Safe driving is a skill that all drivers should continually practice and perfect. New drivers, especially, need to be aware of the potential dangers of the road and know how to stay safe.

Here are a few tips from us at Senn Insurance Agency for new drivers to keep in mind when behind the wheel here in the O’Fallon, MO area, and everywhere: 

1. Always be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to what other cars do around you—especially when turning or changing lanes. 
2. Don’t speed or drive too fast for the conditions. Remember, even if you are within the posted speed limit, driving that quickly doesn’t mean it is safe—especially in bad weather or heavy traffic. 
3. Follow the rules of the road and always obey traffic signs and signals. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights, signaling before turning or changing lanes, and yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks. 
4. Always wear a seatbelt and make sure all passengers are buckled up too! Seatbelts save lives and help protect drivers from serious injury in the event of an accident. 
5. Avoid distracted driving activities such as texting while driving or eating behind the wheel (or any other activities that take your eyes off the road). Focus on driving safely! 

New drivers should focus on mastering these tips early on so they can stay safe on the roads for years to come! For more information, or if you are a new driver and need auto insurance, call us at Senn Insurance Agency today. We are proud to serve the O’Fallon, MO area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs and budget.

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!

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.

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.

You might receive a cancellation notice in the mail if you fall behind on your payments. If you want to keep your policy, you can usually pay the amount you owe plus any late fees to reinstate it. Some insurers also offer a one-time courtesy reinstatement if you fall behind on your payments and let your policy lapse for a certain period. Contact Senn Insurance Agency if you stay in O’Fallon, MO for questions. 

What Goes Around Lateness in Auto Insurance Payment 

Your policy will typically go into a "grace period" for a set time. Usually, 10–20 days, in which you can still make the payment, and the policy will remain in effect. After that, the policy will likely go into "suspension," which means that the policy is no longer in effect, and you will no longer be covered if you are in an accident. 

If you make the payment during the grace period and your policy has gone into suspension, it will typically go back into effect. If you do not make a payment on your policy when it is due, your insurer will likely notify you that the payment was not received. To avoid having your policy canceled, keep track of the due dates for your payments and prepare to make the next one on time. 

You will receive a mail notice if you are late on your payment or your account has reached its limit. If you do not take action and make the payment, the insurer will likely cancel your policy. You will have to purchase a new policy at the current rate. If you paid your bill late, but your account did not reach its limit, you may be eligible for a one-time courtesy reinstatement. 

If you want to change your policy mid-year, you must purchase a new one at the current rate. You may be eligible for a one-time courtesy reinstatement if you paid your bill late, but your account did not reach its limit. 

Final Words 

Your insurer may cancel your policy if you have not resolved the issue and made the next payment by the due date. If you have a paid policy, you may lose any no-claims or discounts you have earned. If you have a non-paid policy, your insurer may consider the policy void and not renew it when it expires. Get help with Senn Insurance Agency serving in O’Fallon, MO.

Auto insurance is a unique type of expense. Because it is required by law, it is helpful when you can find the best rates. At Senn Insurance Agency, serving O’Fallon, MO, and the surrounding areas, we can help educate you on important insurance topics such as this. Keep reading to learn more. 

Legal Considerations

Auto insurance is unique because it is one of the few expenses required by law. You will need at least the minimum coverage to operate your vehicle legally. If you refuse or fail to keep proper insurance coverage, you could face legal consequences. 

Financial Considerations

In addition to the legal obligation you carry to keep your vehicle insured, there are also financial factors that you should consider when choosing the amount of coverage you will purchase. If you opt for minimum coverage, this is the minimum required by law to operate your vehicle. You will be held financially responsible for any damage to your vehicle. A liability policy will not pay for damage to your car if your vehicle is in a wreck or is damaged due to a natural disaster or burglary. If your vehicle is damaged or lost for these reasons, you will be responsible for paying for repairs or replacement of your vehicle. This could leave you financially vulnerable. 

Health Considerations

If you are injured in an accident, a solid auto policy can help pay for medical expenses. Without this vital coverage, you might struggle to pay for these important services. 

If you would like to learn more about car insurance or any other services, don’t hesitate to contact us at Senn Insurance Agency, serving O’Fallon, MO, and the surrounding areas.  

Missouri is nationally known as the "Show Me State" and if you operate a motor vehicle in Missouri, you should be able to show your proof of insurance to a police officer upon request.  Missouri (as with practically all other states) requires you to have auto insurance when operating your motor vehicle.  What kinds of auto insurance are available?  This question will be answered below.  You can purchase auto insurance from Senn Insurance Agency in O’Fallon MO.

Auto Insurance Basics

Every auto insurance policy will have a minimum amount of coverage for collision and a minimum amount of coverage for liability.  Some states offer a PLPD (Personal Liability & Property Damage) “bare-bones” coverage that will satisfy legal requirements to be able to drive a car legally in that state.  In these states, this coverage will pay out to the other driver in case of an accident.  You would either have to depend on the other driver’s insurance to cover your damages or have a separate rider of personal damage on your policy.

