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How Do You Know If Your Auto Insurance Policy Will Cover You on a Rental Car?

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Renting a car can be a convenient option, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure. But before hitting the road in your rental, it’s important to understand what your auto insurance policy covers. At Focus Insurance, serving the greater Eureka, MO region, we want to ensure you’re well-informed and confident about your coverage.

Check Your Existing Policy

The first step is to review your current auto insurance policy. Most standard policies include coverage for rental cars, but the extent of this coverage can vary. Typically, if you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your own vehicle, these protections will extend to a rental car. This means that damages to the rental vehicle from accidents, theft, or natural disasters would be covered.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is another crucial aspect. This part of your policy covers damages or injuries you might cause to others in an accident. Generally, your existing liability coverage will apply to a rental car, ensuring you’re protected from financial responsibility for third-party damages and injuries.

Confirm with Your Insurer

Confirming the specifics with your insurance provider is always a good idea. At Focus Insurance, we’re here to help you understand your policy’s nuances and ensure you’re adequately covered.

Consider Additional Rental Car Insurance

Even if your policy provides coverage, you might want to consider additional rental car insurance the rental agency offers. This can cover gaps that your personal policy might not.

Renting a car should be a hassle-free experience. You can enjoy your journey without worry with the correct information and coverage. Contact Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO, today to review your auto insurance policy and ensure you’re comprehensively protected on the road.

Are Home Insurance Claims Public Record?

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If you’re looking for home insurance, selling your house, shopping for a home, or thinking about making an insurance claim, it’s important to know how the details of claims are reported. This information isn’t only available to your current insurer. Other individuals and businesses in Eureka, MO may have access to it, and you might be able to learn about claims made by home sellers.

Is It Public Record?

Your record of home insurance claims is similar to your credit report. When you apply for a new policy, an insurer can check for information about prior claims. They do so by obtaining your Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange report. Real estate agents can request this data from home sellers and share it with potential buyers.

Home and auto claims appear on a CLUE report regardless of whether the insurer approves or denies them. The information includes dates, loss types, claim amounts, and other facts. You can review your report once each year for free. This allows you to look for mistakes and request any needed corrections.

Buying a House

Claim data isn’t only useful to insurance carriers. This information could benefit you when you’re looking for a home to purchase. Ask a real estate agent to request claim data on a house you’d like to buy. This may help you learn about risk levels and prior damage and repairs. However, you’ll need the seller’s permission.

If you own or plan to buy a home in Eureka, MO, the experienced professionals at Focus Insurance can help you obtain the proper coverage. Our independent agency has served the area for over two decades, and we offer policies from more than fifteen trusted insurers. Please call 866-241-7015 or 636-391-3900 to request a quote from Focus Insurance today.

Five Boating Tips for Riverfront Safety in Eureka, MO

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Boaters around Eureka, MO, are attuned to the marvelous riverfront vistas and the beckoning tranquil waters that invite local adventurers. Yet, amid this serenity, it remains essential to safeguard themselves, their passengers, and their treasured vessels against unforeseen circumstances. Uncover the top five riverfront safety measures courtesy of the experts at Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO.

1. Never Forego Your Life Jacket

Regardless of your confidence in swimming, donning a life jacket to protect yourself and passengers from unexpected interaction with river water is non-negotiable. Unforeseen currents and submerged hazards pose severe challenges even to the most proficient swimmer.

2. Prioritize Monitoring of Weather and River Conditions

Running through Eureka is the Meramec River, stretching 218 miles through the Missouri Ozarks. Ignoring rapidly varying river conditions and local weather alerts can pose significant risks to local boaters and anglers.

3. Perform Routine Boat Maintenance

Eureka’s boat enthusiasts should inspect the vessel’s body, lights, signals, and propulsion systems thoroughly before venturing into local waterways. Ensure to equip every expedition with a fully stocked first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and emergency navigation instruments.

4. Be Conscious of River Traffic

The local riverfront experiences high traffic during peak seasons. To avert costly, damage-inflicting boating accidents, boat owners should exhibit a high sense of traffic consciousness and maintain a safe distance from other boaters sharing the same waters.

5. Invest in Comprehensive Boat Insurance

Arguably one of the pivotal safety measures for local boat owners is procuring comprehensive boat insurance catering to common and uncommon risks.

Contact the trusted insurance agents at Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO, to secure a boat insurance quote today.

Three Times You Should Invest in Umbrella Insurance

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The investment in umbrella insurance offers an added level of security to protect against liability claims made against you. Knowing when you need that extra support is critical. While not everyone will benefit from this type of insurance coverage, there are some instances in which it can be critically important to protecting your financial well-being.

