Slimming Down Your Body, Bulking Up Your Wallet

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

Posted on November 26, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Did you know that over 75 million Americans are considered obese? The issue of weight has plagued the country for many years, and at the current rate, it will continue to be an issue far into the future.

If you are someone that is looking to lose a few pounds, you should know that it will do more than just improve your overall health – it will also benefit your wallet! Take a look at these five examples of how slimming down your body may also help to increase the amount of money in your pocket:

Spend Less at the Grocery Store

Changing your eating habits so that you can lose a few pounds will no doubt affect your grocery bill. In most cases, it will be significantly lower, due to the reduction (or elimination) of snack and dessert foods, and the smaller portion sized meals. This is especially true if you can cut sugary beverages (like soda and juice) out of your life, and drink water instead – it’s healthier, and it’s free!

Cook for Yourself, and Go Out to Eat Less Often

When losing weight, most people cut back on eating out. Cooking at home is typically a much healthier option than fast food, or the meals that you find at restaurants, and controlling portion size is a major component of weight loss.

Not only is eating at home healthier, though, it is also significantly cheaper. By skipping your trips out for a weekend breakfast, a quick drive through lunch, or a dinner date with friends, you will be able to keep money in your pockets for other things. Don’t skip out on socializing over meals, though, just make it a dinner party at your place!

Find More Job Opportunities, and Better Wages

While it’s not fair or ethical, weight discrimination in the workplace is a real thing. Overweight people may be passed over for a position if another candidate with similar qualifications is trimmer. This may be because people that weigh more are considered more of a health risk, requiring more sick days and higher healthcare costs. While the discrimination is frowned upon, the basis may be true – just keep reading.

Spend Less Time (and Money) at the Doctor

It’s no secret that slimming down will help you stay healthy. Being overweight has several related health risks, including:

Coronary heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Several types of cancer
High cholesterol or triglycerides
Sleep apnea

If you can shed a few pounds, you will be less likely to be affected by these issues, and could save yourself several trips to the doctor. This also means spending less money on co-pays, treatments, and medications.

Get Cheaper Life Insurance Premiums

For some life insurance policies, you will need to undergo a screening, or fill out a questionnaire. This procedure helps the insurance provider determine your overall health, and will be a big factor in how much your premium will cost. By bringing down your weight, some insurance providers will consider you healthier, and charge you less.

To learn more about getting affordable Massachusetts life insurance, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We can work with you to craft a policy with all the available discounts, while keeping the coverage that you and your family need.

Community Spotlight – MAHA

Posted on November 21, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Have you heard of MAHA? It’s short for the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance, an organization that has been active in our area since 1985, with a mission of providing resources to homebuyers and running campaigns that have resulted in affordable mortgages for thousands of homebuyers. In addition, their efforts have created more than $9 billion in public and private investment in affordable housing, and education programs that have graduated over 23,500 individuals.

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we pride ourselves on helping to sponsor community events, like MAHA’s Pedal Poker River Run in October and their Taste of Dorchester event in April. The folks at MAHA stepped up to the plate in turn and became a sponsor of the Boston’s Best Neighbor contest this year, and we can’t thank them enough.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance, here are summaries of just a few of their offerings:

Take a Class

If you’re looking to learn the basics about working with realtors, choosing a mortgage, budgeting, record keeping, home repair, and taxes, look no further than a class at the MAHA office. There, you can take one of three different classes: Buying a Home, Owning a Home, and Owning a Condo. In addition, they offer an Online Homebuying Course.

Take Action

MAHA is always looking for ways to make our community better and to ensure that all banks and insurers treat all neighborhoods fairly. If you want to get involved, they keep a list of their current campaigns on their website. You can also fill out a contact form and a member of their staff will contact you about getting involved.

Find a Mortgage

The people at MAHA have worked incredibly hard to negotiate Massachusetts’ most affordable mortgage rates with several lenders in the area. On their website, they offer lots of information that is useful for people looking for an affordable mortgage, including mortgage tips and FAQs, and information about the ONE Mortgage Program. In addition, you can visit the MAHA website for more information on their Lender Partners and Real Estate Network individuals.

Find the Facts

As community advocates, the people at MAHA, along with their partner organizations, have done studies that “provide a factual look at the way financial services companies are serving low- to moderate-income homebuyers and communities around the state.” If you want to browse these studies and their findings, visit the “Facts Matter” section of the MAHA website.

If you want to learn more about the great things that are happening at the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance, we encourage you to visit their website or ‘Like’ their Facebook Page. You can also visit them in person at 1803 Dorchester Avenue Monday through Friday from 9 am until 6 pm, or call them at 617-822-9100.

Stay Healthy on Business Travel Trips

Posted on November 20, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

More and more business people are starting to travel for work. With this increase in business travellers occurring, we wanted to share some tips that can help you stay healthy while you travel.

Have your health in mind when you pack.

It’s common to try your best to pack light for a business trip, but it’s worth packing a few extra things that will help you stay healthy during your trip. Here are a few ideas:

Healthy snacks like nuts and fruit – dried fruits work well for trips if you can’t bring fresh.
Workout attire, like lightweight clothing for weightlifting and cardio.
Your medications, as well as other over the counter medicines that you may need on your trip.

Stay healthy on the plane.

Don’t be tempted by the gift shop displays and fast food places at the terminal. Stick to the snacks that you have brought, or buy yourself a healthy meal. Also stay hydrated with a bottle of water.
You can also do your body a favor by taking several breaks during your flight to stretch – just make sure that you don’t do so near the forward lavatory of the plane – you may get some nasty stares or a ‘talking to’ from a flight attendant about congregating near the front of the plane.

Plan ahead for meals.

