Why Does the Cost of Auto Insurance go Down when You Turn 25?

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

Posted on June 20, 2018June 19, 2018 by agentinsure

We all want to save money on things like insurance because we are paying for it anyway. That being said, some drivers are what insurance companies consider high-risk drivers which leads to higher rates across the board. So what makes the magic age of 25 different? For those in the Dorchester, MA area, the agents with Vargas & Vargas Insurance can help you answer this question in more depth.

High-risk drivers are often those that are considered either inexperienced or with less to lose in the case of an accident. High-risk drivers are also those that have statistically been placed in the category due to things like gender, age, and location. Drivers under the age of 25 are considered to be drivers with less experience and therefore drivers that are more likely to be in a traffic accident. When you turn 25, you can contact your insurance agency and let them know, and your rates will be adjusted according to your age. Though there are no other milestones so to speak according to age and rates, the older you are, the less your insurance generally costs so long as you have not had a ton of accidents.

Some other factors that may affect the overall cost of your insurance are things like your gender, males have a higher rate generally, if you are married or single, if you have multiple cars on your policy, if you have kids, have a degree, etc. These are all factors that your insurance agent will help you consider to get the best rate possible. For those in the Dorchester, MA area, the agents with Vargas & Vargas Insurance can help you to find your perfect policy every time.

Recap: Free Family Fun in Boston

Posted on June 19, 2018June 4, 2018 by cvargas

“I think togetherness is a very important ingredient to family life.” – Barbara Bush

It’s summertime, and that means you’re probably on the lookout for free family fun here in the Boston area. Thankfully, Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency has got you covered! In our previous blog post, we covered several ideas that will give your family hours upon hours of entertainment without burdening your bank account. Here are just a few of the suggestions:

Visit a local park or playground. Kids will have fun for hours – especially if they help pack a healthy picnic lunch to enjoy in the lovely weather!
Summer is a great time to take advantage of the many water-based activities in the area. See if there is a local pool that you can visit, or just let kids play in the sprinklers for the afternoon.
Volunteering is a great way to introduce children to the idea of giving back to their community. Here are some ideas of volunteer opportunities for children and families.

For more summertime tips, stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog! We love to post safety tips, insurance advice, seasonal updates, and much more! And if you ever need insurance help, call our office at 617-298-0655. We offer free advice and Massachusetts insurance quotes that will help you make sure your family is protected.

How to Avoid Fourth of July Insurance Claims

Posted on June 18, 2018June 15, 2018 by cvargas

What will you be doing in a few weeks to celebrate Independence Day? This Fourth of July, Americans will be celebrating the 242^nd anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. There will be parties and gatherings all across the country, as well as plenty of fireworks displays! The staff here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency is looking forward to the holiday, and the plans being made involve plenty of grilling, swimming, and spending time with loved ones.

Throwing a Party?

Independence Day is a great opportunity to gather with your neighbors, friends, and family for some good-spirited celebration. If you’re planning on throwing a party, there are a few things that you will want to think about:

It’s all about the good old US of A. Make your party festive with plenty of US flags and red, white, and blue themed decorations. You don’t have to break the bank to add some flair to your get-together – check out these ideas from Good Housekeeping.
Food on the Fourth tends to revolve around the grill. If you want to be adventurous, offer more than just hot dogs and hamburgers! Grill up some sides and try grilled fruit for dessert! That smoky flavor is something you just can’t get with any other method of cooking.
Before your guests arrive, make sure that you have relocated all of your breakables and valuables that are in common areas. Close off any areas in your home where you don’t want guests to go.
If you will be serving alcohol, you need to keep a close eye on how much your guests are drinking. If someone overindulges, offer them a ride home or call a cab. Otherwise, you may wish to have your spare room ready in case someone would rather crash with you until it is safe for them to get behind the wheel.

If hosting or attending a party isn’t something you’re interested in, that’s ok too! There is nothing wrong with having a quiet movie night at home. And there are even several movies appropriate for the holiday – like 1776 or Independence Day!

Enjoying the Water?

The Fourth of July is the perfect holiday to enjoy at the pool or beach. We hope that you have fun enjoying the water, but make sure that you put safety first. Little ones should be coached on the rules of the pool or beach before they don their bathing suits. This includes no running and no diving. Children should be supervised at all times. Make sure that anyone that is in the sun applies (and reapplies) sunscreen, and that they stay properly hydrated.

