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Never Pay For These Items with Cash

Posted on by cvargas

We buy so many things today, that it’s easy to just pay for something without thinking of the payment method you use. While it typically doesn’t matter how you choose to pay for an item, there is a small list of things that you should never pay for with cash. Here is a list of a few of the items that you should pay for without use of bills, and a short explanation for why:

Never pay for these items with cash

Rental Cars

Did you know that credit cards offer a variety of benefits when you use them to book a rental car? In fact, in most cases, your credit card will offer insurance for your rental, allowing you to decline the additional insurance offered to you at the rental counter. They will even sometimes offer free roadside assistance. You may also be covered by your Massachusetts auto or home insurance policies – just call our office for more information.

Plane Tickets

As with rental cars, paying for plane tickets with a credit card has its benefits. These depend on the credit card company that you use, but could include baggage loss protection, free airport lounge access, emergency translation assistance, and more. These are all perks that you wouldn’t be eligible for if you paid cash for your tickets!

Medical Expenses

When it comes time to do your taxes, you may need records of all of your medical expenditures to qualify for certain tax breaks. If you paid your medical bills in cash, you may be out of luck. However, if you used a card, you will have a statement to prove when you incurred expenses, as well as how much you paid.

Donations to Charity

Another record that you will need to have when it’s time to file your taxes is the amount that you spent on charitable donations so that you can properly deduct your charitable donations. As with medical expenses, having the expenses documented on your credit or debit account will make things easier – which is something we all desire when taxes are involved!

Appliances

Did you know that credit cards typically offer extended warranty protection? This means that you will be protected if your appliances break for a while even after the manufacturer’s warranty expires – just call your credit card company and explain your situation – they may be able to offer you a full refund. This added protection is only something that you can get on items that you pay for with your card, though!

A House

Some people are under the impression that ‘the bigger the down payment, the better.’ While it’s true that a bigger down payment will decrease your monthly mortgage payment, your money could be better spent elsewhere. It turns out that paying a smaller down payment and investing the rest of your money in the stock market will typically result in better returns for your money. Talk to a financial planner to learn more.

If you need any more tips about buying a home, feel free to visit Vargas and Vargas Insurance’s sister site, First Time Home Buyer Tools. There, we blog about all sorts of tips and tricks that you can use when buying a home – including making sure that you don’t pay in cash! Also remember that when you buy a home, Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency is the first stop that you should make for your Massachusetts home insurance policy – just call 617-298-0655.

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Will My Home Insurance Cover Dog Bite Claims?

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Do you have a dog? It has been estimated that there are over 80,000 dogs were living in the US as pets in 2014, and that number has been growing steadily for several years. One thing that we believe all dog owners should know is that no matter how good tempered your pet is, there is always the change that you could have to make a home insurance claim one day due to a dog bite. If that day ever comes, the folks here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency want to make sure that you are covered.

Will My Home Insurance Cover Dog Bite Claims?

The Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

While every breed of dog has the potential to be dangerous, one type of dog has been statistically shown to be the most dangerous. The most hazardous dogs tend to come from the Molosser breeds, a category of solidly built, large dog breeds that all descend from the same common ancestor. Molosser breeds include Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Boxers, among others.

While these breeds account for only 9% of the dog population in the US, they are responsible for 81% of harmful attacks, including 76% of attacks on children, 87% of attacks on adults, 72% of dog bite fatalities, and 81% of maiming attacks. Because of this, some insurance policies will not cover these breeds of dog. If you have a Molosser breed of dog, or are thinking of purchasing one, please contact your Boston home insurance representative to talk about your insurance options so that you will be covered in all situations.

A Typical Dog Bite Claim

Will my home insurance cover dog bite claims?Here are a few facts about dogs and dog bites that every pet owner should know to aid in their full understanding of just how financially (and medically) serious a dog bite claim can be. According to the Insurance Information Institute:

4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year.

Of these 4.5 million, almost 900,000 require medical attention due to the severity of their injuries.

In 2013, there were over 17,000 claims nationwide due to dog bites.

The average cost per claim in 2014 was over $32,000.

Insurance providers paid out over $530 million in dog-related claims in 2014.

Would your home insurance policy completely cover you if your dog were to cause a claim? If your insurance is insufficient, you could end up paying the costs out of pocket, which could be financially devastating.

Specialized Home Insurance Coverage

If you have (or are thinking of purchasing) a dog, please call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 so that one of our agents can check your MA home insurance policy. We will make sure that your policy will cover you in case of a dog bite, that it covers your breed of dog, and will ensure that you have the right amount of liability coverage for this event. If you have any questions about how your home insurance coverage would handle a dog bite, or if you have any other insurance questions, feel free to call and talk to us at any time – Vargas and Vargas Insurance is your #1 resource when it comes to Massachusetts home insurance policies!

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Do You Have a Living Will?

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No one ever expects to be in a serious accident, but it is important to always make sure that you plan for the unexpected. That’s why you purchase insurance policies, and it’s the same reason why you should have a living will.

Do you have a living will? - Health Insurance

When you’re done acquiring a life insurance policy from the experts here at Vargas and Vargas, take the time to write up a living will. In the rare event that you are injured and unable to communicate your health care wishes to your doctors and loved ones, this document will legally outline explicit instructions regarding your wishes.

