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Does Your Home Pass This Safety Checklist? – Part 2

Posted on by cvargas

It’s time for the second part of our home safety checklist! As we stated in the first part “Does Your Home Pass This Safety Checklist” of this two part blog series, there are two important ways to protect your home. The first is with a top notch Dorchester home insurance policy from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. The second is by regularly ensuring that your home is safe.

Does Your Home Pass This Safety Checklist - Part 2

We have already covered the safety checklist for many parts of the home, including outside, in the garage and entryways, and the hallways, stairs, living room, and dining room. Now we will share safety tips and concerns for the rest of your home:

Family Room

Seating should be easy to reach and guests and family members should be able to get up and down from chairs without assistance.

Electrical stations (like an entertainment system) should hold wires out of sight and away from walkways.

The room should be clutter free, and easy to navigate without any tripping hazards.

Bathrooms

Hot and cold taps on all showers and sinks should be labeled clearly.

If appropriate, install a grab-bar for added supports near showers and tubs, and next to toilets.

Medicines should be in their appropriate containers, and locked with a child-proof lid if there are little ones in the house.

Kitchen

Frequently used items should be within arm’s reach, instead of being hidden in cabinets or pantries.

Flammable objects like towels, curtains, and potholders should be kept away from heat sources.

Ensure that the ventilation system is functioning properly, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding vent maintenance.

Work and cooking areas should be well lit to avoid accidents.

If necessary, have a stepping stool available that is sturdy and easy to move.

Everyone in your home should know where there is a fire extinguisher, and how to use it.

Laundry Room

Getting clothes in and out of the washer and dryer should be easy. If the appliances are too low, consider installing risers or pedestals.

Laundry supplies should be easy to reach for adults, but out of the reach of children.

Tripping hazards like laundry baskets and dirty clothes should be off of the floor.

Bedrooms

There should be a traditional light or lamp, a flashlight, and a telephone within reach of every bed in your home.

Closets should be clutter-free, and organized properly. Do not store heavy items on high shelves to avoid heavy falling objects.

If this checklist has alerted you to any changes or addition that you need to make to your home, please make sure that you have all major projects completed by a certified professional. They will be able to ensure that everything is done according to Massachusetts building codes.

Have questions about your home insurance policy? Just call our office at 617-298-0655. We will be happy to review your home insurance policy for coverage gaps, and will check to see if you are eligible for any additional discounts. The call will only take a few minutes, so don’t wait!

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Does Your Home Pass This Safety Checklist?

Posted on by cvargas

You and your family spend a lot of time in your home, and it is your own responsibility to make sure that it is safe. While it is very important to have the right Massachusetts home insurance policy as protection against danger, you should also focus on doing everything in your power to prevent potential catastrophes.

Does Your Home Pass This Safety Checklist

In this effort, we encourage you to print out the following list and walk around your home, evaluating each point and making notes of what changes and improvements need to be made.

Outside the Home

All areas where there will be foot traffic should have adequate lighting. This includes the driveway, garage, and walkways.

The driveway and all walkways should be smooth and evenly paved to avoid anyone tripping over uneven pavement.

If there are steps up to a porch or front door, they should be well lit and have handrails. Handrails should also be installed on steep walkways.

Ensure that shrubs and bushes are kept trimmed so that they do not breach areas where people or cars will be.

Garage and Entryways

Make sure that there is a clear path from your car into your home. Garage walkways should be free of clutter and lit well.

In the entryway, make sure that the doorway is clear and that the doorbell or knocker is easily visible to guests.

Doormats should be non-slip, and should not have upturned corners.

Locks should be in good working order and all exterior doors should be equipped with an alarm and a deadbolt.

Hallways

Carpets should be slip-proof, or have an anti-skid backing.

Hallway lights should be controlled by a switch at both ends of the hall.

If necessary, ensure that hallways are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

Doorways and Stairs

All doors should open easily. Consider installing lever door handles that are easier for some people to use than traditional knobs.

Stairs should have railings on both sides and each step should be clearly visible.

