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.

While there is no mistaking that driving a vehicle ignites independence, it is also dangerous – particularly for new drivers. As a new driver, here’s what you can do to ensure your safety while on the road.

1. Put Your Phone Away

Driving is the time to limit distractions so that you can keep your eyes on the road. Don’t even tempt yourself with the ability to look at your phone by placing it in the glove box or in the seat behind you. If you have to make a phone call, use Bluetooth or a system like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – all three of which are now found in many newer vehicles. 

2. Watch Your Speed

Maintain the speed limit and be mindful of other drivers around you. Stay in the far right lane as much as possible and allow vehicles traveling faster the opportunity to pass you on the left.

3. Adjust the Mirrors and More

Since it is likely that a new driver is sharing a vehicle that may be used by another person of a different height or body style, it is important to always check the mirrors and adjust the seat prior to putting the car in gear. 

4. Follow the Signs

Pay attention to your surroundings and recognize the speed limit on the same road may vary. Furthermore, everything from hazards to blind spots are identified on road signs so it is important to always look at them.

5. Know the Car

Take the time to review your vehicle’s manual so that you know everything from where the headlights are located to how to change the air conditioning temperature.

When it comes to first time drivers, quality auto insurance with excess liability coverage is a must. Contact the team at Senn Insurance Agency in O’Fallon, MO to learn more about our auto insurance options.

Car insurance is one of the most important types of insurance. Moreover, it is also required to have auto insurance in Missouri, and it is illegal to drive without it. However, choosing the right car insurance coverage is not the most straightforward task. In order to make an informed decision when you are shopping for car insurance, there are specific questions that you should ask your insurance agent. Senn Insurance Agency, serving O’Fallon, MO and other surrounding areas, has prepared a list of a few of them:

How Much Coverage Do I Need?

A car insurance agent is an excellent resource for deciding how much coverage you should get. In addition to the minimum coverage required by the state, there are other types of auto coverage that you can discuss with an agent. They include comprehensive coverage, uninsured and underinsured motorist protection, and collision coverage. 

How Much Will I Get If My Car Is Totaled? 

It is crucial to discuss losses with your agent as well. You need to figure out whether you will receive actual cash value or agreed-upon value. Actual cash value means the replacement cost minus depreciation, while the agreed value is an agreed amount settled upon by both a policyholder and the insurance company. 

Who Is Covered Under My Policy?

It is an important question because many people assume that one policy means one car. However, in most cases, when it comes to sharing a vehicle with other family members, additional coverage is needed. 

Getting the right car insurance coverage is extremely important because it is the protection of you, your family members, and your passengers on the road. If you are a car owner from Missouri and you have questions about auto insurance that you want to discuss with an insurance agent, Senn Insurance Agency, serving clients from O’Fallon, MO, will be glad to assist you. Give us a call to talk to one of our experienced insurance agents and receive all the information you need. 

Missouri Auto Insurance Requirements

Every state requires different minimum insurance for vehicles on its roads. Senn Insurance Agency of O’Fallon, MO wants you to understand that if you just moved to the state, you will need to obtain auto insurance that fits the requirements of Missouri law.

The laws of the state require you to purchase three types of insurance: property, bodily injury, and uninsured motorist. You must purchase liability coverage for bodily injury in the amount of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. You also have to purchase a liability policy that covers property damage of at least $10,000. Some states do not require uninsured motorist coverage, but Missouri does. You only need uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury.

While meeting the minimums keeps you legal, the problem is that accidents do happen, and you need a way to pay for the other kinds of accidents. That means carrying full coverage. Think about adding the following to your existing insurance coverage:

• Comprehensive: pays for the repairs to your vehicle when the auto gets damaged by fire, or severe weather, or another named peril.
• Collision: pays for the repairs to your vehicle when it gets damaged in an accident with an object or vehicle.
• Medical payments: pays your medical bills related to an accident.
• Rental car costs: pays for you to rent a car when you cannot use your vehicle due to damage.
• Emergency roadside assistance: covers your costs to get roadside assistance.