Do you have a living will?  Here are a few suggestions of what should be included in your living will or health care directive:

Designation of a health care proxy – Your living will is a guideline in the event that you are permanently unconscious. It will not be able to make your wishes clear in every potential situation. Because of this, you will need to appoint a health care proxy, a person that will interpret your health care directive and make decisions on your behalf. In order to ensure that this person is aware of your intentions, you should speak with them about your wishes while you are healthy. It may be a difficult conversation, but it could mean a world of difference in the long run.

The point at which care should be discontinued – In some cases, people wish to have certain treatments be administered, but only while improvement is possible. It is helpful to health care professionals and families if there is express statement of the period of time that these can be administered if no improvement is shown. For example, you may wish to allow a feeding tube in the initial stages of treatment, but wish to discontinue its use if no improvement is shown in your condition.

Desired palliative care measures – You should think about and express the pain relieving measures that should be taken if you do not wish to accept life-prolonging treatments. This list can include medicines, or even whether or not you would like to be moved from the hospital into the comfort of your own home.

Treatments to exclude – If there are any types of treatment that you do not wish to have, make sure that these are stated in your living will. Common items on this list include a ventilator, intravenous feeding tube, blood transfusion, and dialysis, to name a few.

If you have any questions about medical treatments while creating your living will, you can talk to your doctor. He or she will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the benefits and drawbacks of medical treatments, and can give you resources that could help to inform you while you make these very important decisions.

Once your living will has been created, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency for a life or health insurance review. We will help to ensure that you have the right amount of coverage to take care of your final expenses, and more. It’s free and easy to get an insurance review for any of your policies – just call our agency at 617-298-0655. We are always happy to help you evaluate your insurance needs, and to give out free quotes.

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Is Ride Sharing Worth the Risk?

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When was the last time that you needed a ride at the last minute? If you didn’t want to inconvenience a family member or friend, you may have called a taxi or scheduled a ride through a limousine company. There is a new option entering the market for people in this predicament, though. It is called “Ride Sharing,” and though the concept may sound technologically savvy, it presents several concerns to drivers and passengers that use the associated apps.

Ride Sharing
Photo courtesy: Arbella Insurance

The Rise of Ride Sharing Apps

In the old days, you used to have to hire a limo or a cab if you needed a ride on short notice. Nowadays, though, there are several apps that provide Ride Sharing services. It’s a way for drivers to earn some extra cash providing rides whenever they can, using their personal vehicle.

Using one of these apps as easy as installing Uber, Lyft, or Sidecar and requesting a ride. A verified driver will pick you up and take you to your destination. You can even pay the driver, rate them, and tip them through the app in most cases.

The Auto Insurance Conundrum

For the most part, a ride that is taken (or given) with a ridesharing app can be broken down into three parts. The first is when the driver is looking for work, but does not yet have a client. The second is when the driver is on their way to a waiting client. And the third (as you could probably guess) is when the driver is transporting the client.

The issue that is cropping up all over the country is this: What happens when a driver is in an accident? Ride Sharing companies claim to provide excess liability insurance for their drivers, but consider this scenario: in California, an Uber driver hit and killed a six year old girl on his way to pick up a customer. The driver’s personal auto insurance policy says that Uber should be responsible because the app was active, but Uber is refusing liability because there was no passenger in the car at the time of the accident. And that’s just one example of a case – there are many more cases like this happening throughout the country, and drivers are learning the hard way that the insurance situation in these cases is very complicated.

Insurance Loopholes

An infographic provided by our friends at Arbella Insurance shows just a few of the insurance loopholes that you may encounter if you drive for a ridesharing company:

If you are running a ride sharing application, your personal auto insurance policy may not cover you for damages or losses.

Violations and accidents that occur when you are running a ride sharing app could still cause an increase in your personal insurance rates.

Ride Sharing services may provide you with additional liability insurance, but their coverage may have significant gaps. Deductibles on their insurance may also be as high as $1,000. And if they don’t provide enough coverage, you could be responsible for the difference!

So before you start to hire out your car to make a little bit of extra cash, you should carefully consider the risks that you could be undertaking. If you are still interested in taking part in the Ride Sharing phenomenon, make sure that you call your Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent at 617-298-0655 before you even think about picking up your first customer. As auto insurance experts, we will be able to help you ensure that you’re covered in all of the situations that you encounter on the road – even if you have a client in tow.

*Edit: There is now coverage available for drivers while they are logged in to ride sharing apps but do not have an active passenger. Read more on Insurance Journal here: ISO Introduces Endorsements to Address Ridesharing Policy Gaps

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Does Your Home Pass This Safety Checklist? – Part 2

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It’s time for the second part of our home safety checklist! As we stated in the first part “Does Your Home Pass This Safety Checklist” of this two part blog series, there are two important ways to protect your home. The first is with a top notch Dorchester home insurance policy from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. The second is by regularly ensuring that your home is safe.

Does Your Home Pass This Safety Checklist - Part 2

We have already covered the safety checklist for many parts of the home, including outside, in the garage and entryways, and the hallways, stairs, living room, and dining room. Now we will share safety tips and concerns for the rest of your home:

Family Room

Seating should be easy to reach and guests and family members should be able to get up and down from chairs without assistance.

Electrical stations (like an entertainment system) should hold wires out of sight and away from walkways.

The room should be clutter free, and easy to navigate without any tripping hazards.

Bathrooms

Hot and cold taps on all showers and sinks should be labeled clearly.

If appropriate, install a grab-bar for added supports near showers and tubs, and next to toilets.

