One of the most common questions customers ask is, "Do I have full coverage on my auto policy?" This is a difficult question to answer. “Full coverage” is not the best term to use when asking for physical damage on your vehicle. Understanding this part of your auto insurance policy can help you make informed decisions about protecting your investment.
Physical damage coverage refers to the portions of your auto policy that pay to repair or replace your vehicle when it is damaged. It typically consists of two coverages:
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle if you're involved in an accident with another vehicle or object. For example, if you accidentally back into a pole or are involved in a traffic accident, collision coverage can help cover repair costs after your deductible is applied.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from many non-collision losses, including:

1. Vandalism
2. Hail and wind damage
3. Falling objects
4. Fire
5. Animal collisions (such as hitting a deer)

Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage is usually subject to a deductible.
Do You Need Physical Damage Coverage?
If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, your lender will likely require both collision and comprehensive coverage. Even if your vehicle is paid off, physical damage coverage can provide valuable financial protection against unexpected repair or replacement costs.
Conclusion
Knowing the correct terms when talking about your insurance makes a huge difference in ensuring you are properly covered! Imagine someone telling you that your policy is “full coverage” when there is no physical damage listed on your policy. Physical damage coverage helps protect one of your most valuable assets—your vehicle. While liability coverage protects you from damages you cause to others, physical damage coverage helps protect your own car. 
If you have questions about your current auto insurance coverage, reach out to your local insurance professional to review your options and ensure your vehicle is properly protected.

If you've recently been told you need an SR-22 filing, you may not know where to start. Fortunately, you're not alone—and despite what many people think, an SR-22 is not a type of insurance policy.

​A great place to start is, "What exactly is an SR-22?" Simply put, an SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state to prove that you carry the minimum required auto liability insurance coverage.

​In Missouri, drivers are often required to file an SR-22 after certain driving violations, such as driving without insurance, a DUI conviction, or having their license suspended or revoked. Once the filing is in place, the state receives confirmation that your coverage is active. If your policy lapses or is canceled, your insurance company must notify the state, which could result in another suspension. 

The sooner you get the proper coverage and filing in place, the sooner you can get back on the road with confidence and avoid additional penalties. Inform your agent of your requirement for an SR-22 as soon as possible!
If you're unsure whether you need an SR-22 or have questions about your options, speaking with an experienced local insurance agent can help make the process much less stressful.

One of the most common questions I hear is: “Why does my insurance policy look different from my neighbor’s?” Or, more specifically, “Why does my insurance cost more—or less—than someone living right next door?”
It’s a reasonable question. You may live on the same street, own similar homes, drive comparable vehicles, and even use the same insurance company. But the reality is simple: insurance is highly personalized, and no two policies are exactly alike. Insurance is designed around your unique level of risk, your coverage selections, and your financial protection needs—not someone else’s.
Insurance Is Based on Individual Risk
Insurance companies calculate premiums by evaluating a wide range of personal factors, including:

• Claims history
• Driving record
• Credit-based insurance score (where allowed)
• Age and condition of home or vehicle
• Coverage limits selected
• Deductible choices

For example, your neighbor may have a spotless claims history and choose a higher deductible, while you may prefer lower out-of-pocket costs with broader protection. Even though you live side by side, those differences can significantly impact the premium.
Coverage Choices Play a Major Role
Many policyholders don’t realize that premium differences often come down to the type and amount of protection selected. Your policy may include:

• Lower deductibles
• Higher liability coverage
• Replacement cost coverage
• Special endorsements for jewelry, electronics, or collectibles
• Flood or earthquake protection
• Roadside assistance or rental reimbursement

Meanwhile, your neighbor may have a more basic policy with fewer protections. This is why comparing monthly premiums without reviewing coverage details can be misleading. A lower premium may also mean greater financial risk during a claim.
Conclusion
Insurance is not about matching someone else’s policy—it’s about protecting your own financial future. Your policy is customized to your risks, your assets, and your priorities.
The better question isn’t: “Why is my premium higher than my neighbor’s?”
It’s: “Do I have the right protection for my specific needs?”
The goal is not simply to find the cheapest premium—it’s to secure the right balance of coverage, value, and peace of mind. When the unexpected happens, the best insurance policy is the one designed for you—not the one next door.

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