How to prepare your car for winter weather

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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. 

Auto Insurance is Mandatory – Don’t Be Caught Without It

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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.

When does a Eureka homeowner need to have home insurance?

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Being a property owner can be a great housing option if you are in the Eureka, MO area. As you are looking for a property in the region, it is essential that you also assess your insurance needs. There are multiple situations when someone in this region should obtain a home insurance plan, especially when they are looking to purchase a property. 

When Taking Out a Mortgage

A situation when a property owner will need to have home insurance is when they finance their home with a mortgage lender. If you have taken out a loan that is secured by your property, the lender undoubtedly will want to know that your asset is covered. This will include ensuring that you have the right insurance for it. In most cases, you will also have to escrow payments for coverage each month.

When Trying to Protect Themselves

Property owners will also need and want this coverage to protect themselves. If you choose to buy a home, you will want to know that this significant investment is protected and covered by insurance. Further, you will want to know that your personal liability risks are mitigated. A home insurance plan can help with both of these issues. 

Owning real estate can be an excellent idea for those in the Eureka, MO area. If you are going to purchase a property here, it is helpful to call someone that you can trust. The team with Focus Insurance continues to be a great group to call. Focus Insurance will help you identify your various insurance needs and options. This assessment is an excellent step in helping you build a great insurance policy for your home. 

How to Protect Your Boat From Vandalism

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Focus Insurance of Eureka, MO understands vandalism is a serious problem that can cause extensive damage to your boat. It is essential to take steps to protect your investment and keep your boat in good condition. You can do a few simple things to deter vandals and help protect your boat.

What are the best ways to protect my boat from vandals?

Boat owners can take several measures to help protect their vessels from vandals. Many recommend fitting the boat with an alarm system that will sound if someone tries to break in or tamper with the vessel. CCTV cameras can also be a helpful deterrent, as vandals may be less likely to target a boat that is being monitored.

Some boat owners choose to install motion-activated lights around their vessels, which can also help scare off would-be vandals. In addition, keeping the boat well-lit when it is moored is important, as this can help make it less of a target for criminals.

Finally, boat owners should consider joining a neighborhood watch program or forming a group with other boaters to help keep an eye on each other’s vessels.

What are the risks of not protecting my boat?

If you don’t take measures to protect your boat from thieves and vandals, you run the risk of having your boat stolen or vandalized. This can be a costly and stressful experience. Additionally, if your boat is vandalized, it may be difficult to repair, and you may have to replace parts or the entire boat.

What kind of coverage do I need to protect my boat?

Focus Insurance is the agency for you if you’re looking for boat insurance in Eureka, MO. We offer comprehensive coverage for boats of all types, including protection against vandalism and other damage. Contact us today to get a quote.

Three important factors to consider when you purchase home insurance

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Getting adequate home insurance coverage is something that you need to do to protect your home’s value.

An accident could result in high costs that significantly reduce your home equity. That’s why you need to protect your home equity and your home’s value with home insurance.

We offer home insurance in Eureka, MO at Focus Insurance. The following are three critical factors to consider when you purchase home insurance. 

The location of your property

Different geographic locations face different levels of damage risk. If you live in a high-crime area or where fire damage is common, your home insurance costs are likely to be higher. 

When gauging the costs of insuring your home, you should consider the risks and research standard home insurance costs in the neighborhood where your home is located. 

The safety and security features installed in your home

You can invest in safety and security features that impact home insurance costs and coverage. 

Features such as a home security system or deadbolt locks can be important for minimizing home insurance costs. Discuss safety and security features with your home insurance provider to improve your home’s condition and reduce security costs. 

The coverage types you need and want

Other available home insurance types include liability, theft or possessions, replacement cost, and actual cash value coverage. It’s important to thoroughly research the available coverage types to know what you need and want. 

If you have questions or concerns about your home insurance coverage in Eureka, MO, feel free to contact us.

We offer numerous home insurance options at Focus Insurance to meet your needs. Call us today!

Does Umbrella Insurance Cover Lawsuits?

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When it comes to umbrella insurance, think of it as a shield. But don’t be over-excited by the term ‘umbrella’ and think it’s all you need for protection. You’re still going to want to have auto insurance, health insurance, and life insurance. An umbrella policy is just an additional layer of protection on top of those other policies.

At Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO, we work with the best agents to help you choose the right policy and ensure you understand what areas your umbrella insurance can cover.

What Does an Umbrella Insurance Cover?

An umbrella insurance policy is designed to cover you for liability claims that exceed the limits of your other policies. So, if you’re involved in a car accident and the other driver sues you, your auto insurance will pay up to its limit, and your umbrella policy will kick in to cover the rest.

Other things that umbrella insurance covers include:

  • Damages caused by a guest at your home
  • Injuries caused by your pet
  • Libel or slander
  • False arrest
  • Legal defense costs

An umbrella policy can also cover you for claims that your other policies might not cover. For instance, if you’re sued for causing an accident while on vacation, your auto insurance might not cover the claim since it occurred outside of the coverage area. But, your umbrella policy would most likely provide coverage.

So, an umbrella policy can provide extra protection if you’re worried about being sued. If you’re in the Eureka, MO area, contact Focus Insurance to learn more about Umbrella insurance and how it can help with your lawsuit and other areas.

FAQs about life insurance

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If you have people who depend on you, you need to consider life insurance. It should be a top priority if you haven’t gotten any yet. At Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO, we are independent insurance agents who can help you to find the right life insurance products for your life and your wallet. 