Medicines should be in their appropriate containers, and locked with a child-proof lid if there are little ones in the house.

Kitchen

Frequently used items should be within arm’s reach, instead of being hidden in cabinets or pantries.

Flammable objects like towels, curtains, and potholders should be kept away from heat sources.

Ensure that the ventilation system is functioning properly, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding vent maintenance.

Work and cooking areas should be well lit to avoid accidents.

If necessary, have a stepping stool available that is sturdy and easy to move.

Everyone in your home should know where there is a fire extinguisher, and how to use it.

Laundry Room

Getting clothes in and out of the washer and dryer should be easy. If the appliances are too low, consider installing risers or pedestals.

Laundry supplies should be easy to reach for adults, but out of the reach of children.

Tripping hazards like laundry baskets and dirty clothes should be off of the floor.

Bedrooms

There should be a traditional light or lamp, a flashlight, and a telephone within reach of every bed in your home.

Closets should be clutter-free, and organized properly. Do not store heavy items on high shelves to avoid heavy falling objects.

If this checklist has alerted you to any changes or addition that you need to make to your home, please make sure that you have all major projects completed by a certified professional. They will be able to ensure that everything is done according to Massachusetts building codes.

Have questions about your home insurance policy? Just call our office at 617-298-0655. We will be happy to review your home insurance policy for coverage gaps, and will check to see if you are eligible for any additional discounts. The call will only take a few minutes, so don’t wait!

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Does Your Home Pass This Safety Checklist?

Posted on by cvargas

You and your family spend a lot of time in your home, and it is your own responsibility to make sure that it is safe. While it is very important to have the right Massachusetts home insurance policy as protection against danger, you should also focus on doing everything in your power to prevent potential catastrophes.

Does Your Home Pass This Safety Checklist

In this effort, we encourage you to print out the following list and walk around your home, evaluating each point and making notes of what changes and improvements need to be made.

Outside the Home

All areas where there will be foot traffic should have adequate lighting. This includes the driveway, garage, and walkways.

The driveway and all walkways should be smooth and evenly paved to avoid anyone tripping over uneven pavement.

If there are steps up to a porch or front door, they should be well lit and have handrails. Handrails should also be installed on steep walkways.

Ensure that shrubs and bushes are kept trimmed so that they do not breach areas where people or cars will be.

Garage and Entryways

Make sure that there is a clear path from your car into your home. Garage walkways should be free of clutter and lit well.

In the entryway, make sure that the doorway is clear and that the doorbell or knocker is easily visible to guests.

Doormats should be non-slip, and should not have upturned corners.

Locks should be in good working order and all exterior doors should be equipped with an alarm and a deadbolt.

Hallways

Carpets should be slip-proof, or have an anti-skid backing.

Hallway lights should be controlled by a switch at both ends of the hall.

If necessary, ensure that hallways are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

Doorways and Stairs

All doors should open easily. Consider installing lever door handles that are easier for some people to use than traditional knobs.

Stairs should have railings on both sides and each step should be clearly visible.

If a staircase is carpeted, the carpet should be in good condition and present no tripping hazards.

If there are any low beams near stairs where people could hit their head, make sure that they are properly padded.

Living and Dining Room

Rooms should be free of clutter and have clear walking paths.

Flooring (including tile, linoleum, or carpet) should be in good condition and smooth – repair any frayed or chipped flooring or anything that constitutes a tripping hazard.

Furniture should be stable so that it is not a tipping hazard.

Shades or blinds should be securely attached to the window frame or wall, and should open easily.

Does your home pass this safety checklist? We still have lots of tips for keeping your home safe, including instructions for accident-proofing your family room, bathrooms, kitchen, and more! And remember – prevention is your first line of defense, but you still need to have a top of the line Boston home insurance policy for when calamity strikes. For a free home insurance review call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.

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Factors that Affect Your Boston Insurance Quote

Posted on by cvargas

Insurance is a great way to protect your investments and your family against calamities. While there are insurance providers everywhere (if you haven’t seen a commercial for one lately you must be hiding under a rock) there is only one way to make sure to get the best Boston insurance quote for your needs. That is to use an independent insurance agent like Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency!

Factors that Affect Your Boston Insurance Quote

When you call us for an insurance quote, we will search several providers to make sure that you get a great policy at a great price. When determining an insurance premium, most insurance providers will consider similar factors. These differ for each type of insurance. Here are the most common factors that usually affect the insurance quotes for four different types of insurance coverage:

Home Insurance Quotes

  • Age and features of home, including electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC and more.
  • Home’s location – risk for natural disaster and crime, proximity to police and fire stations, building costs in the area.
  • Claim history of the homeowner(s).
  • Risk factors in the home, including swimming pools, trampolines, etc.
  • Credit score of the homeowner(s).
  • Amount and value of possessions to be insured.

Note: Renters insurance is very similar to home insurance, and typically considers many of the same factors. TIP: To lower your quote, update your home and prevent risks with safety measures.

Auto Insurance Quotes

  • Age, gender, marital status, and profession of the primary drivers.
  • City or cities where the car is often driven.
  • Vehicle’s size, age, and safety rating.
  • Vehicle value and/or replacement cost.
  • Driving history of the drivers (reported accidents, past insurance claims).
  • Average mileage car is driven in a week or month.
  • Reasons car is driven (personal, business, or both). Lower your quote by driving a safe car and being mindful of your driving habits.

