3 Reasons Why You Need Renters Insurance

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

Posted on October 29, 2019October 29, 2019 by agentinsure

Renter’s insurance is an important thing to have, no matter what stage of life that you are in. There are many misconceptions about renting, and some Dorchester, MA area residents wrongly think that their landlord’s insurance will cover their possessions if anything should happen to their rental unit. The Vargas & Vargas Insurance team is here to help you learn more about the options that are available to you. Renter’s insurance is something you hope you won’t need but are grateful it’s there if you do!

3 Reasons You Need a Renter’s Policy

The landlord’s insurance will only cover damage to the building itself. Damage that occurs within your unit will not be covered by your landlord’s policy, as typically, they only cover the building structure and common areas.
A comprehensive renter’s policy will cover your items from theft, even away from your apartment. A good renter’s policy will protect you from the theft of any covered articles if they are stolen. In many cases, this also includes losses that occur away from your home.
Your belongings may be worth more than you think. Many renters skip insurance because they don’t think that they have anything of value that requires coverage. This is rarely the case, as most people’s electronic devices add up to a healthy amount! Also consider all of your clothing, sports equipment, household items, and furniture. Your belongings may be worth a lot more than you initially thought.

If you are living in a rental unit without insurance, now is a great time to find out more about the options that are available in the greater Dorchester, MA area. Call or stop by Vargas & Vargas Insurance today and meet with one of our helpful and knowledgeable local insurance agents.

Managing Growth

Posted on August 27, 2019August 19, 2019 by cvargas

Growth can sneak up on us. Whether it’s your family or your business, one day you realize you’ve grown larger than when you started.

Two cars when once there was one.
Five employees when previously you had two.
A new spouse when you once lived alone.

Growth is a good thing, it’s the keeping-up-with-growth that’s difficult. Unless you’re organized and prepared, then growing becomes easy-peasy.

One area we often overlook, when growth occurs is whether it sneaks up on us or we prepare for it, is with our insurance.

Here’s where your Independent Insurance Agent comes in. We help your growth spurt feel smooth, organized, and best of all, prepared for any happenstance.

We often advocate that our clients undertake an annual review with us to see what coverages best suit their needs with natural changes over time. This helps to ensure quality coverage at an affordable cost whenever possible.

Our facility as your Independent Agent is there for you to advocate and manage when the “growth” word pops up. Not only can we find the right insurance coverage for your new larger family or business, but we can help you control the costs of that insurance.

Call us today so we can discuss all of your wonderful growth opportunities and reduce any growing pains so you experience the best possible insurance solutions.

You can reach us by calling 617-298-0655 or text us at 617-409-0329 for a free, no-obligation annual review. Click here to Visit our Contact Us page.

Does renter’s insurance pay if I have to relocate?

Posted on December 31, 2018December 30, 2018 by agentinsure

You had to purchase renter’s insurance to sign the lease. Now, you have to relocate for a period due to matters that are beyond your control. Will your renter’s assurance policy in Dorchester, MA cover the costs associated with such an uprooting? Read on to find out. Contact an agent at Vargas & Vargas Insurance to learn more about renter’s insurance.

What is renter’s insurance?

A renter’s indemnity plan is a financial security net for individuals who lease or rent property. Much like homeowner’s insurance, a renter’s indemnity plan protects your possessions in the event of the apartment flooding and destroying your goods. A plan may also guard against financial turmoil for minor alterations that you make to the interior structure in efforts to make the place feel like your own.

Is assurance required?

There is no state law that mandates every renter obtain an assurance policy if they rent or lease in Dorchester, MA. Some landlords, however, may require that you purchase renter’s insurance so that you do not sue them for recompense should your goods be stolen or damaged while you reside on their property. You should look into renter’s insurance even if buying a policy is completely optional. Why would you want to forgo financial coverage?

Does renter’s insurance pay if I have to relocate?

Your renter’s insurance possibility may not cover relocation expenses. Such is the reason why you should speak with an expert from Vargas & Vargas Insurance to discuss your options and explore the possibilities of coupling umbrella insurance with your renter’s indemnity plan. Contact our office today to begin a quote and start your life of financial security with the added safety net of a good assurance policy!