Business travel typically goes hand in hand with eating out. Restaurant meals are notorious for huge portions of unhealthy meals, but a savvy traveller can plan ahead of time and make healthy choices. If you know where you will be dining, scope out the menu for the restaurant ahead of time and pick out the healthiest choices in advance. Just be wary – a salad isn’t necessarily healthy if it’s piled with toppings and a fatty dressing!

Make an effort to work out.

You’re probably going to be mentally exhausted after a long day of business travel, but make a point to put in some extra effort and exhaust your body as well. Most hotels nowadays offer at least a small gym with the basic equipment. Otherwise, you can take a brisk walk and explore the area, or find a workout online that you can do in your hotel room without any special equipment. Body weight workouts are especially effective in this situation.

Create an emergency plan.

It is unlikely that you will experience a medical emergency while travelling, but it never hurts to be prepared. Take some time before you leave to research the walk-in clinics and hospitals in the area, or ask the front desk of your hotel for this information. Having it in advance will save you quite a headache if you do ever need it.

While they are targeted towards people who travel often for business, these tips work equally as well for people travelling for pleasure, so feel free to share this post with anyone that you know who is going on a trip in the near future (you can even use the handy “Share” buttons on the bottom of the page! Also, Vargas and Vargas representatives are available to talk to you about your travel insurance or business insurance policies, just call 617-298-0655.

Photo credit: Royalty-free image collection / Foter / CC BY

Life Insurance Scenario: Missing Body

Posted on November 19, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

In light of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 earlier this year, we wanted to share the answer to the insurance question that some of you may be asking: What happens to the life insurance policies of those people that were on board?

Unfortunately, missing persons aren’t an unusual occurrence. On the FBI’s website, you can see dozens of examples of people that are currently missing from their homes. Depending on the person, and the type and length of the life insurance policy that they have, there are three typical potential outcomes:

Possible Outcome 1: Quick Payout

If there is plenty of evidence that a person is no longer living, death certificates will be issued right away. Possibly the most famous recent case of this was the attacks of September 11, 2001. In that event most death certificates of the people who died in the attack were issued in a matter of a few days. It has been estimated that life insurance policies paid out a billion dollars in claims related to 9/11.

How quickly the payout occurs depends on the insurance provider. For example, some insurance companies (like Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty) began making payments to the beneficiaries of the missing Malaysia Airlines passengers right away.

Possible Outcome 2: Eventual Payout

If an insurance provider deems that there isn’t ample evidence that a person is deceased, they may put off the payment of their life insurance policy for anywhere from several months to a few years.

These types of scenarios are often considered on a case-by-case basis, and the following questions are considered when insurance providers are trying to determine of payment should be made:

Would the insured person be past the likely limit of human survival?
Was the insured involved in a situation with high levels of inherent danger?
Was the insured suffering from a life threatening illness or deteriorating health at the time of their disappearance?
Were the actions of the insured person consistent with their past recorded behaviors?

If the missing person would be past a logical maximum age, was in danger, or was suffering from illness, and if they were behaving in a normal fashion, most insurance providers will pay out the life insurance policy to the person’s beneficiary.

Possible Outcome 3: Late Payout

If there are too many unanswered questions for an insurance provider to feel comfortable bestowing a payout, they will often wait until the court system declares the missing person to be dead (legally, declared dead in absentia). In most cases in the US, this takes about seven years, and the situation must meet the following criteria:

The person must have been missing from their home or residence for seven years (this can vary from state to state).
The absence must be continuous and without explanation.
The absence must coincide with a lack of communication with those people most likely to hear from him or her.
There must have been diligent but unsuccessful search for the person.

While the chances of you or a loved one going missing is very slim, it never hurts to know the terms of your life insurance policy. To talk to a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent about the terms of your policy, as well as the common practices of your insurance provider, just call 617-298-0655.

Photo credit: 401(K) 2013 / Foter / CC BY-SA

Turkey Frying Tips for Thanksgiving

Posted on November 18, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

When it comes time for the Thanksgiving meal, you know one thing that is going to be on the table: a turkey. The question is how you will cook the bird. While most families opt to roast their turkey for several hours in the oven, other people swear that a fried turkey is more moist and delicious in every way.

If you are thinking about making your traditional Thanksgiving turkey in a frier this year, make sure that you do so safely. Here are a few tips that will help you to have a positive Fried Turkey experience, and avoid having a pizza for your Thanksgiving dinner this year: Continue reading →

Community Spotlight – Anytime Auto Glass

Posted on November 14, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we have been selling Boston auto insurance for many years. Over all of those years, we have seen lots of auto insurance claims, several of which involve a car breaking glass. This kind of a claim doesn’t have to be a pain anymore. In the Boston area, repairing your car’s door glass, windshield, sunroof, or any other glass is as easy as calling Anytime Auto Glass. In addition to helping our car insurance customers, Anytime Auto Glass sponsors several community events, including the Vargas and Vargas 2014 Boston’s Best Neighbor contest.

Fixed and Mobile Locations

If you need new auto glass, and want to visit the Anytime Auto Glass location, you are always free to do so – just call 617-898-8463 to make an appointment. They are located at 1560 River Street in Hyde Park.

If you don’t have the time to visit their location, they’ll come to you! They offer free and convenient mobile service anywhere within Route 495, including Boston, Newton, Brookline, Needham, Dedham, Norwood, Canton, Westwood, Braintree, Milton, and Quincy. Give them a call and see if your home or office are within their service radius.

In addition to offering both a fixed location and mobile service, Anytime Auto Glass also offers after hours service, which is great for professionals and businesses that can’t afford to wait for a glass replacement.

Get Back on the Road

Anytime Auto Glass prides themselves in only using quality materials, including the best adhesive available. This means that you can drive away safely just one hour after your new glass is installed!