Health Insurance Quotes

  • Person’s gender, age, and preexisting conditions.
  • Family history of the insured.
  • Tobacco use including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or snuff. Body Mass Index.
  • Person’s profession and its implications on health (increased stress, sedentary or active lifestyle, etc).

Many of these factors are also considered when you are looking for a life insurance quote. TIP: Lower your quote by losing weight, exercising regularly, and ceasing use of tobacco products.

Business Insurance Quotes

  • State(s) of operation.
  • Amount of gross sales per year.
  • Number of employees and/or independent contractors.
  • Nature of the business (computer based, service based, increased risks of danger). Physical location of the business property.
  • Amount of equipment and inventory owned by the business.

TIP: To lower your quote, use safety devices to prevent theft, ensure that employees are properly trained, and look into discounts offered by trade associations.

If you or someone that you know is in the market for an insurance quote in the Greater Boston Area, we hope that Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency comes to mind. With one quick call to 617-298-0655, you can speak with an insurance agent that will make sure that you get a quality insurance quote at a lot price. We look forward to earning your business.

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4 Small Business Insurance Tips

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As a small business owner, you’re probably always focused on lowering your business’s costs. Thankfully, Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency can help you with that! Today, we want to share with you four tips to lower your small business insurance costs.

small business insurance tips

There are many things that are unpredictable in the course of doing business, but the cost of your insurance policy from our agency is something you can count on. Here are the four tips that can help you save:

Manage Your Risk Levels

The purpose of insurance is to protect you against unexpected losses. While this protection is crucial, it is best for your business if you don’t have to make a claim. Avoiding risks will save you the stress of dealing with a calamity, as well as saving you the cost of your insurance deductible.

As they say “the best offense is a good defense.” This is as true in insurance as it is in sports. If you take the time to mitigate your business’s exposure to risk, you can help to ensure that you won’t need to deal with a claim. Some types of risk mitigation can even earn you a discount on your small business insurance! These include safety measures like alarm systems and more – just ask your insurance agent for a list of potential discounts.

Re-evaluate Your Deductible

If you are successful in mitigating your risks, you may feel comfortable raising your insurance policy’s deductible. This means that you will pay more in the event that you make a claim, but it also has an inverse relationship with your premium. This means that increasing your deductible will lower your premium.

If you want to avoid the need to scrounge together a deductible payment in the event of a claim, you can help your business out by setting aside money equal to your policy’s deductible. That way, you have enough money to cover your deductible set aside if you need to make a claim.

Bundle Your Policies

A small business insurance policy is made up of many pieces. The more pieces that you are able to bundle under your business owners policy, the more you will save – just like when you bundle your personal home insurance and auto insurance.

When you’re looking for a new policy, ask your agent about combining all of the business insurance coverage types that you need, including property coverage, liability coverage, workers compensation, commercial auto insurance, group benefits, and more.

Review Your Coverage Annually

When was the last time that an insurance professional reviewed your coverage? It’s easy to get comfortable with your insurance provider, but taking a few minutes each year to discuss your coverage with an agent could save you money! Here at Vargas and Vargas, we can search to see if changing providers could save you money. We can also check to see if your current provider offers any new discounts for which you qualify.

To speak with a small business insurance expert, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We insure many businesses here in Massachusetts, and would be happy to evaluate your business’s unique needs and craft you a quote for a new business insurance policy.

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Don’t Believe These House Insurance Myths

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You can’t believe everything that you hear – and that’s doubly true when it comes to house insurance policies. It turns out, some people give really bad advice, and say things about home insurance that simply isn’t true. As an expert in Massachusetts home insurance policies, the folks here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency want to clear up some of the confusion about a few popular myths.

House Insurance myths

Before we start, it is important to note that every house insurance policy is unique. While the examples that we give here will be true in most cases, you should always check with your insurance agent before making any decisions about your policies.

“People I hire to work at my home are covered under my house insurance.”

Your home insurance liability protection will cover you and your friends and family when they are on your property. In most cases, it will also cover any part time workers that you employ – like babysitters, snow plowers, and dog walkers. Someone that works full time as a contractor for another business probably won’t be covered by your home insurance, though. They should be covered by their employer’s workers compensation. Check to ensure that this is true before hiring any contractors to ensure that you are protected.

“I run a business out of my home – that means it’s covered by my home insurance.”

Even if you are the sole employee of a home-based business, you may need a special insurance policy (or a rider on your home insurance) to make sure that your business is covered. Talk to your home insurance agent to find out how you can get business liability coverage and protection for your business’s assets.

“A neighbor’s tree fell and damaged my fence – his insurance will cover the damages.”

No one can be liable for acts of nature – including fallen trees. This means that your insurance will need to cover the damages incurred, even if the tree was growing on your neighbor’s property. This will naturally be subject to your insurance policy’s coverage and your deductible amount, as with any insurance claim.

“I have plenty of liability coverage under my house insurance, so I don’t need an umbrella insurance policy.”

An umbrella insurance policy does much more than add liability coverage to your home insurance policy! It also provides you with court costs, protects you against libel and slander, covers you while you’re away from your property, and much more. For all of these reasons and more, an umbrella insurance policy is a wise investment.

“All of my property is protected under my Massachusetts house insurance policy.”

In some cases, special property will need a rider on your home insurance policy in order to be fully protected. The most prevalent case of this is jewelry. Home insurance will cover jewelry up to a specific amount unless you purchase a jewelry rider. This is also true for certain collections, expensive rugs, antiques, etc.

