Is getting a home insurance policy in Missouri a good idea?

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Owning a home in the Eureka, MO area is a great long-term option. When you own your own property, you will have a consistent place to live and can take advantage of the long-term benefits that come with owning property instead of renting. If you are going to purchase a home in the Eureka area, you should carefully consider your insurance needs. There are several reasons why getting a home insurance policy is a good idea.

Provides Valuable Coverage

One of the main reasons to get a home insurance policy is that it can provide you with very valuable coverage. If you own a property, you will have a major asset that needs to be protected. With a home insurance policy, you will get coverage for your valuable assets, including your dwelling and personal belongings. You can also get a liability insurance policy to protect against this risk.

Ensures Compliance

Another reason why it is a good idea to get a home insurance policy is that it can ensure compliance. There are several situations when having this insurance coverage is a requirement. Those that live in an association or have a mortgage will likely have mortgage requirements. If you do have this insurance coverage in place, you will stay in compliance with your lender and home association. 

As you are shopping for home insurance in the Eureka, MO area, you should call the team at Focus Insurance. When you reach out to the team at Focus Insurance, you can learn a lot more about how home insurance can protect you and your valuable assets. The team here will also help to provide you with the guidance and support you need to pick a policy that is right for your situation. 

Boat Safety Tips for Summer

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With summertime in Aliso Viejo, CA, comes time out on the boat. There are plenty of things you can do to make sure you and passengers stay safe. 

  • Take a Boat Safety Course: You may be able to prevent an accident with proper training, especially if the course meets the U.S. Coast Guard’s recognized national standards. You may even qualify for a discount on insurance. Contact an agent at BenefitSource Insurance Services, Inc. to find out. 
  • Always Wear a Life Jacket and Make Sure Guests Do Too: Drowning can happen when people aren’t wearing lifejackets. Be sure that you have life jackets onboard and children are wearing one that fits correctly. In cold water, life jackets are more important since hypothermia can present a big risk. 
  • Understand Boat Safety Recommendations: Think about what would happen if drivers disregarded laws. Violations of safety rules can be a contributing factor in many accidents. Knowing procedures and navigation rules before getting on the water is important. Use common sense on the water. 
  • Don’t Drink While Boating: Alcohol use can be a leading factor in many fatal boating accidents. You want to make sure you are staying sharp and leave the alcohol for when you are back on dry land. 
  • Don’t Overload the Boat: Be sure to follow the boat’s capacity restrictions. Overloading with equipment or passengers can unbalance the craft. 
  • Have a Boat Safety Kit: It’s impossible to predict any emergency but you can be prepared. No matter the size of the boat, you should have a safety kit. Include items such as duct tape, flashlights, buckets, a first aid kit, ropes, a whistle, a fire extinguisher, and life jackets.  
  • Get Your Boat Checked: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary does free Vessel Safety Checks so you can be prepared.  

Contact BenefitSource Insurance Services, Inc. in Aliso Viejo, CA to get a quote on boat insurance. 

Boat Insurance Basics

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Enjoying the beautiful waters of Missouri is part of summertime fun. Spending an afternoon fishing or spending time with friends creates memories that will last forever. Investing in a boat brings responsibilities. It needs to be insured before you ever head out onto the water. At Focus Insurance, our team works with boaters in the Eureka, MO area every day. We’re ready to answer any questions that you have and make policy recommendations based on how often you use your boat and its size.

There are several features that you should look for in a boat insurance policy. It should provide coverage for mechanical equipment and protect the boat from any physical damage. Personal liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on the boat due to your negligence. Vandalism and theft of items should also be covered. Talk with your agent if you only use the boat a time or two a year. There may be options to save money on your coverage. Uninsured/underinsured boater coverage will also protect you on the water. Finally, your policy should cover everything inside of the boat, including personal possessions and sporting equipment. 

In the Eureka, MO area, our team at Focus Insurance can help you get the coverage that you need for your boat. Your time on the water should be focused on fun, not worries about potential accidents. Our agents will provide you with a range of insurance options that will put your mind at ease. Events such as severe damage to a boat or someone being injured can become financially disastrous. To adequately cover your investment in your boat takes spending a little time with a knowledgeable agent. Explore information on our website then contact us for more information. The time to take care of your boat is today! Give us a call now!

Who Needs an Umbrella Insurance Policy?

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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!