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.

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.

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.

Getting into a car accident can be a stressful experience. In the aftermath, it’s hard to remember what to do. We all hope an accident never happens, but here at Focus Insurance, we want to ensure you’re not unprepared.

Here are five actions you should take after a car accident:

1. Get to a safe location, and turn off your car. Make sure it’s safe to exit your vehicle. Then, turn your vehicle off, as a gas leak could lead to a fire.
2. Contact the local police. They can file an official incident report and collect information from everyone involved. If you’ve crashed in an area where it is unsafe to exit your vehicle (like a highway), the police can also help you get to a safe place.
3. Get information from the other driver(s) and police. This includes the driver’s name, driver’s license, vehicle make/model, insurance company and policy number, address, and contact information.
4. Take photos of the damage and write down every detail. At the scene, take photos of your car and any others involved, including vehicle license plates. As soon as you get home, write down all the details you can remember about the accident.
5. Contact your insurance agent to file a claim. Don’t wait! If you’re involved in a car accident in Eureka, MO—or anywhere in the world—call your insurance company to report the incident as soon as possible.

However, the most important step you can take before an accident occurs is to ensure you have sufficient car insurance coverage. This simple step will give you peace of mind.

Have questions about car insurance coverage? Contact us at Focus Insurance today so you’re prepared for tomorrow. We are proud to serve the Eureka, MO area.

Winter is coming, and it’s time to prepare your car for the cold weather. Whether you drive an old beater or a brand-new luxury vehicle, some essential steps must be taken to ensure your car runs smoothly throughout winter. From checking fluids and changing tires to stocking up on emergency supplies and testing batteries, this blog post will provide helpful tips on how to get your car ready for winter weather. So don’t wait until it’s too late—start prepping now with these tips from us at Focus Insurance so you can stay safe while driving in cold Eureka, MO temperatures!

The first step is to check your car’s fluids. Ensure the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid are all at adequate levels and that you have the right oil for cold weather. It’s also vital to examine your tires and ensure they are correctly inflated—this will ensure better handling in icy conditions. If possible, it may be wise to switch out summer tires for winter tires with a greater grip on snow and ice.

In addition to checking your car’s mechanical parts, it’s also a good idea to stock up on emergency supplies such as blankets, flashlights, flares, a shovel, a bag of kitty litter (for traction if you get stuck), and a small tool kit. Having these items on hand can make a big difference if you’re ever stranded in the cold.

Before heading out, testing your car battery and checking its voltage level is important. Cold weather strains batteries, so make sure yours is strong enough to handle the winter season. 

For more winter driving tips, call us at Focus Insurance today. We proudly serve the Eureka, MO area. 

Are you a licensed driver living in or near the Eureka, MO area? If so, the Focus Insurance professionals can provide the necessary insurance to ensure you drive legally.

Why is car insurance so important? Quite simply, it provides financial protection. Suppose you are the cause of a car accident. In that case, you will be held responsible for any expenses associated with it, including legal costs, the injured party’s medical expenses, and their lost income if they cannot work. The liability portion of the policy will cover these costs.

Insurance is important. It helps you live with peace of mind knowing that you will receive financial help if an accident occurs. The most obvious benefit of car insurance is the payment of losses. Maintaining the correct type of coverage protects you from other drivers who do not have or have inadequate insurance. Without it, you could suffer a disastrous financial setback leaving you with expensive repair costs and medical bills to pay.

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing car insurance is your state’s minimum liability and property coverage amounts. Simply put, you need to maintain an auto insurance policy so you remain legal to drive. This insurance is mandatory in 48 out of 50 states. Without it, you risk losing your license and possibly paying hefty fines without it.

The three main types of car insurance coverage are:

• Collision coverage protects your car if you hit another vehicle, person, or non-moving objects, such as a tree or fence.
• Comprehensive coverage protects you from things that liability and collision do not cover. Theft, vandalism, fire, or weather events will be covered under this coverage.
• Liability coverage is the most important thing every driver needs to drive legally. It protects you if you cause damage to other drivers.

Make sure you are not driving illegally. Contact Focus Insurance today for a no-obligation quote. You will be glad you did.