If you have any questions about your house insurance, or how to ensure that you are fully protected, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. Our agents would love to inspect your policy to make sure that you have all the necessary coverage so that you and your loved ones are taken care of in case of a calamity.

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Do You Have Knob and Tube Electrical Wiring?

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In recent centuries, we have made many advances in the type of electrical wiring that we use in our homes. From the 1880s to the late 1930s, the go-to method used when wiring a home was called Knob and Tube wiring (also known as K&T wiring). While this used to be the de facto way to bring electricity to a home, now there are safer and more efficient ways to wire.

Do You Have Knob and Tube Electrical Wiring?

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we get a few calls every month from people asking about Knob and Tube electrical wiring, its safety concerns, and how it affects home insurance policies. Now we’re here now to set the record straight in writing:

What Homes Have Knob and Tube Wiring?

The Knob and Tube method was most prevalent from the 1880s to the 1930s, but many professionals continued to use this method of wiring up until the 1950s. Even some homes that were built in the ’60s and ’70s were constructed with Knob and Tube wiring. If your home was built in any of these periods, there is a chance that you have K&T wiring.

What Are The Potential Problems with K&T wiring?

One of the most prevalent problems with Knob and Tube wiring is that the material used to insulate it is rubber, which degrades over time. This means that the homes with K&T wiring are getting more and more dangerous as time progresses and the rubber gives way and exposes bare wiring to air and moisture. In more modern wiring systems, the insulation is made of much more durable plastic.

What is The cost Associated with Rewiring a Home?

If your home has an old Knob and Tube wiring system, you should consider spending the money to have a professional electrician update your home to a modern wiring system. The cost of this job will naturally vary depending on the electrician, size of the home, and many other factors. According to Angie’s List, though, the average cost of rewiring a 1,500 to 3,000 square foot home will be in the range of $8,000 to $15,000.

What Are The Benefits of Rewiring?

Replacing your home’s wiring is an expensive endeavor, but the benefits are well worth the costs. In addition to being much safer for your home and your family (let’s face it – replacing electrical systems is much less of a hassle than dealing with a house fire), you will also most likely qualify for a reduction in your home insurance premium because of the update. Modern electrical wiring puts your home at much less of a risk for a claim, and insurance providers will often account for that when determining what you pay.

If you rewire your home and get rid of an old Knob and Tube wiring, let your Massachusetts insurance agent know. All you have to do to speak with a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent at 617-298-0655. Our home insurance experts will be able to adjust your house insurance to reflect your safer electrical wiring, which should save you on your insurance premium!

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4 Ways How to Protect Against Identity Theft

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In today’s world, everything is connected, and almost everything is stored in ‘the cloud’ – including your personal information. It only takes one data breach for your sensitive information to get into the wrong hands. This can include banking information, your Social Security Number, and much more.

Avoid becoming the victim of identity

In light of all the recent data breaches, we want to share some tips on how you can keep your personal information protected, and avoid becoming the victim of identity theft:

Watch your existing accounts.

As soon as you learn about a data breach that happened at a company with which you do business, you need to ensure that you regularly check your related accounts. Make it a point to check the accounts for suspicious activity on a regular basis, and notify the appropriate parties if you see any unusual transactions.

We should note that this is a step that everyone should take, and it is not specific to those people are at high risk of credit fraud or identity theft. Everyone with access to accounts online should check for erroneous transactions on a regular basis.

Sign up for credit alerts and fraud protection.

If a company that you have an account with is the victim of a breach, you will likely be offered some kind of credit monitoring or identity theft protection for free, or at a reduced price. You should consider this offer! In fact, anyone with information in the cloud should have some sort of credit monitoring service. They’re often available for a very reasonable price, often less than $10 a month.

In addition, a fraud alert system will make it more difficult for someone else to create a credit account in your name. This alert will ensure that any lender or credit issuer opening a credit account in your name contacts you directly. This makes it much less likely that it be done without your knowledge. It will add one simple step to the process when you look to create a new account, but make it virtually impossible for criminals to commit credit fraud against you.

File your taxes early.

Did you know that thieves need only minimal amounts of information in order to file a fraudulent tax return in your name? If a thief is able to steal your identity and claim your tax refund, you will probably spend quite a while sorting out the resulting mess with the IRS. Save yourself the trouble by filing your taxes as early as possible, before any shady characters can.

Remain vigilant.

When you’re the victim of identity theft, or your personal information is compromised, it’s easy to monitor your information for a while. After a bit, though, you could lull into a state of complacency. Some thieves will wait before using the information that they stole in order to take advantage of this fact. This is why it’s important to remain vigilant in the monitoring and protecting of your personal information.

With all of the above tips, you can help to ensure that your personal information is protected against theft. If you would like to make sure that your physical possessions are also protected, call 617-298-0655 to speak with a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent about getting a quality home insurance or auto insurance policy from the Massachusetts insurance experts.

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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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The Potential Dangers of Melting Snow

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This winter is coming close to hitting an all-time snowfall record here in the Greater Boston Area. Most of us are ready for Spring to come, but it’s important to realize that while the snow is a pain to deal with, the water generated when it melts will be as much (if not more) of a pain.

The Potential Dangers of Melting Snow

Are you prepared to handle the threats associated with melting snow? Your home insurance policy will help you in case the new melt causes a ‘slip and fall’ accident on your property, but you may be missing another key type of insurance policy in the wake of rising waters.

