DIY Home Improvement

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

Posted on March 22, 2016April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Improve Your Home in Just One Weekend

If your “Honey-do” list is all checked off, and you’re looking for a new DIY project to spruce up your home, look no further. We have gathered a list of five projects that you can do in just one weekend that will update, improve, and modernize your space. They vary in levels of difficulty, so find one that’s right for you and start shopping for supplies!

Increase Your Curb Appeal

Make a great first impression on everyone that comes knocking with a little TLC for the front of your home. Add a splash of color to your front door, and make an attractive seasonal wreath to display. Take it up an extra step with some eye-catching shrubbery or landscaping and add a bench or pair of chairs for a homey touch.

Replace an Outdated Lighting Fixture

It may seem like a daunting task, but replacing an existing lighting fixture is probably easier than you think. Make sure that you turn off the power at the breaker box, then it’s typically as easy as unhooking the old light and connecting the new one! For best results, watch a few online tutorials and read the new fixture’s instructions first.

Add Molding

Any room looks better with a few finishing touches, and molding is an inexpensive way to add a touch of sophistication to your space. Historic homeowners should make sure that their molding choice compliments their home’s style. Check out HGTV’s tips on installing crown molding here.

Inject a Pop of Color

Accent walls are becoming more and more popular – and there’s a reason! They are a fun way to add some color to a room without getting overwhelmed (with work or with too much color!) Choose any room in your house, and get inspiration from your current decorations. Any piece of art or even a pillow or tchotchke can help you decide on a color to use. Bring that item and the approximate square footage of the wall you want to paint to a hardware store. They will get you on the right track!

Update Your Kitchen and Bathroom Hardware

Want a simple project that will make a big impact? Why not replace the hardware on your kitchen or bathroom cabinets and drawers? Your local hardware store probably has several options in different styles and colors, and all you will need to install them is a screwdriver! If you want a more vintage feel for your home, scour antique stores and online retailers for an old-fashioned charm and elegance.

As with all home DIY projects, make sure that you feel 100% comfortable with the work before you begin, and have a professional on speed dial just in case you get in over your head. And if you pick a project that increases the value of your home (like the lighting or plumbing fixtures, for example) let your home insurance agent at Vargas and Vargas Insurance know – we can adjust your Massachusetts house insurance policy to reflect the change.

Five Tips to Be Happier at Work

Posted on March 17, 2016April 2, 2017 by cvargas

1.22.16 - Be Happier at Work

The office is stereotypically a stressful place, but it doesn’t have to be. After all, your attitude is everything when it comes to your happiness. Make a promise to yourself now to make a small change and increase your happiness while you’re at work. You may be surprised how much difference even small adjustments can make in your day to day life.

Here are five small changes that you can make to increase your happiness while at work:

1 – Limit your Goals

Once you resolve to improve yourself, it’s easy to go overboard. You see it every year around the first of January – people make New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight, to eat better, and to save money. Usually, their new lifestyle lasts a month before it falls to pieces. You can avoid this by making one or two small goals that are specific and time sensitive. When those are accomplished, move on and make more small improvements.

2 – Get up and Move

It’s easy to get absorbed in your work, but make it a point to get up from your desk a couple of times every day. Sit in the break room for lunch, or just take a stroll around the office. Sitting in a chair may be hurting your body, and staring at a computer screen can cause eye strain or computer vision syndrome.

3 – Socialize More

This tip goes hand in hand with the last one – while you’re up and about stretching your legs and resting your eyes, make some friends in the office. It never hurts to have a few more contacts, and you never know – being friends with people in other departments may pay off in the future. It especially helps to make new hires feel welcome. So ask the new guy out to lunch, or bring the receptionist a coffee… you never know where it may lead, whether it be additional professional contacts or new personal connections.

4 – Go Green

If you’re interested in respecting the environment, a little effort can go a long way at the office. Start small – use a reusable water bottle instead of disposable cups, and shut off your computer when you leave instead of just putting it in sleep mode. When you’re the last person to leave a conference room, turn off the lights. If you want to make a bigger impact, think about starting an office recycling program.

