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. 

What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?

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If you have been searching for a way to add an extra layer of protection for your assets, such as your home or auto, you have found the answer in an umbrella insurance policy. Our agents at Focus Insurance, serving the Eureka, MO area, want you to have all the insurance protection you need to give you the peace of mind you deserve.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is a type of liability insurance that provides an additional layer of coverage beyond the limits of your primary insurance policies. It acts as a safety net to protect your assets and finances in case you face a lawsuit or claim exceeding your other policies’ coverage limits.

What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?

Umbrella insurance can protect you and your family members from personal injury claims, including bodily injury and wrongful death if you are found responsible for causing harm to others. This can include most types of accidents that can occur on your property or at another location.

Umbrella insurance includes an extra layer of property damage liability insurance. For example, if you accidentally damage someone else’s property, umbrella insurance can cover the costs to repair or replace the damaged property beyond your primary policy.

If you ever have to face a defamation lawsuit due to statements you made or published and are accused of libel or slander, umbrella insurance can help cover legal expenses and potential settlement costs.

Your umbrella insurance can even help you cover legal defense costs from a lawsuit.

Contact Focus Insurance

To create an umbrella insurance policy that is best for you and your situation, contact our agents at Focus Insurance, serving the Eureka, MO area, to get your policy started today!

Fresh Out of College? Reasons to Consider Life Insurance

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As a young person fresh out of college, you may think you do not need life insurance. Your primary focus may be finding a good job and establishing your career. However, getting life insurance when you’re young could be a smart investment for your future. Here’s how a life policy from Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO can benefit you after college graduation.

Pay Off Student Loans

Like many college students, you may have sponsored your education with private student loans. If a family member cosigned for your loan, they will be responsible for repayment if you pass on unexpectedly. Life insurance can be used to repay this debt, so no one has to bear this financial burden after you’re gone.  

Cheaper When You’re Young

Life insurance is cheaper when purchased at a young age. You can lock in a good price after graduating from college and keep your policy active for the future when you get married and start a family. Your Focus Insurance agent can guide you to the right policy to meet your needs. 

Financial Security

If you’re married or already have a family, life insurance offers financial security for your spouse and children in the event of your sudden demise. No one knows what the future holds. You can, however, prepare for the unexpected with a life insurance policy so your family will have financial support to carry on. If you’re single, a life policy can help support elderly parents or younger siblings after you’re gone. By planning, you can know that those you love will be cared for after you’re gone.

Where to Get Life Insurance

To learn more about life insurance options and costs, give your Focus Insurance agent in Eureka, MO a call.  

What To Do After a Car Accident

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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.

Tips to make your house more energy efficient

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If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy usage and make your home more energy efficient here in the Eureka, MO area, there are plenty of options to get you started. Here are some helpful tips from us at Focus Insurance:

1. Upgrade Your Appliances – Invest in energy-efficient appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, lighting fixtures, and other household items that can use less electricity and help lower your monthly utility bills.

2. Weatherproof Your Home – Check for any drafts or openings in windows, doors, or other areas where outside air can enter your home and increase the amount of energy needed to heat or cool it. Seal drafty windows with caulk or weather stripping and install insulation in attics, basements, and crawlspaces to maintain a comfortable temperature inside all year round. 

3. Install Solar Panels – A great way to save on energy costs is by installing solar panels on the roof of your house, which will generate free electricity from the sun and can help power your entire home. 

4. Change Your Lightbulbs – Swap out traditional lightbulbs for LED bulbs, as they use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs, last longer, and come in various shapes and sizes, depending on where you need them in the house. 

5. Use Natural Resources – Get creative with natural resources around your home, such as trees that provide shade or wind turbines that capture wind power to help cut down on electricity costs. 

By making these small changes around your home, you can reduce your energy usage significantly and potentially save a lot of money each month! For more tips, give us at Focus Insurance a call today. We are proud to serve the Eureka, MO area.

Should all people get boat insurance in Missouri?

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The Eureka, MO area can be a great place to live or visit in the summertime. During this time of the year, the local lakes are filled with boaters, swimmers, and others trying to have fun and stay cool. When you are looking to enjoy this part of Missouri as much as possible, investing in a boat can be a great idea. Along with your boat purchase, you also need to get a proper insurance plan for it. There are various reasons all people here should get boat insurance.

Ensure the Boat is Covered

A reason for all owners to have a boat insurance plan in Missouri is to ensure their boat is covered. When you are looking for a new boat, you will want to know that your purchase is protected so you can enjoy the boat for a long time. When you get boat insurance, it will provide the coverage that you need. 

Offset Liability Risks

Getting boat insurance to mitigate your liability concern can also be a beneficial idea. There will always be a risk that you could create property damage or injuries in a boating collision. If this happens, you will want to know you have appropriate insurance protection. This coverage will help cover these costs, which otherwise can be costly and lead to significant financial setbacks.

If you want to buy a boat in the Eureka, MO area, it is essential that you get the right insurance for it. When you are looking for a new insurance plan in this region, calling our professionals with Focus Insurance can be ideal. When you call us at Focus Insurance, we will give you the guidance you need to build a plan that protects you and your boat.