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O'Fallon, MO 63366

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Tips for Protecting Your Home While On Vacation

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Most people look forward to their vacation months in advance as it is often one of the few opportunities to catch a few consecutive days of stress-free living. Before leaving on vacation, the insurance professionals at Senn Insurance Agency offer these protection tips for your property or home in and around the O’Fallon, MO vicinity.  

Lock Doors & Windows

Make sure the property is secure. Consider extra security like a deadbolt.  

Install a Home Security System

Home security is now more affordable than ever. You can have alarms on windows and doors.

Use Light Timers

Set timers for lights or TVs/Radios to deter potential thieves.

Have a Friend/Family Member Keep an Eye on Your Empty Home.

Ask someone to check the property regularly while you are away.

Hold Mail & Newspapers

A pile of folded and unread newspapers is a sure sign the residents are not home. Put the mail on hold or ask your neighbor to get it.  

Lay Low on Social Media

Vacations are exciting, so people share their experiences with friends and family live and online. Avoid these pots until you are home to avoid tipping off a potential burglar.  

Secure valuable items

Consider storing valuable items in a safe or other safe location. Finding an appropriate safe can protect your items from storms, fires, and theft.

Don’t Leave a Hide-A-Key

This method is not secure and may increase the chance the property is burglarized.

Install an Outdoor Senso- Light

These lights switch on when sensing any movement.

The Take Away

The last thing you want after a vacation is to come home to an issue that may have been preventable by being cautious. For information on further protecting your home and family in the greater O’Fallon, MO area, call the professionals at Senn Insurance Agency at 636-987-7798 or online.

Who Should Be My Beneficiary on My Life Insurance Policy?

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Choosing a beneficiary is an essential step in purchasing a life insurance policy. Here at Senn Insurance Agency, serving O’Fallon, MO, and the surrounding areas, we intend to help walk you through these types of important insurance decisions. Keep reading to learn more. 

Understanding Beneficiaries 

When you purchase a life insurance policy, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is who to name as the beneficiary. The beneficiary is the person to which life insurance benefits will be paid in the event of your passing. You should carefully consider who you are naming in this role on the policy. 

Common Beneficiaries 

You have the right to name anyone you would like as a beneficiary. However, some common beneficiaries are often chosen. For instance, married people often choose their spouse to be their beneficiary. Most married people purchase a life insurance policy to provide financial assistance to their spouses should they die. Another common person to name would be a child or children. 

If you do not have a spouse or children, you will want to consider another option. 

Things to Consider When Choosing a Beneficiary 

If you are not choosing a spouse or a child, you will want to consider who would use the insurance benefits properly carefully. The beneficiary on a life insurance policy is often responsible for paying for your final expenses if you have not pre-paid for those already. If there are other things that you would wish for the money to be used for, you should make sure you choose someone who is trustworthy and will carry out your wishes as you have requested. 

If you want to learn more about life insurance, please get in touch with us at Senn Insurance Agency, serving O’Fallon, MO, and the surrounding areas. 

 

Options for Covering a Car in Long-Term Storage

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What Are Your Options for Coverage of a Car in Long-Term Storage?

When you’ve decided to store a vehicle long-term without driving it, you might be tempted to go without insurance or keep paying your regular insurance premium until you resume driving it. At Senn Insurance Agency in O’Fallon, MO, we help our customers with various unique vehicle insurance situations. They can range from long-term storage, including military deployment situations, to classic cars driven for special occasions and valuable vehicles kept as an investment.

Your Car Has Value that Needs Protecting

Things can happen, even to a car in long-term storage. Without insurance, it’s up to you to manage repairs or accept the loss. Maintaining some form of comprehensive insurance can protect your vehicle from a wide range of risks and ensure that your investment is not inadvertently lost or reduced. Even if the problem is with the storage facility, having your own carefully selected coverage is wise.

Do You Need Liability Coverage if You’re Not Driving the Vehicle?

There may be options to adjust, pause, or modify liability coverage to get the desired protection without unnecessary extras. If your car is registered, though, the state of Missouri expects it to have at least minimum liability insurance coverage and provides penalties if not. At Senn Insurance Agency in O’Fallon, MO, we can help you coordinate registration and insurance issues together. Also, a full lapse in coverage can increase premium when coverage is resumed.

Storing your vehicle doesn’t have to mean continuing your full insurance coverage, but adjusting coverage is something you should consider doing with our experienced help. Give us a call. Let’s talk about your plans and how we can help!

 

Tips to prepare your house for a storm

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As winter progresses, so do storms and the potential for more severe weather in the O’Fallon, MO area. Preparing your home for a storm can help to minimize damages and protect your family from harm. Here are some tips from us at Senn Insurance Agency to help get you started:

  1. Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and any other items that may be thrown around in strong winds. It’s best to store these items away in a safe place until after the storm passes. 
  2. Clear gutters of debris and leaves so that water can flow freely away from the house during rain storms. Additionally, trim any bushes or trees near windows, so they don’t become projectiles in high winds. 
  3. Check windows and doors for cracks or gaps which could let water or wind into the house. Apply caulk or weatherstripping to seal these areas up tight before the storm hits. 
  4. Ensure your home is equipped with surge protectors for electronic devices should lightning strike close by. This can minimize power spikes which can cause damage to delicate electronics like computers and televisions. 
  5. Ensure an emergency kit is ready with items such as flashlights, batteries, bottled water, first aid supplies, and non-perishable food items in case of prolonged outages or if assistance is needed from emergency services during the storm. 

