canceling their auto insurance policy. And if you are transferring your Vehicle’s ownership, it is your responsibility to properly register and insure the car before driving on state roads.
Leaving your license plate on the car could make you liable for the actions of another driver.

Before You Turn In The Plates, Are You Planning To Buy A New Vehicle?

If the answer is yes, then you have seven days from the sale of your old car to register a similar one with the same license plates.

In Massachusetts, you have seven days after disposing of a car to transfer the plates to the new vehicle.
You must be at least 18 years old, the new vehicle must be of the same type and have the same number of wheels, and you must carry the transfer documents to prove the registration transfer.

To use the 7-day grace period, you must transfer the title of your old car to a new buyer.

It the answer is no, then cancel the plates immediately. This is because your Auto Insurance follows your registration, not the vehicle itself. If you don’t cancel the plates, you will still be liable for any excise tax associated with that vehicle and cannot cancel insurance coverage either.

How Do I Cancel My License Plates

In order to terminate your vehicle’s insurance coverage, you will need to submit a Plate Return Receipt. Here is the link for the state of Massachusetts:

https://secure.rmv.state.ma.us/PlateReturn/intro.aspx

To cancel your plate, you need your email address, the type and number of the plate, the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and a Driver’s License. Once you have finished cancelling your MA plates, please inform our office and send us a copy of the Plate Return Receipt for proof that coverage for the vehicle has been cancelled. As a courtesy to our customers, we offer various RMV services such as Registration and Title Applications, plate transfers, registration renewals etc.

If You Are Junking Your Car

If you have been in an accident, your car might be totaled and not worth selling. Sometimes, old cars simply have little value or have major mechanical problems like a blown motor or damaged transmission. In such a case, you might choose to donate your car to a non profit, Click here to learn more about donating your car, or have your car towed to a junkyard where it will be crushed. Your license plate still has the same function – it identifies you as the owner of the car. As soon as your car is out of your possession, you have no control over what happens with the license plate. Remove the license plate when you take your personal possessions out of the car. This is a good idea to be safe, especially if you are thinking of selling the car

If You Are Returning A Leased Vehicle

When returning a leased car to the dealership, you are still responsible for all of the belongings that came with the vehicle. This includes the license plate. Before returning your leased car, make sure you have everything that came with it, including the second set of keys, cargo covers, spare tires, original floor mats, and third row seats. Remove all your possessions from the car and take off the license plates.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is always available to help you, with your Massachusetts auto insurance policy, you can contact our team at 617-298-0655 when transferring ownership of a vehicle, turning is a leased vehicle, or donating your car. We can help you understand your auto insurance policy in Massachusetts.

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What Is The Purpose Of An Escrow On A Mortgage, And How Does It Work?

mortgage escrow

An escrow account is like a holding tank.

When you take out a mortgage from a bank or lender, they will also set up an escrow account for you. This account is used to pay your property taxes and homeowner’s insurance premiums on time, every year. Even though these costs are annual, your lender will require you to pay a monthly amount towards each cost. This way, the balance accumulates in your escrow account and ensures that these expenses get paid on time. Some, mortgage lenders require borrower escrow accounts because it minimizes the risk of falling short of financial obligations as a homeowner. In a foreclosure, unpaid taxes or insurance can result in liens against the property. This makes it harder for the mortgage lender to recover the original loan.

Lenders have a strong incentive to keep borrowers on track with escrow accounts that smooth out the non-mortgage costs of owning a home. By doing so, they can avoid costly penalties and interest charges.

Should you use an escrow account?

An escrow account is often required when obtaining a conventional mortgage, with a down payment of less than 20%. With an FHA or VA loan, this requirement may not be in place. There are reasons to have an escrow account, such as making payments and covering potential shortfalls.

Assuming you have an option, setting up an escrow account can be a convenient way to pay for mortgage, home and mortgage insurance, and property taxes. The funds collected in the account can provide a buffer if there are any unexpected increases in premiums or taxes.

Escrow Drawbacks

Escrow accounts tie up your funds, but you can earn interest on them. -You may be required to deposit several months of property taxes when you open the account, depending on the time of year.