Winter Snows Bring Spring Floods

There is so much snow on the ground after all of these storms, that in some places it’s hard to find the ground. Here’s a prime example – have you seen recent pictures of our beloved Fenway Park? There are reasons that the Sox go down to Florida for Spring Training! Well, when the weather starts to warm up, all of the water created by these snow drifts will need to go somewhere. Unfortunately, the ground is already frozen and saturated. This means only one thing – floods.

Protect Yourself with Flood Insurance

When the snow starts to melt and water works its way toward your property, don’t expect your home insurance policy to cover you. In fact, most home insurance policies don’t protect against flooding at all. That’s where Massachusetts flood insurance policies come in. They will provide you with the coverage necessary to protect your property and your possessions against rising waters.

Purchase Coverage ASAP!

Did you know that flood insurance doesn’t begin to protect you until 30 days after it is purchased? That is why it is so important that you do not wait until Spring to purchase a flood insurance policy! The first day of spring is coming up fast (March 20th, to be exact) so now is the perfect time to invest in a policy.

For most homes that are in a preferred flood zone, a flood insurance policy would cost less than $500 a year – and this small cost is well worth the protection that it provides. For most one family homes, a flood insurance policy can provide up to $250,000 worth of coverage for the structure, and an additional $100,000 in coverage for the home’s contents. Businesses can have up to $1 million in coverage – $500,000 for the business’s structure, and $500,000 for its contents.

In addition to snow melting, flood insurance will also protect you against floods due to many other causes, including the heavy rainfall that we sometimes experience in the spring and summer, and even into the Fall hurricane season floods.

If you want to learn more about how a flood insurance policy can protect your personal or business property and possessions against the impending threat of melting snow, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. Our knowledgeable agents will be able to get you a free flood insurance quote and ensure that you purchase the policy that is best for your unique needs.

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Four Types of Individual Health Insurance

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If you’re in the market for an individual health insurance plan, you may be feeling a little lost. You’re looking for insurance to cover your prescriptions and visits to the doctor, but there are simply too many options available. For help wading through the sea of seemingly nonsensical letters that describe different types of coverage, see our handy guide below.

Four Type of Individual Health Insurance - Vargas & Vargas Insurance in Massachusetts

It’s important to realize that this is only a quick overview of the four major types of individual health insurance policies available. For a more detailed description (or advice concerning your insurance) call your Massachusetts insurance agent.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

In an HMO, you are limited in your freedom to choose a health care provider. You must choose a Primary Care provider in your HMO’s network. That Primary Care provider will most likely need to issue you a referral before you can see any type of specialist.

Minimal amount of paperwork compared to the other types of health insurance policies. Predictable out-of-pocket costs, and co-pays for each type of care.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)

With a PPO, you will have more freedom to choose your health care providers when compared to an HMO. This added freedom comes with a cost, though. Typically, a PPO has slightly higher out-of-pocket costs than HMO plans. There is also typically additional paperwork required if you wish to see a doctor out of the PPO’s network.

When you choose a PPO, you will need to pay a monthly premium, as well as copay or coinsurance for your doctor’s visits. In addition, some PPOs will require you to pay a deductible. There will most likely be no paperwork required when you see in-network doctors, but seeing an out-of-network providers may require you to full out a claim for in order to get reimbursed.

Point-of-Service Plans (POS)

HMOs and PPOs are without a doubt the two most well-known types of individual health insurance policies. What some people don’t realize, though, is that there are many other options available that may better fit their needs. For example, a Point-of-Service plan is a combination of an HMO and a PPO – with this plan you will have a primary care provider that will issue you referrals to specialists, but you still have the freedom to see out-of-network providers if you are willing to pay slightly increased costs.

The cost of a POS plan is typically slightly higher than an HMO, but less than a PPO. For some people, it is a good mix of freedom and affordability.

High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs)

Typically paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA), a HDHP is simply a health plan (it can be an HMO, PPO, or POS) with a very high deductible. In this case, the insured person pays for most of their health care out of pocket, with a cap if the maximum ‘out-of pocket amount’ is reached.

To talk to an expert about your individual health insurance options, and to find out more about the health insurance options offered here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, all you need to do is call 617-298-0655. Our friendly and knowledgeable agents would be happy to answer all of your health insurance questions, as well as to get you a free quote on a new health or life insurance policy.

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Ice Dams – Solutions for Impending Roof Damage

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It’s no secret, this winter has been one of the harshest on record in the Greater Boston area. As you shovel away snow from your sidewalk and driveway as each storm passes, make sure that you don’t ignore the snow and ice that is accumulating on your roof. It may look pretty, but there is a major threat posed by this snow buildup – ice dams. Continue reading →

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Four Simple Ways to Increase Your Car’s Value

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Are you thinking of trading in your car in the near future? If you are, it may be worth taking these four steps to increase your car’s value – this will mean that you get more for the car that you get rid of, and therefore will help you pay less for your new car!

Four Simple Ways to Increase Your Car's

Even if you’re not thinking of getting a new car on the horizon, number 4 is great advice that you can start following now to ease potential headaches down the road.

1. Clean the Interior

There is nothing quite like a good first impression when you trade in your car. Make sure that the first thing the buyer sees will be a clean, well polished interior. If your interior is already in good condition, you may only need to vacuum out recent dirt. If your interior is in slightly rougher shape, it may be worth paying for an interior cleaning at a car wash. If you really want to go the extra mile, purchase new mats from an auto supply shop.