5 – Be Open to Change

One of the best tips that we have for being happier while at work is to be ready for anything, and to be adaptable. Every workplace has its challenges and pitfalls, and you’ll be less stressed if you’re able to roll with the punches and be flexible in your plans.

If you make even a few of these changes while you’re at the office, you may find that you are happier at work. If you want to learn more about how Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency can help you do more with the money you earn, just call 617-298-0655. We have financial planning professionals on staff that will help you allocate your assets so that you are ready for retirement.

Picking a Safe Halloween Costume

Posted on September 25, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

As Halloween quickly approaches, it is time to begin thinking about what you or your little ones will wear for the big day. It’s exciting to get to wear a costume, but when you’re out shopping, make sure that you follow these costume guidelines so that you and your children can have a ‘sweet’ holiday:

Make sure that costumes fits correctly – When choosing a costume, make sure that you purchase the right size. As with clothing, costumes should be snug without being too tight. Make sure that there are no tripping hazards, like pants or dresses dragging on the ground.

Look for costumes that are flame resistant – Candles are a great way to set a spooky atmosphere, but they are a huge risk when wearing a costume. Ensure a costume-wearer is safe by checking to make sure that the outfit is flame-resistant.

Ensure proper visibility – If a costume requires a mask, make sure that the wearer can see properly. This may mean altering the mask so that the eye-holes are larger, or opting for makeup instead of a mask. Remember, though, to always do a patch test on costume makeup before Halloween night.

Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes – It doesn’t matter if you’re trick-or-treating or going to a party, everyone should wear the right shoes for Halloween. Little ones may fight you on this one, but they will be miserable after just a couple of minutes of walking in other shoes. If they insist, bring a pair of tennis shoes with socks as a backup.

Avoid dangerous accessories – If there is a sword, broom, or other accessory that goes with your child’s costume, make sure that it is pliable, and will not injure your child if they fall on it. It also helps to make sure that accessories are lightweight and east to carry.

Make sure drivers can see trick-or-treaters – A big part of Halloween safety is making sure that you and your children are visible to drivers while you’re out and about. Children with bright costumes should be easy to spot, but dark costumes may need a little work to make them visible. Have children with dark costumes carry a colorful treat sack, or strategically affix reflective tape to their costumes.

Don’t overlook Halloween weather – Remember, it’s usually pretty chilly in Boston on Halloween night. Historical temperatures show an average high of 56 and a low of 42. Make sure that you and your children don’t feel that chill by choosing warm costumes, or wearing long underwear. Go out earlier to avoid the nightly temperature drop.

When you have all of these tips in mind, picking out a safe costume will be easy. And make sure that you stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog throughout the month for more safety tips, including Trick-or-Treat safety tips for kids! For some added safety in your home, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance for an insurance review at 617-298-0655.

The Ultimate Football Party Cheat Sheet

Posted on September 9, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Can you believe that it’s football season already? It may seem like this year just began, but it’s already time to get out your pom-poms and root for your favorite team!

As you probably know, there’s nothing better than having some friends over and enjoying Football Sunday as a group. Before you have a party, though, make sure you read over these tips from the staff at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency:

Get Your Space Ready

Football can rile people up like nothing else, so make sure that your space is ready to accommodate potentially rowdy party guests. Check to ensure that there is enough seating for all of your guests, and tidy up the room. You may even want to move breakable objects into an ‘off-limits’ space, just to be sure that none of your valuables (or guests) will get hurt when there’s a touchdown or a bad call. Decide where you will serve your food and drinks, and cover the area with a tablecloth for easy clean up in case of a spill.

Arrange Fun Decorations

Make your gathering a bit more festive with a few themed decorations. This time of year, party stores have lots of football and sports-themed merchandise, or you could get creative and make your own. For a little added rivalry, decorate the room in the colors of the two teams that you will be watching! You can keep it low key or go all out with your décor, it’s up to you! Keep kids busy before (and during) the game by letting them help with the decorations – making posters is a great activity to keep little hands occupied.

Prepare the Food

Before you do any menu planning, make sure that you know if any of your guests have a food allergy. If possible, avoid using any allergens when preparing the food you will serve. If that’s not possible, then make it very clear to the person with an allergy what food(s) they need to avoid.

