It’s no secret, this winter has been one of the harshest on record in the Greater Boston area. As you shovel away snow from your sidewalk and driveway as each storm passes, make sure that you don’t ignore the snow and ice that is accumulating on your roof. It may look pretty, but there is a major threat posed by this snow buildup – ice dams. Continue reading
Are you thinking of trading in your car in the near future? If you are, it may be worth taking these four steps to increase your car’s value – this will mean that you get more for the car that you get rid of, and therefore will help you pay less for your new car!
Even if you’re not thinking of getting a new car on the horizon, number 4 is great advice that you can start following now to ease potential headaches down the road.
1. Clean the Interior
There is nothing quite like a good first impression when you trade in your car. Make sure that the first thing the buyer sees will be a clean, well polished interior. If your interior is already in good condition, you may only need to vacuum out recent dirt. If your interior is in slightly rougher shape, it may be worth paying for an interior cleaning at a car wash. If you really want to go the extra mile, purchase new mats from an auto supply shop.
2. Polish and Repair Headlights and Windshield
Another great way to make a positive first impression when you’re selling your car is to make sure that it shines when the buyer watches you pull up. The best way to do this is with clear, bright headlights and a windshield that is free of chips or cracks.
You can shine up or replace your headlight covers with a quick purchase from your local auto parts store, and a windshield is quickly repaired or replaced by an auto glass repair company. We are partial to Anytime Auto Glass here in the Greater Boston area – they have same day service that will come to you!
3. Make any Easy Repairs
When someone is buying your car, they will look for any reason that they can find to negotiate the price down. It is your job as the seller to make sure that very few of these opportunities exist. Before you sell, take the time to do any simple repairs. It may seem counterintuitive to spend money on a car you wish to sell, but look at it this way: the money that you spend on most repairs will come back in spades when you sell!
4. Get Your Paperwork in Order
Anyone that owns a car should follow this advice: whenever you get a receipt for anything that has been done to your car, you should save it. You can keep a physical file of invoices and repair receipts, or scan all of the papers and keep a digital folder of your records. With this information, you can easily prove that your car has been properly maintained. It should also be noted that this tip is equally applicable to almost any asset, including homes, boats, and more!
If you are in the market for a new car, make sure that you call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 to get a Brockton, Sharon, or Jamaica Plain auto insurance quote from one of our friendly and knowledgeable insurance agents. We are always happy to serve you, and look forward to finding you the perfect car insurance quote to fit your needs.
Each time that you get into a vehicle, you are taking a risk. While most car trips are without peril, there are some driving habits that may put you at an increased risk for calamity. In 2013 alone, there were an estimated 3.8 million crash injuries that required medical attention, and 35,200 deaths related to traffic collisions.
1. Ignoring Road Conditions – Before you even think about driving somewhere, you need to consider the conditions. If it’s too wet (whether from snow or rain) or visibility is poor, you should consider postponing or cancelling your drive. A trip out of the house isn’t worth the risk if conditions are bad.
2. Driving Drunk or Drowsy – You should also consider your personal condition before you start to drive. If you have been drinking, or if you are overly tired, don’t allow yourself to pilot a vehicle. This also applies to feeling extremely angry or upset – all of these conditions will cloud your judgment and may slow your reaction time.
3. Running Yellow Lights – Some drivers take a yellow light as a sign to speed up so that you can make it through the intersection. In truth, a yellow light should signal exactly the opposite – stop safely if you can. You should only go through a yellow light if it would be unsafe for you to stop in time.
4. Not Signaling – If you want to be safe while you drive, you need to communicate with the drivers around you about your intentions. The best way to do this is with appropriate use of your turn signals!
5. Texting – When driving, you need to pay attention to the road. Texting is one thing that will ensure that you’re spending 100% of your attention elsewhere. When texting, you are much more likely to stray into another lane, fail to stop, or any number of potentially fatal driving mistakes.
6. Tailgating – You need to leave enough room between your vehicle and the car in front of you so that you can come to a safe stop or get around the vehicle if need arises. The generally accepted rule for following distance is the Three Second Rule.