Focus on Safety

When you have your auto glass serviced by Anytime Auto Glass, they will ensure that all glass is replaced according to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). They follow guidelines for FMVSS 208 Retention , FMVSS 212 Windshield Mounting , FMVSS 216 Roof Crush, and FMVSS 219 Intrusion. In addition, they are a National Glass Association Certified Glass Installer.

Fantastic Warranty

Anytime Auto Glass warranties all fixed glass replacements for as long as you own the vehicle, 90 days for stress cracks. They warranty moving parts for 90 days, not including existing mechanical parts. They have completed over 20,000 glass installations, so you can feel good about putting your vehicle in their capable hands.

If you have auto glass that needs replacing, please don’t hesitate to call the friendly folks at Anytime Auto Glass at 617-898-8463. Even if you don’t currently have any auto glass needs, you may want to store their number in your cell phone in case you need it in the future. Also “Like” the Anytime Auto Glass Facebook for business news and local updates.

6 Ways to Be More Likeable

Posted on November 13, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

In a way, the human experience is all about forming relationships with others. Some people are excellent at forming and building relationships, while others find it a challenge. If you want to appear as a likeable person to others, there are a few things that you can do to present yourself as such. We know you’re a fun and charismatic person, but sometimes you need a little bit of work to make a good first impression.

Here are a few tips and tricks you can use at your next social event to encourage others to strike up a conversation, and have a more solid shot at forming a bond with another person:

Be Approachable

The way that you look and behave can make other people more or less likely to want to approach you. Standing in a corner and folding your arms while at a party probably won’t lend itself to meeting new people. More positive and inviting body language and a smile will tell other people that you are ready for a conversation, and may lead to making some new contacts, and even a few friends!

Remember Names

In developing relationships (both romantic and non-romantic), remembering someone else’s name and using it in conversation will increase the connection between two people. This article from Forbes.com suggests a few ways to remember names if you sometimes have trouble with this task, specifically using repetition or trying word associations (Fred the Fisherman or JoAnn from Jersey, etc).

Ask Questions

Almost no one enjoys talking to someone who only talks about themselves. Avoid this by asking questions to the person that you are getting to know. If the opportunity presents itself in your conversation, ask thoughtful, non invasive questions about the other person. They will get a boost from talking about themselves, and feel that you are truly interested in knowing them on a deeper level.

Share Something

Finding a common bond is crucial in your goal to be more likeable. To this end, you should consider sharing some information about yourself with others. They will get a more complete picture of you as a person, and also feel more connected to you.

Give Compliments

People love receiving compliments, but you have to know how to give a compliment in order for it to strengthen your relationship with another person. Fake compliments can be painfully obvious, and will often alienate the other party. Instead, focus on only giving genuine, heartfelt compliments. They can be about something the other person is wearing, the things that they like to do or participate in, or even on their personality.

Be Humorous

If you want to go above and beyond to top the ‘likeability’ scale, inject your sense of humor into the conversation. Keep things appropriate, and make sure that you only make fun of neutral targets (never anything about the other person). Sharing a joke is one of the best ways to put others at ease, and can mean a stronger bond in the long run.

What other ways do you form bonds and relationships with people that you meet for the first time? If you want some practice on making friends, remember to call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency for a great insurance quote – the relationship that you form with your insurance agent can be a great help in making sure that you are protected from perils, so pick up the phone and strike up a conversation today!

Photo credit: cheetah100 / Foter / CC BY

What is Renters Insurance?

Posted on November 12, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

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.

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.

Top 5 Causes of Winter House Fires

Posted on November 11, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Winter is just around the corner here in New England. As we all prepare to celebrate the holiday season, your insurance agents here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency want to make sure that all of our clients celebrate safely.

With all of the extra holiday cheer comes a few extra risks when it comes to your home – specifically, you could be at an increased risk for a house fire. To lower your chance of dealing with a fire this winter, make sure that you’re careful with the following items:

Christmas trees and decorations.

If you’re going to put up a live christmas tree, make sure that you follow all of the proper safety protocol. If your tree starts to dry out, it is a huge matchstick in the middle of your home waiting to be lit. According to the American Christmas Tree Association, Christmas trees alone result in 13 million dollars worth of property damage annually, so check out the safety information on their website to be safe against house fires.

Old or faulty wiring.

There is a lot to plug in during the winter. If your home is older and has worn out wiring, or if you plug too many things into the same outlet, you may be at risk for a fire. Make sure that older homes have their wiring checked occasionally by a professional, and be wary about how much power you draw from each source. Try to distribute your power between outlets.

Unsupervised candles and flames.

Lit candles and fireplaces are a part of the holiday cheer. It’s certainly ok to enjoy these cozy accents, but make sure that you do so safely. Make sure that candles are on even surfaces, and never put anything near a lit fire. Also extinguish all flames when you leave the room – you should never leave flames unattended.

Heating equipment that isn’t properly used.

The weather outside may be frightful, but inside it’s delightful thanks to your home’s heating system and your trusty space heater. Again, using these items is ok as long as you do so safely. Follow all instructions in your equipment’s manual in order to avoid house fires.

Leaving the kitchen while cooking.

Winter is the season of entertaining, and there is one de-facto event of all winter get-togethers: a big meal! If you’re having guests over and cooking a big meal, you should be extra wary of all of the rules of the kitchen that will help you avoid a fire, the most important of which is to never leave your cooking unattended. These rules also apply to all other meals that you make, even if there are no guests involved.

Unfortunately, even if you enact all possible precautions, you are still at a slight risk for a house fire. To make sure that you and your family are financially protected in the event of a loss, make sure that you have your Boston home insurance policy evaluated by a Vargas and Vargas insurance professional.

Photo credit: zeze57 / Foter / CC BY-ND

The Best Things to Buy Used

Posted on November 6, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

When you need something, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to purchase something brand new, or if it’s ok to save some money and get something that has been owned by someone else. For some things, like food, mattresses, electronics, medical supplies and swimwear, buying new is the only true option. For other items, buying “used” is the way to go.