When you’re ready to plan out what you will serve, focus your attention on small foods that are easy to eat. Chef in Training suggests several different chip and dip alternatives, as well as other pop-able snacks and sweet treats.

Put Safety First

Any time that you invite people over to your home, it is your responsibility as the host of the gathering to put safety first. This means taking every precaution to ensure that your guests aren’t harmed. We have already mentioned two ways to do this: clearing potentially dangerous objects from guest areas and being aware of guest food allergies. You should also be wary if you will be serving alcohol during the game – never let a guest get behind the wheel if they’ve had too much to drink.

If you do find yourself in a pickle after a party, don’t hesitate to call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. As your Massachusetts renters or homeowners insurance provider, we can help you file a liability claim that will financially protect you from the medical and/or legal fees that may arise as a result of an incident. Hopefully, though, you can follow these tips and have a fantastic football party for your friends and family.

Prepare For “Back to School” Early

Posted on August 31, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Boston public school students have less than a month left until they return to school, so it’s time that we started posting tips for parents and children that are preparing for education to resume. In this blog post, we will cover four ways that you can help your child adjust to the idea of going back to school. Follow these tips and your child’s transition to the new school year will go smoothly.

Adjusting the Body Clock

One of the hardest things to do in preparation for sending kids back to school is preparing them for the early morning wake-ups. Instead of waiting until the last minute to adjust their body clocks, start a couple of weeks before the first day of school. That will give you plenty of time to gradually ease them back into an appropriate schedule.

Experts recommend having your child get up at a time that allows plenty of time to get ready for school in the morning, with some extra time allotted for finding homework and lost socks. Have your child adopt this new rising time immediately, while simultaneously moving their bed time back 20 or 30 minutes every few days. Begin this now, and your child will be on the right schedule before the first day of school.

Preparing a Workspace

It has been proven that people (both adults and children) have better focus if they are in a place that is associated with work. Pick one spot in your home where your child will do their work, and explain to them that this is their ‘work space.’ Have them try it out in the summer while doing summer assignments like math packets or reading assignments. Then continue the practice throughout the year with homework and study time. Make sure that there are no distractions allowed in this area – keep the television off and only allow productive computer work if it is necessary.

Shopping for Necessities

This year, there will be a tax free weekend in Massachusetts on August 15th and 16th. If you want to pay less for your children’s school supplies and clothing, prepare for the crowds and enjoy the savings. Otherwise, be on the lookout for other local retailers – many will offer Back to School sales in the coming weeks in an effort to attract shoppers.

Also be a smart shopper in the first few weeks of the school year by stocking up on heavily discounted items that are left after the Back to School deals. Your kids will need refills of school supplies throughout the year, so stock up now! Also remember that dorm room items are a hot item right now, and those will also go on sale soon.

Dealing with Resistance

It’s natural for a child to resist going back to school. How you deal with it should depend on the reason why the child is struggling. Initiate a conversation and investigate your child’s reasons – Are they enjoying summer too much, or are they experiencing social anxiety? Are they simply succumbing to the ‘school isn’t cool’ mentality of older children? Are they nervous about falling behind in their studies? Gently prod to discover their deeper concerns and address them individually.

Keep an eye out here on the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog and on our Facebook Page for more articles and tips about going back to school, and comment with your ideas for Back to School posts. Also remember to call 617-298-0655 for all of your Massachusetts insurance needs!

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.

Protecting Yourself Against Uninsured Motorists

Posted on August 7, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Earlier this year, we asked for your insurance related questions on our Facebook Page. It’s time that we answer another of the questions that we received, and this one’s all about auto insurance! Heidi asked us the following question:

“If auto insurance is mandatory, why are there many uninsured motorists driving? Why isn’t this enforced?”

While we don’t understand why a driver would choose to endanger others by driving without sufficient insurance, we can explain the danger of uninsured motorists, and how you can protect against them with the help of a car insurance policy from our agency.

What is an Uninsured Motorist?

As you could probably guess, an uninsured motorist is someone who drives a vehicle without auto insurance coverage. What may surprise you is that The Insurance Research Council (IRC) estimates that 1 out of every 7 drivers in the US is currently uninsured. This is a huge concern because any auto accident caused by an uninsured driver can mean significant costs that aren’t covered by liability insurance policies.