Also make sure that you are safe if you’re going boating. For more information, read our blog all about Boating Tips!

Seeing Fireworks?

Did you know that fireworks are illegal in the state of Massachusetts? Our state adopted the Model Fireworks Law as promoted by the National Fire Protection Agency, making the sale, purchase, and use of fireworks illegal in our state. It is important to know that even though fireworks are being sold in neighboring states, it is illegal to bring these fireworks into our state, by penalty of confiscation and possible fine.

Because of the fireworks ban, those of you that want to see fireworks this Fourth of July will need to find a display that is being run by licensed professionals.

One of the most popular events in the area is the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. This free event takes place on July 3^rd and 4^th at 8 pm at the DCR Hatch Shell. The concert on the Third is music only, but if you go on the Fourth you can see the concert at 8 and then the fireworks begin at 10:30. This year, the headliner is a Massachusetts native – Rachel Platten! For those that don’t want to brave the crowds to see the concert and fireworks on the Fourth, the concert will be broadcast on Bloomberg TV, Bloomberg Radio, Bloomberg.com, and more.

Remember your furry friends this Fourth of July – many animals are afraid of fireworks. If this is the case, ask your veterinarian what can be done to make them more comfortable. They may recommend medications or comfort items that will help your cat or dog remain calm during one of the more stressful days of the year.

No matter what you choose to do to celebrate this Independence Day, the unexpected is always possible, so make sure that your home and family are protected with a home insurance policy from your local Massachusetts insurance agents at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. One call to 617-298-0655 and you can review your insurance or get a free and no-obligation quote.

And remember – this Fourth of July and every holiday – stay safe and have a great time with your loved ones. Happy Fourth!

The Ultimate Guide to Road Tripping

Posted on June 14, 2018June 8, 2018 by cvargas

Summer road trips are a rite of passage for most kids these days. Loading up the car and being in closed quarters with the entire family for a few days can sound like masochism, but it doesn’t have to be! A road trip done right is a fun and educational journey that will provide fun memories for kids and adults alike.

If you’re thinking about taking a family road trip, here are a few tips from your favorite local Boston insurance agents at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency!

Destination Ideas

Before you embark upon a long-form road trip, you may want to do a test run with your family to make sure that you’re all prepared. There are many locations that are only a few hours away from our area and would be perfect for a one or two-day trip. These locations include Newport Rhode Island, Six Flags New England, Sturbridge Village, and Portland Maine.

Once you’re ready to choose the destination for your longer trip, you have plenty of options. Will you go to a natural wonder, a big city, or an entertainment hot spot? If you’re really adventurous, you can even combine several destinations into a single trip!

Here are just a few possible destinations, along with their distance from the Vargas and Vargas Insurance office in Dorchester:

The Berkshires: 128 Miles.
New York City: 225 Miles.
Washington DC: 455 Miles.
Niagara Falls: 472 Miles.

What other places are perfect for a road trip? Has your family enjoyed a road trip to an attraction that we didn’t mention? There are a ton of fun and interesting things to see here in New England, so the road trip opportunities are endless.

Before You Leave

Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This is doubly true when it comes to vacations. You need to make sure that you, your family, and your vehicle, are all ready to leave the comforts of home.

First, make sure that your car is in good health. You may opt to take it to your mechanic of choice for a quick check-up. Also see if it is due for an oil change, especially considering how many miles you are about to put on the car. For safety, check your car’s emergency kit to ensure that it is ready for your trip. You can also call your favorite Dorchester insurance agency for a quick car insurance checkup.

At the very least, you should make sure that your gas tank is topped off before you leave so that you can drive for a long stretch without needing to find a gas station. Starting off on your journey with a clean car is also a good idea. And make sure that you have a trash can available during the journey!

Also make sure that your family is prepared for the trip. You will need lots of entertainment for everyone. This could include music, books, games, and other car trip activities. Remember that radio stations may not always be available, so hook up a smart phone to your car’s infotainment system or have some old-school CDs at the ready. The internet is full of ideas that will keep your family amused for hours. Planning ahead also gives you the opportunity to pack fun and healthy snacks for all of your passengers. Anything that doesn’t need to be refrigerated is a plus, but you could also plan on bringing a small cooler for beverages and small snacks too.