If a staircase is carpeted, the carpet should be in good condition and present no tripping hazards.

If there are any low beams near stairs where people could hit their head, make sure that they are properly padded.

Living and Dining Room

Rooms should be free of clutter and have clear walking paths.

Flooring (including tile, linoleum, or carpet) should be in good condition and smooth – repair any frayed or chipped flooring or anything that constitutes a tripping hazard.

Furniture should be stable so that it is not a tipping hazard.

Shades or blinds should be securely attached to the window frame or wall, and should open easily.

Does your home pass this safety checklist? We still have lots of tips for keeping your home safe, including instructions for accident-proofing your family room, bathrooms, kitchen, and more! And remember – prevention is your first line of defense, but you still need to have a top of the line Boston home insurance policy for when calamity strikes. For a free home insurance review call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.

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Factors that Affect Your Boston Insurance Quote

Posted on by cvargas

Insurance is a great way to protect your investments and your family against calamities. While there are insurance providers everywhere (if you haven’t seen a commercial for one lately you must be hiding under a rock) there is only one way to make sure to get the best Boston insurance quote for your needs. That is to use an independent insurance agent like Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency!

Factors that Affect Your Boston Insurance Quote

When you call us for an insurance quote, we will search several providers to make sure that you get a great policy at a great price. When determining an insurance premium, most insurance providers will consider similar factors. These differ for each type of insurance. Here are the most common factors that usually affect the insurance quotes for four different types of insurance coverage:

Home Insurance Quotes

  • Age and features of home, including electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC and more.
  • Home’s location – risk for natural disaster and crime, proximity to police and fire stations, building costs in the area.
  • Claim history of the homeowner(s).
  • Risk factors in the home, including swimming pools, trampolines, etc.
  • Credit score of the homeowner(s).
  • Amount and value of possessions to be insured.

Note: Renters insurance is very similar to home insurance, and typically considers many of the same factors. TIP: To lower your quote, update your home and prevent risks with safety measures.

Auto Insurance Quotes

  • Age, gender, marital status, and profession of the primary drivers.
  • City or cities where the car is often driven.
  • Vehicle’s size, age, and safety rating.
  • Vehicle value and/or replacement cost.
  • Driving history of the drivers (reported accidents, past insurance claims).
  • Average mileage car is driven in a week or month.
  • Reasons car is driven (personal, business, or both). Lower your quote by driving a safe car and being mindful of your driving habits.

Health Insurance Quotes

  • Person’s gender, age, and preexisting conditions.
  • Family history of the insured.
  • Tobacco use including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or snuff. Body Mass Index.
  • Person’s profession and its implications on health (increased stress, sedentary or active lifestyle, etc).

Many of these factors are also considered when you are looking for a life insurance quote. TIP: Lower your quote by losing weight, exercising regularly, and ceasing use of tobacco products.

Business Insurance Quotes

  • State(s) of operation.
  • Amount of gross sales per year.
  • Number of employees and/or independent contractors.
  • Nature of the business (computer based, service based, increased risks of danger). Physical location of the business property.
  • Amount of equipment and inventory owned by the business.

TIP: To lower your quote, use safety devices to prevent theft, ensure that employees are properly trained, and look into discounts offered by trade associations.

If you or someone that you know is in the market for an insurance quote in the Greater Boston Area, we hope that Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency comes to mind. With one quick call to 617-298-0655, you can speak with an insurance agent that will make sure that you get a quality insurance quote at a lot price. We look forward to earning your business.

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4 Small Business Insurance Tips

Posted on by cvargas

As a small business owner, you’re probably always focused on lowering your business’s costs. Thankfully, Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency can help you with that! Today, we want to share with you four tips to lower your small business insurance costs.

small business insurance tips

There are many things that are unpredictable in the course of doing business, but the cost of your insurance policy from our agency is something you can count on. Here are the four tips that can help you save:

Manage Your Risk Levels

The purpose of insurance is to protect you against unexpected losses. While this protection is crucial, it is best for your business if you don’t have to make a claim. Avoiding risks will save you the stress of dealing with a calamity, as well as saving you the cost of your insurance deductible.

