Author: admin

Who Needs an Umbrella Insurance Policy?

Posted on by admin

Depending on your specific life situation and coverage needs, you may want to consider an umbrella insurance policy. But do you need one? That depends. A lot of people who are public figures or who have high levels of assets choose these kinds of policies because they need the additional coverage provided by them. But there are plenty of reasons for other people to select these policies, as well. You don’t need to be famous or have a lot of assets to want to be adequately protected. At Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO, our agents can answer any questions you might have about this kind of coverage to help you decide if it’s going to be right for your situation.

An umbrella policy works to add coverage where other policies leave off, or for the kinds of events that a typical policy might not cover. For example, libel and slander could be covered by this type of insurance, where a homeowner’s policy wouldn’t include those things. You can also use umbrella coverage to receive a higher level of benefits for a covered incident. That’s because this policy is designed to start where your other policies stop. If a problem with your home exceeds the maximum benefit from your homeowner’s policy, for instance, an umbrella policy could protect you further.

When you reach out to us today at Focus Insurance, you can get the kind of information you need to decide if umbrella insurance is right for you. We want to make sure all our Eureka, MO clients have the proper coverage that protects them now and in the future. That’s why it’s so important to talk to dedicated agents like ours, who can give you all the knowledge you’re looking for. Being an informed consumer is very important when selecting an insurance policy, and we want to make sure you have what you need to make a good choice and have peace of mind, as well.

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need

Posted on by admin

Like most types of insurance, life insurance is not one size fits all. It needs to be tailored to your particular situation and needs. Life insurance is affordable and it provides a very important type of protection to you and your family. For most people, this is a difficult discussion but a necessary one. Life insurance should be a part of overall financial planning and having an insurance agent who knows your situation and whom you trust is vital. At Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO, our clients are like family and we are experienced in helping them to plan for their future. 

In order to determine how much life insurance you need, you must answer a few questions. Who depends on you to provide for them? How much debt do you have? Have you taken care of your final expenses? Do you plan to provide a legacy for anyone? Once you have answered these questions, you will have a better idea of how much money will be required. 

If the people who depend on you include young children, you need to provide for them for a longer time. At a minimum, it is suggested that you have life insurance to equal ten times your yearly income. If you have a mortgage, this is a debt and should be added to the amount you must have. Depending on your age when you start buying life insurance, you may have to revisit the amount that you have purchased several times to keep it up to date with where you are in life.  

If you haven’t already made plans for your family’s future, what are you waiting for? There is no time like today to give the office of Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO a call to sit down and discuss this important coverage. It is never too early or too late to think about life insurance.  

Do I Need More Than Basic Auto Insurance Coverage

Posted on by admin

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. 

Why do I need a home inventory

Posted on by admin

The simple answer to the question "Why do I need a home inventory" is that unless you have a flawless memory, the chances are that if a catastrophic event happens to your home, you are not going to remember everything that you owned. Think about the pictures you have seen of tornado victims with their possessions strewn across two counties. You may get an idea of why a home inventory may be a good idea. At Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO, we will be happy to give you ideas about the hows and whys of a home inventory. 

There are so many bad things that can happen. If your whole house is consumed by fire, including your photographs and records, how are you going to prove to the insurance company what you had in your home before the fire? You want to make sure that you collect as much as possible to be able to replace your precious possession. Try doing it right now. Think about everything you have. For example, in your kitchen, write it down just for fun. Now go into your kitchen and write down precisely what is in there. If you are like most people, you missed a lot of things. Your home inventory can also help you when filing taxes after a disaster. 

When it comes to purchasing your home insurance, to make sure that your contents coverage is correct, you need to know what you have and what the value is. The home inventory will help you when talking to your insurer to make sure that you get adequate coverage. 

At Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO, we have years of experience helping our customers get the coverage they need. Stop by our office or give us a call to set up an appointment for a no-obligation quote. 

Does My Boat Need to Be Covered with Insurance in the Winter?

Posted on by admin

There is no question that when you are enjoying time on the water or transporting your boat, you need insurance coverage. What about the rest of the year, though? For those who live in cold climates in the winter, boat insurance might seem unnecessary — no need to worry, though. Focus Insurance wants to make sure our family and friends in Eureka, MO know what path to take.

Boat insurance is optional when the boat is not in use, but we highly recommend it for one big reason: Neither the water nor transporting your boat are the only dangers it might face. 

  • Winter often brings with it harsh storms that can do more damage to your boat than you might think.
  • The risk of fire does not die during the winter. In fact, the risk might even increase with the drier weather.
  • Theft and vandalism are year-round risks that are often more likely to occur at your home than when you are in it on the water.
  • It is also important to note that if you are financing your boat, your lender may require that you keep insurance on the vessel for a specified period.

What About My Home Insurance?

If you carry home insurance, there is a chance that it covers your boat, especially if it is a small boat. However, larger boats will likely require their own or additional coverage. 

It is always best not to assume that your boat is covered. Check your current policy to find out if your boat is already included. If you are uncertain, stop by or give Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO a call today. We would love to help you protect your investment!

 

Important tips for protecting your home while you are away.

Posted on by admin

The holidays are around the corner. Most of us will be leaving our homes for vacations outside of Eureka, MO or across the border. That means our homes are left vulnerable to elements and burglars.

At Focus Insurance, we recommend planning and taking a few precautions to tighten security. This will help you have peace of mind while you enjoy your vacation.