While You’re in the Car

After spending several hours in the car, people are bound to get a little stir-crazy. Make a loose plan to stop every couple of hours for a potty break and possibly to get something to eat. Stretching is important when you have been sitting for a long period of time, so have a mini yoga class with the family a few times a day to stay loose.

It never hurts to have a little extra unexpected entertainment in your proverbial back pocket for when the road seems endless, so pack a special snack or the instructions and materials for a new game that will provide a respite from at least a bit of boredom. It also helps to keep the destination in mind – have a countdown and make a fuss every time you get closer to your goal. This could be every 100 miles, every hour, etc. Seeing progress will help everyone see that you are advancing – even if the road always looks the same.

So, will you and your family be taking a road trip vacation this summer? For more summertime and vacation tips, keep checking back to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog. And if you ever need an insurance quote or review, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling 617-298-0655 or filling out our online “Compare Quotes” form for the insurance policy of your choice.

Recap: Small Business Insurance

Posted on June 12, 2018May 31, 2018 by cvargas

“I can’t imagine a person becoming a success who doesn’t give this game of life everything he’s got.” – Walter Cronkite

As a business owner, you want to make sure that you’re doing everything in your power to protect your business from the unexpected. One of the best ways to do this is with the right business insurance policies. Business insurance can seem complicated, but when it’s broken down, the question is really whether you have enough coverage. Having the proper amount of business insurance will protect you, your business, your employees, and your customers.

In our blog last week, we detailed out several types of business insurance that Boston area business owners may need, including property insurance, several types of liability insurance, business interruption and data breach insurance, worker’s compensation, commercial auto insurance, and more. We also covered the importance of having the proper insurance for a home-based business, as well as personal insurance policies.

If you are ever worried about not having enough commercial insurance coverage, or if you have a question about your Massachusetts business insurance coverage, just call the Vargas and Vargas Insurance office at 617-298-0655. One of our experienced agents can help you ensure that your business is fully protected with the right coverage, and they can help you navigate your needs to determine which types of insurance are necessary for your business.

Fun and Free Family Entertainment in Boston

Posted on June 11, 2018June 4, 2018 by cvargas

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we are experts on insuring homes, cars, businesses, and more in the Boston area. After having lived and worked in the Boston area for so long, we also know a few thigs about finding great entertainment in the city. If you’re looking for fun and free entertainment in the Boston area this summer, here are just a few ideas for you and your loved ones:

Playgrounds and Parks

A favorite pastime in the summer is visiting local parks and playgrounds with the family. Young children love to play, and even older children who refuse to set down their cell phones and tablets can benefit from a little bit of fresh air every so often. For more time together, bring a few toys or pack a picnic lunch to share. And remember, sun safety is very important when spending time outdoors!

Looking for something unique and goal-driven to do in your time outdoors? Try Geocaching! Deemed the “World’s Largest Treasure Hunt,” it’s an activity that the whole family will love. It’s free (all you need is a smart phone and good walking shoes) and there are tons of caches in our area that you can find.

Water Activities

Want to make even more of your family time? Boston has many opportunities for water fun. If you don’t have a free community pool, there are plenty of free public pools in the city. In addition to being a ton of fun, playing in the pool can keep the heat at bay, as well as being great cardiovascular exercise for adults and children alike. And we all know that tired kids are happy kids!

And if you don’t feel like leaving the house, a hose or sprinkler can also provide hours of fun for the family. For added fun, get some water guns or reusable water bombs and let loose! First, though, make sure to set rules and boundaries for your games so that no one gets hurt during the fun.

Check Out Your Local Library

Have you been to your local library? In addition to housing more free books than you and your family could read in a lifetime, they also probably offer audiobooks and movies that you can check out. One additional huge perk of a library membership is their activity offerings. Many host reading sessions, craft days, and more. Some even offer free passes to local attractions!

Volunteering

For those looking to get their family out of the house without breaking the bank, volunteering is a wonderful option. Giving back to the community is a great thing to do and can help children learn many important life skills (not to mention that a history of volunteer work looks great on college and job applications).