Here are a few examples of items that you can (and should) save some money on by buying them used or pre-owned:

Books and Entertainment

If you’re looking for something new to play with, you will often find that things you buy used will get you the same experience for less money. This is especially true when it comes to things like books (if you’re still reading the kind that has pages instead of buttons) and games (just make sure that it still has all the necessary pieces and parts).

Bonus tip: If you have an e-reader, you can get many books for free through the internet. Check out websites like Project Gutenberg and the Barnes and Noble Free Ebook page to see if you can find something you want to read, completely free of charge.

Clothing and Jewelry

There is no need to pay the ‘new’ premium for clothing and jewelry. Look in local thrift stores and at yard sales for clothing and accessories that you like – just make sure to check for wear and imperfections before buying. Also ensure that you wash items thoroughly before wearing them. There are a few exceptions to this advice, though: underwear, swimwear, and shoes should all be bought new, for hygiene’s sake.

Pets

Ok, we’ll admit that “Used” is a little bit of a harsh word when it comes to pets, but the premise is solid. Getting a ‘new’ pet from a breeder can be very expensive, and there are probably plenty of dogs and cats at a shelter near you that need a new family. Giving these loveable pets a home is a great thing to do, and it is also significantly cheaper than getting a premium, purebred puppy from a breeder.

Furniture

Want to replace or add a piece of furniture to your home? Don’t pay an arm and a leg at a furniture store – check out thrift stores and yard sales until you find an item that you can buy used that will fit in with your decor.

Houses

Don’t stop at furniture – buy your homes used too! While we understand that some people like the freedom of designing and constructing a new home, buying a pre-existing house can save you approximately 20% of the bottom line – that’s a huge chunk of change when you’re talking about something as expensive as a home!

It’s also important that you remember to give Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency a call if you purchase a home or a car. We will work on getting you a home insurance policy that will protect your new (or “new to you”) items with premium coverage, and at a low price. Just call 617-298-0655 now for your free and no obligation quote.

Photo credit: reynermedia / Foter / CC BY

Rental Property Insurance: Being a Landlord

Posted on November 3, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

As experts in rental property insurance, we deal with a lot of landlords here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. This has lead us to one universal conclusion: not everyone is cut out to be a landlord. Owning a property that you rent out can be a great way to acquire income, but there are some aspects of the title that not every person is suited for.

Rental Property Insurance: Being a Landlord

If you’re thinking of purchasing a property in order to become a landlord, we encourage you to ensure that you’ve done your research before spending your money. Here are some of our tidbits of advice on how to be a successful landlord.

Prepare for the worst.

Being a landlord is not a purely financial transaction. If it were, anyone could do it! Instead, you will need to also invest lots of time and energy into your rental property. Don’t get into the business if you’re not prepared to deal with tenants that constantly have maintenance requests, or don’t pay their rent on time, or generally drive you up a wall with their issues. If you’re up for that, then you may just have what it takes to be a landlord.

Get your finances in order.

If you are ready to buy a property for renting, you need to check and double check your finances. Before you even think about choosing tenants you need to have the following things in order:

Accounting and recordkeeping processes
Tax information, including interest, mortgage, and expenses
Rental property insurance policy (With the help of Vargas and Vargas, of course!)

It is a good idea to recruit the help of a financial professional to ensure that you have all of your financial bases covered, and that you’re not missing anything important.

Formulate your paperwork and policies.

Make sure that you check all of your paperwork over with a lawyer to determine if you are following the proper local, state, and national guidelines. A lawyer can also help you set up an LLC so that you aren’t personally responsible for problems with the property.

You will also need a set of ground rules before you start interviewing potential tenants. Will you charge a late fee for rent? What is your ruling on pets? What hours will you accept phone calls? How often will you be dropping by to check on the property? You can always amend these rules later, but knowing what you will allow and what won’t be tolerated will save you headaches later down the road.

Check on your property.

Later down the road, when you have your property set up and occupied, you need to make sure that you check on it every now and again. This is the only way to know for sure that the tenants aren’t destroying your place or ignoring important maintenance issues. Some landlords prefer to drop by unannounced so that they can see how their tenants live without being able to clean and prepare for a landlord’s visit.

If you’re sold on the idea of becoming a landlord, you need to call 617-298-0655 to speak with a Vargas and Vargas Insurance representative about your rental property insurance policy. We can get you a policy that will protect your new investment without causing you to budget for exorbitant insurance expenditures.

Medical Insurance: Inclusions and Exclusions

Posted on October 28, 2014April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Do you know what your medical insurance

You know that you need a medical insurance policy, but do you know what your policy covers? Do you know what events and illnesses aren’t covered by your Boston health insurance?

While all policies have slightly different coverage based on the premium amount, the insurance provider, and other factors, the basics of a health insurance policy are typically the same.

What does a typical health insurance policy include?

As you would probably expect, health insurance covers most of your doctor’s visits. The most important of these is your annual physical with your general physician. In addition, your insurance should cover additional visits to other specialty doctors, including a dermatologist, podiatrist, optometrist, and more. The obvious exclusion to this list is your annual (or bi-annual) visit to the dentist, which would be covered by a separate dental insurance policy or dental insurance rider.

A health insurance policy will also typically include coverage for vaccinations. This includes those that you get at the doctor’s office and those given at a drugstore, like the flu shot. Your medications and prescription drugs will also typically be at least partially covered through your insurance policy.

The final coverage included in most Massachusetts health insurance policies is for emergencies. Trips to the emergency room are at least partially covered under nearly all health insurance policies, so rest assured: if you have a medical emergency, you don’t have to worry about your money in addition to your health.

What won’t my medical insurance cover?

