FAQs – Get Answers to Your Questions

Yes! If you live in Massachusetts, car insurance is required by law. At a minimum, your policy must include coverage for:

• Bodily Injury to Others
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
• Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Driver
• Property Damage

Financing or leasing a car? You’ll also need additional coverages like collision and comprehensive insurance.

Why the minimum coverage isn’t enough:
State minimums may leave you vulnerable to large out-of-pocket expenses in case of an accident. A more substantial policy helps bridge coverage gaps and protects your financial well-being.

Learn more read our blog, click here (https://www.vargasinsurance.com/blog/the-ultimate-car-insurance-shopping-guide-what-you-need-to-know/)

At its core, car insurance protects you, your vehicle, and others on the road. The required coverage includes:

Liability Coverage – Pays for damages and injuries you cause to others

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Covers medical bills and lost wages

Uninsured Motorist Protection – Protects you if an uninsured driver hits you

Want more protection? You can add optional coverages like:

• Collision – Covers repairs if you hit another car or object
• Comprehensive – Covers theft, fire, vandalism, and natural disasters
• Medical Payments – Covers extra medical costs
• Rental Reimbursement – Pays for a rental while your car is in the shop
• Towing & Roadside Assistance – Helps with breakdowns and towing

Learn more read our blog, click here (https://www.vargasinsurance.com/blog/things-car-insurance-doesnt-cover/)

The cost of car insurance varies based on multiple factors, including:

Where you live – Urban areas tend to have higher rates

Vehicle type – Luxury or sports cars cost more to insure

How you use your car – Commuting vs. occasional driving

Your driving record – Accidents and violations impact rates

Who drives your car – Adding young drivers may increase premiums

Coverage limits & deductibles – Higher coverage means better protection but may cost more

Want an estimate, read our blog, click here (https://www.vargasinsurance.com/blog/navigating-the-road-of-rising-car-insurance-costs-strategies-and-how-to-pay-less/)

If you're in an accident or your car is damaged, stay calm and follow these steps:

Ensure safety first – Move your vehicle to a safe spot and check for injuries.

Gather important details – Document:

• What happened and when
• The people and vehicles involved
• Photos of damage, license plates, and insurance details
• Police report and crash report (if applicable)
  Contact your insurance agent – They’ll guide you through the process.
  An adjuster reviews your claim – The insurance company will assess the damage and determine next steps.

Want an estimate, read our blog, click here (https://www.vargasinsurance.com/blog/needs-video-and-seo-filing-an-insurance-claim-step-by-step-guide/)

If you have a mortgage, yes! In Massachusetts, lenders require homeowners insurance to protect their investment.

If your home is paid off, you still want coverage. Even a small claim can cost thousands of dollars, and without insurance, a disaster could mean losing your home and belongings entirely.

Bottom line? Home insurance isn’t just a requirement—it’s peace of mind and financial security.

Every home is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your coverage should reflect:

• Home size & construction materials
• Location-specific risks (weather, crime, etc.)
• Value of personal belongings
• Liability protection needs

Want a more accurate estimate? Our client success managers can help tailor a policy just for you. Contact us today!

It depends! Home insurance rates vary based on:

• Your home’s location
• Size, materials, and construction type
• Coverage limits and deductibles
• Risk factors (flood zones, crime rates, etc.)

Want an estimate? Check out our blog, click here (https://www.vargasinsurance.com/blog/home-insurance-faq-purchase-price-vs-replacement-cost-pt-2/)

If something happens to your home, don’t stress—we’ve got your back! Here’s what to do:

• Ensure safety first – Make sure everyone is safe and take steps to prevent further damage.
• Gather important details – Document what happened, when, what was damaged, and take photos.
• Contact your insurance agent – They’ll report your claim and connect you with an adjuster.
• An adjuster reviews the claim – They’ll assess the damage and determine your coverage.

Need more details? Read our guide: Filing a claim post, click here (https://www.vargasinsurance.com/blog/needs-video-and-seo-filing-an-insurance-claim-step-by-step-guide/)

Yes, even if your HOA has a master insurance policy, it likely only covers:

• The building structure
• Common areas (hallways, pools, shared spaces, etc.)
• Outdoor features

What’s NOT covered? Your personal belongings, liability protection, and certain parts of your unit. In many cases, your mortgage lender or condo association will require you to carry an individual condo insurance policy.

Without it, you could lose your possessions in the event of theft, fire, or another disaster.

Have questions on condo master policies, click here. (https://www.vargasinsurance.com/blog/everything-you-need-know-condominium-master-policy/)

Your coverage should protect:

• Personal belongings – Estimate the value of everything you own and overestimate to ensure full protection.
• Interior structure – Some condo associations cover "walls-in," but others don’t. If your association doesn’t, you may need additional building coverage for your unit.
• Loss assessment coverage – If the HOA’s policy has a high deductible, you might be responsible for a portion of the cost.

Need help? Your insurance broker can guide you in selecting the right amount of coverage based on your condo association’s rules, read our blog, click here. (https://www.vargasinsurance.com/blog/condo-insurance-coverage-terms-part-two/)

The cost of condo insurance depends on:

• Building factors (age, materials, location)
• Your possessions (more valuables = higher coverage cost)
• Master policy (you may get a discount if your HOA and personal policy are with the same insurer)
• Typical cost range: $200 to $1,000 per year ($16 to $83 per month). Your specific rate depends on your situation—contact an insurance broker for an accurate quote. Read our blog, click here. (https://www.vargasinsurance.com/blog/needs-video-how-much-does-condo-insurance-cost-in-massachusetts/)

If something happens, stay calm and follow these steps:

• Ensure safety first – Check for injuries and secure your property.
• Gather important details – Write down what happened, when, what was damaged, and who was involved.
• Take photos – Capture images of the damage for documentation.
• Contact your insurance broker – They’ll report the claim to your insurance company.
• An adjuster reviews your claim – They’ll assess the damage and determine coverage.

Pro Tip: Keep an inventory of your belongings (photos & receipts) to make the claims process smoother! Read our blog, click here. (https://www.vargasinsurance.com/blog/needs-video-and-seo-filing-an-insurance-claim-step-by-step-guide/)