As they say “the best offense is a good defense.” This is as true in insurance as it is in sports. If you take the time to mitigate your business’s exposure to risk, you can help to ensure that you won’t need to deal with a claim. Some types of risk mitigation can even earn you a discount on your small business insurance! These include safety measures like alarm systems and more – just ask your insurance agent for a list of potential discounts.

Re-evaluate Your Deductible

If you are successful in mitigating your risks, you may feel comfortable raising your insurance policy’s deductible. This means that you will pay more in the event that you make a claim, but it also has an inverse relationship with your premium. This means that increasing your deductible will lower your premium.

If you want to avoid the need to scrounge together a deductible payment in the event of a claim, you can help your business out by setting aside money equal to your policy’s deductible. That way, you have enough money to cover your deductible set aside if you need to make a claim.

Bundle Your Policies

A small business insurance policy is made up of many pieces. The more pieces that you are able to bundle under your business owners policy, the more you will save – just like when you bundle your personal home insurance and auto insurance.

When you’re looking for a new policy, ask your agent about combining all of the business insurance coverage types that you need, including property coverage, liability coverage, workers compensation, commercial auto insurance, group benefits, and more.

Review Your Coverage Annually

When was the last time that an insurance professional reviewed your coverage? It’s easy to get comfortable with your insurance provider, but taking a few minutes each year to discuss your coverage with an agent could save you money! Here at Vargas and Vargas, we can search to see if changing providers could save you money. We can also check to see if your current provider offers any new discounts for which you qualify.

To speak with a small business insurance expert, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We insure many businesses here in Massachusetts, and would be happy to evaluate your business’s unique needs and craft you a quote for a new business insurance policy.

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Don’t Believe These House Insurance Myths

Posted on by cvargas

You can’t believe everything that you hear – and that’s doubly true when it comes to house insurance policies. It turns out, some people give really bad advice, and say things about home insurance that simply isn’t true. As an expert in Massachusetts home insurance policies, the folks here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency want to clear up some of the confusion about a few popular myths.

House Insurance myths

Before we start, it is important to note that every house insurance policy is unique. While the examples that we give here will be true in most cases, you should always check with your insurance agent before making any decisions about your policies.

“People I hire to work at my home are covered under my house insurance.”

Your home insurance liability protection will cover you and your friends and family when they are on your property. In most cases, it will also cover any part time workers that you employ – like babysitters, snow plowers, and dog walkers. Someone that works full time as a contractor for another business probably won’t be covered by your home insurance, though. They should be covered by their employer’s workers compensation. Check to ensure that this is true before hiring any contractors to ensure that you are protected.

“I run a business out of my home – that means it’s covered by my home insurance.”

Even if you are the sole employee of a home-based business, you may need a special insurance policy (or a rider on your home insurance) to make sure that your business is covered. Talk to your home insurance agent to find out how you can get business liability coverage and protection for your business’s assets.

“A neighbor’s tree fell and damaged my fence – his insurance will cover the damages.”

No one can be liable for acts of nature – including fallen trees. This means that your insurance will need to cover the damages incurred, even if the tree was growing on your neighbor’s property. This will naturally be subject to your insurance policy’s coverage and your deductible amount, as with any insurance claim.

“I have plenty of liability coverage under my house insurance, so I don’t need an umbrella insurance policy.”

An umbrella insurance policy does much more than add liability coverage to your home insurance policy! It also provides you with court costs, protects you against libel and slander, covers you while you’re away from your property, and much more. For all of these reasons and more, an umbrella insurance policy is a wise investment.

“All of my property is protected under my Massachusetts house insurance policy.”

In some cases, special property will need a rider on your home insurance policy in order to be fully protected. The most prevalent case of this is jewelry. Home insurance will cover jewelry up to a specific amount unless you purchase a jewelry rider. This is also true for certain collections, expensive rugs, antiques, etc.

If you have any questions about your house insurance, or how to ensure that you are fully protected, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. Our agents would love to inspect your policy to make sure that you have all the necessary coverage so that you and your loved ones are taken care of in case of a calamity.