Unfortunately, having a health insurance policy doesn’t guarantee you coverage for all health-related expenses. Here are a few examples of things that most policies don’t cover:

Deluxe Hospital Services: Your insurance will probably cover at least some of your surgery, but don’t expect it to cover hospital dry cleaning, or on demand tv while in your recovery room.

Court Ordered Tests: If you are ordered by a court to have a test done (for example, a genetic test) the fee for this test will come out of your own pocket.

Elective Cosmetic Surgery: If you want to get some Botox, a facelift, or a rhinoplasty, your insurance isn’t going to pay for it out of the goodness of their hearts.

Experimental Tests or Procedures: If you want to take part in an experimental treatment for a condition, you’re going to have to do it at your own risk, and on your own dollar.

Artificial Conception: If you’re having trouble conceiving, it’s not really a health risk. Your insurance company won’t pay for any fertility treatments, or artificial conception.

If you would like to know exactly what your Boston medical insurance policy does (or doesn’t) cover, all you have to do is call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. An agency representative would be happy to review your policy and tell you what your policy will pay for, and what you should expect to have to pay for out of your own pocket. If you are unhappy with your current coverage, we can also get you a free quote on a better, more comprehensive health insurance policy.

Photo credit: Dr.Farouk / Foter / CC BY

10 Fun in the Sun Activities

Posted on July 3, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Summer is a great time to make memories with your family. It’s easy to lounge around watching television for days on end, but make it a point to venture out a few times and have an adventure. The stories and photos that you bring back home will likely last a lifetime.

10 Fun in the Sun Activities

If you need a few ideas for how you can get your family’s escapade started, check out this handy list from the staff at Vargas and Vargas Insurance:

Fun in the Sun Activities:

Enjoy an Outdoor Concert – There are a ton of outdoor concerts in Boston during the summer. Mark your calendars and check one out! They take place all over the city, including at the public library, city hall, and at the Boston Harbor Hotel.

Visit a Fair or Flea Market – When it starts getting warmer, fairs and flea markets start popping up like weeds. Treat your family to a day of fried foods and carnival rides, or snoop out a flea market in your area for specialty shops and artisan crafts.

Host a Barbecue – Bring together your friends and family this summer with a grilling party. You can set up games in your backyard, and serve up a ton of different grilled delights that are sure to please a crowd. Just make sure that you’re prepared before you fire up!

Start a Lemonade Stand – This is an age-old activity that kids love. For only a couple dollars, you can occupy your children for hours. To stretch your activity time, have them decorate their own sign, and make the lemonade from scratch. Also make sure that you ask your neighbors to drop by and support your children!

Exercise Your Green Thumb – Summer is the perfect time to spend starting a garden in your backyard. There are a ton of benefits to growing your own garden, and it’s possible to start a garden in even the smallest of spaces.

Visit a National Park – Did you know that there are 15 national parks in the state of Massachusetts? Take a day trip and visit one with your family. With all of the available choices, you are bound to find something that everyone can enjoy!

Visit the Beach – This summer activity will never go out of style. There’s something for everyone at the beach. Some people love to relax and read a good book, while others would rather swim and play volleyball. Whatever activity you choose, make sure that you protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays!

Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower – If you’re willing to get up early, you can witness quite a show come August 12th and 13th. Around 4am, our area could see up to 80 meteors an hour thanks to the Perseids – one of the best meteor showers of the year!

Cheer on the Sox at Fenway – In July and August, Fenway Park is set to host the Yankees, the Rats, the Mariners, the Diamondbacks, the Orioles, and the White Sox. With 24 home games over the two month period, there are plenty of opportunities for you and your family to spend a day at the ol’ ball game!

Try out Geocaching – Want to try a new and exciting activity this summer? Geocaching is a hot new fad, and all you need is a smartphone and a sense of direction, and a desire for adventure!

At Vargas and Vargas Insurance, our summer motto is “Work hard, play hard.” We will be enjoying these activities while the weather is nice, but we’ll still be available to help with all of your insurance needs. Just call 877-550-0025 to get an insurance quote, manage your policy, or report a claim.

Have a Car Accident? Follow These Nine Steps

Posted on July 2, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

There is no way to predict if or when you will get into a car accident. Help to prepare yourself ahead of time by becoming familiar with the steps you need to take if an accident occurs.

Have a Car Accident? Follow These Nine Steps

Many people get flustered or overwhelmed when they are in a car accident. If you’re afraid that this will happen to you, consider printing out this list and keeping it in your car’s glove compartment for easy reference.

1. Identify Injuries

Your first priority when an accident occurs should be seeing if there are any injuries. If anyone involved is injured, call an ambulance as soon as possible.

2. Notify the Police

Once everyone that was involved in the accident has been taken care of, it is time to inform the police of your accident. Later, when you speak to your insurance agency about your accident, you will probably need to have a police report available.

3. Help the Injured

While you wait for police or medical assistance to arrive, do what you can to comfort anyone that was injured in the collision. One common ailments caused by car accidents is shock, which can be helped by keeping the person warm by covering them with a blanket.

4. Survey the Accident Scene

Make sure that you take the necessary steps to protect your vehicle from further damage. If it is safe, move it out of the roadway. If you have them, you can use flares to warn other drivers of your presence. At this point, you may also want to call a tow truck. It often takes tow companies a while to reach you, so starting the process early will cut down your waiting time later.

5. Speak to the Police

Once the police arrive, you will have to provide them with information about yourself and the accident. Try to stay calm, and provide answers to their questions to the best of your ability.

6. Ask About the Accident Report

When the officer’s questions are answered, inquire about how and when you can get a copy of the accident report, as it will be a key piece of your car insurance claim.

