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Renters Insurance

Ensure that Your Jewelry is Covered

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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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Space Saving Tips for Your Home or Apartment

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When you’re looking to live in Boston, you can find it all – minimalistic or ornate, compact or spacious. If you are living somewhere more compact and need to make the most of the space you have, here are a few tools that you can use to increase your storage:

Curtain Rods

Thinking of a curtain rod probably evokes images of window treatments and shower liners. But there are so many more uses for these versatile objects! Use a small tension rod in your under-the-sink cabinet for spray bottle storage. A longer tension rod can create a dust ruffle on some beds, leaving room for under-the-bed storage. Ribbons spools can be threaded onto a rod for a gift-wrapping station during the holidays. The possibilities are endless!

Extra Shelves

When you’re short on space, never miss an opportunity for a shelf. And get creative with where you place extra shelves – bookshelves in the den or living area are good, but putting small shelves in your cabinets will take your storage game to the next level!

Furniture with Storage

Nowadays, there are nearly limitless options for furniture that include storage. Inside the ottoman is a great place for blankets and pillows, under-the-bed storage would be perfect for all those clothes that aren’t in season. And don’t forget about over-the-toilet cabinets for toiletries and more.

To make sure that all of the items that you store are protected, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 for a renter’s insurance or home insurance quote.

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Three Reasons Why You Need Renters Insurance

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You would never drive a car without auto insurance, and you should never rent an apartment or a home without the proper renters insurance policy. Here are three reasons why you and your loved ones that rent their living space should make sure that they are always covered by a Massachusetts renters insurance policy:

1. You shouldn’t rely on your landlord for coverage.

Some people believe that their landlord’s insurance will cover them. While it is true that landlords do have insurance, it is a special type of policy that only covers their belongings – typically the structure of the building and any appliances that they own and lend out with the unit (like ovens and refrigerators).

2. Your belongings are probably more valuable than you think.

It’s easy to think at first that your belongings aren’t all that valuable, but think again! If there was a fire, for example, and you lost everything, you would probably spend hundreds of dollars replacing just your clothing – let alone your furniture and electronics.

3. It’s about more than just your possessions.

Renters insurance provides many types of protection. It will cover the replacement cost of your stuff, as discussed above, but it will also cover you for accidents that could occur. For example, most policies will provide coverage if you break a neighbor’s furniture, or if someone sustains an injury tripping on an unsecured rug in your apartment.

If you want to speak to a knowledgeable Massachusetts insurance agent about getting a renters insurance quote, just call 617-298-0655. And at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we also offer special insurance for people in condos and townhomes. Don’t go unprotected any longer – call our agency for a free insurance quote today.

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Planning Your Patriots Super Bowl Party

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The New England Patriots have done it again – our boys will soon be on their way to Houston to play in the Big Game! Now that we know the lineup, it’s time to start planning a watch party with a red, white, and blue theme (my apologies to anyone from Atlanta).

If you’re going to have anyone over to watch the game on February 5th, make sure that you consider these party planning and safety tips from your friends at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency:

  • Ask your guests ahead of time if they have any food allergies, and plan your menu accordingly.
  • Before anyone arrives, move valuable and breakable objects to a room that isn’t a part of the festivities. If any of your belongings (or a part of your home) is damaged during the party, call your local insurance agent to start a home insurance claim!
  • Make sure that everything is safe for your guests – you don’t want any hazards around the house, like an icy sidewalk or rug that could be tripped over.
  • If you are serving alcohol, make sure that all partygoers have a designated driver, and don’t let anyone get too impaired.
  • If you’re going to be frying any of your party foods, keep guests (especially children) away from the fryer and out of the kitchen.

Have a great party, and make sure to show your Patriots pride on the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Facebook Page! We want to see how you are rooting for the team! And remember – to make sure that you are fully prepared for any house party, call for a free home insurance review at 617-298-0655.

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Resolutions for You and Your Home Insurance

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It’s almost the start of a new year, and that can only mean one thing – it’s time to start focusing on your goals and resolutions! If you’re looking for a resolution for the New Year, consider one of the following. They will not only improve your life but could also help you save money on your Massachusetts home insurance policy!

Get Organized – One popular resolution that people make for a new year is to get more organized. Whether you’re planning on cleaning your home from top to bottom, or even paring down some of your stuff, now would be a great time to update (or start) a home inventory! Having an up-to-date list of your valuables can be a huge help if you ever need to make a home insurance claim.

Quit Smoking – Getting healthy is a big goal for people when new year rolls around, and ‘Quit Smoking’ is on a lot of resolution lists. Did you know, though, that quitting could also save on your home insurance? Some insurance providers offer a discount if no one in the home smokes!