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Do You Have Knob and Tube Electrical Wiring?

Posted on by cvargas

In recent centuries, we have made many advances in the type of electrical wiring that we use in our homes. From the 1880s to the late 1930s, the go-to method used when wiring a home was called Knob and Tube wiring (also known as K&T wiring). While this used to be the de facto way to bring electricity to a home, now there are safer and more efficient ways to wire.

Do You Have Knob and Tube Electrical Wiring?

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we get a few calls every month from people asking about Knob and Tube electrical wiring, its safety concerns, and how it affects home insurance policies. Now we’re here now to set the record straight in writing:

What Homes Have Knob and Tube Wiring?

The Knob and Tube method was most prevalent from the 1880s to the 1930s, but many professionals continued to use this method of wiring up until the 1950s. Even some homes that were built in the ’60s and ’70s were constructed with Knob and Tube wiring. If your home was built in any of these periods, there is a chance that you have K&T wiring.

What Are The Potential Problems with K&T wiring?

One of the most prevalent problems with Knob and Tube wiring is that the material used to insulate it is rubber, which degrades over time. This means that the homes with K&T wiring are getting more and more dangerous as time progresses and the rubber gives way and exposes bare wiring to air and moisture. In more modern wiring systems, the insulation is made of much more durable plastic.

What is The cost Associated with Rewiring a Home?

If your home has an old Knob and Tube wiring system, you should consider spending the money to have a professional electrician update your home to a modern wiring system. The cost of this job will naturally vary depending on the electrician, size of the home, and many other factors. According to Angie’s List, though, the average cost of rewiring a 1,500 to 3,000 square foot home will be in the range of $8,000 to $15,000.

What Are The Benefits of Rewiring?

Replacing your home’s wiring is an expensive endeavor, but the benefits are well worth the costs. In addition to being much safer for your home and your family (let’s face it – replacing electrical systems is much less of a hassle than dealing with a house fire), you will also most likely qualify for a reduction in your home insurance premium because of the update. Modern electrical wiring puts your home at much less of a risk for a claim, and insurance providers will often account for that when determining what you pay.

If you rewire your home and get rid of an old Knob and Tube wiring, let your Massachusetts insurance agent know. All you have to do to speak with a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent at 617-298-0655. Our home insurance experts will be able to adjust your house insurance to reflect your safer electrical wiring, which should save you on your insurance premium!

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4 Ways How to Protect Against Identity Theft

Posted on by cvargas

In today’s world, everything is connected, and almost everything is stored in ‘the cloud’ – including your personal information. It only takes one data breach for your sensitive information to get into the wrong hands. This can include banking information, your Social Security Number, and much more.

Avoid becoming the victim of identity

In light of all the recent data breaches, we want to share some tips on how you can keep your personal information protected, and avoid becoming the victim of identity theft:

Watch your existing accounts.

As soon as you learn about a data breach that happened at a company with which you do business, you need to ensure that you regularly check your related accounts. Make it a point to check the accounts for suspicious activity on a regular basis, and notify the appropriate parties if you see any unusual transactions.

We should note that this is a step that everyone should take, and it is not specific to those people are at high risk of credit fraud or identity theft. Everyone with access to accounts online should check for erroneous transactions on a regular basis.

Sign up for credit alerts and fraud protection.

If a company that you have an account with is the victim of a breach, you will likely be offered some kind of credit monitoring or identity theft protection for free, or at a reduced price. You should consider this offer! In fact, anyone with information in the cloud should have some sort of credit monitoring service. They’re often available for a very reasonable price, often less than $10 a month.

In addition, a fraud alert system will make it more difficult for someone else to create a credit account in your name. This alert will ensure that any lender or credit issuer opening a credit account in your name contacts you directly. This makes it much less likely that it be done without your knowledge. It will add one simple step to the process when you look to create a new account, but make it virtually impossible for criminals to commit credit fraud against you.

File your taxes early.