2. Polish and Repair Headlights and Windshield

Another great way to make a positive first impression when you’re selling your car is to make sure that it shines when the buyer watches you pull up. The best way to do this is with clear, bright headlights and a windshield that is free of chips or cracks.

You can shine up or replace your headlight covers with a quick purchase from your local auto parts store, and a windshield is quickly repaired or replaced by an auto glass repair company. We are partial to Anytime Auto Glass here in the Greater Boston area – they have same day service that will come to you!

3. Make any Easy Repairs

When someone is buying your car, they will look for any reason that they can find to negotiate the price down. It is your job as the seller to make sure that very few of these opportunities exist. Before you sell, take the time to do any simple repairs. It may seem counterintuitive to spend money on a car you wish to sell, but look at it this way: the money that you spend on most repairs will come back in spades when you sell!

4. Get Your Paperwork in Order

Anyone that owns a car should follow this advice: whenever you get a receipt for anything that has been done to your car, you should save it. You can keep a physical file of invoices and repair receipts, or scan all of the papers and keep a digital folder of your records. With this information, you can easily prove that your car has been properly maintained. It should also be noted that this tip is equally applicable to almost any asset, including homes, boats, and more!

If you are in the market for a new car, make sure that you call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 to get a Brockton, Sharon, or Jamaica Plain auto insurance quote from one of our friendly and knowledgeable insurance agents. We are always happy to serve you, and look forward to finding you the perfect car insurance quote to fit your needs.

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7 Driving Mistakes That Could Put You At Risk

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Each time that you get into a vehicle, you are taking a risk. While most car trips are without peril, there are some driving habits that may put you at an increased risk for calamity. In 2013 alone, there were an estimated 3.8 million crash injuries that required medical attention, and 35,200 deaths related to traffic collisions.

7 Driving Mistakes That Could Put You At Risk

Here are 7 driving mistakes that could put you at risk:

1. Ignoring Road Conditions – Before you even think about driving somewhere, you need to consider the conditions. If it’s too wet (whether from snow or rain) or visibility is poor, you should consider postponing or cancelling your drive. A trip out of the house isn’t worth the risk if conditions are bad.

2. Driving Drunk or Drowsy – You should also consider your personal condition before you start to drive. If you have been drinking, or if you are overly tired, don’t allow yourself to pilot a vehicle. This also applies to feeling extremely angry or upset – all of these conditions will cloud your judgment and may slow your reaction time.

3. Running Yellow Lights – Some drivers take a yellow light as a sign to speed up so that you can make it through the intersection. In truth, a yellow light should signal exactly the opposite – stop safely if you can. You should only go through a yellow light if it would be unsafe for you to stop in time.

4. Not Signaling – If you want to be safe while you drive, you need to communicate with the drivers around you about your intentions. The best way to do this is with appropriate use of your turn signals!

5. Texting – When driving, you need to pay attention to the road. Texting is one thing that will ensure that you’re spending 100% of your attention elsewhere. When texting, you are much more likely to stray into another lane, fail to stop, or any number of potentially fatal driving mistakes.

6. Tailgating – You need to leave enough room between your vehicle and the car in front of you so that you can come to a safe stop or get around the vehicle if need arises. The generally accepted rule for following distance is the Three Second Rule.

7. Speeding – Did you know that speeding is the most common bad driving behavior? The speed limit represents the fastest speed you should go to be safe, so abide by it! In truth, going an extra five or ten miles an hour won’t make you reach your destination all that much faster, so don’t risk it.

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we provide Massachusetts auto insurance that will protect you in the event of a car accident. Of course, we would rather that you aren’t involved in any accidents, so please make sure that you don’t commit any of the errors above. If you need a new auto insurance quote, please contact the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.

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Umbrella Insurance: When It Rains, It Pours!

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Do you have enough insurance coverage? It’s a loaded question, to be sure. Unfortunately, this is an impossible question to answer – even for insurance experts! No matter how much coverage you buy for your home, car, and other belongings, there is always the slight chance that you will one day need to file a claim in excess of your current policy limits. That’s where an umbrella insurance policy kicks in!

umbrella insurance

What is Umbrella Insurance?

According to Investopedia, umbrella insurance is “Extra liability insurance coverage that goes beyond the limits of the insured’s home, auto or watercraft insurance. It provides an additional layer of security to those who are at risk for being sued for damages to other people’s property or injuries caused to others in an accident.”

In other words, umbrella insurance acts as an extra layer of protection on top of your existing insurance policies, just as a physical umbrella would provide extra protection from the rain on top of your existing clothing.

ithout umbrella insurance, your maximum claim limit would be the amount outlined in your insurance policy. You would be responsible for any additional damages, and paying those out of pocket can get very expensive very quickly. With an umbrella insurance policy, you have a significant amount of additional coverage that can be used for exorbitant claims on several of your existing insurance policies.

What does Umbrella Insurance cover?

Every person has different needs when it comes to umbrella coverage, but in general, the coverage protects its owner in several ways. The most prevalent use of umbrella insurance is to cover damages above and beyond existing home, auto, and other insurance policies. This includes extra coverage for:

Injuries such as slips and falls, dog bites, car accidents, etc.

Property damage like damage to a car after an auto accident, accidental damage to another person’s belongings, and more.

Lawsuits, including defense costs, attorney fees, and other related expenses.