Recap: Surviving Winter for Bostonians

Posted on December 11, 2018November 30, 2018 by cvargas

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” – Aristotle

There are only a few weeks left in the year, and as snowfall becomes a more regular occurrence here in Massachusetts, we want to make sure that our clients stay warm, healthy, and happy throughout the cold winter months. Here is a quick recap of our full blog post with ideas on how to make this winter the best one yet:

Be Warm – Keep the freezing temperatures outside of your home by making sure that your windows and doors aren’t drafty. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees for optimal heating and energy consumption, according to ready.gov.
Be Healthy – Colds and flus run rampant in the winter, so get a flu shot and wash your hands often. Exercise at your local gym or try a winter sport to stay in shape.
Be Happy – Don’t let the cold get you down – there are plenty of wintertime activities in the Boston area! Or, if you would rather stay inside, now is the perfect time to binge watch a new show, read a book, have a family game night, or try a new recipe that you’ve been craving!

When was the last time you reviewed your insurance policies with a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent? Call 617-298-0655 and we can chat about your home, renters, or condo insurance policy to make sure that it is providing full coverage for you and your loved ones.

Surviving Winter in Your Boston Home or Condominium

Posted on December 3, 2018November 30, 2018 by cvargas

Winter is in full swing once again here in the Boston area. What are your favorite winter activities? We want to share some tips for staying warm, healthy and happy this winter in your home, apartment or condo. Choose one or try them all! Hopefully they can make your winter a little more joyous.

How to Stay Warm

The average low temperature in Boston for winter months is easily below freezing, so staying warm can be a challenge. Before you crank up the heat, check to ensure that the cold air is staying outside where it should be. This is best done with energy efficient (and non-draft-prone) windows and doors. See about refitting your home’s windows and doors if you are falling victim to drafts – these will cost you money year-round, cooling your home in the winter and heating it in the summer.

Do you have a programmable thermostat? Setting it to 68 degrees will heat your home while also conserving energy, according to ready.gov. Make sure to lower it by 10 or more degrees at night, though, to save approximately 10% on your heating bill. Also see if you can close the heat vent and shut the door to any unused rooms in your home or condo to cut your heating costs even further. It is also prudent to ensure that you have a back-up heat source in case of a power loss.

How to Stay Healthy

During the winter, more people stay indoors, and this means an increased number of germs in your home, apartment, or condo. Stay healthy by getting a flu shot if you can, and by washing your hands often. Also, regularly disinfect the surfaces of your home that are touched often. Just in case someone in your household falls ill, have the necessary medical supplies on hand so that you don’t have to make a rushed trip to the pharmacy.

Staying healthy in the winter also means finding the opportunity to exercise. Not many people want to go for an outdoor jog in the middle of winter in Boston, but there are plenty of alternatives that will keep you fit until the warm weather returns. Many people will choose to exercise at their local gym, where cardio and weight equipment are available year-round. Some gyms in the area also offer indoor pools and/or fitness classes that can keep your exercise routine fresh and new. There are also plenty of options available for people that would rather exercise at home, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive equipment.

If you would rather continue to get your exercise out in the fresh air, choose an appropriate wintertime activity. Ice skating can be a great cardio workout, you can also try something more off-the-wall, like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Just make sure that you are dressed appropriately, and that you take plenty of breaks from the cold and that you stay hydrated as you work out outside.

How to Stay Happy

As we mentioned, the cold weather of the winter often means spending more time indoors. For some people this can lead to wintertime blues and boredom. Instead of being unhappy that you must spend so much time inside, try to be thankful for the extra time in your cozy home. Get your family together to play a board game, binge watch a tv show that looks interesting, cook up a new recipe, or check something off your reading list.

Need to get out of the house? You’re in luck! There are lots of activities in the Boston area in the winter, so you don’t need to feel like you’re cooped up – even when the city is blanketed in snow! Family activities are especially popular this time of year, including the Holiday Bricktacular at Legoland Discovery Center, Santa Saturdays at the Franklin Park Zoo, and Snowmazing! at the Boston Children’s Museum, among many others.