Did you know that thieves need only minimal amounts of information in order to file a fraudulent tax return in your name? If a thief is able to steal your identity and claim your tax refund, you will probably spend quite a while sorting out the resulting mess with the IRS. Save yourself the trouble by filing your taxes as early as possible, before any shady characters can.

Remain vigilant.

When you’re the victim of identity theft, or your personal information is compromised, it’s easy to monitor your information for a while. After a bit, though, you could lull into a state of complacency. Some thieves will wait before using the information that they stole in order to take advantage of this fact. This is why it’s important to remain vigilant in the monitoring and protecting of your personal information.

With all of the above tips, you can help to ensure that your personal information is protected against theft. If you would like to make sure that your physical possessions are also protected, call 617-298-0655 to speak with a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent about getting a quality home insurance or auto insurance policy from the Massachusetts insurance experts.

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Massachusetts Renters Insurance FAQ

Posted on by cvargas

Massachusetts residents know that the people here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency are the foremost authority on Massachusetts insurance policies. That’s why we get so many calls and emails to ask about insurance questions. We are always happy to speak with you about your insurance questions, but we want to also answer some of our most frequently asked questions here on our blog.

Massachusetts Renters Insurance FAQ

Today, our topic will be renter’s insurance. If someone else owns the home or apartment in which you live, a Massachusetts renters insurance policy is probably right for you. Here are a few answers to common renters insurance questions:

My landlord has insurance on the property – is that enough?

In short? No. Your landlord’s insurance will only cover the structure of the house or apartment. If you want coverage for your belongings and liability protection, you need to purchase your own insurance. Speak to your insurance agent about the value of your belongings for an idea of how much coverage you need.

What does a Massachusetts renters insurance policy cover?

Depending on your unique policy, a renters insurance policy will cover your belongings in losses due to theft and vandalism, fire and smoke, lightning, windstorms, hail, and more. In addition to covering your possessions, your renters insurance will also typically include liability coverage, meaning that you will be protected in case of unintentional bodily injury and/or property damage. This coverage may also provide you with legal defense costs in these cases. 

Can my roommate and I share a renters insurance policy?

Personal insurance policies are often only written for individuals or families. This means that your insurance policy will not cover someone that isn’t related to you. If your roommate wants to protect their belongings and get liability protection, have them call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency for their own renters insurance policy!

What is the average cost of a renters insurance policy?

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average renters insurance policy costs between $15 and $30 a month. While this obviously depends on the type and size of your home or apartment, as well as the value of your possessions, it is a very small cost compared to what you would pay if you were the victim of a catastrophic loss. As with most cases, the protection afforded by an insurance policy is well worth the money spent.

How can I save money on my renters insurance policy?

Your Massachusetts insurance agent should make sure that you receive all insurance discounts for which you qualify. This may include discounts for bundling your insurance policies with the same carrier, as well as discounts for having certain safety features in your rental property, including burglar alarms, sprinkler systems, and more.

How do I get a renters insurance quote?

Getting a Massachusetts renters insurance quote is simple! All you need to do is call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. Our agents will be happy to get you a free, no-obligation insurance quote for a policy with the coverage that you need. You can also drop by one of our offices, located on Washington Street in Dorchester, or on Cabot Place in Stoughton.

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The Potential Dangers of Melting Snow

Posted on by cvargas

This winter is coming close to hitting an all-time snowfall record here in the Greater Boston Area. Most of us are ready for Spring to come, but it’s important to realize that while the snow is a pain to deal with, the water generated when it melts will be as much (if not more) of a pain.

The Potential Dangers of Melting Snow

Are you prepared to handle the threats associated with melting snow? Your home insurance policy will help you in case the new melt causes a ‘slip and fall’ accident on your property, but you may be missing another key type of insurance policy in the wake of rising waters.

Winter Snows Bring Spring Floods

There is so much snow on the ground after all of these storms, that in some places it’s hard to find the ground. Here’s a prime example – have you seen recent pictures of our beloved Fenway Park? There are reasons that the Sox go down to Florida for Spring Training! Well, when the weather starts to warm up, all of the water created by these snow drifts will need to go somewhere. Unfortunately, the ground is already frozen and saturated. This means only one thing – floods.