Let Senn Insurance Agency of O’Fallon, MO help you with your auto insurance needs. Contact us today to learn about our auto insurance options and potential discounts.

Whether you are buying insurance for a new vehicle or an old car, you want to ensure that you are adequately covered in case of an accident. At Senn Insurance Agency, we discuss the concerns of each client individually to come up with a policy that satisfies their needs. There are several things you should look out for when buying auto insurance in St. Peters or O’Fallon, MO;

How much coverage?

• To find the right policy, come up with how much coverage you need. In Missouri, there is a required minimum thresh hold on the minimum coverage. Our agents at Senn Insurance Agency will advise you on how to ensure that you do not need to ever worry about liability issues.

Your driving record

• It is essential to check with the states department how many tickets you have been issued with. If you are a careless driver or one who is continuously over speeding, this impacts on your insurance coverage. A bad driving record often drives up the cost of insurance. Please discuss this with our insurance agents so we can properly assess what policies will be necessary for you.

Review your insurance policy

• Our customer-centric agents at Senn Insurance Agency will discuss the details of everything in the policy. This is crucial in case your auto has an accident. Be well aware of your limits of coverage as well as where to report in case of an accident. Reviewing your policy annually is also smart. Things can change over the course of a year. Let us help you make the adjustments. 

The reputation of the insurance company

You must research the company you intend to buy insurance from. Finding an agency you can grow with is critical. Feel free to visit our office in O’Fallon. MO, or call our agents for more information on auto insurance and how to get a quote.

If you have been found guilty of a DUI or DWI in Missouri, then it is all but guaranteed that your auto insurance premiums will increase. Don’t be left with inadequate coverage or paying for too costly of a policy, contact us at Senn Insurance Agency in O’Fallon, MO and our trusted and professional staff will be sure to answer all your questions. 

SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 is a vehicle liability insurance document that is required in the state of Missouri for any driver that has lost their driving privileges due to an uninsured car accident or conviction of a traffic-related violation like a DUI. It is important to note that the SR-22 is not an actual insurance policy but is a filling that is added to a person’s automobile insurance policy.

How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost?

Unfortunately, there’s no one size fits all answer for this question. The cost of the SR-22 add-on varies widely depending on several factors to include the number of traffic violations on a person’s driving record and how high-risk individual insurance companies deem a driver. At Senn Insurance Agency, we offer competitive rates and would be happy to answer any questions you have and walk you through the policy options.

How to Obtain SR-22:

If you already have auto insurance, it can be added to your policy. For individuals that do not own a vehicle, the process is a little more complicated but not impossible. Whether you are in O’Fallon, MO, or any other city in Missouri, you will need to show proof of automotive insurance to get an SR-22. So, you will need a non-owners insurance policy to proceed forward.

That’s your child behind the wheel, all grown up and anxious to embark on their latest adventure. They have the keys in their hand and a grin that won’t stop spreading. You’ve taught them well, and you trust them to make sound decisions, but a little last-minute review never hurts. Senn Insurance Agency has the 411 on what you need to discuss with your teen driver before they ever back down the driveway:

Buckle Up

In O’Fallon, MO,  law enforcement can’t stop your teen driver simply because they aren’t wearing their seat belt. This means that seat belt enforcement needs to come from Mom or Dad. Set serious penalties for teens who refuse to buckle up because six out of ten people who died in Missouri car crashes in 2016 were not wearing their seatbelts. 

Keep the Phone in the Glove Compartment

O’Fallon, MO has a ban on cell-phone usage while driving for anyone under the age of 21. This is good news for parents, but without follow-up at home, it probably won’t be enough incentive for your teen. Make sure the phone stays in the glove compartment. Be sure to model that same example when you’re behind the wheel as well, because your teen is likely watching.

Leave the Car for Lunch

No eating or drinking in the car while driving. Not ever. No excuses. Require your teen to leave the car for lunch, or to at least park somewhere safe before chowing down. Most people don’t realize it, but eating and drinking behind the wheel is a form of distracted driving that can lead to serious injuries, especially for rookie drivers.

At Senn Insurance Agency, we have the answer to your teen driving questions. Give us a call today for more information.