There are many volunteer opportunities here in the Greater Boston area, including helping the elderly and the homeless, working on conservation efforts, helping others maintain health and wellness, and much more. To find the opportunity that is right for you and your family, visit the website for Boston Cares – the largest volunteer agency in New England.

Boston Tourist Activities

When was the last time that you played the part of a tourist here in your own hometown? Boston is home to many historical landmarks and other attractions that the whole family can enjoy. Here are the details for just a few of the possibilities:

The Freedom Trail: Pick up a free map at the Visitor’s Center on Boston Common and it will help you navigate the 2.5-mile trail through 16 historical sites, including Paul Revere’s House, The Massachusetts State House, the Old North Church, the USS Constitution, and more.
If you have children, it’s never too early to start talking about their future. One great place to get them thinking about their impending coming-of-age is at a college campus. Thankfully, there are several top-notch colleges here in Boston! Most offer free tours or other public events that would be perfect for your family.
Want to go to a museum? Most of the time there is an admission fee, but if you know some of the secrets of Boston, you know when to go for free admission! Many museums in the area offer free admission at some point during the week – an online search will lead you in the right direction.

What is your favorite free family activity here in the Boston area? Is there anything that we should try that isn’t on our list? Let us know! We always love to hear from our clients.

And while you’re telling us about all the fun local entertainment options in the area, ask your Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent about whether it’s time to review your insurance policies. We recommend annual reviews for all personal and commercial insurance policies. The process is simple and free and could save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Recap: Prepare for Hurricane Season

Posted on June 8, 2018May 23, 2018 by cvargas

“Hurricane season brings a humbling reminder that, despite our technologies, most of nature remains unpredictable.” – Diane Ackerman

It’s official: hurricane season has begun. Now that there’s the potential for a hurricane any time, have you started to prepare your home? In last week’s full blog post, we detailed several ways that you could help to get ready for the potential of a hurricane hitting the northeast this summer or fall. Here is a quick recap of the tips:

Prepare your home by having your roof inspected regularly. If there is a storm coming, bring in anything that could act as a projectile in high winds, like patio furniture, bicycles, and potted plants.
Update your emergency kit with everything you would need for a few days without power, including water and nonperishable foods. Also include entertainment for everyone in the household!
Have an evacuation plan. It is invaluable to have a few potential destinations picked out just in case you are ordered to evacuate. Make sure to account for any family pets, if you have them. If there’s a hurricane coming, fill your car’s gas tank before the inevitable rush on the gas station.

And remember, it only takes a few minutes to have a Massachusetts insurance professional review your home insurance. One call to 617-298-0655 and you will know whether you have enough coverage to weather a potential storm. But don’t wait for the rain to start falling – before we end up on the wrong end of a spaghetti plot you need to call!

Recap: Sun Safety

Posted on June 5, 2018May 25, 2018 by cvargas

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” – Helen Keller

Did you catch our blog post last week about how to stay safe while enjoying the sunshine? As you enjoy the lovely Boston weather, remember that it is important to keep yourself and your family safe from the potentially harmful rays of the sun.

If you’re going to be exposed to the sun for more than a few minutes, make sure to wear sunscreen and reapply it as directed for continued protection.
Even though you’re wearing sunscreen, it’s important to protect yourself when you’re in the sun by wearing clothing, hats, and sunglasses to cover your skin. Also take plenty of breaks in the shade and stay hydrated.
Know the early signs of skin cancer including the ABCDE rule and see a medical professional if you see any of abnormalities on your body. Also have a doctor check your moles and skin abnormalities annually as a preventative measure.

Make sure that you’re always able to put your health first with the right health insurance policy. To speak to one of our agents about your health insurance needs, just call 617-298-0655. We can help guide you through the sometimes confusing jargon and get a policy that is right for you and your loved ones.

Types of Insurance for Small Businesses

Posted on June 4, 2018May 31, 2018 by cvargas

At Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we know the value of small businesses – that’s why we take such pains to protect the ones we insure with top-notch Massachusetts small business insurance policies. Whether your business is established or just starting out, it has many moving parts, and no two are exactly alike, so the insurance that each one needs is unique. Based on your industry and the risks to which you are exposed, your commercial insurance policy may include:

Property Insurance

If your business has a storefront or an office, property coverage is critical. You need to make sure that your location and its contents are protected in case of any type of covered loss, including most types of severe weather, as well as fire, vandalism, and more. For added protection, talk to your insurance agent about adding a flood insurance policy to your property insurance.