Go Green – If you’re aiming to do your part to help the planet this coming year, your insurance agent could help you! In some cases, eco-friendly and energy efficient appliances could reduce your home insurance premiums.

Save Money – There are lots of ways that you can save money. In addition to monitoring your spending and creating a budget, consider calling your home insurance agent or automobile insurance agent and asking what you could do to lower your insurance payment. We have several suggestions on how to make a big difference on your premium’s bottom line.

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How to Get the Best Renters Insurance

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How To Get the Best Renters Insurance

If you rent the place that you live, then you need to make sure that you have excellent coverage for all of your belongings, as well as liability protection in case of an accident. You can do this by ensuring that you have the best renters insurance possible for your condo, apartment, or other rental property.

Thankfully, here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency we have Massachusetts renter’s insurance agents at the ready that can help you do the two things that you need to do for the best Massachusetts renters insurance – get great coverage at a great price! See the breakdown below to find out exactly what you can expect with a renters insurance quote from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency:

Get Great Coverage…

A renters insurance policy is unique – it is similar to a home insurance policy, but doesn’t provide coverage for the dwelling itself (that is your landlord’s responsibility, so make sure that they have rental property insurance). Renters insurance has two major parts – coverage for your possessions in the event of a loss like a fire, and liability coverage in case someone is injured while in your residence.

If anything were to happen to your belongings or a visitor, your renters insurance will help to ensure that you’re not financially responsible for replacing your items or paying legal or medical bills. This peace of mind is priceless, so make sure that your renters insurance has enough coverage for any potentially harmful situation.

…At a Low Price!

It’s important to have comprehensive renters insurance coverage, but no one wants to pay too much for it! Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we work hard so that our clients can get great coverage at a low price. We know several discounts for which you may be eligible, and we will do everything in our power to get as many discounts as possible for you.

Some of the discounts that we offer (depending on the insurance provider that you choose) are: claim free discounts, paperless discounts, auto-pay and pay-in-full discounts, protective device and safety discounts, and much more.

Shop Independent Insurance Agencies

One thing that you can do to ensure that you get the best renters insurance possible is to get your insurance through an independent insurance agency like Vargas and Vargas Insurance. Talk to one of our agents and we will get several insurance quotes for you from many insurance providers – this way you can consider several policies side-by-side in order to determine which policy option is the best for you – for renters insurance, auto insurance, health insurance, and much more.

So, does your current renters insurance policy meet all of your needs? If you want a renters insurance quote or a review of your current renters insurance policy, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We can help you ensure that you have the best renters insurance possible! Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm.

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4 Ways to Save Money on an Engagement Ring

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4 Ways to Save Money on an Engagement Ring

Are there wedding bells in your future? If you’re getting ready to ‘put a ring on it’ as Beyoncé would say, make sure that you’re informed before buying one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry that you will likely own. In fact, there are many ways to save money on an engagement ring. Here are four common pieces of advice from the experts:

4 Ways to Save Money on an Engagement Ring:

1. Look for diamonds that weigh in just shy of critical weights.

When rings are being priced, jewelers often consider the carat weight of the diamond. You will pay a premium as the stone reaches higher and higher critical weights – multiples of half a carat. If you search for a stone that is 0.95 carats, you may find that it is noticeably less expensive than a ring will a full carat diamond, even though they look almost identical. Taking advantage of this knowledge could easily save you hundreds of dollars, depending on the carat weight of the ring you are considering.

2. Consider making your purchase online.

We buy almost everything online nowadays, but expensive jewelry is still something that we only seem to purchase in a store. Did you know, though, that you could save up to 20% on an engagement ring by buying it online? Online jewelry retailers are very competitive, meaning that they will agree to less margin than a traditional brick-and-mortar jewelry store.

If you don’t want to purchase the entire ring online, you can also consider purchasing the stone online, and having it set at your store of choice. You will save quite a bit on the stone, and will still be able to pick out a setting in person.

3. Buy in the summer for the best deals.

Summer is wedding season, so you may think that it would be the worst time of year to purchase a ring. In fact, exactly the opposite is true – because weddings are happening throughout the summer, engagements often take place in the Fall, Winter, or Spring.

This also means that summer can be a slow time for jewelers, meaning that you may have more luck trying to negotiate for a better deal as they are desperate for more sales. If you’re looking to buy before the start of summer, consider buying during the many Mother’s Day sales that jewelry stores advertise.

4. Embrace the trend of alternative stones and cuts.

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but more and more engagement rings are breaking tradition. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see engagement rings made with other gemstones, including rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and more. In addition, engagement rings are also being made in a plethora of shapes – it’s not all just round anymore! If you want an alternative gemstone or nontraditional cut, you may be able to save a bit on the final price tag.