And much more.

In addition, this policy will typically cover some types of liability not covered under other insurance policies, such as libel or slander.

Who needs this policy?

There is a common misconception that only the wealthy need umbrella insurance because they have extra assets to protect. In truth, the number of assets you have isn’t the sole reason that you would purchase this protection. Umbrella insurance is meant to protect you in the cases discussed above, typically consisting of very expensive liability damages.

Every person is capable of incurring these costly damages, so every person should talk to their Massachusetts insurance agent about obtaining an umbrella insurance policy.

How do I get an Umbrella Insurance quote?

Getting an umbrella insurance quote is easy! All you have to do is call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. Tell one of our agents about your current insurance policies and your need for additional liability insurance, and we will find the policy that is right for you. The best part is that this type of policy is typically very inexpensive, so you won’t have to spend a lot out of pocket to get a lot of extra peace of mind.

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How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

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How Much Life Insurance Do You Need

If you want to protect your loved ones in the event of your unexpected passing, a great way to do so is with a life insurance policy. Once you realize that you need this coverage, though, it can be a momentous task to try to determine exactly how much coverage you should purchase. Instead of agonizing over this issue, call your insurance agent! They will help you determine the right amount of coverage for your needs, including the following considerations:

Make sure that you leave enough behind to support those people that depend on you financially. Your life insurance policy should leave enough support for spouses and/or parents that you support, as well as enough to support children until they are able to be financially independent.

If you currently have any outstanding debt, you should probably have enough life insurance to clear it in the event of your death. A life insurance professional can help you determine which debts you should cover, but generally speaking you want to consider covering credit card debt, student loans, car loans, and mortgages.

Let’s face it – death is expensive. Make sure that you include some money in your life insurance to cover your final expenses for a funeral and burial, which could exceed $10,000. This should also include an earmarked amount to cover any estate taxes that will be incurred upon your passing.

You will also need to include any future obligations in your whole or term life insurance policy. If you want to cover your child’s college education, or want your spouse to be able to take a vacation after you pass away, this should be accounted for when determining your life insurance policy’s payout value.

In addition to being covered for all of the above, you should make sure to call and speak with your Massachusetts insurance agent if your financial situation changes, because it could affect the amount of life insurance coverage that you need. Specifically, the following situations typically require a life insurance coverage adjustment:

A change in marital status – either a marriage or a divorce will change your life insurance needs.

The birth of a child – you should probably increase your life insurance policy to cover the child until their 18th birthday, and adjust this coverage down every couple of years until they are grown.

You take on debt – as we mentioned, your life insurance should cover your debts, so let your agent know if you buy a home or a car. You may also want to increase your coverage if your credit card debt increases. Conversely, if you pay off a significant debt, you can decrease your coverage proportionally.

Retirement – the majority of life insurance coverage is meant to replace your income if you pass away. When you retire (and therefore no longer have an income) you no longer need this coverage, and your policy should be adjusted accordingly. Make sure, though, that you still have coverage for death expenses and debts.

If you’re ready to talk to one of the best insurance agents in Massachusetts, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We will be able to evaluate your financial situation and get you the perfect life insurance quote for your needs.

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Best Apps for Setting a Budget

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Best Apps for Setting a Budget

Everyone needs a good budget. You should be able to quickly determine how much you’re earning, how much you’re spending, and how much you’re saving. In the olden days, this was done with pen and paper. Then technology emerged and spreadsheet software became the best way for setting a budget. Nowadays, great budgeting tools are only a few taps away. Check out some of the following apps that will help you set (and stick to) a budget. All are available on both Android and iOS. Most are even free!

Level Money

This app syncs with your bank and credit cards, and then shows an easy-to-read infographic of how much money you may spend for the day, week, and month. Overall, it is a very simple and easy to use app, with very little customization needed.

level money

You Need a Budget

One of the best apps with a website counterparts, You Need a Budget allows users to input their income and expenses so that their available budget is available on the go. This app also allows you to see exactly how much of your budget is available in several different categories, including groceries, restaurants, business expenses, and more.

iphone-budget

Spendee

If you’re looking for an app that can help with your budget and also help you keep records of your bills and receipts, look no further than Spendee. For less than $2, this app allows you to see all of your expenses in their attractive interface, and also keep track of your bills and receipts by taking pictures of them and storing them within the app.

spendee app

Goodbudget

Have you ever heard of envelope budgeting? It’s a simple budgeting technique where you take out a certain amount of cash from each paycheck, and split that cash into several envelopes labeled with categories. The challenge is to use the envelope’s cash until you get paid again. Setting a specific budget per category is often helpful for people looking to budget, and it’s exactly what this app does!

system2

Mint.com Personal Finance

Arguably one of the most powerful budgeting tools currently available, Mint.com is a web tool with an great app counterpart. If you’re looking for a one stop shop for all of your budgeting needs, you may want to check out Mint – just be aware that to access all of its tools, you will need to give it access to your online banking accounts. But don’t fear, the information is kept safe. Once your account is set up, you will be able to budget and then keep track of all of your finances (including debit accounts, credit accounts, outstanding loans, and more) in one place!

mint personal finance

Will you be using any of these budgeting apps to help in setting a budget this year? If you do try one of these apps, let us know what you think of it! And remember that Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency could help you lower your ‘Insurance’ budget with one quick call to 617-298-0655! Speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable agents about how to lower your Dorchester home insurance, or your Boston auto insurance.

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