If Your Mortgage Doesn’t Include An Escrow Account

You will need to be prepared to cover these substantial costs yourself.

Be certain you factor in these additional expenses and remain up to date on your tax and insurance payments. If you neglect to pay your property taxes, the state or local government could enforce fines and penalties or put a tax lien on your house. You could also be faced with foreclosure. Furthermore, if you don’t pay your taxes or insurance, your lender may:
1. Add the amounts to the balance of your loan
2. Include an escrow account in your loan
3. Force place insurance that only covers the mortgage company for the loan amount that you owe them and for you and bill you for it. And this type of insurance bought by the lender, is usually more costly than homeowners insurance that you cover yourself.

At Vargas & Vargas Insurance, we always have time for you. You can reach our team at 617-298-0655 or by clicking here to reach out to us.

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How A Hard Insurance Market Affects What You Pay For Insurance

In the property and casualty insurance industry, prices, coverage availability, and capacity can be affected by changes between soft and hard markets. Up until now, the insurance industry has been in a soft market for nearly 15 years but is now shifting to a hard market.

In a soft market, there is fierce competition with premiums that are stable or decreasing. To sustain or get more business share, many insurance companies are liberalizing their underwriting rules and lowering what they charge. This makes it possible for insurance brokers to obtain better coverage and better insurance premiums for their clients. A wider range of coverage is accessible, with some additional riders included at little or no extra cost.

The Causes Of A Soft Insurance Market May Include

An active, prosperous economy,

A positive interest rate environment,

Low/favorable claims activity,

A plentiful supply of capital,

And substantial policyholder premium surplus.

The Causes Of A Hard Market Could Be Attributed To

In comparison, a hard insurance market is when premiums are increasing, insurers are not willing to negotiate terms and underwriting standards become stricter. Insurers also pay close attention to rates and manage coverage availability in response to certain factors that shape the insurance market cycle.

Economic downturn/insecurity,

Financial markets turbulence,

Dwindling insurance capital/lessened rivalry,

Disastrous occurrences/heightened claims activity,

And global affairs (e.g., pandemic, climate change, etc.).

For instance, large losses from global natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires can generate immense property insurance claims. Additionally, other occurrences can also lead to increased claim frequencies impacting other areas of business., such as Covid-19, sizable litigation remunerations, or a greater number of distracted driving cases.

How does Reinsurance work

You may be wondering about reinsurance. Reinsurance is a form of insurance that all insurance companies take out to protect themselves from large financial risks.

For example, if your home is insured for $500,000, your insurance company may only insure a percentage of this amount; they then purchase reinsurance to cover the rest of your coverage. This will make sure that if there ever is a major loss event, the insurer has enough resources to meet their obligations.

How Economic Conditions Affect Your Insurance

Economic conditions have the potential to influence an insurance company’s capacity to issue new policies. During a recession, businesses may buy less insurance or have lower risks. Revenue might decline, and layoffs occur, which would lead to lower premiums for the carrier. Furthermore, this situation usually results in low-interest rates, which reduce insurers’ investment profits.

When the insurance market starts to harden, it’s imperative to be working with an independent insurance broker with extensive knowledge of the marketplace and strong relationships with multiple insurance companies, and who reviews your insurance policy not just when you first purchase the policy but at renewal time to ensure you have the ideal protection for your requirements at the most competitive rate.

At Vargas & Vargas Insurance, we are always available to you. If you choose us as your provider, we will work hard to make sure you have the most suitable coverage at the most competitive rate. Please contact our office at 617-298-0655 so that we can examine your insurance needs and guarantee that you are fully protected.

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Should I Bundle My Insurance Policies?

One way to save money in premiums is by bundling insurance policies together. This is when you use the same provider for all of your insurance needs. It’s kind of like getting a “buy in bulk” discount.

Most providers will offer discounts for bundling policies because it helps them make more money. Essentially, you’re giving insurance providers more business, and to show appreciation, many will have significant discounts.

However, there are times when bundling might not be the best option. This, of course, depends on your provider. In rare instances, bundling could actually cost you more in the long run.

This can depend on a lot of factors, and as I said, it’s not very common.