At Focus Insurance, we help clients in Eureka, MO, purchase umbrella insurance that meets their needs, including those in the following situations.

1. You Have a High Net Worth

If you have a high net worth, meaning you have a significant amount of savings or other valuable assets, you should have umbrella insurance to protect those assets from claims made against you. Investing in extra coverage helps to minimize the risk of losing those assets if someone has a reason to sue you.

2. You Own Investment Property

Those who own investment property can also benefit from the investment in umbrella insurance. It allows you to protect against risks that could impact you should someone suffer an injury on or in that property. This could include guests using a rental property, for example. 

3. You Own a Business

Though commercial insurance is necessary for most companies, umbrella insurance can help business owners gain an extra level of protection that’s often critical. It helps protect your personal assets, too, from claims made against your business, and that can reduce a great deal of risk to both your personal and business assets.

Choose the Right Type and Level of Coverage for You

Umbrella insurance is not just for the wealthy or business owners but for anyone who wants added protection against the risks of lawsuits (which can happen to anyone). Discuss your needs with our team at Focus Insurance. We serve clients throughout Eureka, MO, and the surrounding areas.

Is the Life Insurance Offered Through My Employer Sufficient?

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Do You Need Additional Life Insurance Beyond Your Employer’s Plan?

Life insurance often seems like a subject most people would rather not think about, yet its importance cannot be overstated. After all, life is unpredictable; an unexpected event like an accident or illness could happen to anyone at any age. To provide peace of mind, many employers offer life insurance plans to their employees. If you’re an Eureka, MO resident contemplating whether your employer’s life insurance is adequate, here’s a helpful breakdown.

Do You Have a Family?

If you’re single, your employer’s life insurance likely provides enough coverage. However, if you have a family, you may need to pay extra for additional coverage or consider purchasing a separate policy. Families depend on your income for support, and the loss of that income due to an unexpected death can lead to financial hardship. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure you have sufficient life insurance to cover ongoing expenses such as mortgage payments and bills. Any decision on coverage amount should take all potential costs into account.

While the life insurance offered by employers is generally enough for many, individuals with families or those in their later years might consider securing additional life insurance to meet their needs. If you’re considering purchasing more life insurance beyond what your employer offers, Focus Insurance is here to help. Serving Eureka, MO, and its surroundings, we offer comprehensive and reliable insurance solutions. Contact Focus Insurance today – we will provide you with a quote and explain our range of offers, ensuring you’re fully covered when it comes to life insurance.

What Factors Affect Auto Insurance Rates?

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Insurance companies look at multiple factors when setting rates for auto policies. Some drivers can control, but others are outside of a driver’s control. Here are a few of the details that can impact auto insurance rates.

Driving Record and History

One of the primary factors affecting auto insurance rates is the driver’s history. Incidents like accidents, traffic violations, and DUIs can significantly increase premiums. Conversely, we at Focus Insurance usually see clean driving records correlating to lower rates.

Vehicle Type and Usage

The make, model, and age of the insured vehicle(s) affect safety and repair costs. They thus directly influence the rates of multiple coverages. Liability rates may be lower for safer vehicles, but damage coverages might cost a bit more.

Driver’s Age and Gender

Younger drivers, especially teen drivers, face higher insurance rates due to inexperience. Gender can also influence premiums, with some statistics showing differences in risk between male and female drivers.

Credit History

In many states, including Missouri, insurers consider credit history when setting auto insurance rates. A good credit score indicates financial responsibility, which insurers might view as safer on the road.

Location and Local Risk Factors

Where a driver lives, whether in Eureka, MO, or elsewhere, has a role in accident rates, crime rates, and other factors that insurers consider. Where a vehicle is kept, such as in a garage or on the street, is also a factor.

Tailoring Auto Insurance to Your Needs

Auto insurance rates are influenced by various factors, making it important to work with knowledgeable agents when shopping for a policy. At Focus, like Focus Insurance, our agents have the expertise necessary to help you find auto insurance in Eureka, MO.

Does auto insurance follow the car or the driver?

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Missouri takes auto insurance seriously, and the consequences can be serious if you are found operating a motor vehicle without a valid insurance policy. However, there may be questions about who is covered under a particular policy and which cars are covered. Focus Insurance can answer your questions about your Eureka, MO policy.

Who Is Covered Under a Missouri Auto Insurance Policy?

The State of Missouri spells out the information you need to provide when purchasing auto insurance. You must give your new provider:

  • the name and information of the person purchasing the policy
  • the names and information of any other family members living with the policyholder, such as a spouse
  • and the name and information of any other people who have permission to drive the vehicle

Insurance companies offer rates based on risk, and they have the right to know what kind of risk they are taking. 