A few more favorites from the agents here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency include seeing The Nutcracker at the Boston Ballet, catching a Holiday Pops performance at the Boston Symphony Hall, and seeing the Christmas trees at Faneuil Hall and the Boston Common. There are plenty of events happening in the area, so bundle up and have some fun out in the city to ward off the boredom often brought by the cold weather.

We also want to make sure that you know that Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency is here for all your home, renters, and condo insurance needs this winter (and all year-round). If you want to have a chat about your current insurance policies, or if you have an insurance question, all you have to do is call us at 617-298-0655. One of our friendly and knowledgeable agents will be happy to take care of you!

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.

What Is Liability Coverage, and Why Do You Need It?

Posted on February 19, 2018February 22, 2018 by cvargas

When talking about insurance, there are many ‘buzzwords’ used that many people don’t know the meaning of. One example of this type of term is ‘liability’ – many policies have liability protection built in, but do you know precisely what it is that this type of coverage protects you from?

This is a quick guide on Massachusetts liability insurance, including the definition of the coverage, explanations of the liability coverage you probably already have as a part of your current insurance products, and an easy way to get added liability protection.

What is Liability Insurance?

Liability insurance is the critical coverage that offers financial protection if you are sued or held legally liable for damages to another person, such as property damage, injury or negligence.

Let’s face it; we live in a litigious society where getting sued is more a right of passage than something that will never happen to you. What’s more is that being involved in a lawsuit is expensive. No one wants to have an unexpected outlay of that much cash, thankfully that’s what insurance is for! Liability protection will ensure that being involved in a lawsuit doesn’t ruin your financial future.

Depending on the details of your policy, liability insurance will often cover legal costs, and will also cover restitution including damages and/or the injured party’s medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, or death benefits.

Home Insurance and Renter’s Insurance Liability Coverage

When thinking of the coverage offered by a renter’s or home insurance policy, most people will immediately jump to coverage offered to fix things that are broken or damaged – but that’s not all that these policies include!

Home and Renter’s insurance often also includes liability coverage to protect against injury and damage to others in your home for which you are held liable. For example, this usually includes situations where someone falls or otherwise injures themselves on your property.

Massachusetts Auto Insurance Liability Coverage

Most states (including Massachusetts) require that a driver have a certain minimum amount of auto insurance coverage. This is to ensure that you will be covered if you are involved in an accident.

In Massachusetts, there are four required types of coverage when purchasing auto insurance:

Bodily Injury to others: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $8,000 per person, per accident
Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident
Damage to Someone Else’s Property: $5,000 per accident

Some of this coverage is to ensure that you are able to cover medical bills and property damage to another party if they are involved in an accident that is legally deemed to be ‘your fault.’ While we certainly never plan to be involved in an accident, it’s impossible to know when one will occur. More so, we don’t know whether our next accident will be a small fender bender or something more serious – that’s why the agents at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency often recommend that you carry more auto insurance protection than what is required by the state of Massachusetts.

Commercial Liability Insurance in Massachusetts

Businesses have a lot of moving parts. Whether you own a big or small business in Massachusetts, there is a potential that you will be held liable for damages by an employee, or even a customer. Thankfully, your business insurance will have built-in liability coverage for these situations as a part of your business insurance policy.

When speaking to your commercial insurance agent, make sure to ask about additional types of liability protection that your business may need, including EPLI, Product Liability Insurance, Indemnity Insurance, Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance, Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance, Cyber Liability and Data Breach, and more.

Get Umbrella Coverage for “Above and Beyond” Protection

So, how much liability protection do you need? There is no right answer, but the expert insurance agents here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency agree: there’s no such thing as too much liability coverage. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to get this protection without increasing the coverage on each of your policies: get an umbrella insurance policy.

As discussed above, most policies have a liability component. The truth is that these are limited by the dollar amount set in the policy. Thankfully, umbrella insurance offers extra coverage that is very affordable. It offers a liability ‘umbrella’ on top of all of your existing policies. This means that if your costs or damages go above the original insurance policy’s limit, your umbrella coverage will kick in and ensure that you have added protection. This type of policy is available for both individuals and businesses, and the added protection is well worth the cost.

To talk to an experienced Massachusetts insurance agent about your liability protection, and to find out about our great deals on umbrella insurance policies, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We can get you a free umbrella insurance quote, or let you know where your liability coverage could use a little padding to ensure that your family or business is financially secure.