Why Consider Bundling Your Insurance?

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of bundling insurance is the cost savings. When combing things like home and auto insurance through a single provider, you could save instead of paying higher premiums to two different insurers.

Another element of bundling is the convenience factor. Instead of having two online portals or two completely different agents, everything is often handled from a single point of contact.

It’s simply much easier to manage overall. Especially if one insurer already has all of your needs covered and knows the ins and outs of your situation.

How Much Can Bundling Insurance Save You?

Every insurer is different. How much you save depends on your provider and how they calculate your rates. However, many of the most popular providers will offer anything from 6-23% by bundling insurance policies.

On average, you could possibly save around 14% of your premiums every year. Again, though, this depends greatly on the insurance company.

In any case, it’s worth finding out how much your insurer will discount by bundling. After all, there’s nothing wrong with asking, right?

Can You Bundle Policies Later?

Most insurers will allow you to bundle policies as time marches on. This means that if you buy homeowner’s insurance and then two years later decide to add automobile coverage, you still have access to discounts.

Remember what I said earlier; it’s all about giving the insurer more business.

There might be some who don’t offer the best discounts if any at all. In that case, I suggest calling around to see if you can find a better alternative.

What Happens if You Cancel One of the Policies?

Canceling one of your policies may wind up costing you more money. Obviously, without a “bundle” of different services, you’ll revert back to the normal annual premium.

Then again, this also depends on how many accounts you’ve bundled together. Some companies will bundle home, auto, and life insurance. If you cancel, say, the auto insurance, you might still get the discount since you have home and life insurance policies remaining.

You should contact your provider to find out more information about what you can bundle together.

Why It’s Important To Work With A Local Independent Insurance Broker

While it may be tempting to go with the big national insurance companies, working with a local independent insurance broker can save you money on your insurance. Here’s why:

1. As a local independent broker, we have access to a variety of insurance companies, so we can shop around and get you the best possible insurance rates.

2. Local independent broker, we know the ins and outs of the insurance market in our area, so we can help you find discounts and savings that you might not be aware of.

3. Bundling your insurance policies with a local independent brokercan often save you money. That’s because many insurers offer discounts for bundling multiple policies with the same insurance agency.

4. Working with a local independent broker gives you someone to talk to face-to-face about your coverage needs and concerns. You’re not just a number to us, so we’ll take the time to really understand your situation and find the best coverage for you.

Bundling Insurance Policies Can Save You Money

How much can you save by bundling policies? At Vargas & Vargas Insurance, we’ll help you answer that question by using our network of providers to find the best deals for you. Contact us today to see how much we can help you save by bundling your policies together.

It’s convenient, and it could result in saving quite a bit on your premiums.

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7 Ways to Protect Your Vehicle During the Winter

https://youtu.be/uLAw82SGJlc

Auto insurance can play a critical role during the winter months. From frozen and slippery roads to white-outs during a snowstorm, you want to have coverage in the event something happens.

However, insurance can only go so far. Your policy isn’t going to cover wear and tear or issues that happen from poor maintenance. While there are several ways you can winterize your car before it snows, what about during the middle of winter?

Let’s take a look at seven ways to help protect your car in the winter aside from proper insurance coverage.

1. Maintain the Battery During Winter Months

The colder months put quite a strain on vehicle batteries. First of all, low temperatures lead to less of an electrochemical reaction within the unit. This means the battery will perform worse during the winter.

It’s vital that you test your battery regularly and replace it before you find yourself stranded somewhere.

2. Keep Timely with Oil and Fluid Changes

Low temperatures cause liquids of all kinds to move slower. This means that any fluids that are dirty, contaminated, or at low levels will hurt the performance of your vehicle more so when it’s freezing outside.

Driving around in the winter while you’re several thousand miles past an oil change increases the strain on the motor.

3. Watch the Radiator and Hoses

Antifreeze is a crucial element for many cars on the road today. And if you’re levels are low or contain more water than actual antifreeze, your radiator and hoses can freeze up.

Frozen lines can lead to splitting, which then results in the engine overheating.

