Life Events That Require an Insurance Update

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

Posted on March 12, 2018March 9, 2018 by cvargas

In the words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

These words are so true – it seems sometimes that life flies by. It’s easy to make changes in your life and forget to tell someone: your insurance agent. When the ‘big stuff’ happens, you will probably be excited to tell friends and family, but putting in a call to your favorite Boston insurance agency should also be on your list, since many of life’s changes will affect your need for insurance coverage.

Each of the following events represents a change in your insurance needs. If you experience any of these, call your Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent to update your insurance policies so that you remain fully covered.

Buying a Home or Renting an Apartment: For every change in your housing situation, there should be an equal change in your insurance policies. Every home or apartment is different – that’s why it is so important to have a customized insurance policy for your dwelling. Your insurance agent will be able to explain the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value for your policy. And remember, we can also offer you rental property insurance if you purchase a second home and rent it out.

Getting Married or Divorced: Getting married calls for many insurance changes. You may get a discount on your auto insurance for having a two-car family, and it’s also important to reconsider your life insurance needs. Your renters or home insurance may need to be updated to account for new joint possessions (not to mention the new rings and wedding gifts!)

Likewise, divorce requires insurance policies to be updated if your car and home situation changes. You may also want to reduce life insurance coverage or change your beneficiary.

Having Your Home Renovated: Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance, we want to make sure that our clients are never under-insured. That’s why it is so important to update your home insurance policy after you renovate. Whether you add or just update a room, your home insurance policy needs to be updated in order to reflect the new value of your house in case of a loss. We should also know about any improvements made outside your home, including the addition of a shed, gazebo, swimming pool, etc.

Acquiring New Valuables: You don’t have to call your insurance agent every time you purchase a knick-knack for your home, but every once in a while, you will purchase (or receive) a valuable item that might need a floater or endorsement for full coverage. These items are typically jewelry, collectibles, furniture, antiques, and electronics. Every policy will define ‘valuable’ differently, thankfully your agent is just a phone call away and can tell you whether your home insurance will cover the item as-is, or if an addendum is necessary.

Having a Child: Whether it’s a birth or an adoption, having a new baby in the family requires updates to your policies. Typically, having a baby will necessitate an increase in your life insurance coverage. Also, don’t forget to update your home insurance policy to include all of your baby’s furniture, toys, and clothing – as a new parent, these small items will add up fast!

Letting Your Child Get Their Driver’s License: Whenever a new driver starts to use the family vehicles, your auto insurance policy will need to be updated. You may fear making the call because insuring a teenager is notoriously expensive, but you can rest assured knowing that your Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent will ensure that you get all possible discounts on your auto insurance.

Achieving Retirement: When you are lucky enough to reach retirement, you will have a lot to cover with your Massachusetts insurance agent. Not only are you likely to qualify for senior discounts on your policies, you will need to update the average mileage use on your car, which will likely decrease significantly when you no longer commute during the week. You may also want to speak with your insurance agent about whether or not you should keep your life insurance. While it is often considered a replacement for lost wages, it can be a handy thing to have even after you’ve got no paycheck to replace.

Do you know anyone who has experienced any of these events recently? Forward them the link to this post and tell them how Vargas and Vargas Insurance can help them with their insurance needs and will get them the best price on a new or updated insurance policy.

If it’s been a while since you spoke to your insurance agent, just call us at 617-298-0655. A Vargas and Vargas Insurance representative will be happy to walk you through your current insurance portfolio in order to ensure that your coverage is at the right level for your needs. We offer free, no-obligation insurance quotes and updates, so there is no reason to delay – call now, and make a point to talk to your Massachusetts insurance agent at least once a year to give your policies a thorough check-up.

Frustration sometimes leads to freedom

Posted on March 11, 2018 by cvargas

Happy Monday.

I like to start my week with some words of wisdom,

“Deciding what not to do is as important deciding what to do.”
Jessica Jackley

Most of us are in business (mortgage, real estate, insurance, or law business, or are an entrepreneur or solopreneur) are in a unique situation where we can create the exact business model that we want, start the business that makes us a great living, and do what we are really good at and what we love doing.

I’d like to share with you a concept that I have been using in my business: the “Triad of Awesomeness.”

This came about as a result of my “Frustration sometimes leads to freedom.” presentation.

I look at everything that I do in my business, and if it does not fall into these 3 categories, I either eliminate it or find someone else to do it. The categories are:

Things that I love to do
Things that I do well
Things that pay well

Where these 3 overlap – that is where you should focus your efforts on what you should do. If there is only one thing that meets these criteria, that’s even better.