How much life insurance do I need?

No one figure is going to fit every person. Several factors have to be considered to determine how much life insurance you need. 

  • How much do you earn a year?
  • How many people depend on you?
  • What is the age of the people who depend on you?
  • How many years do you need to provide for?
  • What percent of their yearly income do you need to provide?

After all of these questions have been answered, you can determine the dollar amount of life insurance you need. 

Is the life insurance I get from work enough?

While the dollar amount may be enough, the security is not enough. What happens if you change employers? Will you be able to take your life insurance with you?  What if the business goes under? You need to know that your life insurance will be there for your family if required. 

Can my life insurance be canceled?

Yes, it can be canceled; the most common reason is the non-payment of your premium. If you have difficulty paying your premium, call your insurance company to see if they can work with you. Your policy can also be canceled if it is discovered that you were untruthful on your application. 

Contact Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO when you have questions about life insurance. We are happy to provide the benefit of our knowledge and a no-obligation quote. 

How to Choose the Right Auto Insurance Coverage for You

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Auto insurance is one of those things that everybody knows they need, but few people actually understand. When it comes time to choose a policy, most people simply pick the cheapest option and hope for the best. However, this is a risky strategy, as a cheap policy may not provide adequate coverage in the event of an accident. In order to find the right auto insurance coverage for you, it is important to understand the different types of coverage available. Only then can you make an informed decision about what level of protection you need.

Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO provides this guide in navigating auto insurance.

Here is how to choose the right coverage for you:

1. Decide What Type of Coverage You Need

The first step in choosing the right auto insurance coverage for you is to decide what type of coverage you need. There are four basic types of coverage: liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist. Each type of coverage protects you in different ways, and you will need to decide which type of coverage is right for you based on your individual needs.

2. Consider Your Budget

Once you know what types of coverage you need, you can start considering your budget. Auto insurance can be expensive, so it is important to find a policy that fits your budget. Don’t sacrifice coverage in order to save money, but do look for discounts that can help reduce the cost of your premium.

3. Get a Quote

The best way to find the right auto insurance coverage for you is to get a quote. By getting a quote, you will be able to compare different policies and find the one that offers the best coverage for the best price. Make sure to get quotes from several different companies in order to get an accurate comparison.

4. Read the Policy Carefully

Once you have found the right auto insurance policy for you, it is important to read the policy carefully. Make sure you understand what is covered and what is not covered under the policy. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your agent or broker before you purchase the policy.

5. Review Your Coverage Annually

Your needs will change over time, so it is important to review your auto insurance policy on a yearly basis. Make sure the coverage you have still meets your needs and adjust your policy accordingly.

Contact Us Today

Choosing the right auto insurance coverage can be a challenge, but it is important to make sure you have the protection you need. By following these steps, you can be sure you are getting the right coverage for yourself. If you have any questions, be sure to contact Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO today for more information.

Things home insurance won’t cover

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Home insurance is a very valuable type of coverage. Your home is such a significant investment, and you need to feel secure in the protection you have against a multitude of hazards. At Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO, we make sure that we provide you with the information you need to feel comfortable with the home insurance you are getting. But we also encourage you to read your policy to be aware of any exclusions. 

Earth movement

It isn’t a good thing if you feel the earth move under your feet. Earth movement is excluded from your home policy, whether a sinkhole, a landslide, or an earthquake. If it damages your home, your home insurance won’t pay to repair the damage. 

Flood

Floods are one of the most devastating natural disasters, and they are becoming more common every year. They are not covered by traditional home insurance, and you need to purchase a separate policy from the NFIP if you have even the slightest worry that your home could be damaged. 

Owner neglect

Owner neglect may be something you have never thought much about when it relates to your home. But, if you haven’t been treating your home for termites and get termites, the damage is your fault, and your home insurance won’t pay for the repairs. You need to keep your home in good repair at all times. It’s your responsibility. 

Damage due to war or nuclear hazard

These are the extremes and something that most people never even think about, but in the world we live in today, it is good to know at least what is covered and what is not. 

Contact Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO to talk to a member of our experienced team about home insurance coverage and exclusions. 

Protect Yourself With Boat Insurance in Eureka MO

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Boat insurance isn’t a legal requirement in Eureka, MO, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it. Many things can go wrong when you’re out on the water. Here are some of the top reasons you should invest in boat insurance.

Liability Protection

Boat insurance can help protect you financially if you’re ever sued after an accident. One of the biggest reasons to get boat insurance is for liability protection. If you injure someone or damage their property while operating your boat, you could be on the hook for a significant amount of money.

Another reason to get boat insurance is for protection from uninsured boaters. If you’re in an accident with an uninsured boater, you could be stuck paying for the damages yourself.

Repairs and Replacement

If a collision, storm, or vandalism damages or destroys your boat, insurance can help cover repairs or replacement costs. The right policy can be a lifesaver if you have an expensive boat. How much protection you need often varies by the value of your boat. Your Focus Insurance agent can help you find the right policy for your needs.

Medical Coverage

If you or your passengers are injured in a boating accident, medical coverage can help pay for the medical bills. Having the policy to cover injuries to you, a passenger, or a pedestrian can be a great comfort. And if you’re injured far from shore, it can save you money.

For example, you may need to be airlifted to a hospital for treatment, which can cost thousands and not be covered by standard health insurance.

There are many reasons to get boat insurance in Eureka, MO. Make sure you’re protected by contacting Focus Insurance today. We can help you find the right policy for your needs.