Frequently Asked Questions

Missouri law requires a minimum of 25/50/25 — that's $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. You're also required to carry uninsured motorist coverage.

That said, minimums are rarely enough. If you cause a serious accident, you could be personally responsible for anything above your coverage limits. Most of my clients carry at least 100/300/100, and if you have assets to protect, an umbrella policy is worth discussing.

You're not imagining it — auto insurance rates have climbed significantly across Missouri and nationwide. The main drivers are higher vehicle repair costs, more expensive parts, longer repair times, and an increase in severe weather events.

Even if you're claim-free, your carrier adjusts rates based on the overall loss experience in your area. The good news: as an independent agent, I shop multiple carriers at renewal to make sure you're still getting the best available rate.

Almost always, adding them to your policy is cheaper than a separate one. Teen drivers are expensive to insure because they're statistically higher risk, but bundling with your existing policy usually gets you a better rate.

Some tips to keep costs down: good student discounts, defensive driving courses, and putting the teen on the oldest/least valuable car. Call me and we'll run the numbers for your situation.

Your dwelling coverage should be enough to fully rebuild your home at current construction costs — not the market value or what you paid for it. Construction costs have risen sharply, so many older policies are now underinsured.

I use a replacement cost estimator for every client to make sure your coverage limit is actually sufficient. An underinsured home is one of the most common and costly mistakes I see.

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Flood damage requires a separate flood insurance policy, typically through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer.

St. Charles County has areas near the Missouri River and its tributaries that carry real flood risk. Even if you're not in a designated flood zone, I recommend we talk about whether flood coverage makes sense for your property.

Actual cash value (ACV) pays what your property was worth at the time of the loss — meaning depreciation is subtracted. A 10-year-old roof might only pay out a fraction of what a new roof costs.

Replacement cost value (RCV) pays what it actually costs to replace the item with a new one of similar kind and quality, regardless of depreciation. For most homeowners, RCV is worth the small extra premium.

A captive agent works for one company — like State Farm, Allstate, or Farmers — and can only sell that company's products. They're good at what they do, but if their rates aren't competitive for your situation, they can't help you.

An independent agent like me represents multiple carriers and shops your coverage across all of them to find the best combination of price and protection. I work for you, not the insurance company.

I'm paid a commission by the insurance carrier when I place coverage — you don't pay me directly. My goal is to find you the right coverage at the best price, because that's how I build long-term relationships with clients. A client who stays with me for years is worth far more than a quick sale.

At minimum, review your coverage annually at renewal. But you should also call me whenever something big changes: you buy or sell a home, add a driver, start a business, get married or divorced, have a baby, or make significant improvements to your property.

Life changes your risk profile, and your insurance should keep up.

Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month and extends 3 months after. Missing this window can result in permanent late enrollment penalties, so timing matters.

If you're still working and covered by an employer plan, you may be able to delay without penalty. Every situation is different — call me before your 65th birthday and we'll map out the right timing for you.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover gaps like deductibles and coinsurance. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country. Premiums are higher but costs are predictable.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare and typically includes extras like dental, vision, and prescription drugs. Premiums can be very low, but you're often limited to a network and may have higher out-of-pocket costs when you need care.

The "better" option depends on your health, your doctors, your budget, and how much you travel. I help Missouri seniors navigate this every day — let's talk through your specific situation.