Types of Auto Insurance Coverages

Having auto insurance is crucial if you want to protect yourself and your vehicle. It is also illegal to drive without proper insurance. However, how do you know what type of coverage you need? Below there are six main types of auto insurance that are available when you purchase a policy.

Liability

It includes two parts – property damage liability and bodily injury liability. The purpose of this type of auto insurance is to pay for the other party’s vehicle repairs and medical bills in case of a road accident. 

Collision 

This insurance covers repairs and the replacement of your vehicle after an accident. It also covers damage caused by collision with an object (for example, a tree or house) or an accident in which objects are not involved (for example, if the car flips). 

Comprehensive 

The goal of this type is to protect a vehicle against damages that are not caused by road accidents. For example, if a tree falls on your car, or it is stolen, comprehensive car insurance will step in and cover financial losses and repairs. 

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

It is also known as no-fault insurance. It covers your medical expenses in case of an accident regardless of whose fault it was. Coverage can also extend to other drivers included in the policy, members of your family, and passengers. 

Auto Medical Payments

It is similar to PIP coverage, but it is more limited. It covers accident-related medical expenses for you as a driver, other policyholders, your household members, and passengers.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If you are injured, or your car is damaged in an accident caused by a driver without proper auto insurance,  this type of insurance will cover car repairs and your medical bills. 

If you are a car owner living in Eureka, MO, and you are looking for auto insurance for your vehicle, contact Focus Insurance. This reliable company has been in business since 1999. Whether you are looking for a new car insurance policy or you have questions to ask, do not hesitate to call Focus Insurance, whose qualified insurance agents are more than happy to assist. 

Do I Need More Than Basic Auto Insurance Coverage

As a car owner in Missouri, you have thousands of miles of road to enjoy. Unfortunately, you are not the only one who is using those roads. Protecting yourself and others with auto insurance is important. Missouri mandates that you have liability insurance to protect those who are hurt in an accident that you cause. You must carry $25.000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and property damage coverage of $10,0000. At Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO, our team of experienced agents can help you make sure you comply with the law.

If you cause a severe car accident, the cost of damages could easily go way beyond the state-mandated basic coverage. If you have assets, they could be in danger since you would be required to pay the additional amount personally. It isn’t worth risking the loss of all that you have worked so hard to accumulate. While liability is an important coverage, what about the damage that can happen to your car? If your vehicle is stolen and damaged seriously in an accident, could you afford to replace or repair it? When you carry collision and comprehensive coverage, you are protecting your vehicle. Most lenders require that you carry it, but after the auto loan is paid off, it may be tempting but not necessarily wise to remove this critical coverage. 

If you are getting auto insurance for the first time or are ready to talk to someone about a change of policy, you can stop by the office of Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO for a no-obligation quote. You can also give us a call or use our online rating tool to get a quote from home. Having the coverage you need is vital for your peace of mind. 

When Minimum Liability Coverage Doesn’t Cut It

In Missouri, drivers are required to carry two types of auto insurance:  liability and uninsured motorist.  Minimum liability amounts are defined by the state as 25/50/25.  The first 25 represents $25,000 in bodily injury for each person.  Fifty thousand is for bodily injury per accident.  The final $25,000 is for property damage.  While this seems like a lot of coverage, liability insurance only covers the medical expenses of the other person in an accident where you’re are at fault.  In the Eureka, MO area, the agents at Focus Insurance can answer all your questions.

If you cause an accident, your liability insurance will cover the other person’s expenses.  You will be responsible for your own medical and repair costs out of pocket.  Moreover, if their medical expenses exceed the policy cap, they have the right to sue you for the additional funds.  In that case, you will also be responsible for their legal fees.  Suddenly those minimum liability insurance coverage limits seem rather limiting.  

To protect yourself financially, the better option is a more comprehensive insurance policy.  A comprehensive and collision policy will take care of you even if you are hit by an uninsured/underinsured motorist.  It will cover your repair costs and medical expenses.  Many policies will also provide a rental car while your own is being fixed.  If the vehicle is a total loss, it will pay to replace it in most cases.  It will also support you if the vehicle is stolen.  It’s easy to see that for a small investment, this is a better, safer option for you and your family.

The team at Focus Insurance work with drivers throughout the Eureka, MO area.  Don’t wait until an accident happens, visit them today to discover the better way to protect yourself and your car.

Tips for First Time Car Buyers Looking for Auto Insurance

For first-time car buyers, purchasing auto insurance is a big "next step." You probably have many questions regarding how much insurance you need, what it will cost, and how you can save money on an auto insurance policy in Eureka, MO. At Focus Insurance, we’re here to help. Read on to learn some important tips for first time car buyers looking for auto insurance.

The Title

Who owns the title to your new car? If you have a loan, then the bank does. But if you own the vehicle outright, then you own the title. If you’re dealing with a bank loan, then you will need full coverage. However, if you own your car, you only have to purchase the state minimum required by Missouri law.

What Type of Car Did You Buy?

This will affect the price of your insurance. For example, if you purchase a fast sports car, you can expect your insurance to be higher than if you purchase a small, four door sedan. Take this into consideration before you start looking for auto insurance in Missouri.

How Often do You Drive?

If you’re commuting only five or so miles a day, this makes a big difference compared to a commute that takes an hour or longer into a big city. The less you drive your car, the more you can save on your insurance. Talk to an agent at Focus Insurance about this to find out how you can save money by keeping the miles you drive on the low side.

Compare Quotes and Bundle

When looking to purchase auto insurance, you can save money by bundling any other insurance policies you have under one insurance agency. It’s also a good idea to compare at least two or more auto insurance quotes to find the best policy at the right price.

To find out more about purchasing auto insurance in the Eureka, MO area, contact the reputable team at Focus Insurance today.

Who Covers the Damage If My Windshield Is Broken By Flying Gravel?

The agents of Focus Insurance understand how frustrating it can be when you’re driving down the road and a piece of loose gravel hits your windshield causing it to chip and crack. If you live in Eureka, MO, your first step should be to contact your insurance company. Cracks and chips can be distracting, making it difficult to keep your eyes on the road so getting them fixed is imperative, but who will pay for it?

Loose Gravel 

In most cases, chips and cracks caused by loose gravel are simply considered a road hazard and are paid for by your insurance company if you have comprehensive insurance. If you have collision insurance or PL/PD coverage, you will be responsible for the damages. In most cases, it’s almost impossible to determine who is liable even if you know which car caused the gravel to hit your car.

Stay Away From Construction Trucks

One of the biggest causes of flying gravel is construction trucks. Entering a construction zone will always come with some level of risk. The best rule of thumb is to stay as far back as you can from dump trucks carrying gravel. If you are several yards away and still get hit, you may be able to turn the construction company’s information and the license plate of the truck into your insurance agent. They can contact the company to see if they will pay for the damages.

If your windshield has been broken or damaged by falling gravel or loose stone, call the agents at Focus Insurance. We are available to help Eureka, MO residents get their windows fixed as quickly and affordably as possible. Call our office today to talk to a licensed agent.