Place your hand over your heart, that's called purpose | Blog | Vargas & Vargas Insurance

I like to start most posts with some positive words:

Having a rough morning? Place your hand over your heart. Feel that? That’s called purpose; you are alive for a reason. Never give up!
-Unknown

If you met me during my school years, you would not recognize me today.

Here’s my story, our family emigrated to the US in 1968, I went to school, watched my siblings while my parents worked (sometimes two jobs each). They put food on the table, purchased a home, and kept us as comfortable as possible in order to live the American dream.

In school, English was my second language. In fact, when we arrived in the US I spoke no English and was placed in a second-grade class, despite being eight years old. As I progressed through public school, I messed up a lot. I was placed in the work-study program in High School for students who were feared that they would not graduate. I did the things that youth do thinking that they would live forever. I started working at 13 years old (I lied about my age) and have been working ever since.  I tried community college at night and failed, but, frankly, school was not for me. I came to find out many years later that I have a nonverbal learning disorder ( NVLD ); you may remember me sharing that with you earlier this year.

I met #TheMan  ( click here to see photo ) when I met him I was 20 years old and working two jobs. He recruited me into the world of Prudential Insurance , trained me, and taught me to have empathy and make a difference in the life of every person that I met.  He taught me how to prospect and connect in a deeply meaningful way with everyone that I came across who needed or may one day need my services.  He is my second father, and I am blessed to have him as my mentor to this date!

I met my wife Kathy in 1980. She worked at the same Prudential office that I did in Braintree, MA.  we got married in 1983. We (she) raised two sons, I was rarely home as we had decided that she would be an at home mom and I would hunker down and do what needed to be done to make a good living for our young family. Both of our sons are college graduates and are now married, working, and on their own.  (click here to see photo)

“Someone needs to pay the price, whether the family pays the price and has a modest  lifestyle  or one Parent works the extended hours and pays the price to give the family the best life possible.” – #TheMan (Vasco Rodrigues)

I was the 4th child born to my parents, but the first to survive. I have a sister who owns her own insurance agency and two brothers who are co-owners of our agency.

I have always taken great pride in the Vargas and Faria (my mother’s maiden name) names but they took on a special significance recently.

I stopped by to see my oldest living aunt the other day, Aunt Rosa, ( click here to see a photo ) and as she always does, she brought out the photo albums and starts explaining to me our family history and where we came from (after all, someone needs to keep the mental records for the family, she does this with everyone who visits) we came from a small village on the island of Faial in the Azores.

Of course, my father never talked about his life in the Azores to me or anyone else. After we emigrated to the US, my father never had any interest in ever going back to visit the country of his birth. My mother, on the other hand, had great memories of her youth with friends and cousins. I was able to meet some of them when we visited Faial together on numerous occasions over the years.

I came to the realization while sitting with my aunt that my father and mother came from the same exact place, experienced the same schools and the same ups and downs, had the same wants, but my father never forgot the bad stuff that he experienced, while my mother tried to only remember the good in her life when living in Faial.

I know I am here for a reason. I know that you are here for a reason. We are not accidents. The fact that you are reading this is not an accident. We have a purpose and there is a plan for our lives.

As the people who came before us made our lives possible, we have the opportunity to make the best possible life for others. Let’s use this gift of life we have been given and make a positive impact on everyone we meet!

My mother always told me I was going to do something special (she told all of her children this) and somehow through all the difficult times in our lives I heard her words and believed them. She gave me the greatest gift an adult can give a child.  She believed in me . She called out the best in me and I think of her all the time, and always try to look at the “good side” of things.  (click here to see photo)

And in case no one has told you recently, I want you to know that you are special. You are here to do something meaningful, and I believe in you.

You are meant to make a difference. You can start today.

Carlos

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

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

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

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