General Liability Insurance

You never expect your business to do harm to others, but you should be protected just in case you are ever the target of litigation. Depending on the policy, your liability insurance may also cover damages or medical fees for which you are held liable, up to the policy limits.

Professional Liability Insurance

If your business makes recommendation or gives professional advice, you may need special liability insurance in case your guidance results in harm to your customers. Ask our agents about how much coverage you should carry based on your line of business, and we will help steer you in the right direction.

Excess Liability Insurance

When it rains, it pours. That’s where umbrella insurance comes in! If you have umbrella insurance, you will be protected above and beyond your other liability insurance policies. This helps to ensure that you won’t have to close your doors if you are ever targeted by a large lawsuit.

Commercial Auto Insurance

If your business is responsible for any vehicles, you will need insurance to cover those vehicles and the employees that operate them. Whether your vehicle is for transport of employees or customers, or if it is used for deliveries, you need to make sure that you’re fully protected in case of an accident. For more information, read this post on the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog!

Business Interruption

Your basic business insurance policy will cover repairs to your property if it is damaged, but what will cover you if you have to temporarily close your doors? If the loss of income for a short period of time would result in difficulties, you may want to consider business interruption coverage, also called business income insurance.

Data Breach Insurance

Does your business rely on digital data? If your computers are physically damaged, they will be covered… but what about if they are hacked? If your information is stolen and your data is leaked, data breach insurance will protect you. This may also cover businesses that are sued due to leaked information that was kept in paper files, though hacking is much more common nowadays.

Worker’s Compensation

If your business employs a certain number of workers, you may be required to carry a worker’s compensation insurance policy. This coverage will ensure that your employees are protected if they are injured on the job, and can include coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Call our agency to find out if you are legally required to carry this coverage.

Home-Based Business Coverage

If you run your Massachusetts business out of your house, don’t assume that your home insurance policy will cover your business. Often, these businesses will need additional specialized coverage in order to be fully protected, whether it comes as a rider on your home insurance or a separate business policy. Talk to an insurance agent about your business and the type of coverage that you need. For smaller businesses like these, the insurance premiums are often very affordable.

Personal Insurance Policies

While it isn’t a part of our Massachusetts business insurance policies, we want to take this opportunity to remind you not to neglect your personal insurance policies. Trust our agency with your home and car insurance policies in addition to your business’s insurance so that you can rest assured knowing that you are fully protected both personally and professionally.

Want to see what a personalized business insurance policy from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency looks like? Just call our agency at 617-298-0655 to speak with a commercial insurance expert about your needs. We will craft a unique policy for you in no time, and at no cost to you! In addition, we can make sure that your business gets all potential discounts and credits that you qualify for – after all, you have better things to spend your money on!

So, what are you waiting for? Call or click now for your free quote and see if your business can be better covered with a policy from Vargas and Vargas Insurance.

Recap: After Your Wedding, Update Your Insurance

Posted on June 1, 2018May 23, 2018 by cvargas

“Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” -Franklin P. Jones

Summer is a popular time for weddings here in New England. If you are getting married this summer, make sure to follow these simple tips to update and combine your insurance policies with your new spouse:

Combine your renter’s insurance or home insurance policies to cover your singular residence. Remember to update your home inventory to include your wedding rings and gifts that you received!
Bundling your home or renter’s insurance with your car insurance (for one or multiple vehicles) will probably save you money on your insurance premiums.
Now that you’re married, you should consider getting a life insurance policy, or change your existing policy to have your new spouse as the beneficiary.
More responsibility can mean more potential risks. Consider guarding yourself and your new family with an umbrella insurance policy – you can get a lot of additional coverage for pennies on the dollar.
For more tips on how to update your insurance policies after marriage, talk to your Boston insurance agent!

And if you’re not tying the know anytime soon, pass our blog post along to a bride-to-be or groom-to-be that you know! Anyone who needs a Massachusetts insurance review can call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 for a free consultation with a local insurance expert.

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