Different Limits, Different Premiums

As a general rule, the more coverage you get in terms of higher limits, the more in premiums that you will have to pay each month.  If you have a personal nest egg of money saved up, perhaps you can raise the limits of your liability to other drivers in case of an accident and keep the bare minimum of personal coverage for your own damages.

Other Add Ons

You’re not locked into whatever the agency offers in terms of coverage as you can add more coverage limits to your policy at any time.  You can also add services such as roadside assistance which helps you in case of a breakdown on the side of the road.

Find Out More

You can find out more about auto insurance by contacting Senn Insurance Agency in O’Fallon, MO today!

As more and more Americans decide to vacation away from home, the question about insurance coverage and rental cars is bound to come up. When you rent a car online, you are only a few steps into the process when the matter of what type and how much insurance you want to take out on the rental vehicle. No one wants to pay for auto insurance they don’t need. At Senn Insurance Agency in  O’Fallon, MO, our experienced team is here to make sure you know the coverage that you have and don’t overpay. 

One answer is not sufficient for every person. A lot depends on the amount and type of auto insurance that you carry. If you have basic auto coverage, which is liability only, you will not have adequate coverage with a rental car. While that will protect you from being sued, it will not cover the rental car itself and if you have an accident, you could be left holding the bag for the entire repair or replacement cost for the rental car. 

If you are comfortable with the amount of liability coverage that you have on your personal auto policy, it should be right for a rental car. If however, you don’t have a new car, your collision and comprehensive coverage may not be enough for the car you are renting. Talking to your independent insurance agent about the limits of your personal coverage will put your mind at rest. 

Rental car companies offer collision damage waiver insurance which relieves you of responsibility in the event that you have an accident. If you can afford it, it takes the stress out of driving a rental vehicle. Cost versus stress, you have to decide what makes you more comfortable. 

Contact the Senn Insurance Agency in O’Fallon, MO for all your auto insurance needs. 

There comes the day when your child becomes a teenager and starts to drive. Though you may not be prepared for your little one to grow up, you must be ready and prepared for their driving experiences in O’Fallon, MO. Protect yourself and your child by ensuring they have insurance coverage under your auto insurance policy. If you are unsure of what type of coverage you need for your teen, reach out to our specialists at Senn Insurance Agency for assistance in answering your auto insurance questions. 

Teenage Driver Coverage

Auto insurance policies provide coverage for your vehicles when operated by a covered driver. Under some circumstances, insurance companies will extend coverage to unlisted drivers when the policyholder permits them to use their car. However, if the driver lives with you, they must be included in the policy because they are not included under the provision to allow others to operate your vehicle. Some insurance companies provide coverage for teen drivers who do not yet have their driver’s licenses. 

Driver Exclusion

When your teenager receives their license, your insurance company may automatically charge for their coverage. If you do not want your teen listed as a driver in your home, you may have to sign a driver exclusion form. Just know if you choose this option, your teen may not be covered to drive your vehicle. 

Shop Around

Ensuring you and your child are protected while driving is essential for your financial protection. After checking your policy, contact your insurance company for your coverage options and costs. If necessary, you may need to shop around and find a new insurance company that offers you the coverage you need at an affordable price. 

When your teen starts to drive, check your auto insurance policy to verify they are covered to drive in O’Fallon, MO. Call our team of professionals at Senn Insurance Agency for help adjusting your policy or to sign up for a new policy to cover your newly-licensed teen driver. 

You need your vehicle to get back and forth to work, the grocery store, doctor appointments, and a multitude of other places, so you will need to ensure it is protected. The auto insurance agents at the Senn Insurance Agency in O’Fallon, MO understand the importance of auto insurance.

In Missouri, all drivers must have at least a liability insurance policy in place through an insurance agent, proof of financial responsibility filed with the Department of Revenue, or a certificate of self-insurance to legally drive. Basically, all drivers must have the minimum amount of insurance that is required.

It is also a good idea to have uninsured motorist coverage in conjunction with underinsured motorist coverage. This will protect you and your vehicle, along with your passengers, if there is an accident that is deemed to be the other driver’s fault. That person does not have any insurance or does not have enough to cover the damages and injuries.

Collision Insurance

A collision auto insurance policy will pay for damages to your vehicle if you collide with another vehicle or an object. For example, if you back into a building and cause damage to your vehicle and the building, your collision policy will cover damages to both.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance will cover your vehicle if it needs to be repaired or replaced due to a fire, vandalism, natural disaster, or stolen.

To obtain the right amount of auto insurance for you and your situation, it is best to contact an auto insurance agent with the experience. In Missouri, you can contact the auto insurance agents at the Senn Insurance Agency in O’Fallon, MO to obtain a quote or get your auto insurance policy started right away.