Does Renter’s Insurance Cover Weather-Related Damage?

Posted on January 26, 2018January 26, 2018 by agentinsure

Renters’ insurance is an important protection to have, even if you feel that you don’t need it! The coverage provided by renters’ insurance can vary from policy to policy, and it is important that clients thoroughly review what is and is not covered by their renters’ insurance. Renters are often surprised to learn that their apartment and belongings are not included in the coverage provided by their landlord’s policy.

Your Landlord’s Policy

Landlords, typically, only cover the actual building from damage, and it is likely that damage to your belongings will not be covered by the building owner’s coverage that will pay to replace or repair a leaky roof. However, most renters’ policies will reimburse you for the cost of having to temporarily relocate from an uninhabitable residence that has sustained covered damage. The agents at Vargas & Vargas Insurance are here to help determine the coverage you need to protect yourself from damage to your rental unit in the greater Dorchester, MA area.

Weather Incidents

Weather-related damage can be caused by excessive wind, hail, lightning strikes, and other acts of nature. There are ways to protect your rental home or apartment, and your belongings, should you suffer a loss due to the weather. It may be necessary to purchase additional coverage if your renter’s policy does not provide adequate protection, and the professional agents at Vargas & Vargas Insurance are here to help you through the process.

If you are in need of comprehensive renter’s insurance that includes protection from weather-related damage, please call us today, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of our clients in the greater Dorchester, MA area.

Snow Safety: A Complete Guide

Posted on January 4, 2018January 2, 2018 by cvargas

Now that the New Year has arrived, we must face the fact that the snow isn’t going away any time soon. For the next few months, you need to make sure that you and your loved ones stay safe in the frigid Massachusetts temperatures. Here are links to a few blogs that we’ve posted over the years that can help make sure of that:

Prepare for Winter Storms – We see a few major storms every winter here in the Boston area. When one threatens, make sure that you are prepared by following these guidelines.
How to Shovel Snow Safely – Shoveling snow isn’t a coveted task, but if you get stuck with the chore make sure you perform it safely with these tips.
Tips for Driving in the Snow – You’ve probably got plenty of practice driving in the ‘white stuff,’ but there’s no harm in a little refresher. Brush up now, and forward the link along to a new driver you know!
The Potential Dangers of Melting Snow – It always seems like the snow will stick around forever, but one day the temperatures will warm up enough to start the yearly melt. Be ready for the risks of melting snow with a flood insurance policy.

And there’s one more bonus blog for you in this guide – Free Activities for Snow Days! There are days where snowfall and freezing temperatures make going to work (and school) impossible, so make sure that your family has a plan for the inevitable upcoming snow days.

Here’s the bottom line. Be safe in the snow, and make sure that you have the right Massachusetts insurance policies in place just in case you have to make a claim. To check on your home or renters insurance, auto insurance, and flood insurance policies, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.

Ensure that Your Jewelry is Covered

Posted on November 20, 2017November 16, 2017 by cvargas

Everybody loves a little bit of bling. Whether your passion is precious metals, gemstones, hand crafted statement pieces, or any of the other dozens of types of jewelry out there, you need to make sure that your valuable items are properly covered – just in case. Thankfully, there are two coverages for your valuable jewelry, general coverage that comes with home and renter’s insurance, and jewelry riders for additional protection.

General jewelry coverage is a part of almost every home insurance and renter’s insurance policy that we offer here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. This will cover most casual, everyday jewelry. Check with your insurance agent to make sure that you have this basic coverage, and see how much coverage it offers.

If you have valuable items, you may want to check your insurance policy’s coverage offered for theft and mysterious disappearance. There is often a limit on the general coverage that may be less than some of your more valuable items, like a family heirloom or your engagement and wedding rings. For these cases, you may want to inquire about adding protection in the form of a jewelry rider on to your existing insurance policy.

To speak to an experienced insurance professional, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. One of our agents can tell you if you have enough coverage, and will help you add a jewelry rider to your existing insurance policies if you need some extra protection. These are typically very inexpensive, and are well worth the coverage they offer. So, don’t let your jewelry go uninsured or underinsured any longer – call us today!

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