To combat the fact that nearly 15% of drivers are uninsured, most states now require auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist coverage. Massachusetts is one of these states.

Massachusetts Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of Massachusetts, there is a minimum amount of insurance that must be held by each driver. When you get a Massachusetts auto insurance quote, this is the absolute minimum amount of coverage that you must purchase according to state laws:

Bodily Injury to Others: $20,000 per person; $40,000 per accident
Personal Injury Protection: $8,000 per person, per accident
Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto: $20,000 per person; $40,000 per accident
Damage to Someone Else’s Property: $5,000 per accident

As you can see, anyone with auto insurance in the state of Massachusetts has at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident worth of coverage against uninsured motorists. This means that you don’t need to fear getting into an accident with an uninsured motorist – your car insurance policy has built in protection against this situation. This protection typically includes coverage for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Ask your Massachusetts insurance agent if you have coverage against uninsured motorists for your property, including your home and automobile.

If you want to discuss the uninsured motorist coverage in your Massachusetts auto insurance policy, all you have to do is call 617-298-0655 and speak to a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent. We can let you know how much coverage you have for accidents involving uninsured motorists, and let you know if you should increase your coverage. And if you have any questions about any of your insurance policies, feel free to call our agency and ask one of our expert Massachusetts insurance agents.

Stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog for more answers to the questions that you submitted, and much more!

What to Do If You Have an Accident at Work

Posted on August 5, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

If there’s one rule in life, it’s that accidents happen, and they can happen anywhere. Whether you work a physically demanding job, or sit in a cubicle from 9-5, there is always a possibility that you could have an accident at your workplace. If an accident occurs, there are a few major steps that you should take in order to protect yourself:

Fill Out an Accident Report

No matter how trivial an accident may seem, you should always fill out an accident report, even if you don’t think you are injured. Most workers compensation insurance policies have a very short window after the accident in which an accident report must be filed, so filing an accident report regardless of the severity of the accident will protect you in case any injuries manifest in a few days as a result of the accident.

Reporting the accident to your workplace will also allow the business to take measures to ensure that an accident like yours does not happen again to another employee, so fill out an accident report for the safety of your coworkers.

See a Doctor

Again, regardless of the severity of your accident, you should take the initiative to see a medical professional. If your injury is serious, you need to go to the emergency room for treatment. Otherwise, ask the appropriate party at your workplace if there is a specific doctor you need to see or if you can go to a doctor of your choosing. Have the doctor that you see perform a full evaluation, and ask what you should look out for, and what physical symptoms would indicate an injury.

Report all Injuries ASAP

There is always a chance that an injury won’t manifest immediately when you have an accident. Because of this, you need to be vigilant in paying attention to your body for several days after an accident. If you do discover an injury after the fact, report it to your employer immediately, and speak to a medical professional to get treatment.

Inquire About Workers Comp Coverage

Whether you report an injury immediately after an accident or after some time has passed, your employer should file a workers compensation insurance claim with their insurance provider on your behalf. Ask the person at your workplace to keep you updated on the status of your claim, and stay on top of the claims process.

If you run into any issues with your claim or anywhere in the process, you may want to contact a lawyer that is experienced with workers compensation claims. They will be able to fill you in on what you can expect from the claim, and make sure that you receive the appropriate benefits.

Businesses that are looking for business insurance or workers compensation coverage should contact Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We are a premier provider of Massachusetts business insurance policies, and can get a business great coverage at a great price.

How to Get the Best Renters Insurance

Posted on August 3, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

If you rent the place that you live, then you need to make sure that you have excellent coverage for all of your belongings, as well as liability protection in case of an accident. You can do this by ensuring that you have the best renters insurance possible for your condo, apartment, or other rental property.