If you working on something that you love and pays well, but you are terrible at it, you will never get the best results.

f you are working on something that pays well, and you are good at it, but you hate doing it, you will burn out.

If you find something that you are good at and love doing but it pays terribly, you will go broke.

So how do you do find something that lies in the middle of the Venn Diagram above? You learn to delegate all of the other things. Think about everything that comes your way and how it will affect your Triad of Awesomeness.

When I am talking to real estate agents and loan partners about low hanging fruit, they all agree that they need to be calling their past clients a few times a year, but some are not doing it because they don’t have the time, and they are not willing to delegate the task. So, I often ask “Do you think that it’s better to ignore your past customers than to have someone else call on your behalf?”

Think about it: if a task does not fall into that red zone in your Triad of Awesomeness, but your business would suffer without doing it, delegate it – preferably to someone that will do it well, like doing it, and get paid well for it.

(I was recently reached by a VA (virtual assistant) in the Philipines that did customer service work for a travel agency in CA, his position was phased out when the company he was working for, was bought out. If you have ever thought about hiring a VA, reply to this message and I can answer any questions you may have and connect you with him.)

Know that you are LOVED!

Have a great week!

Carlos

Recap: DIY Projects for Busy Homeowners

Posted on March 9, 2018February 22, 2018 by cvargas

Last week, we posted an article detailing seven easy do-it-yourself projects that homeowners can tackle in a weekend. And you don’t have to be handy or creative to make an improvement to your home – pick something that you are comfortable doing on your own or enlist the help of a friend or neighbor… just make sure you compensate them with lunch at your favorite local restaurant!

If you’re looking to make an impact on your home without committing to a long-term renovation, you should consider these ideas:

Improve your home’s curb appeal with plants and furniture.
Plant a garden of fruits, vegetables, or flowers this spring.
Update or refresh the lighting fixture in your living or dining room.
Install crown molding in high traffic rooms for a classy look.
Replace cabinet and drawer hardware in your kitchen or bathrooms.
Paint an accent wall to get a huge pop of color without breaking the bank.
Get creative and make art for your walls, even let your kids in on the fun.

Let us know which of these tasks is next on your to-do list the next time you call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. And remember, we are always available to help with your Massachusetts home insurance needs. Make sure to stay tuned to our blog for more tips and tricks for homeowners.

The Complete Daylight Saving Time Checklist

Posted on March 8, 2018March 6, 2018 by cvargas

This Sunday, March 11, is the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. This means that before you go to bed on Saturday, you should turn your clocks forward one hour, since the 2am – 3am hour on Sunday will be skipped in order to shift the daylight hours into the evening for the Spring and Summer months. It will stay this way until Sunday November 4, 2018 when the 2am hour will be repeated in order to shift daylight earlier once more.

The History of Daylight Saving Time

Twice a year, we change our clocks – Spring Forward and Fall Back, just like we were taught as young kids. Have you ever wondered why this bizarre ritual exists? It turns out that the practice was officially started in World War I in an effort to conserve fuel for the war effort – first in Germany, then in the rest of Europe. The US adopted the practice in 1918 and abandoned it shortly after. During the Energy Crisis, however, the practice was brought back for good. The Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act was signed by President Nixon in 1973 in order to make the bi-annual shift permanent.

Internationally, only about 40 percent of the world’s countries observe the time change. There are even some states that don’t change their clocks, including Arizona and Hawaii. Overseas territories like American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands have also opted out of participating in DST.

Fun Facts about DST

In 2007, it was extended. Now summer hours last about a month longer. This is at least in part so that the clocks move back in the fall after Halloween, allowing children to trick-or-treat in more daylight. This was proposed by (who else?) the candy industry.
There is also a thought that pushing the end of DST to the first Sunday in November will increase voter turnout in elections, since Election Day will now sometimes be during “Summer Hours,” and people could stop to vote on their way home from work while there is still daylight.
Although originally enacted in order to save energy, there have been studies that show that little to no energy is actually saved when the clocks shift to Daylight Saving Time.
Pay attention to how you write times when you schedule meetings: during the winter, we are in “Standard Time” and during the summer we switch to “Daylight Time.” This means that here in Massachusetts (and along the east coast) we are switching from EST to EDT.
Think about those born at the end of DST: in the Fall, the first of a set of twins or multiples could be born prior to 2am, but since the hour is repeated, those born later could have an earlier time on their birth certificate than their “older” siblings.

