FAQ: Auto and Home Insurance

FAQs · InsureToday24 (BNW Services LLC), a licensed independent agency across MO, KS, NE, TN, OK, AR & CO.

# FAQ: Auto and Home Insurance

If you own a car or a home in Missouri or Kansas, you probably have questions about how your coverage works, what it costs, and what to do when something goes wrong. Below are the questions we hear most often at BNW Services LLC (dba InsureToday24). We're a licensed independent insurance agency, which means we shop the carriers we represent to fit your situation instead of selling one company's product. Have a question that isn't answered here? Call or text Lucy, our AI receptionist, at (573) 594-5148, or start a quote at insuretoday24.com.

Do I legally have to carry auto insurance in Missouri or Kansas?

Yes. Both states require drivers to carry minimum liability coverage to drive legally, and both require proof of financial responsibility when you register a vehicle. The exact minimum limits are set by each state's law — see the Missouri Department of Commerce & Insurance (insurance.mo.gov) and the Kansas Insurance Department (insurance.kansas.gov) for current requirements. We'll make sure any policy we quote meets or exceeds what your state requires.

What does liability coverage actually pay for?

Liability covers injuries and property damage you cause to other people — it does not pay to repair your own car. It's the part of your auto policy the state requires you to carry. Most households choose limits higher than the bare legal minimum, because the minimum often isn't enough to cover a serious accident.

What's the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?

Collision pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash, no matter who was at fault. Comprehensive covers non-crash events like theft, vandalism, fire, hail, and hitting a deer — which matters a lot in MO and KS storm country. Neither is required by state law, but your lender will usually require both if you have a loan or lease.

How are my auto and home premiums decided?

Carriers use underwriting to weigh factors like your driving history, vehicle, location, home age and condition, coverage limits, and claims history. Because we're independent, we can run your details past several of the carriers we represent and compare results. The III (iii.org) has good plain-English explanations of what insurers consider.

Does homeowners insurance cover everything that could happen to my house?

No. A standard homeowners policy covers many common perils — fire, wind, hail, theft, and certain liability claims — but it specifically excludes others. Flood and earth movement are the big ones it does not cover, and there are limits on things like jewelry and electronics. We can walk you through the exclusions and add endorsements where it makes sense.

Do I need separate flood insurance in Missouri or Kansas?

Possibly. Flood damage is excluded from standard homeowners policies, and both states have areas near rivers and creeks where flooding is a real risk. Flood coverage is written separately, often through the National Flood Insurance Program. Call us and we'll help you check your flood risk and your options.

How much homeowners coverage do I actually need?

Your dwelling coverage should be enough to rebuild your home at today's construction costs — not what you paid for it or its market value. We help you estimate replacement cost and set personal property and liability limits that fit your household. Setting the number too low can leave you short after a total loss.

What's a deductible, and how do I pick one?

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket on a claim before your coverage kicks in. A higher deductible usually lowers your premium but means more cost to you when you file. We'll help you balance a deductible you can comfortably afford against the premium savings.

Will my rate go up if I file a claim?

It can, depending on the claim type, fault, and your history — though it varies by carrier. That's another advantage of working with an independent agency: if your current carrier raises your rate, we can re-shop the carriers we represent at renewal. Small, fully recoverable losses sometimes cost more in rate increases than they pay out, so it's worth a quick call before you file.

Can I save money by bundling my auto and home?

Often, yes. Many carriers offer a multi-policy discount when you keep your auto and home with the same company. We can quote bundled and separate options across the carriers we represent and show you which actually saves you the most.

How do I file an auto or home claim?

Most claims are reported directly to your carrier's claims line, which is listed on your policy documents, but you can also call us and we'll point you in the right direction. After you report it, an adjuster reviews the damage and determines the payout under your coverage. Document everything with photos and keep receipts for any emergency repairs.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a premium payment can lead to a lapse in coverage and, eventually, cancellation — which can also make your next policy cost more. If money is tight, call us before the due date; there may be a payment plan or a different option among the carriers we represent. Never let a policy quietly lapse without talking to someone first.

How do I get a quote from BNW Services / InsureToday24?

Visit insuretoday24.com to start online, or call or text Lucy at (573) 594-5148. Because we're independent, we gather your details once and compare the carriers we represent for you. There's no obligation to buy — we'd rather earn your business with the right fit.

Why use an independent agent instead of buying direct?

A direct carrier can only sell you their own product. As an independent agency, we shop multiple carriers, explain the trade-offs in plain language, and stay in your corner at renewal and claim time. You get choice and an advocate — at no extra cost to you.

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