7. Speeding – Did you know that speeding is the most common bad driving behavior? The speed limit represents the fastest speed you should go to be safe, so abide by it! In truth, going an extra five or ten miles an hour won’t make you reach your destination all that much faster, so don’t risk it.
Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we provide Massachusetts auto insurance that will protect you in the event of a car accident. Of course, we would rather that you aren’t involved in any accidents, so please make sure that you don’t commit any of the errors above. If you need a new auto insurance quote, please contact the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.
Do you have enough insurance coverage? It’s a loaded question, to be sure. Unfortunately, this is an impossible question to answer – even for insurance experts! No matter how much coverage you buy for your home, car, and other belongings, there is always the slight chance that you will one day need to file a claim in excess of your current policy limits. That’s where an umbrella insurance policy kicks in!
What is Umbrella Insurance?
According to Investopedia, umbrella insurance is “Extra liability insurance coverage that goes beyond the limits of the insured’s home, auto or watercraft insurance. It provides an additional layer of security to those who are at risk for being sued for damages to other people’s property or injuries caused to others in an accident.”
In other words, umbrella insurance acts as an extra layer of protection on top of your existing insurance policies, just as a physical umbrella would provide extra protection from the rain on top of your existing clothing.
ithout umbrella insurance, your maximum claim limit would be the amount outlined in your insurance policy. You would be responsible for any additional damages, and paying those out of pocket can get very expensive very quickly. With an umbrella insurance policy, you have a significant amount of additional coverage that can be used for exorbitant claims on several of your existing insurance policies.
What does Umbrella Insurance cover?
Every person has different needs when it comes to umbrella coverage, but in general, the coverage protects its owner in several ways. The most prevalent use of umbrella insurance is to cover damages above and beyond existing home, auto, and other insurance policies. This includes extra coverage for:
Injuries such as slips and falls, dog bites, car accidents, etc.
Property damage like damage to a car after an auto accident, accidental damage to another person’s belongings, and more.
Lawsuits, including defense costs, attorney fees, and other related expenses.
And much more.
In addition, this policy will typically cover some types of liability not covered under other insurance policies, such as libel or slander.
Who needs this policy?
There is a common misconception that only the wealthy need umbrella insurance because they have extra assets to protect. In truth, the number of assets you have isn’t the sole reason that you would purchase this protection. Umbrella insurance is meant to protect you in the cases discussed above, typically consisting of very expensive liability damages.
Every person is capable of incurring these costly damages, so every person should talk to their Massachusetts insurance agent about obtaining an umbrella insurance policy.
How do I get an Umbrella Insurance quote?
Getting an umbrella insurance quote is easy! All you have to do is call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. Tell one of our agents about your current insurance policies and your need for additional liability insurance, and we will find the policy that is right for you. The best part is that this type of policy is typically very inexpensive, so you won’t have to spend a lot out of pocket to get a lot of extra peace of mind.
If you want to protect your loved ones in the event of your unexpected passing, a great way to do so is with a life insurance policy. Once you realize that you need this coverage, though, it can be a momentous task to try to determine exactly how much coverage you should purchase. Instead of agonizing over this issue, call your insurance agent! They will help you determine the right amount of coverage for your needs, including the following considerations:
Make sure that you leave enough behind to support those people that depend on you financially. Your life insurance policy should leave enough support for spouses and/or parents that you support, as well as enough to support children until they are able to be financially independent.
If you currently have any outstanding debt, you should probably have enough life insurance to clear it in the event of your death. A life insurance professional can help you determine which debts you should cover, but generally speaking you want to consider covering credit card debt, student loans, car loans, and mortgages.
Let’s face it – death is expensive. Make sure that you include some money in your life insurance to cover your final expenses for a funeral and burial, which could exceed $10,000. This should also include an earmarked amount to cover any estate taxes that will be incurred upon your passing.
You will also need to include any future obligations in your whole or term life insurance policy. If you want to cover your child’s college education, or want your spouse to be able to take a vacation after you pass away, this should be accounted for when determining your life insurance policy’s payout value.