Thankfully, here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency we have Massachusetts renter’s insurance agents at the ready that can help you do the two things that you need to do for the best Massachusetts renters insurance – get great coverage at a great price! See the breakdown below to find out exactly what you can expect with a renters insurance quote from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency:

Get Great Coverage…

A renters insurance policy is unique – it is similar to a home insurance policy, but doesn’t provide coverage for the dwelling itself (that is your landlord’s responsibility, so make sure that they have rental property insurance). Renters insurance has two major parts – coverage for your possessions in the event of a loss like a fire, and liability coverage in case someone is injured while in your residence.

If anything were to happen to your belongings or a visitor, your renters insurance will help to ensure that you’re not financially responsible for replacing your items or paying legal or medical bills. This peace of mind is priceless, so make sure that your renters insurance has enough coverage for any potentially harmful situation.

…At a Low Price!

It’s important to have comprehensive renters insurance coverage, but no one wants to pay too much for it! Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we work hard so that our clients can get great coverage at a low price. We know several discounts for which you may be eligible, and we will do everything in our power to get as many discounts as possible for you.

Some of the discounts that we offer (depending on the insurance provider that you choose) are: claim free discounts, paperless discounts, auto-pay and pay-in-full discounts, protective device and safety discounts, and much more.

Shop Independent Insurance Agencies

One thing that you can do to ensure that you get the best renters insurance possible is to get your insurance through an independent insurance agency like Vargas and Vargas Insurance. Talk to one of our agents and we will get several insurance quotes for you from many insurance providers – this way you can consider several policies side-by-side in order to determine which policy option is the best for you – for renters insurance, auto insurance, health insurance, and much more.

So, does your current renters insurance policy meet all of your needs? If you want a renters insurance quote or a review of your current renters insurance policy, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We can help you ensure that you have the best renters insurance possible! Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm.

How to Survive 4 Common Emergency Situations

Posted on July 29, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Odds say that you will face at least one of these emergency situations in your life. If you take the time to prepare yourself now, it will make dealing with the emergency much easier – after all, Benjamin Franklin was right when he said “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Here are four common emergencies that many people have to deal with every day, and an explanation of what you can do now to prepare yourself and your family in case they affect you in the future:

A Flat Tire or Blowout

Cars are complex machines, meaning that there are a lot of different parts in your vehicle that could potentially break and cause an issue. One of the most common issues that drivers face on the road is a flat tire (because tires are in constant contact with the road, they are more vulnerable to issues than other parts of the car).

To prevent tire problems, make sure that you check your tire pressure and rotate your tires regularly, and replace tires that begin to look worn. If you hear a tire pop or suddenly lose control while driving, get a firm grip on the steering wheel and apply the brakes slowly. Pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights so that you can change your tire or call someone for assistance.

A Severe Storm

As we’ve already mentioned here on the blog, it’s hurricane season in the Atlantic from June 1 until November 30. Don’t wait until a hurricane is heading to New England to prepare your emergency kit! It should include everything that you need for 3 days, including food, water, prescription medications, space blankets, first aid supplies, flashlights, and more. Visit ready.gov for a full list of what to include in your family’s emergency kit.

A House Fire

Every year, there are hundreds of thousands of house fires in the US. Typically, these are caused by cooking equipment, smoking, or faulty heating equipment. Reduce your risk of a house fire by following common cooking and grilling safety tips, being careful to ensure that cigarettes and cigars are fully extinguished, and following the safety tips and maintenance schedule for all of your home’s heating devices.

If there is a fire in your home, you want to make sure that the proper authorities are notified as soon as possible. Do this by checking your home’s smoke alarms regularly. Also make sure that there is a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and that all family members know where it is located and how to use it.

A Case of Frostbite

It may not seem like a threat right now, but Boston winters can get cold, so you should be prepared to deal with a case of frostbite. In fact, you can get frost bite when the wind chill is below -19°F, which happens several times a year here in New England.

The signs of frostbite include a loss of feeling and a lack of color in the affected area, typically the fingers, toes, earlobes, and tip of the nose. If you suspect that you or someone else has frostbite, seek shelter immediately and get medical attention. Do not use friction to warm up the affected area, as it could cause permanent damage to the skin.

Now that you’re ready to deal with these four emergency situations, please use the “Share” buttons below to help your friends and family prepare themselves as well. Also “Like” the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency Facebook page for updates about our agency, links to informative blog posts and articles, and insurance tips!

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