Protect Yourself with Flood Insurance

When the snow starts to melt and water works its way toward your property, don’t expect your home insurance policy to cover you. In fact, most home insurance policies don’t protect against flooding at all. That’s where Massachusetts flood insurance policies come in. They will provide you with the coverage necessary to protect your property and your possessions against rising waters.

Purchase Coverage ASAP!

Did you know that flood insurance doesn’t begin to protect you until 30 days after it is purchased? That is why it is so important that you do not wait until Spring to purchase a flood insurance policy! The first day of spring is coming up fast (March 20th, to be exact) so now is the perfect time to invest in a policy.

For most homes that are in a preferred flood zone, a flood insurance policy would cost less than $500 a year – and this small cost is well worth the protection that it provides. For most one family homes, a flood insurance policy can provide up to $250,000 worth of coverage for the structure, and an additional $100,000 in coverage for the home’s contents. Businesses can have up to $1 million in coverage – $500,000 for the business’s structure, and $500,000 for its contents.

In addition to snow melting, flood insurance will also protect you against floods due to many other causes, including the heavy rainfall that we sometimes experience in the spring and summer, and even into the Fall hurricane season floods.

If you want to learn more about how a flood insurance policy can protect your personal or business property and possessions against the impending threat of melting snow, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. Our knowledgeable agents will be able to get you a free flood insurance quote and ensure that you purchase the policy that is best for your unique needs.

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Four Types of Individual Health Insurance

Posted on by cvargas

If you’re in the market for an individual health insurance plan, you may be feeling a little lost. You’re looking for insurance to cover your prescriptions and visits to the doctor, but there are simply too many options available. For help wading through the sea of seemingly nonsensical letters that describe different types of coverage, see our handy guide below.

Four Type of Individual Health Insurance - Vargas & Vargas Insurance in Massachusetts

It’s important to realize that this is only a quick overview of the four major types of individual health insurance policies available. For a more detailed description (or advice concerning your insurance) call your Massachusetts insurance agent.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

In an HMO, you are limited in your freedom to choose a health care provider. You must choose a Primary Care provider in your HMO’s network. That Primary Care provider will most likely need to issue you a referral before you can see any type of specialist.

Minimal amount of paperwork compared to the other types of health insurance policies. Predictable out-of-pocket costs, and co-pays for each type of care.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)

With a PPO, you will have more freedom to choose your health care providers when compared to an HMO. This added freedom comes with a cost, though. Typically, a PPO has slightly higher out-of-pocket costs than HMO plans. There is also typically additional paperwork required if you wish to see a doctor out of the PPO’s network.

When you choose a PPO, you will need to pay a monthly premium, as well as copay or coinsurance for your doctor’s visits. In addition, some PPOs will require you to pay a deductible. There will most likely be no paperwork required when you see in-network doctors, but seeing an out-of-network providers may require you to full out a claim for in order to get reimbursed.

Point-of-Service Plans (POS)

HMOs and PPOs are without a doubt the two most well-known types of individual health insurance policies. What some people don’t realize, though, is that there are many other options available that may better fit their needs. For example, a Point-of-Service plan is a combination of an HMO and a PPO – with this plan you will have a primary care provider that will issue you referrals to specialists, but you still have the freedom to see out-of-network providers if you are willing to pay slightly increased costs.

The cost of a POS plan is typically slightly higher than an HMO, but less than a PPO. For some people, it is a good mix of freedom and affordability.

High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs)

Typically paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA), a HDHP is simply a health plan (it can be an HMO, PPO, or POS) with a very high deductible. In this case, the insured person pays for most of their health care out of pocket, with a cap if the maximum ‘out-of pocket amount’ is reached.

To talk to an expert about your individual health insurance options, and to find out more about the health insurance options offered here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, all you need to do is call 617-298-0655. Our friendly and knowledgeable agents would be happy to answer all of your health insurance questions, as well as to get you a free quote on a new health or life insurance policy.

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