In addition to being covered for all of the above, you should make sure to call and speak with your Massachusetts insurance agent if your financial situation changes, because it could affect the amount of life insurance coverage that you need. Specifically, the following situations typically require a life insurance coverage adjustment:
A change in marital status – either a marriage or a divorce will change your life insurance needs.
The birth of a child – you should probably increase your life insurance policy to cover the child until their 18th birthday, and adjust this coverage down every couple of years until they are grown.
You take on debt – as we mentioned, your life insurance should cover your debts, so let your agent know if you buy a home or a car. You may also want to increase your coverage if your credit card debt increases. Conversely, if you pay off a significant debt, you can decrease your coverage proportionally.
Retirement – the majority of life insurance coverage is meant to replace your income if you pass away. When you retire (and therefore no longer have an income) you no longer need this coverage, and your policy should be adjusted accordingly. Make sure, though, that you still have coverage for death expenses and debts.
If you’re ready to talk to one of the best insurance agents in Massachusetts, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We will be able to evaluate your financial situation and get you the perfect life insurance quote for your needs.
Everyone needs a good budget. You should be able to quickly determine how much you’re earning, how much you’re spending, and how much you’re saving. In the olden days, this was done with pen and paper. Then technology emerged and spreadsheet software became the best way for setting a budget. Nowadays, great budgeting tools are only a few taps away. Check out some of the following apps that will help you set (and stick to) a budget. All are available on both Android and iOS. Most are even free!
This app syncs with your bank and credit cards, and then shows an easy-to-read infographic of how much money you may spend for the day, week, and month. Overall, it is a very simple and easy to use app, with very little customization needed.
One of the best apps with a website counterparts, You Need a Budget allows users to input their income and expenses so that their available budget is available on the go. This app also allows you to see exactly how much of your budget is available in several different categories, including groceries, restaurants, business expenses, and more.
If you’re looking for an app that can help with your budget and also help you keep records of your bills and receipts, look no further than Spendee. For less than $2, this app allows you to see all of your expenses in their attractive interface, and also keep track of your bills and receipts by taking pictures of them and storing them within the app.
Have you ever heard of envelope budgeting? It’s a simple budgeting technique where you take out a certain amount of cash from each paycheck, and split that cash into several envelopes labeled with categories. The challenge is to use the envelope’s cash until you get paid again. Setting a specific budget per category is often helpful for people looking to budget, and it’s exactly what this app does!
Arguably one of the most powerful budgeting tools currently available, Mint.com is a web tool with an great app counterpart. If you’re looking for a one stop shop for all of your budgeting needs, you may want to check out Mint – just be aware that to access all of its tools, you will need to give it access to your online banking accounts. But don’t fear, the information is kept safe. Once your account is set up, you will be able to budget and then keep track of all of your finances (including debit accounts, credit accounts, outstanding loans, and more) in one place!
Will you be using any of these budgeting apps to help in setting a budget this year? If you do try one of these apps, let us know what you think of it! And remember that Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency could help you lower your ‘Insurance’ budget with one quick call to 617-298-0655! Speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable agents about how to lower your Dorchester home insurance, or your Boston auto insurance.
The kitchen is an essential room in every home. It is where meals are made and eaten, and where the family connects after a busy day. All of this use unfortunately means that there will also be a lot of messes made in the kitchen. If it’s time that you gave your kitchen a thorough cleaning, here are a few tips that you can use to help get the busiest room of your home sparkling in no time:
Step 1: De-clutter!
The first step in cleaning any room is to get all of that clutter out! Anything that doesn’t belong in your kitchen should be moved to its proper place, or (at the very least) put in a ‘Lost and Found’ box. At this point, your kitchen should already be feeling a little more organized, but you’re not nearly done yet. This cleaning may take a little while, but it will make sure that you’re ready for company, or just make sure that your kitchen gets a good deep clean once in a while.
Step 2: Dust and scrub all surfaces.
Get out your rags and dust mops and make sure that all of your kitchen surfaces sparkle. Just remember to work from top to bottom – gravity will bring dust and grime down, so starting at the top will ensure that you’re not doing double work for no good reason. We recommend dusting the area above your cabinets, then the top of the fridge, and move on to your countertops before cleaning barstools and other seats.