7. Get Proper Notes and Documentation

Before you leave the scene of the accident, you need to make sure that you have a few key pieces of information about the accident. This information includes:

Names of all drivers involved
Their drivers license numbers
Their auto insurance IDs
License plate numbers of all involved cars
Make and model of all cars
Names and addresses of any witnesses
Name and badge numbers of police officers

8. Make Arrangements for Your Vehicle

If your car needs repairs, have it towed to a repair shop. Remember, though – you shouldn’t have any repairs done until after you speak to your insurance agent! You will likely need to have your vehicle inspected and damages appraised before you can have repairs approved.

9. Call Your Local Insurance Agent

Once all the above steps have been taken care of, it’s time to inform your insurance agency of your accident. If you are a Vargas and Vargas Insurance customer, you can do this by calling us at 877-550-0025 or by filling out our online claim form.

Why Do We Celebrate The 4th Of July?

Posted on June 27, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Independence Day isn’t just a great movie – it’s the celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence back in the year 1776. In the first few years of its existence, Independence Day was celebrated by 13 gun salutes, parades, official dinners, and fireworks.

Why Do We Celebrate The 4th Of July?

Today, not all that much has changed in the way that Americans celebrate the 4th of July. It has been a national holiday since 1870, and at Vargas and Vargas Insurance, our employees will be taking advantage of their day off with picnics and barbecues, red white and blue themed family get-togethers, parades, and (of course) fireworks shows. The week surrounding July 4th is noted as one of the busiest travel periods in the US!

How do you and your family plan to celebrate America’s 237th birthday?

The Massachusetts Firework Law

Some states, including Massachusetts, prohibit the sale and use of fireworks. The Massachusetts Fireworks Law (MGL Chapter 148, S. 39) states: “No person shall sell, or keep or offer for sale, or have in his possession, or under his control, or use, or explode, or cause to explode, any combustible or explosive composition or substance, or any combination of such compositions or substances, or any other article, which was prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation.”

The fireworks law also states that possession or use of fireworks will be punishable with confiscation of the fireworks, and a fine of $10-$100. This includes fireworks that were purchased lawfully in states like Connecticut or New Hampshire and brought over Massachusetts state lines illegally.

Firework Displays in the Area

Don’t risk the consequences of backyard fireworks – just the potential of a home insurance claim isn’t worth the trouble. Fireworks set off at home have been known to cause fires in dry, grassy areas, and can also sometimes veer off course and start a blaze in or around nearby homes.

Even with a backyard fireworks show out of the question, there are plenty of professional displays in our area that you can attend. If you want to find a display in your area, check out this list of events courtesy of bostoncentral.com.

Also, don’t forget about the Boston Pops Firework Spectacular! This year marks the 40th of their July 4th Spectaculars, and the show promises to be fun for the whole family. If you can’t make it to the show live, it will be broadcast locally on WBZ-TV for your viewing pleasure.

Independence Day Activities for Kids

For our readers with children, there are many activities that you can do with them on July 4th. Here are five fun and creative ideas to get you started:

Read them The Story of America’s Birthday.
Make a Star Spangled Waver for your local parade.
Take them to Children’s Day at Boston’s City Hall on July 3rd.
Let them help you create a 4th of July recipe.
Create a Care Package for the Troops.

As you can see, there are many great options on how you can celebrate Independence Day this year in the Boston area. Whatever you and your family decide to do, remember to be safe and have fun!

Remember to give us a call at 877.550.0025 for your insurance questions and needs.

Four Steps to Financial Success

Posted on June 26, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Everyone wants to be smarter with their money. It is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, and (just like exercise and weight loss) is often abandoned in no time flat.

Four Great Steps to Financial Success

While there is no true outline of exactly how you can succeed at spending less and saving more of your hard-earned money, here are four great steps that you can follow to get yourself in a financially responsible mindset:

Financial Success – 4 Steps:

1. Figure out your true goals.

Many money goals are very general. While a general goal is a good place to start, it’s important to sit down and take the time to iron out your financial desires. Instead of just saying “I want to save more of my money,” specify what it is you’re saving for, and quantify your goal with a number or percentage. For example:

“I should put 5% of my take-home pay into a retirement fund every month.”
“I want to save $3,000 for a vacation in two years.”
“I need to save $100 every month for my children’s college fund.”
“I ought to have nine months to one year’s living expenses in my emergency fund within the next five years.”

When you have a clearly defined goal, your next steps in the process will be easy.

2. Compare your goals to your lifestyle.

Now that you have a clearly defined goal, it’s time to evaluate what sort of lifestyle changes you need to make in order to achieve it. Take, for example, the vacation goal from above. If you want to sake three thousand dollars in two years, you need to save approximately $175 a month. Take a look at your normal monthly spending and find a few places where you could cut back your spending.

3. Take baby steps toward change.

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when working toward a goal is making too many changes too quickly. Instead of going cold turkey, make changes gradually.

Instead of fully cutting out your daily premium coffee, limit yourself to a few visits a week to your local barista. As you familiarize yourself with the taste of a home brew, make your caffeine runs less and less frequent over time.

The same principal goes for all money saving habits that you want to implement, including:

Eating out less
Quitting smoking
Spending less on shopping trips
Paring down your entertainment budget
Using more coupons

As you slowly develop these money saving habits, you will see yourself come closer and closer to achieving your financial goals!

4. Celebrate your progress!

As with any achievement, it is important that you give yourself a pat on the back once in a while. The sacrifices made in order to become financially responsible aren’t easy, but they will allow you to be more successful in the future.

Reinforce your good financial behavior by celebrating your accomplishments. Share your victories with friends or family, or allow yourself to splurge a bit when you attain your goal.

Also remember – these four steps will help achieve small goals. Sometimes, though, professional assistance is necessary. If you need some more help with your financial planning, please call 877-550-0025 to speak to a professional financial advisor for extra help with estate planning, annuities and stocks, and much more.

Are You Ready to Grill this Summer?