Can Your Insurance Company Exclude Certain Drivers?

Your auto insurance company can exclude certain drivers, even if those drivers live in your home. Even if the policy covers other individuals, it may only pay out to certain minimum policy limits.

The important thing is to read your policy to understand who is covered and who is not. If you have any questions or need additional coverage, speak with your representative about how to add that coverage.

Call Today For Options

There are so many choices you can make regarding your auto insurance policy. What kind of protection do you need? How much protection do you need? To make the best-informed decision for yourself and your family, call Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO today for more information.

How the Age of Your Home Affects Home Insurance

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So you inherited an old house. Or maybe you got a fixer-upper cheap, and you’re thinking of flipping it. Or it was the childhood home of someone famous, and you got it recognized as a historical landmark. It’s insurance time! How old your house is can affect how much you pay for home insurance. The fact is that after fifty years, problems start popping up. That means more money to fix them and, thus, a higher insurance premium. If there are too many issues, a company may deny your insurance. 

Things That Can Affect Your Insurance Rates

Ask yourself how much it would cost to rebuild. This will help you estimate the replacement cost value of your home. If the house is made of brick or masonry, it will have a lower premium than a wooden house. Distance from the fire department will also affect the premiums. Check out your plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, as poor conditions here can result in higher rates. Learn about the history of insurance claims on the house, as this can impact the premiums. The house’s condition overall affects how much you can expect to pay for home insurance. If you get a professional to inspect your home, you can learn what problems your home may have and how to fix them. 

Focus Insurance Serving Eureka, MO

If you need home insurance in Eureka, MO, please get in touch with Focus Insurance. We value your trust and are dedicated to giving you all the help you need. 

What Does Boat and Watercraft Insurance Cover?

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You just bought a boat and or other type of watercraft, such as a jet ski, and you want to be able to enjoy your new toy without a care in the world. Our agents at Focus Insurance, serving the Eureka, MO area, can help you out by ensuring you have an appropriate amount of boat and watercraft insurance to protect your investment while also providing you with great peace of mind.

What Does Boat and Watercraft Insurance Cover?

This type of insurance policy is considered to be a specialized policy that is designed to provide protection and coverage if you have an accident while out on the water. It can help you deal with damages or injuries caused by an accident you could have on your boat or other watercraft.

Boat insurance also covers physical damage to your boat or other watercraft if damaged by a storm, accident, fire, vandalism, theft, or other horrible incidents. This coverage will help you repair or replace your boat or watercraft so you can recover financially and be back out on the water in no time at all.

Uninsured/Underinsured Boater Coverage is essential in case you happen to have an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured boat owner. This type of policy will help you pay for damages or injuries that the other party would have customarily been responsible for if they had a sufficient amount of insurance.

Personal property coverage will come in handy if something happens to your boat and your personal belongings are lost or damaged on board. Examples of these items include electronics, personal items, and fishing gear.

You can also include in your policy towing and assistance so that if your boat or jet ski breaks down while you are out on the water, you can get emergency assistance and have your watercraft towed back to safety. Your policy can also include wreck removal, which means if your boat unfortunately sinks into the water or becomes stranded, the wreckage can be removed to prevent any environmental damage.

Contact Fous Insurance in Eureka, MO

To create the best boat or watercraft insurance policy for you and your situation, contact our agents today at Focus Insurance, serving the Eureka, MO, area!

Why do people in Missouri need to have home insurance?

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Being a property owner in Eureka, MO is a dream for many people. When you own real estate, there are a lot of advantages that come with it. However, there are risks as well. You can offset some of these risks by getting the right home insurance plan. You should have this form of coverage for various reasons. 

Protect Important Assets

You will want this coverage to ensure you can protect your most important assets. When you are a property owner, your dwelling will likely be a vital and valuable asset. Further, you may own many personal assets. If you have a home insurance plan, you will have the support necessary to cover these items. 

Obtain Liability Support

It is also a good idea to have home insurance to obtain liability support. Anyone who owns a home will take on liability risks. If you are insured with a home insurance plan, you can mitigate these risks as you will receive specific liability coverage. This can offer you personal support in many situations, which can prove to be helpful. 

Having a full home insurance plan in the Eureka, MO area is always a good idea. When you want this type of coverage, calling our team with Focus Insurance can be a great idea. Those in this part of Missouri will know that our team at Focus Insurance will provide any help needed to ensure you select an ideal plan that protects your home and meets any requirements.