Here are a few tips to help you protect your home.

Install a smart security system

With today’s modern technology, it is possible to tell who is entering your house without physically being there. Smart home security systems can either detect motion or take snapshots of the intruder. Depending on your needs, you may want to purchase a system that sends you signals of the status of your home straight to your smartphone.

Invest in smart lights

If a security system doesn’t fit in your budget, smart lamps, switch, or plugs can help you achieve a great deal of security. When installed, smart lights can keep your home lively and trick intruders that you are home. You can turn them on and off through your phone from wherever you are.

Install strong locks

Sometimes technology fails. Having sturdy doors and locks means that burglars will have a difficult time trying to unlock your door. Durable doors also protect your home from elements, insects, and animals.

Purchase home insurance

Lastly, you need a home insurance policy. Home insurance is a guaranteed way of safeguarding your home if the worse comes to the worst. If your home was broken into, your insurer could replace the broken or stolen items.

Your home is the most valuable asset. Protecting it should be your biggest priority. If you need more information regarding security or insurance, call or visit us at Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO today.

 

What Are The Types Of Umbrella Insurance?

Posted on by admin

When a major crisis strikes, an umbrella policy can have you covered when your standard insurance isn’t enough. Focus Insurance offers many umbrella insurance options to our friends in and around Eureka, MO. Almost every liability insurance policy you own could be a candidate for an umbrella. Here are just a few examples:

Home Umbrella Insurance

If you host a large event in your home, have frequent visitors, or plan to hire outside help an umbrella policy is an excellent addition to your homeowner’s liability coverage. When someone is injured on your property, you could be liable for their medical expenses. They may even sue. Sometimes the coverage in your standard home policy isn’t enough to cover the cost of injury expenses or your own court defenses. An umbrella policy can cover the difference when your home policy limit runs out. 

Auto Umbrella Insurance

Car accidents can quickly become a costly affair, even if you aren’t at fault. While your average auto insurance will cover most run-of-the-mill accidents, it may not be enough in the event of a major catastrophe involving several vehicles or a lot of property damage. Like home umbrella coverage, auto umbrella policies kick in when your regular coverage runs out, providing a safety net so you won’t end up paying out-of-pocket.

Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Owning a small business is challenging even when things are going smoothly. Your average commercial insurance may cover your operations for day-to-day hazards, but it could fall short when your business faces large suits or situations of libel, slander, or cybercrime. In these cases, an umbrella policy could cover risks that are unique to your business, where a standard policy might not. 

Don’t be left out in the cold when your liability coverage runs out. We encourage Eureka, MO residents to reach out to Focus Insurance today to learn more about umbrella insurance!

3 Tips for Buying Life Insurance in Missouri

Posted on by admin

Living in Missouri comes with so many advantages; the great outdoors, friendly people, and great sports. If you’re lucky enough to call Eureka, MO home, then you’ve found your paradise. Now, you’ll want to protect this amazing life you built by purchasing life insurance. Not sure how to get started? At Focus Insurance, we’ve put together three quick tips that will help you navigate the process a little better and show you how to save money on your life insurance policy in the process.

1. Compare Several Quotes

Your first step should be to compare several life insurance quotes. Not all policies have the same coverage and costs, so be sure to go over these factors with an insurance agent to fully understand what you’re getting and for what price. 

2. Bundle Your Policies

To save money on your new life insurance policy, bundle it with your other policies. Insurance companies love to reward their customers and will offer you a discount on your premiums when you bundle.

3. Work with a Reputable Agent

The purpose of life insurance is to financially protect your loved ones after you pass. Once you’re gone, your life insurance policy will kick in and help cover costs like burial expenses, paying off debt, day-to-day living expenses for your family and more. By working with a reputable agent from Focus Insurance, you will be able to find the right policy for your particular circumstances. A trusted agent will answer all your questions and concerns, help you compare quotes, and find ways to save you money on your premiums.

To learn more about purchasing life insurance, contact us today by calling or visiting our office in Eureka, MO. Our friendly agents are standing by to take your call. 

When Minimum Liability Coverage Doesn’t Cut It

Posted on by admin

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.

3 Tips for Protecting Your Home While You’re On Vacation

Posted on by admin

Going on vacation is a time to relax and let go of the frustrations associated with everyday life. The agents of Focus Insurance are dedicated to helping Eureka, MO residents relax while they are away by giving them the peace of mind they need to feel secure. They can provide many tips on how to protect your home from intruders, keeping everything safe and secure until you arrive home.

Set a Timer for Your Lights

Timers can be used for both your indoor and outdoor lights, making it look like you are at home and that you are moving from one room to another. Timers are set to times that recreate your normal schedule so that it appears you are keeping the same routine.

Stop Newspaper and Mail Delivery

Piles of newspapers and mail in the mailbox are a dead giveaway to intruders that no one is home. Make sure to stop both deliveries prior to your leaving. The post office will hold your mail and re-establish service once you return home. 

Install a Home Security System

Installing a home security system will accomplish several things. First, a professionally monitored system will ensure that any alerts will result in local authorities being notified. Secondly, most systems offer a mobile app that can be placed on your smartphone or tablet, allowing you an opportunity to view your home at any time and from anywhere.

The agents at Focus Insurance will help you prepare for your vacation and give you a variety of tips you can follow to secure your home before you leave. If you live in Eureka, MO, schedule your meeting today so you can enjoy your vacation tomorrow.