How Does Weather Elsewhere Affect You? | Blog | Vargas & Vargas Insurance

Hurricane.jpgIt doesn’t matter if you are a business owner or simply a homeowner. You can be affected by adverse weather conditions in all parts of the country and the world. Even if the weather in your part of the country is warm and sunny, there may perhaps be a storm brewing elsewhere that could end up costing you.

There are two main groups of people that should take this concern very seriously; people who own seasonal or vacation homes, and business owners of all types.

Seasonal or Vacation Home Owners

Being in the northeast in the winter can be trying at times. Dealing with the cold and wind (not to mention all the snow we’ve been getting lately) is tiresome, to say the least. That is why some people opt to have vacation homes in sunnier locations as a respite from these harsh winter months. 

In this example, a seasonal homeowner would need to make sure that their southern residence is prepared for all the catastrophes of that region. Flooding and hurricanes are especially prevalent in costal areas, and they can also suffer from the occasional tornado or hail storm as well.

This is also true for second homes in other parts of the country . As a vacation homeowner, it is your duty to ensure that your property is protected from all different types of misfortune. Check with your home insurance provider to make sure that you are protected from any calamities your abode could suffer!

Business Owners

As a business owner, you know that having comprehensive business insurance coverage is an absolute must for protecting and preserving your livelihood. It is likely that your insurance agent has double and triple checked to ensure that your business location is protected from any and all disasters that could befall it.

Have you considered, though, that adversity could also develop in other parts of your supply or distribution chains? What would happen, for instance, if your gingham supplier in Kansas were to suddenly be carried off by a twister? Would you be covered?

There are two types of business insurance coverage that can help ensure that this kind of loss doesn’t affect your business’s bottom line:

Contingent business interruption coverage provides coverage if and when any of your suppliers suffers property damage that results in your business being unable to accept their goods.

Contingent extra expense coverage provides coverage when you need to minimize your business’s losses because of damage done to your supplier. In simpler terms, it will typically cover any expenses you incur that are above and beyond your typical outlay to make up for the fact that your regular supplier is unavailable.

So, no matter if you are a business owner or a home owner, make sure that you are covered for all types of weather related events that could affect you by calling and speaking to a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent today. We can help walk you through your coverage, and we will help make certain that your home or business will never be ‘under the weather.’

Call now! Our phone number is: 877-550-0025

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What Happens to My Auto Insurance After a Hit & Run?

By carlos vargas • November 21, 2025
If someone hits your car and drives off, it’s called a hit and run . Imagine leaving the grocery store to find your bumper smashed with no note or witnesses. It’s not just the damage that’s frustrating; it’s the uncertainty about what to do next. Why Are Hit & Runs Confusing? Many drivers aren't sure what to do because we aren’t often taught how insurance works for these situations. But the more you know, the more protected you’ll be. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance , we guide drivers through hit and run claims, breaking down the process in simple terms. Key Questions Answered: What is a hit & run under Massachusetts law? What auto insurance helps in this situation? Will your premium go up? What immediate steps should you take? What Is a "Hit & Run"? A "hit and run" involves another driver damaging your car or injuring you and leaving without giving their info. It could happen in a parking lot, on the street, or even at home. Massachusetts law requires you to report it and file a claim. Coverage That Helps in a Hit & Run Your auto policy can help—if you have the right coverage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Essential for covering injuries to you or passengers. Collision Coverage: Covers car damage but requires you to pay the deductible. Note: Massachusetts is a no-fault state , needing collision and/or UM coverage for protection. Will Your Insurance Rates Rise? It depends. If considered a not-at-fault accident, rates might not increase. However, lack of a police report or a history of claims might affect rates. Reporting it properly is crucial. What Actions Should You Take? Call the police immediately to file a report. Take photos of all damage and surroundings. Seek witnesses or security camera footage. Contact your insurance agent for advice on filing a claim. Keep all records , like police reports and photos. The Bottom Line You can't control reckless drivers, but you can control your preparedness. Here's what you need to know: Have collision and uninsured motorist coverage for protection. A police report is essential. Your agent is your best ally for making claim decisions.  If you’ve returned to your car to find damage without a note, you know the stress. Now you know the steps to take and the protections you need. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance , we’re here to make this simple and stress-free. Unsure if your policy protects you from a hit & run? Call us at 617-298-0655 . Let’s ensure you’re covered before it happens.

Personal Liability Insurance: What Happens When Someone Gets Hurt on Your Property

By carlos vargas • November 21, 2025
In this post, we'll guide you through what happens when someone is injured on your property, how personal liability insurance can provide protection, and the steps you should take immediately if an accident occurs. By the end, you'll understand common scenarios that trigger personal liability coverage, what's included (and not included) in a standard policy, how claims are managed, and practical tips to protect yourself both before and after an accident. Understanding Personal Liability Insurance Personal liability insurance is designed to protect you financially if you are found legally responsible for someone’s injury or damage to their property. Typically, this coverage is part of your homeowners or renters insurance policy. If an incident occurs on your property and you’re held responsible, your personal liability insurance can help cover: Medical expenses for the injured person. Legal defense costs if you’re sued. Settlement or judgment amounts awarded to the injured party. Without this coverage, you could face out-of-pocket expenses which could amount to thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the situation. Common Injury Scenarios on Your Property Personal liability coverage may be applicable in situations like: A guest slipping on an icy walkway. A child falling off a swing in your backyard. A delivery driver tripping over a loose step. A neighbor’s fence being damaged by a tree falling from your yard.  Accidents can happen even if precautions are taken, and unfortunately, being "careful" doesn't automatically shield you from legal or medical bills. What’s Not Covered It's crucial to understand that personal liability insurance doesn't cover everything. Most policies exclude: Injuries to you or household members. Intentional acts causing harm. Certain high-risk situations, such as injuries from business activities conducted at home (unless you have separate business liability coverage). Understanding these exclusions can prevent surprises and the frustrations often accompanying a denied claim. What Happens After an Injury on Your Property If someone is injured on your property: Get medical help immediately — the priority should be the person’s safety and well-being. Document the incident — take photos, collect witness statements, and record all details. Notify your insurance company — report the incident promptly, even if unsure whether the injured party will make a claim. Avoid admitting fault — stick to the facts when speaking with the injured person and your insurer. Once a claim is filed, your insurance company will: Investigate the incident. Determine whether your policy covers the claim. Handle negotiations, settlements, or defense in court if necessary. How to Protect Yourself Before an Accident Happens While insurance covers the unexpected, prevention is better than reaction. Reduce your risk by: Keeping walkways clear of ice, snow, and clutter. Repairing loose steps, handrails, and flooring. Properly maintaining landscaping and trees. Providing adequate lighting for entrances and pathways. Regular maintenance not only keeps your property safe but shows responsible behavior if a claim is filed. The Role of Your Insurance Broker An experienced insurance broker can help you: Review your policy to ensure adequate liability coverage limits. Clarify exclusions so you understand what's not covered. Guide you through the claims process if an injury occurs. Suggest umbrella insurance for additional liability protection beyond your standard policy limits. Having a broker means you aren't navigating these situations alone — you'll have someone familiar with your policy advocating for you. The Bottom Line Accidents can occur anywhere to anyone at any time. If someone gets hurt on your property, personal liability insurance can safeguard your finances, cover legal costs, and help manage the situation professionally. The key is understanding how your coverage works before you need it. This involves knowing your policy limits, understanding exclusions, and ensuring you have sufficient protection in place. Additional Resources: Insurance Information Institute – Understanding Liability Coverage NAIC – Consumer’s Guide to Home Insurance