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Summer in Missouri means weekends at the lake, fishing trips, and spending time on the water with family and friends. It's common for someone to borrow a friend's fishing boat, rent a small boat for the day, or use a neighbor's kayak or canoe. But before you head out, it's worth asking: Does your homeowners insurance provide any coverage when you're using a boat you don't own?
The answer is: it may, depending on the situation and the details of your homeowners policy. Many Missouri homeowners policies include personal liability coverage that may extend to unowned watercraft. If you're operating a borrowed boat and accidentally cause injury to someone or damage another person's property, your policy may provide liability coverage, subject to its terms, conditions, and exclusions. However, there are important limitations. Coverage can depend on:
It's also important to know that homeowners insurance typically does not cover damage to the borrowed boat itself. That type of protection usually falls under the boat owner's insurance policy or a separate boat insurance policy. If you regularly borrow boats, rent watercraft, or own a boat of your own, it's a good idea to review your insurance coverage with your agent. A quick conversation can help you understand what protection you have before you hit the water. If you have questions about how unowned watercraft are covered under your Missouri homeowners policy, we're happy to help you review your coverage and make sure you're protected for your next day at the lake.
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Many homeowners are surprised to learn that standard homeowners insurance policies in Missouri do not cover flood or earthquake damage. Knowing what's excluded can help you avoid costly surprises after a disaster.
Flood Insurance While homeowners insurance may cover many types of sudden water damage—such as a burst pipe—most do not cover flooding caused by rising water, including:
Earthquake Coverage Most homeowners policies also exclude damage caused by earthquakes and other ground movement. This is especially important in Missouri, where the New Madrid Seismic Zone creates a greater earthquake risk than many people realize. Earthquake coverage may be available as an endorsement or separate policy, depending on your insurance company and location. Is Additional Coverage Right for You? Every home is different, but flood and earthquake coverage may be worth considering if you:
As your local insurance agency, we're happy to review your homeowners policy and explain exactly what's covered—and what's not. If there are gaps in your protection, we'll help you explore your options so you can make an informed decision before you ever need to file a claim. Are Your Farm Animals Covered? Understanding Livestock Coverage on a Farmowners Insurance Policy7/2/2026 For many farmers, livestock isn't just part of the operation—it's the heart of the farm and one of its biggest investments. Whether you raise cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, or poultry, protecting your animals means protecting your livelihood. A question commonly asked by farmers is: "Are my farm animals covered under my farmowners insurance policy?" The short answer is no—but coverage depends on the cause of the loss and the details of your policy.
What Is Typically Covered? Most farmowners insurance policies provide protection for livestock against specific covered perils, such as:
What Isn't Covered? It's just as important to understand what your policy generally does not cover. Most farmowners policies exclude losses caused by:
Don't Forget About Off-Premises Coverage If your animals regularly leave your farm for shows, fairs, breeding, boarding, or auctions, be sure to mention that to your insurance agent. Coverage may differ when livestock is off your insured premises, and additional protection may be needed depending on how your operation functions. Conclusion No two farms are exactly alike, and neither are farmowners insurance policies. The best way to know whether your livestock is properly protected is to review your coverage with your insurance agent on a regular basis. Your animals represent years of hard work, careful management, and financial investment. Taking the time to understand your coverage today can help prevent costly surprises tomorrow and provide peace of mind that your farm is protected when the unexpected happens. 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:
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:
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:
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. Most renters assume they don’t need insurance because they don’t own the property they live in. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding can leave people financially vulnerable. Your landlord’s insurance generally covers the building itself—not your personal belongings or your liability. Renters insurance is designed to protect you from unexpected events that could otherwise become major financial burdens.
What Renters Insurance Typically Helps Protect
Why a Renter’s Policy is Recommended Many renters underestimate how expensive it would be to replace everything they own. Consider the real cost of replacing:
Liability Protection Is Often Overlooked One of the most valuable parts of renters insurance is liability coverage. For example:
Conclusion Renters insurance can be one of the smartest and most cost-effective policies available for tenants. It offers:
Renters insurance is more than just a policy—it’s a practical safeguard for your belongings, your budget, and your future. When the unexpected happens, having the right protection can make all the difference. When people shop for insurance, they usually focus on price first—premium, deductible, discounts. But one of the most important details is often overlooked: Who should actually be listed as the named insured?