Chores for Your DST “To-Do” List

The changing of the clocks forward and back is a perfect reminder to perform other bi-annual household chores. So, think about giving yourself a “Daylight Saving Time” checklist, including the following tasks:

The first thing on the DST checklist is obvious: at Daylight Saving Time, you need to change the clocks! In the Spring, the clocks move forward one hour, and in the Fall, they move back an hour. Your cell phone and other electronics will change automatically, but alarm clocks and the time on appliances will likely need to be changed by hand.

Something else that you need to do twice a year is to test and change the batteries in your smoke alarms. It is critical to the safety of your loved ones that these items work properly, so it is recommended to test the batteries at least twice a year so that you’re warned if there is a fire in the house. Also change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors and security system, if needed.

There are several items in your home that deserve a bi-annual cleaning. This will vary according to your personal preferences, but often includes carpets and rugs (including under heavy furniture), windows and window treatments, shower curtains and liners, ceiling fans, and a complete cleaning out of the pantry and fridge. And don’t forget to flip or turn your mattress regularly to improve its longevity and your comfort.

Do you have an emergency kit in your home? You should, after all, you never know when you may end up needing it. Take the opportunity to update and restock your emergency kit when you change your clocks. Your emergency kit should include many items, including at least three gallons of water per person in your home, a three day supply of non-perishable food, medications, important documents (like copies of your insurance policies) and a flashlight with fresh batteries. See the entire list of recommendations at Ready.gov.

Remember that you should also schedule a regular meeting with your local independent insurance agent. Whether you do it as a part of your DST checklist, at the beginning of the year, as a part of your Spring Cleaning, or even on your Birthday, it’s a good way to check in on your insurance policies and to make sure that you and your loved ones have enough coverage.

To schedule a meeting with a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent, just call 617-298-0655 today. We will be happy to review your Massachusetts home insurance, auto insurance, life insurance, and more! It only takes a few minutes to review your insurance policies, so don’t wait – call today.

Recap: Employee Appreciation Day

Posted on March 6, 2018February 22, 2018 by cvargas

As you may remember from our blog last week, the first Friday in March is Employee Appreciation Day. So, how did your business celebrate? Did you bring in treats, or have lunch catered? More importantly, how are you going to ensure that employee appreciation becomes a regular part of your business, and integrated directly into your company’s culture?

You should show your employees that you care about them and their well-being and help them to realize that they are each important parts of the machine that is your business. Here are just a few ways to do this:

Occasionally (or regularly) cater lunch or treats for the office, or have a complimentary snack/drink station in the breakroom.
Celebrate the milestones of your employees, including birthdays, work anniversaries, and more.
Make “Thank you” something that you say often. Write employees a note of thanks, say “Thank you” when they go above and beyond the call of duty, and thank them in a meeting in front of their peers.

Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency cares for you, your business, and your business’s employees. Make sure all three of these are protected with the best business insurance from our agency. Call 617-298-0655 for a free business insurance quote, or to have your current insurance policy reviewed by one of our business insurance professionals.

Storm Damage Tips From Vargas & Vargas Insurance

Posted on March 5, 2018March 5, 2018 by cvargas

This weekend’s Nor’easter, which is not a storm named by the National Weather Service, produced widespread damage including downed trees, sump pump failures, and power outages. The Vargas & Vargas Insurance team handled dozens of calls throughout the entire weekend and remains available at this time to assist you.

We understand there is great difficulty locating tree removal services and roofers to patch or tarp roof openings. We also note that finding generators and or sump pumps to remove water from basements is a challenge at this time.

Below are some tips should you have suffered any damage:

Tree damage: If there is tree damage to a building or home the first order of business is to ensure everyone’s physical safety. Once that has been completed, contact a licensed tree removal company. Currently, tree removal companies are focusing on calls involving severe damage. We suggest a number of companies be contacted to secure competitive quotes and, if necessary, to get on waiting lists for assistance.

Sump pump failure: Be extremely mindful of entering a flooded basement as water that has risen to certain levels may have caused an electrical short creating a dangerous situation. Elevating personal belongings and removing the water as soon as possible is important. Pumps and generators are in high demand currently and most local hardware and big box home improvement stores are out of stock. Contacting stores within a reasonable driving distance may be good option.

Roof damage: Much like tree removal services, licensed roofers are in high demand after a storm of this size. While likely well-meaning, this will cause individuals without the necessary level of expertise to offer assistance. As we have suggested in the past, please do not let anyone on your roof that you did not contact directly, and please be sure those that do provide help are appropriately licensed and insured.While these are the most common types of losses after a storm of this nature, we recognize these are not the only issues currently being experienced. Please contact Vargas & Vargas Insurance with any questions or concerns you may have.

To report a loss, you can contact us by telephone (617-298-0655), email(customerservice@vargasinsurance.com)
or text (617-409-0329).