Posted on June 25, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

It’s that time of year again, folks! If you didn’t break out your tongs and spatulas for Memorial Day a few weeks ago, the Fourth of July is quickly approaching. Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance, we love to spend an afternoon outdoors, and it’s a proven fact that all hot summer afternoons are made better by food served hot off the grill. Are you ready to grill this summer?

Try these Delicious Recipes!

If you’re tired of serving up the same hot dogs and hamburgers every time you grill, it might be time to look for some new recipe ideas. Allrecipes.com is a great place to find new and fresh ideas, as it has some great BBQ and grilling recipes. The Food Network website also offers a vast selection of grilling ideas, including a great article about 50 Things to Grill in Foil.

Don’t forget that you can cook your desert on the grill as well! Almost any fruit can be grilled when you follow the right directions – for starters, try out this grilled fruit recipe from NPR!

Grilling Tips and Tricks

Marinades help to tenderize meat. If you can, marinade your meat overnight or for a few hours prior to it hitting the grill.
Salt draws moisture out of meat, so don’t add salt to your meats until after it is cooked.
If you’re grilling up skewers, there’s a trick to getting the correct doneness. If you want well or medium-well, space out your items on your kebab. If you’re looking for a medium or medium-rare doneness, pack your items together.
Want to cook the perfect steak? Use this guide to learn how to test your steak’s doneness without having to slice into it!
For delicious, juicy meat, always allow it to rest before you serve it. It may be tempting to serve steaks as soon as they’re done grilling, but letting them sit for a few minutes before cutting into them allows their juices to redistribute.
Need to clean your grill? Wait until the grates are warm – it’s much easier to clean warn grates than cold ones!
Remember – grilling (and cooking in general) is all about trial and error. Experiment until you find flavors that you and your friends love!

Keep Your Friends and Family Safe

Grilling is a great way to bring people together. Just make sure that you are following the right safety procedures when you grill. It doesn’t matter whether you are grilling dinner for two or having a backyard bash for the whole block – safety should be your #1 priority.

Do your grilling in a safe location. Make sure that you keep a safe distance (preferably at least 10 feet) between your grill and your home or any trees, or you could have a home insurance claim on your horizon!
When you are setting up your grilling area, ensure that you have all of your tools situated before you begin grilling. Also make sure that there is a first aid kit within reach, just in case.
Make sure that anything that touches raw meat (hands, utensils, plates, etc.) gets thoroughly washed.
In case your grill flares up, always have a spray bottle of water nearby.
Never leave meat at room temperature for more than one hour.
Check yourself. No one wants to eat undercooked meat, so use a thermometer to ensure that your foods are cooked to the proper temperatures.
If there are children present in your cooking area, establish a zone around your grill where they are not allowed to play. If it helps, use a bit of twine or a few jump ropes to establish a physical line that they may not cross.

We hope that you have enjoyed these grilling tips and tricks, and that they will help to make your Fourth of July cookouts more special than ever, and stay tuned to our blog for a Fourth of July fireworks article coming up soon!

Photo credit: Aaron Paxson / Foter.com / CC BY-ND

Carpenter Ants: America’s #1 Pest

Posted on June 20, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Carpenter Ants: America's #1 Pest Did you know that the third week in June is Carpenter Ant Awareness Week? These troublesome insects have been declared the number one pest in the United States – and for good reason! If your house is home to a nest of carpenter ants, they can cause huge amounts of structural damage before you even realize that they’re there!

Prevent an ant infestation:

Carpenter ants make their nests by burrowing into wood. When wood is moist, it is easier for the ants to make a home in your territory. If you want to deter ants, make sure that you use the following tips:

Repair roof and plumbing leaks in a timely manner.
Clean gutters regularly to ensure that water does not infiltrate your walls.
Tightly seal areas where pipes and wires enter your home, and regularly check your home’s foundation for cracks.
Eliminate wood to soil contact in and around your home.
If you use firewood, don’t store it directly on dirt (raise it with a nonorganic material like bricks), and always examine it before bringing it indoors.
Trim trees and bushes so that they do not touch your home’s roof or siding. Branches can easily serve as an ant’s bridge into your home.

By performing this maintenance around your home on a regular basis, you can help yourself avoid a huge headache in the future. Chores like these can be a little time consuming, but it’s only a fraction of the time that you would spend trying to get rid of a nest of ants that have burrowed into your home!

Keep an eye out for these signs:

Even if you follow all of our preventative tips, there’s a chance that a stubborn bunch of ants may make it into your home. They can hide out in your walls and ceilings for years without being noticed, so keep your eyes peeled for these warning signs:

Rustling or crunching sounds in your walls: These sounds are often made when carpenter ants are excavating, and can sometimes be heard through walls and ceilings.
Damaged wood in your home: If you find any wood in your home that looks like it has been tunneled by some pests, there’s a good chance that you have a problem.
Inexplicable sawdust: Carpenter ants often leave little piles of frass (a material similar to sawdust) around as they burrow into your wood. If you find any frass around, look for the tunnels they may have come from.
Winged carpenter ants in your home: The ant’s colonies typically live within your wooden structures, but they will sometimes send out scouts to look for new places to nest.

If you see signs of a possible infestation:

Have you seen any of the warning signs from the list above? If you have, it’s time to consult a professional. Call a local pest control company, and see what they say. They have the experience needed to evaluate your home’s pest situation, and will be able to offer you potential solutions if you do indeed have a problem.

Remember – a carpenter ant problem is not something that you should ignore. They will eat away at your home, and will cause more and more structural damage the longer you allow them to exist, so nip your dilemma in the bud!

Make sure that your home is protected:

Don’t wait until it is too late – make sure that you’re insured in case your home suffers structural damage. Make sure that your home insurance covers these (and other) vermin by calling Vargas and Vargas Insurance at 877-550-0025. We’ll review your policy and ensure that you have the right coverage for life’s potential troubles.