4. Make Sure Belts Are Not Worn

The last thing you want to experience is a belt snapping while driving on the freeway during a snowstorm. Never underestimate how much wear and tear your belts go through on any given day.

Be aware of any kind of fraying or worn-out sections of the belts that keep the motor turning. Just make sure your car isn’t running before you check them.

5. Keep an Eye on the Tire Tread in Winter

Snow, slush, and mud are common road hazards during winter months. You want to make sure your tire tread is apt to take on what nature throws your way.

This is one of the biggest reasons why many people have a separate set of snow tires available for the winter months.

6. Check Your Bulbs and Replace if Needed

Bulbs for your car are usually not that expensive. And depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they are very easy to replace. Make sure your headlights and brake lights are visible to everyone during a storm.

Also, pay close attention to any condensation within the bulb housing. If the bulbs are getting wet, you’ll need to find the leak and seal it before your new bulbs blow out.

7. Use a Car Cover

Car covers, while a bit inconvenient to put on and off in the winter, can save you a lot of trouble. They protect the car from a plethora of weather types. Not to mention some may even alleviate frost buildup on the windshield.

You can find a lot of car covers for less than $100, and they’ll probably save you more than that throughout the year in maintenance expenses. Especially if you spend a lot of money keeping the vehicle clean.

Car covers are a great option if you don’t have a garage.

Winter Months Can Wreak Havoc on Autos

Depending on where you live, the winter months are some of the most strenuous for an automobile. And if you break down on the side of a snowy freeway, it’ll be incredibly strenuous for you.

In the event something does happen, though, you want to make sure you’re properly covered. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance, we’ll help you find the best policies for your auto regardless of the weather. Contact us today to see how we can help you save money while keeping your auto covered during the coldest months of the year.

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Insurance Coverage: What Happens During a Flood?

Your home insurance policy doesn’t provide a blanket of protection from everything. For example, you might not have coverage if a flood causes water damage to your property. But that also depends on the type of flood and what was damaged.

Today, let’s take a quick look at flooding and what you can do to protect yourself.

What kind of Flooding Isn’t Often Covered?

Although home insurance can help with some costs caused by flooding, there are quite a few that may not be in your policy. This may include:

  • Natural disasters, such as extreme rain or snow.
  • External sewage line breaks or backups.
  • Sump pump flooding.

However, your policy might include coverage in the event of damages from broken pipes inside the home, flooding from a bad water heater, or if a fire was the result of various types of water damage.

Generally speaking, a “flood” is considered any excess water on the property that is normally dry. If a sewage backup is caused by flooding, and you have a sewer backup endorsement on your policy, that is covered by insurance.

Of course, you review your policy with your local independent insurance agent or review your policy.

What Affects Flood Coverage Policy Costs?

Like any other type of insurance, the costs of flood coverage depend on a wide range of factors. This is why people will often pay different premiums even though they live in the same city.

Some of them include:

Risk of Flooding
If your home is in a location that is prone to floods, your policy could increase.

Your Deductible
A higher deductible of the coverage will reduce your monthly premiums.

Property Location
The neighborhood of your home could affect the cost aside from the flood risk.

Age of the Property
As older homes are more prone to needing repairs, their age could increase the cost of a flood policy.

Itemized Schedules
Not everything is covered in the home through flood insurance. Valuables such as jewelry and antiques may need to be scheduled separately.

How to Get Coverage in Case of a Flood

If flooding is a concern, you need to contact your insurance agent to buy a new policy. You can also renew an existing policy to include flood coverage.

The average premium in the United States is around $750. But this can be higher or lower depending on where you live. This is especially true if you live in a location that is prone to some kind of flooding.

At its average cost, flood coverage is only an extra $62.50 per month. Considering the sheer amount of damage water can do to a home, this is not that bad of an expense to protect your family and property.

Water Damage Can Be Devastating

The important thing is to have the flooding repaired immediately. Even the slightest trickle within the walls can result in mold growth, extreme drywall damage, and compromise the framework of your home.

At Vargas & Vargas Insurance, we can help ensure that your policy includes covering floods and other types of water damage. If this is a concern for you, contact us today to see how we can help.

You don’t have to face water damage and flooding on your own if you have proper coverage.

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