If you suffer an emergency that cannot wait until we are open for business, please contact our after-hours claim telephone number 617-322-5289.

Also, you may find our blog titled, “Home insurance, should you file a claim”, interesting to read, can read it by clicking here.

Sincerely,Carlos

A Guide to Bicycle Safety and Insurance

Posted on March 5, 2018February 26, 2018 by cvargas

Can you feel Spring in the air? When the weather starts to get warmer, people here in Massachusetts can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. One spectacular way to do so (while also getting some exercise) is to use a bicycle.

The Increasing Popularity of Bicycles

With the increase in environmental protection and a focus on being healthier, it’s only natural that we would see another “bike boom” here in the US. In the Spring of 2017, it was estimated that there were nearly 70 million bicyclists in the US.

This trend is also seeing an increase due to the emergence of bike sharing services. In Boston, you can rent a Hubway bike for $8 a day or get an annual pass for only $99! Their app will let you know where there is a hub near you.

Safety Tips for Riding

Even the most experienced riders can use a reminder of how to be safe while on a bicycle. Here are some tips for putting safety first:

Ride a bike that fits you. Bikes come in all shapes and sizes, so take the time to find one that fits – this will depend on the measurements of both you and the bicycle.
Your bike should be ready before you take it anywhere – even just on a quick spin. Take a look to make sure that all parts of the bike are secure and working well.
Ensure that you are visible, especially at night. You may wish to purchase accessories for your bike or clothing that is reflective.
You should be able to hear your surroundings when you’re riding, so avoid wearing headphones when you cycle. This will make it easier to stay vigilant while you ride and avoid accidents with pedestrians, vehicles, or other cyclists.
Last but certainly not least, you should know the rules of the road. When using streets, bicycles are considered vehicles, so look up the Massachusetts rules of riding before your foot ever hits a pedal.

If you know anyone that rides (whether they are a beginner or an advanced bicyclist), share this post with them. You never know who might learn something new!

When You’re Not Riding

Bicycles and their accessories are expensive, so make sure that you take care of your bike even when you’re not riding it.

Always keep your bike secure. If you take your bike out for errands or to your workplace, lock it up. As the saying goes, ‘It’s better to be safe than sorry!’
Vary the location where you lock up your bike so that you’re not targeted be thieves.
When you lock up your bike, make sure you secure it to a fixed, immobile object. It’s also important that you check to make sure that your bike and lock can’t be lifted up and off of the object.
The type of lock that you use for you bike is important – there are many good options on the market, but U-locks are generally regarded as the safest option. Lock your bike up high (too low and it’s easy for a thief to break the lock) and always lock to the frame – never to a wheel.

On the off chance your bike is stolen, make sure that you have a picture of the bicycle to aid in the search when you report it as stolen to the police. It helps if you have your name and contact information etched into an inconspicuous location on the bike for proof of ownership. Also consider adding your bike to the National Bike Registry.

Properly Insure Your Cycle

Ok, we’ll admit it – there is not a product called ‘bicycle insurance’ like there is auto insurance or motorcycle insurance, but a bicycle is still a valuable and potentially dangerous object. There are two things you should make sure to properly insure: yourself, and your bike.

First, make sure that your cycle (and all of its upgrades and accessories) are listed in your home inventory. A home inventory is the only way to guarantee that you have a comprehensive list of your belongings in the event of a total loss, and it can be invaluable if you ever need to file a home insurance claim. Owners of particularly expensive bicycles should consider an endorsement for complete coverage.

Second, you need to make sure that you are covered in case of a bicycle accident. If you get sued because you injure someone in a bicycle accident, there should be liability coverage in your homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance that will cover you.

To find out more if your insurance policies are ready for your bicycling journeys, talk to your Massachusetts insurance agent at Vargas and Vargas Insurance – just call 617-298-0655. We can review your home insurance to cover your bike and check your liability protection. Make sure to mention to your agent if you’re going to be riding your bike instead of driving your car when you run errands or to commute to work, because less driving could mean a reduction in your auto insurance premium.

Recap: How to Avoid Auto Accidents

Posted on March 2, 2018February 22, 2018 by cvargas

Driving is a part of life. You probably go to and from many places in a week, and don’t think at all about the possibility of getting involved in a collision. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents happen, so make sure that you do your part to avoid damaging your vehicle, as well as avoid injuring yourself and any passengers.

Here are some quick tips that we posted last week on the best ways that you can avoid auto accidents:

Obey the speed limit and all traffic laws, and don’t try to “beat” yellow traffic lights.
Don’t drive while fatigued, emotional, or otherwise impaired.
Avoid distractions from electronics and other sources while you drive.
If you can, wait to drive until weather conditions like fog, rain, and snow have passed.