Photo credit: sanchom / Foter.com / CC BY

Practice Safe Sun this Summer!

Posted on June 19, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Practice Safe Sun this Summer! The heat is on, and summer is shifting into gear. Now that the weather is warm and inviting, people are starting to enjoy their days out in the sun. Whether you’re going fishing, going to the beach, or just enjoying some time on your patio, make sure that you practice sun safety in the coming months.

Practice safe sun this summer! Here are some quick and easy tips on how to best protect yourself from the potentially harmful rays of the sun:

Choose the Right Sunscreen

When choosing a sunscreen, the options you have may be overwhelming. There are dozens of different brands, all with different numbers attached. Once you know what to look for, though, picking out the right protection for you and your family will be much easier.

Get the right SPF: “SPF” stands for Sun Protection Factor – specifically protection against UVB rays. Here’s the simple calculation associated with SPF: the time it takes you to burn without any sunscreen multiplied by the SPF of the sunscreen you use is your new ‘burn time.’ For example, if you normally burn in 10 minutes without protection, wearing an SPF 15 sunscreen will allow you 150 minutes in the sun before you burn. Most professionals recommend using at least an SPF of 30.

Look for extra protection: Having the right SPF is crucial, but it’s not the only thing that you need to look out for when choosing your sunscreen. Make sure that you pick out a brand that boasts UVA (Ultraviolet A) protection as well.

Check for water resistance: No sunscreen can be totally waterproof, but purchasing one with water resistance will help to ensure that your protection doesn’t come off when you sweat or go for a swim.

If you’re still not sure about which sunscreen is right for you, check out this handy 6 question guide from WebMD. Also remember to apply your sunscreen a few minutes before you go out in the sun, and reapply often, following your product’s directions.

Know What to Wear

In addition to applying sunscreen, you need to wear the right clothing when you are exposed to the sun. if possible, don’t leave the house without:

A wide brimmed hat
A cover-up or large t-shirt
Sunglasses

When choosing your cover-up clothing, remember that the best sun protection comes from items that are tightly woven and dark colored. Also try to use sunglasses that cover your entire eye area. The best protection comes from those glasses that cover you from your eyebrows to your cheekbones and from temple to temple.

Examine Your Skin

Everyone needs to help ensure that their skin is healthy. Take advantage of your health insurance with a yearly trip to a primary care physician, and make sure that you also go to see a dermatologist for an annual check-up.

In addition to seeing a dermatologist once a year, you need to perform monthly self-checks on your skin. Know your “ABCDs of moles” and see a dermatologist if you notice that a mole has any one of the following characteristics:

Asymmetrical: Is there a mole that is oddly shaped?
Border: Does a mole have an irregular or undefined border?
Color: Does a mole have uneven coloring, or multiple colors?
Diameter: Is a mole larger than a pencil’s eraser, or is it growing over time?

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we are looking forward to having a little fun in the sun this summer, and we hope that these tips will help you and your loved ones practice sun safety. And remember – if you have any questions about your health insurance coverage, just call 877-550-0025 to speak to one of our insurance experts!

Photo credit: gr33n3gg / Foter.com / CC BY

Plug the Holes in Your Home Insurance Policy

Posted on June 18, 2013April 2, 2017 by cvargas

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In recent years, writing home insurance policies has become a huge expense for insurance providers. In fact, the average payout for a claim nearly doubled between 2002 and 2011. Insurance providers responded in two ways – they increased the amount you pay for home insurance, while also scaling back what a policy covers.

This leaves most homeowners in a pickle. It is now your responsibility to make sure that you and your home are protected from these exclusions. In an effort to help you make sure that you are protected, here is a list of some of the most common places that insurance providers have scaled back coverage:

Water Damage Coverage

Home insurance policies used to cover all kinds of water-related damages. Now, though, you may be surprised at what’s not covered. In fact, most insurance providers will only provide a payout if you can prove that a leak is less than 14 days old. This means that if you had a pipe leaking behind a wall for more than 2 weeks, you could be footing the repair bill yourself!

There are a few ways that you can help avoid this situation. First, try to catch a leak as soon as it occurs. Place a water alarm in places that leaks arise – under sinks and next to washers and water heaters. Also, speak to an insurance agent about adding protection to your home insurance for drain and sewer backups. This will add a bit to your premium, but the added protection is worth the cost.

Flood Damages

You may know that flood coverage is no longer a part of your home insurance policy. In order to protect your home against flood damage, you need to make sure that you have a flood insurance policy. These are supplied through the National Flood Insurance Program.

If you live in a flood zone, this protection is highly encouraged. You don’t want to foot the bill if your home is damaged by a flood, so make sure that you have the right protection before it’s too late.

Payments for Repairs

Insurance providers used to guarantee that they would completely cover damage to your home. Nowadays, there are a lot more exclusions in the process, not to mention the red tape you’ll have to work through.

If you want to ensure that you are better protected, inquire into purchasing extended replacement coverage for your home insurance. This protection will kick in and help pay unforeseen costs in case you need them. A similar policy (replacement-cost coverage) is available for your possessions.

Rebuilding Costs

Insurance policies like home insurance are built upon repairing or replacing the home that you had. Therein lies a problem, however – if your home is destroyed, you will need to rebuild your home with current building codes in mind. This is sometimes more expensive than simply replacing your old home, and you could end up paying for those added costs.

To help offset the expenses of keeping older buildings up to code, make sure that you take out a little extra coverage. The added protection will come in handy if you ever need to replace a structure according to current standards. You can sometimes also add “Ordinance and Law” coverage to help offset these types of expenses.

Do you have any more questions about what exclusions may plague your home insurance policy? If so, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance at 877-550-0025, and ask one of our insurance experts to review your home insurance policy. We will help uncover any holes you may have, and can help you ensure that you are fully covered.

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