By taking these steps, you will be better prepared when storms hit the O’Fallon, MO area and hopefully avoid major disasters or mishaps! For more tips on staying safe, call us at the Senn Insurance Agency today. We are happy to help!

The differences between term and whole life insurance

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Whole life insurance provides lifelong protection and accumulates cash value over time. It generally provides a guaranteed premium, death benefit, and cash value component that collects tax-deferred with potential dividends. On the other hand, term life insurance is often the most affordable way for individuals to get high levels of coverage for a specific period (typically 10, 20, or 30 years). Since we get asked a lot, here are a few more differences from the Senn Insurance Agency.

The primary difference between whole life insurance and term life insurance lies in their duration. At the same time, you can have a whole life policy in force your entire lifetime—so long as you continue to make payments—term policies are much shorter in duration. The primary purpose of term life insurance is financial protection. Therefore, if you die during your policy term, the insurance company pays a death benefit to your beneficiaries. After the term expires, coverage ends, and there is no death benefit payable.

Whole life policies are more expensive than term life policies because they offer more features, such as investment options for cash value accumulation and guaranteed renewability for life—meaning you can’t be denied a renewal even if your health has changed. 

On the other hand, term life insurance can be a great choice if you only need coverage for a specific period. The premiums are much lower compared to whole life because it does not have the cash value component or guaranteed renewability feature. Moreover, term life insurance is often seen as a way for individuals who don’t want or can’t afford the higher premium costs associated with whole life policies to get coverage that will provide financial security for their families.

For more information, give us at Senn Insurance Agency a call today. We serve the O’Fallon, MO area.

Protect Your Driving Privileges – Get Car Insurance

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Did you know that car insurance is mandatory in 48 out of 50 states? Are you driving legally? The Senn Insurance Agency, serving the O’Fallon, MO area, can provide the coverage you need.

You are a careful driver. Why do you need insurance? Because it offers financial protection if you cause an accident. You will be liable for any associated expenses. They include the medical costs of the injured party or their lost wages if they cannot work. Liability coverage helps to pay for these expenses.

In addition to liability coverage, collision and comprehensive insurance are recommended. Collision insurance will cover the cost of replacing or repairing your car if you are at fault in an accident or if the other driver’s insurance does not cover the cost of your repairs. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle after a theft, vandalism, falling trees, rogue deer, floods, etc.

Law enforcement is not very forgiving to the uninsured motorist. The suspension of your license will not be lifted until you show proof of insurance coverage. Purchasing insurance on a suspended license is ridiculously expensive. It can cost from 150% to 400% of the cost of a standard policy. It is not worth the risk.

So, unless you live in Virginia or New Hampshire, where this coverage is not mandated, you should have it. It is not worth the ramifications if you drive without it.

Contact the Senn Insurance Agency today for a no-obligation quote or answers to any questions you may have. You will be glad you did.

Home Insurance and Your Rebuilt Car Project

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You’re in the middle of a vast rebuild project on that old car you bought in O’Fallon, MO a few years ago. You’re about to start work on the engine, wondering, "does my home insurance policy cover my work in progress?"

The quick answer is no. Your home insurance policy does not cover vehicles being worked on, even if they are stored in your garage. However, there are some things Senn Insurance Agency can do to make sure you and your project are protected.

Getting the Right Coverage for Your Project Car

One option is to purchase a standalone garage policy explicitly designed for people working on cars in their garages. These policies typically cover things like tools and equipment and any damage that might occur to the vehicle itself while it’s being worked on.

Another option is to add an endorsement to your existing home insurance policy. This is usually more expensive than buying a standalone garage policy, but it can be worth it if you have many other valuables you want to keep under one policy. For example, adding a classic car you don’t drive but keep stored in your garage protects it in the event of a fire, theft, or other types of damage.

Regardless of your route, make sure you talk to an agent at the Senn Insurance Agency about how to protect your vehicle rebuild project best. We’ll be able to help you assess your needs and find the right coverage for your situation. And once your project is finished, we can help you update your coverage so that you’re only paying for the protection you need. Soon you’ll be showing O’Fallon, MO your new ride!

Why life insurance is important for single people

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Residents in O’Fallon, MO and the surrounding area can rely on the team at Senn Insurance Agency for all of their insurance needs. We can help you determine if life insurance is something that can help your financial future. Contact our office today to learn more about life insurance’s many benefits. 

Single people can benefit from life insurance.