Following these simple tips will help to ensure that you don’t get into an accident. Don’t be afraid to share them with your loved ones to let them know that you care.

Unfortunately, though, sometimes accidents are unavoidable. To make sure that you and your vehicle are protected, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 and ask about getting a quote or review for your Massachusetts auto insurance policy. Our friendly agents will be happy to help you get the right coverage at a price that fits your budget.

Easy “DIY” Projects You Can Do in One Weekend

Posted on March 1, 2018February 22, 2018 by cvargas

Do you ever get the itch to tackle a DIY (do-it-yourself) project? Home improvement tasks don’t have to be complicated or expensive, and there are many simple tasks can make a huge difference to your home. Springtime is also the perfect time to spruce up your home while you recover from the doldrums of winter and prepare for a summer of fun and festivities.

This week, our employees shared some of their favorite easy home projects that make an impact without too much effort:

Improve Curb Appeal

The front of your home is the first thing people see upon arriving, so make sure that it is ready to make a good first impression. When was the last time you cleaned the outside of your front door? Years of ice and pollen can leave residue, and a hard scrubbing can make a big difference. Once it’s clean, take the opportunity to apply touch-up paint, if needed.

Entryways always look more inviting with a little touch of character, so add a wreath or topiary. You can even consider adding a small chair or bench, if there is room, and decorating it with some weather-proof pillows. To go above and beyond sprucing up your front yard, fix any cracks in the driveway and walkways.

Plant a Garden

If your front yard isn’t in need of improvement, maybe the backyard could use some TLC. A garden is a beautiful and useful project that you can benefit from for years to come. Grow flowers for your home or to give to friends or grow herbs and fruits and vegetables that will provide organic produce for your family. A few of the vegetables that grow well in Massachusetts are:

Lettuce
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Snap Peas
Broccoli
And More

Setting up your garden is a great weekend project, but tending it is a hobby that will keep you busy. Make sure that you do plenty of research and talk to professionals about the best time to plant, and how to care for your garden.

Update a Lighting Fixture

The lighting fixture is one of the most prominent fixtures in a room, and updating it to something new is probably easier than you think. Remember to turn off the power to the fixture on your circuit breaker before you begin, then it’s simple to go down with the old and up with the new (or just take the old one down and give it a new coat of paint). While you’re updating your light, make sure to install an energy efficient bulb in the fixture!

Install Crown Molding

Want to make your home seem more elegant? It’s a tough job, but crown molding is one of the easiest ways to do so. A slightly more advanced DIY project, you will need the ability to cut the molding to the right size and attach it securely to the wall. Make sure that you use paintable caulk when completing this job. Crown molding is subtle, but it can really transform a space, and it’s something that will make an impact on potential buyers if you ever decide to sell your home.

Replace Cabinet and Drawer Hardware

How long have you been using the same hardware in your kitchen and bathroom? These knobs and handles are something you probably interact with several times a day, so changing them to something new can be a refreshing update. Note how many you will need for the room you choose to update, and make sure to buy a few extra, just in case. Then it’s as easy as grabbing a screwdriver to get your new look! Just make sure to get new hardware with the same number of screws (and at the same distance) as the old – otherwise you will need to drill holes in your cabinets, adding to the complexity of the project.

Paint an Accent Wall

An accent wall is a great way to add a pop of color to a room without overstimulating its inhabitants. Choose a small wall – typically one of the first that you see upon entering the room. Estimate the square footage of the wall to ensure that you purchase the right amount of paint, and make sure that you purchase a few drop cloths to protect your carpet and furniture while you do the painting. What’s nice about this project is that the hardest part of painting an accent wall is picking out the color… or maybe moving a few pieces of furniture out of the way. Once you do that, you’re only a few hours away from a transformed space!

Get Creative Making Art

If painting a wall isn’t your cup of tea, you can tackle an even easier project with DIY art. Some paint and a large canvas is all it takes to create a masterpiece for a wall in your home. The best part is that there’s no experience needed – just find a tutorial online and have fun with it. Some projects are even foolproof enough that you can get the kids involved!

As always, make sure that you are confident in your abilities before starting a home improvement project. It is also important to have an experienced professional on speed-dial just in case you need advice or a helping hand.

So, which of these seven projects will you tackle first? Remember, if you complete a DIY project that adds value to your home (like installing a new lighting fixture or molding), you should talk to your Massachusetts insurance agent in order to make sure that the increased home value is reflected in your home insurance policy.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance

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Month: March 2018