Step 3: Remember the fridge!
It’s a big job, but your refrigerator needs a good deep cleaning occasionally. Take out all of the food (it helps if you check all of the expiration dates while you take things out) and place them on an empty counter. Once the fridge is bare, wipe down all surfaces inside before replacing everything. Anything that touches food directly (like your vegetable drawer) should get extra attention, and an extra hot bath to kill any potential germs.
Step 4: Clean the other appliances.
Once the fridge is sparking (and free of any questionable foods) take the time to clean your other appliances. Run a vinegar cycle in your empty dishwasher, microwave a cup of water to steam off any stuck-on foods, and use a combination of baking soda and vinegar to clean stubborn stains off of your oven without harsh chemicals.
Step 5: Wash the floor last.
Again, dirt and grime will travel under the influence of gravity. This means that any stray dirt that escaped your grasp during the cleaning process will end up on the floor. This is why the floor should always be the last thing that you clean. Vacuum up any debris, then disinfect with your floor cleaner of choice, whether it’s a traditional mop and bucket or a new sweeper with disposable pads.
Once your kitchen is clean, take a load off and clean up your Dorchester home insurance policy! Just call 617-298-0655 to speak with a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent about making sure that you have enough coverage for you and your family.
The only constant in this world is change. Instead of fearing change when it comes to your business, embrace it! Every business owner, especially those seeing declining or stagnant profits, should realize that a change is advised, even necessary.
Here are five and a half ways to turn your business around for the better. Making some of these changes may even help you regain momentum in a positive direction. If you’re already going in a positive direction (and we hope that you are) these tips may provide different ideas for how you can explore new opportunities:
1: Keep an Open Mind
If you want to make changes in your business, you should be focused on listening to the advice of others, and on trying new things. You can never truly know ahead of time whether a new strategy will work, but you miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take. In the spirit of transformation and rejuvenation, make it a point to step outside of your comfort zone.
2: Focus on Employees and Culture
The quality of employees will easily make or break your business. If there is someone on your staff that you want the others to emulate, reward them. On the other hand, if there is a staff member that you question, it’s probably time to reconsider their employment.
Once you have a staff that you believe in, it is your job as the business owner to encourage a productive and friendly culture. Don’t let your employees get too stressed, instead reward positive behaviors and show appreciation in ways that match up to your employees’ motivators. (Here’s a tip: Many employees are motivated by receiving great health insurance and workers compensation coverage from their employer!)
3: Don’t Drag Your Feet
If you’re going to implement a change at your business, take the time to research it and figure out the steps that you will need to do to successfully start a new process or policy. Once that’s done, though, don’t waste time – it may take a while to figure out if a change is for the better, so get started as soon as possible.
4: Prioritize Transparency
Don’t try to sneak around when you make changes in your business – celebrate it! Be realistic with your staff and customers about what you are changing, and explain what benefits you expect to gain. You may also want to share what could go wrong, if you want to make sure that everyone is completely prepared for potential repercussions.
5: Share a New Vision
In the same spirit as ensuring that you are transparent with your employees and clients about the changes that you wish to implement, make sure that you also share your new vision of your business. Explain to all people that have a stake in the business what it is you want to accomplish, and how you plan to get there. Make sure that you listen to their comments and concerns, and address them accordingly.
6: Revive Your Business Insurance
While it may not help your business turn around, a new business insurance quote from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency may be able to help you ensure that your business is financially protected in case of a peril. If you already have a Massachusetts business insurance policy from Vargas and Vargas, you should call 617-298-0655 at least once a year to update your coverage.
We’ve had quite a lot of snow over the last few days, and for a lot of you, it’s time to get outside and start removing the buildup from your driveway and walkways. Believe it or not, shoveling snow can be quite a dangerous activity if not done properly, so make sure that you take the following precautions before you think of lifting a shovel or pulling out your snowplow.
1. Determine If It’s Safe
Don’t even think about going outside if the conditions are unsafe. Wait until the storm is over before you begin clearing. Also make sure that you’re in the proper physical condition for physical activity. If you are sensitive to the cold, have been advised to refrain from strenuous activity, or have a heart condition, you may want to delegate this task to a family member, or pay a neighbor to clear the snow off of your property.