Once you’ve done your research and decided on a ring, make sure to call your Massachusetts insurance agent at 617-298-0655. Tell us all about the ‘bling,’ and we’ll help you add a rider to your home insurance or renter’s insurance policy so that it is protected.

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Massachusetts Renters Insurance FAQ

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Massachusetts residents know that the people here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency are the foremost authority on Massachusetts insurance policies. That’s why we get so many calls and emails to ask about insurance questions. We are always happy to speak with you about your insurance questions, but we want to also answer some of our most frequently asked questions here on our blog.

Massachusetts Renters Insurance FAQ

Today, our topic will be renter’s insurance. If someone else owns the home or apartment in which you live, a Massachusetts renters insurance policy is probably right for you. Here are a few answers to common renters insurance questions:

My landlord has insurance on the property – is that enough?

In short? No. Your landlord’s insurance will only cover the structure of the house or apartment. If you want coverage for your belongings and liability protection, you need to purchase your own insurance. Speak to your insurance agent about the value of your belongings for an idea of how much coverage you need.

What does a Massachusetts renters insurance policy cover?

Depending on your unique policy, a renters insurance policy will cover your belongings in losses due to theft and vandalism, fire and smoke, lightning, windstorms, hail, and more. In addition to covering your possessions, your renters insurance will also typically include liability coverage, meaning that you will be protected in case of unintentional bodily injury and/or property damage. This coverage may also provide you with legal defense costs in these cases. 

Can my roommate and I share a renters insurance policy?

Personal insurance policies are often only written for individuals or families. This means that your insurance policy will not cover someone that isn’t related to you. If your roommate wants to protect their belongings and get liability protection, have them call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency for their own renters insurance policy!

What is the average cost of a renters insurance policy?

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average renters insurance policy costs between $15 and $30 a month. While this obviously depends on the type and size of your home or apartment, as well as the value of your possessions, it is a very small cost compared to what you would pay if you were the victim of a catastrophic loss. As with most cases, the protection afforded by an insurance policy is well worth the money spent.

How can I save money on my renters insurance policy?

Your Massachusetts insurance agent should make sure that you receive all insurance discounts for which you qualify. This may include discounts for bundling your insurance policies with the same carrier, as well as discounts for having certain safety features in your rental property, including burglar alarms, sprinkler systems, and more.

How do I get a renters insurance quote?

Getting a Massachusetts renters insurance quote is simple! All you need to do is call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. Our agents will be happy to get you a free, no-obligation insurance quote for a policy with the coverage that you need. You can also drop by one of our offices, located on Washington Street in Dorchester, or on Cabot Place in Stoughton.

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What is Renters Insurance?

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Most people fall into one of two categories: they either own the home that they live in, or they rent it. If you are a renter, then you don’t need a home insurance policy. What you need is called renters insurance, and it will make sure that you have enough coverage, without paying for more than you need.

Renters Insurance

Want to know how home insurance and renters insurance are the same, and how they differ? Here is our quick summary that will fill you in on what you need to know:

Property Protection

When you rent the place that you live, you don’t own the property itself. Because of this, you are not responsible for insuring the property. Instead, the coverage for the property is the responsibility of the property’s owner, and will be included in their rental property insurance policy. This means that you should not have to file any insurance claims on damage to your apartment or rental house’s wall, ceiling, floors, doors, or windows.

Reimbursed Living Expenses

If something happens to the place that you live, your renters insurance will typically cover your living expenses in a comparable place until the damage is fixed and your home is once more inhabitable. If your rental home or apartment is destroyed or deemed uninhabitable, call your insurance agent right away to find out what you should do so that reimbursement is allowed.

Coverage for Belongings

Just as with a home insurance policy, a renters insurance policy provides coverage for your belongings. You need to stipulate how much coverage you need, though, so make sure to get a good approximate value by completing a home inventory. This will help to ensure that you are covered in case of a total loss, but aren’t overpaying for coverage that you don’t need.

When you make your home inventory, make sure that you include everything that you own, including items like electronics, furniture, clothing, and jewelry. Also include any of your own personal appliances that are not owned by your landlord or apartment complex. That way, all of your stuff will be protected against perils like fire, smoke, theft, water damage, and more.

Liability Insurance

Another type of coverage that is typically included in both renters and home insurance is liability insurance. With this coverage, you are financially protected from the costs that rise if someone is injured at your home. Depending on your insurance provider and the policy that you choose, this can include both medical costs and legal costs, which can get very expensive, depending on the injury sustained.

As always, all of the information above depends on your insurance provider, and your specific policy. If you have any questions about the coverage included in your current policy, or if you need a new top of the line renters insurance policy quote, please call 617-298-0655 to speak with a representative here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. We will search several insurance providers to find the one that will give you the best coverage at a price that works for you and your budget.

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