When people think of life insurance, they often think of it as a vehicle for young families to protect their children should a catastrophe occur. While this is an essential function that life insurance can serve, it is not the only one. Single people who don’t want to leave their loved ones with any financial burdens at the time of their deaths can also benefit from carrying a life insurance policy.

Even when the estate has plenty of resources to cover burial and end-of-life expenses, those funds aren’t typically accessible immediately following a death. With probate and estate settlement issues, it can take some time for funds to be disbursed according to a person’s will. This means that, in many cases, it comes down to relatives or loved ones to cover the cost of a funeral and other immediate expenses that occur at the time of a person’s death. 

Many single people opt to carry a term life policy to avoid leaving loved ones with a financial burden. This type of life insurance policy is an effective way to cover end-of-life expenses. 

Call or stop by today!

Senn Insurance Agency is here to serve the insurance needs of residents in O’Fallon, MO, and the surrounding area. If you have questions about life insurance, give us a call or come by our office today. 

Four Key Areas Covered by Auto Insurance

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Do you have auto insurance in O’Fallon, MO? Do you know what it covers? Unfortunately, most motorists buy auto insurance to comply with the law but barely understand the policy’s contents. If you want to harness the power of your car insurance policy, you must understand what it covers. This way, you will be better placed to know what "add-ons" you can purchase to boost your policy.

So, what does your car insurance cover? Senn Insurance Agency highlights four key areas covered by your auto insurance.

Liability coverage

Despite how careful you are on the road, you can cause an accident. When deemed at fault for an accident, you may be responsible for bodily injury and property damage caused. Since liability claims can be expensive, you had better cushion yourself with car insurance.

Assets coverage

Your car is not only expensive, but it also holds good memories. Since your car means the world to you, it makes sense to protect it with car insurance. Auto insurance compensates you when you lose or damage your car. You don’t have to start from scratch when the unexpected strikes.

Medical costs coverage

Car accidents are common in the US, and motorists and passengers rarely escape unscathed after an accident. Since treating auto injuries can be expensive, you are better off investing in MedPay or PIP, even if you have a health insurance plan. These policies cover expenses like partial loss of wages that aren’t covered by your health insurance.

Uninsured motorists coverage

While auto insurance is mandatory in Missouri, you still find motorists without coverage. Uninsured motorists leave a trail of uncovered damage, hence the need to invest in uninsured motorist coverage to protect you from such losses.

Ready to invest in car insurance? Please get in touch with Senn Insurance Agency. We offer comprehensive yet affordable car insurance policies in O’Fallon, MO, and surrounding areas.

Four Weird Things That Might Not be Covered by Your Home Insurance

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Your home is your safe space. It’s where you go to relax, unwind, and feel comfortable after a long hard day at work. So it’s no surprise that we’re pretty particular about what goes on inside our four walls.

But did you know there are some weird things that your home insurance might not cover? Here are four of the strangest:

Damage Caused by Pests

We all love our furry (or not so furry) friends, but did you know that your pet could void your home insurance policy? That’s right – if your pet causes damage to your home or injures someone, your home insurance company may not pay out. So it’s essential to check with your insurer before you adopt or buy a pet.

Damage Caused by War

War not only destroys homes, but it also destroys lives. The physical and emotional damage it leaves behind is immeasurable. Unfortunately, your home insurance policy probably doesn’t cover damage caused by war.

Most home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by nuclear bombs and chemical and biological weapons. So, if you live in an area prone to violence, purchasing additional coverage is essential to protect your home and belongings.

Damage Caused by a Power Outage

Power outages are quite a common occurrence these days. Unfortunately, it often leads to a lot of damage for businesses and homeowners alike. Some of the damage that isn’t covered by your homeowner’s insurance coverage in case of an outage include:

  • Damage to Electronics: If the power outage is caused by a lightning strike, your home insurance policy might not cover the damage to any electronics plugged in at the time.
  • Food Spoilage: If the power outage lasts long enough, your food could start going bad. And while most home insurance policies won’t cover the cost of the food itself, some will reimburse you for any damages caused by the spoiled food (like if it leaks and damages your flooring).
  • Loss of Business Income: If you run a business out of your home, you might not be covered for any loss of income that results from a power outage.

Repairs Resulting From Negligence

We all know that accidents happen. But if the accident was caused by negligence, your home insurance won’t cover the repairs. For example, if you leave your oven on and it starts a fire that damages your kitchen, your home insurance company will likely not pay for the repairs.

The same goes for water damage – if you leave your sink running and it floods your home, your insurance company probably won’t pay for the repairs. So, it’s essential to be careful and take precautions to prevent accidents from happening in the first place.

Bottom Line

While your home insurance policy is designed to protect you and your home, there are some things that it just doesn’t cover. So, knowing what your policy does and does not cover is essential. That way, you can ensure you’re fully protected in an emergency.

If you’re looking for the right home insurance policy for your needs, Senn Insurance Agency in O’Fallon, MO can help. We’ll work with you to find a policy that fits your budget and provides the coverage you need. Contact us today to get started!