2. Wear Lots of Layers
Don’t neglect the importance of bundling up when you leave the house – especially for the length of time that it will take to clear snow. Your core should be enveloped in several layers of clothing, and all of your extremities should also be covered – so grab your boots, gloves, and a hat before you venture out!
3. Prevent Injury
You should always stretch before strenuous activities like running – shoveling snow is no different. To prevent yourself from sustaining an injury while you’re working, make sure that you take the time to warm up your body and stretch out your muscles. If you need suggestions for stretches to do, check out this article from Real Simple.
4. Stay Hydrated
Again, you should treat shoveling like the true exercise that it is. You shouldn’t go on a run without a bottle of water, so take one with you when you head outside. Being out in the cold is taxing on the body, especially when you’re scooping and lifting too, so take water breaks at regular intervals. If you’re able to prepare for your adventure ahead of time, make sure that you are hydrating your body before you go out – that will help tremendously in the battle for proper hydration.
5. Don’t Overexert Yourself
When in doubt, take a break. Don’t make yourself push through to get everything done in one go if you don’t feel up to the task. There’s nothing wrong with going inside to warm up and get some hot cocoa halfway through the job. And remember – if you ever feel pain, dizziness, or nausea, stop and let someone else finish up. It’s not worth risking your health just to clear some snow.
Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we’re looking forward to getting back into the swing of things after this storm. We will return to the office and begin helping our customers sort through any blizzard related claims. If you need to report damage to your home or car, all you have to do is call 617-298-0655. Our agents will be happy to help you file a claim on your Massachusetts home insurance or auto insurance policy.
Every house insurance policy that we write here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency is unique, just as each of our customer’s homes is unique. When we create a home insurance policy, we include all of the typical coverage types, such as protection for the home’s structure, coverage for personal possessions in the house, and liability protection.
Based on the particular needs of the home and its owner, though, we may also recommend that other supplemental policies be added to the house insurance policy. These additional policies could include the following:
Protection for Valuables
A typical home insurance policy will cover most of the possessions that you keep in your home. However, you should make it a point to mention to your insurance agent if you have anything of particular value that may need additional protection. This typically includes items like jewelry, antiques and collections, and sometimes can consist of other valuables like musical instruments or valuable sports equipment.
Flood Insurance
If you want to protect your home in case of flood, you need to ask your insurance agent about adding a Flood Insurance policy to your house insurance. Flood insurance typically includes protection against damage due to heavy and lengthy rainfall, storm surge, blocked storm drainage systems, damaging snow melts, and more. Depending on the location of your home, you will need either a standard flood insurance policy or a preferred risk flood insurance policy.
Earthquake Coverage
Is your home protected against damage done by an earthquake? While it seems that earthquake protection belongs more in California, you may be surprised by the Seismic Hazard Map of Massachusetts. It states that Boston and surrounding areas have a 14-20% chance of having an earthquake in the next 50 years. Altogether, earthquake protection is very affordable, so ask your insurance agent about whether or not you should include it in your home insurance policy.
Umbrella Insurance
A typical home insurance policy only includes liability protection for bodily injury and property damage done to others. If you would like to extend this protection, you can do so with an umbrella insurance policy rider on your insurance policies. With this type of umbrella policy, you can typically get lots of coverage for a small price, making it well worth the cost. Get a free quote today!
Animal Liability Protection
If you have a pet in your household, you may want to consider purchasing some extra liability protection for incidents involving the pet. Most often, this will be for dogs that could potentially harm someone while out and about, but can also cover injuries due to any other pet, including cats, birds, and more. Just remember, even the sweetest pet can cause harm when provoked – don’t assume that your pet is so good that it will never cause harm to others.
If you would like to speak with an insurance professional about adding a supplemental policy to your Massachusetts house insurance, all you need to do is call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We will review your current policy and see if there are gaps that you need to fill so that you have complete financial protection for one of your most valuable assets. We can also help with car insurance, business insurance, and more!
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