What we cover in Parma
Pick a coverage to quote or buy — or book a consult and we'll sort it out together.
Why folks in Parma choose a local agent
When you're in Parma, New Madrid County, you get a real person who knows MO — not a 1-800 menu. Billy E. Whited is a licensed local agent shopping 80+ carriers to fit your home, vehicle, farm, or business, and can quote, bind, or sit down with you in person, over Zoom, or on the phone.
Nearby towns we also cover:
Insurance in Parma: the local picture
Folks in Parma know that living in the Bootheel means being prepared for anything, and your insurance needs to reflect that reality. Our homes, often older frame or brick, alongside some manufactured housing, mean replacement costs can vary wildly. It's crucial to have sufficient dwelling coverage that accounts for modern construction costs, not just what the house was worth decades ago. And with the Mississippi River flood plain right here, separate flood insurance isn't just a suggestion; it's a necessity. Standard homeowner policies won't cover river flooding, and with the history of inundation in New Madrid County, you simply can't afford to skip it. Whether you own your home or rent one of the affordable subsidized apartments, protecting your personal belongings from floodwaters is paramount.
Then there's the weather. Being in Tornado Alley means we see our share of severe storms, including tornadoes and large hail. This isn't just about replacing a few shingles; it's about making sure your roof is up to code and that your policy covers wind, hail, and even debris damage. For our businesses, like A.C. Riley Cotton Co. LLC near Kewanee, or the Parma R-I School District, property and liability coverage are critical. For SEMO Electric Cooperative, robust commercial coverage is essential to protect their infrastructure and operations from these same weather threats. Even Jandt Tree Service llc needs specialized coverage for their equipment and liability, especially after a storm. Our agricultural base, influenced by regional players like Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), means many local folks have commercial interests tied to farming, requiring crop and equipment coverage.
Overall, a layered approach is key. You need solid home insurance that protects against severe weather, and almost certainly a separate flood policy. For our businesses, from the school district to the tree service, tailored commercial policies, including general liability, property, and potentially business interruption, are non-negotiable in this vibrant but weather-vulnerable community.
Population: 555 (2020)
Housing in Parma
Specific data on Parma's housing stock is limited. However, typical housing in small, rural Missouri towns often consists of older frame or brick homes, alongside some manufactured housing. The age and construction type of these homes would imply varying replacement costs and roof considerations, with older structures potentially requiring more significant investment in maintenance and updates. Affordable housing options are available in Parma, including subsidized apartments. https://hudhousingnetwork.com/mo/new-madrid/parma, https://www.publichousing.com/city/mo-parma
Major local employers & who's hiring
- Parma R-I School District — Education
- SEMO Electric Cooperative — Utilities hiring
- Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) — Agricultural Processing/Grain hiring
- A.C. Riley Cotton Co. LLC — Agriculture (Cotton Gins, Grain Elevators)
Local Parma businesses
A few businesses that call Parma home — independent of our agency.
- Jandt Tree Service llc — Tree Trimming
Local landmarks & geography
- Missouri Bootheel Region (General Flood Risk) — Parma, MO is located in the Missouri Bootheel, a low-lying, flat alluvial plain region known for agricultural activity and susceptibility to flooding from heavy rainfall and regional waterways. This increases flood insurance risk for properties in the area.
- Interstate 55 — Interstate 55 is located near Parma, MO. Proximity to a major interstate can influence property values due to potential noise pollution, increased traffic, and accessibility. It also impacts transportation-related risks and emergency service access.
- Southeast Missouri State University — While approximately 52 miles from Parma, this university in Cape Girardeau is a significant regional institution. Its presence can indirectly affect the broader regional economy, employment opportunities, and housing market, which can have a subtle influence on property values and demand in nearby communities like Parma.
- Big Oak Tree State Park — Located in the Missouri Bootheel region, this state park preserves significant natural features, including large, old-growth trees. Proximity to natural areas can affect property aesthetics and recreational opportunities, but also introduces potential for natural hazards like wind damage from storms affecting large trees or, in some contexts, wildfire risk (though less prevalent in this specific type of park).
Local facts that shape your coverage
- Parma is a city located in New Madrid County, Missouri. — High
- New Madrid County has experienced significant flooding from the Mississippi River, with local officials often dealing with rising waters. — High
- The Missouri Bootheel region, where Parma is located, is known for its susceptibility to severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hail events. — High
- The population of Parma, Missouri was 555 at the 2020 census. — Medium
- The median property value in Parma, MO, was $43,300 in 2021, indicating a prevalence of more modest and potentially older homes. — Lower property values often correspond to older housing stock, which can have unique insurance considerations regarding replacement costs, building codes, and maintenance needs.
- New Madrid County, which includes Parma, has experienced numerous tornado and hail events, with records indicating multiple significant occurrences over the years. — This directly highlights the need for comprehensive homeowners and commercial property insurance that specifically covers wind, hail, and tornado damage, including potential roof replacement.
Local figures compiled from public sources: en.wikipedia.org · kfvs12.com · weather.gov · datausa.io · ncei.noaa.gov · gosemo.com. Estimates — verify current details with the original source.
Insurance requirements in Missouri
Missouri is an at-fault (tort) state: every driver must carry liability insurance, and Missouri also requires uninsured-motorist coverage — which matters because not everyone on the road is insured. Missouri sits in a hail- and tornado-prone corridor, so wind/hail protection and your roof's condition weigh heavily for homeowners and farm owners. As an independent agency we shop multiple carriers to fit Missouri's rules and weather to your budget. Verify current state minimums with the Missouri Department of Commerce & Insurance.
Parma, MO insurance — common questions
How much does insurance cost in Parma, MO?
Rates in Parma and New Madrid County depend on your home, vehicles, business, and the coverage you choose. As an independent agency we shop 80+ carriers to find your best price — start a quote or call 573-594-5148 for a real number.
Do you write insurance in Parma?
Yes. InsureToday24 (BNW Services LLC) is a licensed local agency serving Parma and all of MO — home, auto, farm, business, life, and more.
Can I get a quote in Parma today?
Absolutely. You can buy simple lines online in minutes, or book a quick consult — in person, over Zoom, or by phone — and we'll get you covered fast.