As an insurance agent, I’ve seen this small detail create big problems when it’s wrong. The named insured is the person or business that officially owns the policy, controls it, and has the primary rights under it. What Is a Named Insured? Simply put, the named insured is the main policyholder listed on the declarations page. This person or entity can usually:
Why It Matters Choosing the wrong named insured can lead to claim delays, coverage disputes, or liability issues. For example:
So, Who Should Be Listed? If You’re Married: If both spouses share ownership of the home or vehicles, listing both as named insureds is often the smartest move. If You’re Single: The owner of the property or vehicle should generally be the named insured. For Teen Drivers: Parents are often the named insured, but the vehicle owner and garaging situation should match policy details. For Businesses: If your business is an LLC or corporation, the business itself—not you personally—should usually be listed. For Rental or Trust-Owned Property: The legal owner (trust, LLC, etc.) often needs to be named properly. Common Mistakes Some of the biggest issues I see include:
A good rule is simple: The named insured should match the person or legal entity with true ownership and financial responsibility. If there’s any confusion, it’s worth reviewing with your insurance agent before there’s ever a claim. Conclusion Insurance isn’t just about buying coverage—it’s about setting it up correctly. Getting the named insured right can help avoid headaches, protect your assets, and make sure your policy works the way you expect when you need it most. Because in insurance, the fine print matters just as much as the price. One of the most overlooked — yet most important — coverages to discuss with your agent is uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.
Most people assume that if another driver causes an accident, that driver’s insurance will fully cover the damages. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Many drivers either carry no insurance at all or only the minimum coverage required by law, which may not be enough after a serious accident. What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage? Uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you if you’re injured by a driver who has no insurance. Without this coverage, you could be left paying out of pocket for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Simply put, if someone can’t afford insurance, they often can’t afford to pay for the damage they caused either. What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage? Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your losses. For example, if your medical expenses total $75,000 and the other driver only carries $25,000 in liability coverage, UIM coverage can help cover the remaining costs. With rising medical expenses, this protection is more important than ever. Why It Matters Many people focus on protecting their vehicle, but the biggest financial risk in an accident is often injury-related costs. UM and UIM coverage can help protect:
Conclusion Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can make a major difference after a serious accident. These coverages help ensure that someone else’s lack of insurance doesn’t become your financial burden. If you haven’t reviewed your auto policy recently, it’s worth taking another look at your UM and UIM limits to make sure you’re properly protected. One of the questions I get as an insurance agent is whether a hot tub is covered under a homeowners insurance policy. Most people assume the answer is either a simple yes or no, but the reality is a little more nuanced.
In many cases, a hot tub is covered by homeowners insurance. However, the type of coverage available depends on how the hot tub is installed, where it’s located, and what kind of damage or claim occurs. More importantly, homeowners often overlook the liability risks that come with owning one. If you’re considering adding a hot tub to your property, or you already have one, it’s worth understanding how your insurance policy may respond before you ever have to file a claim. How Insurance Companies Typically View Hot Tubs Insurance carriers generally separate hot tubs into two categories: permanently installed and portable. A permanently installed hot tub that is built into a deck, patio, or foundation is usually considered part of the home itself. In insurance terms, that means it often falls under the Dwelling or Other Structures portion of your homeowners policy. If a covered event like a fire, windstorm, or hailstorm damages the hot tub, there’s a good chance your policy would help pay for repairs or replacement after your deductible. Portable hot tubs can be a little different. Because they can be moved, some companies classify them as Personal Property. The distinction matters because the coverage limits and claim handling can vary depending on the policy. This is one reason I always encourage homeowners to let their insurance agent know when they install a hot tub. It’s a simple conversation that can help avoid confusion later. What Homeowners Insurance Usually Does Not Cover One of the biggest misconceptions about homeowners insurance is that it covers anything that breaks. Unfortunately, that’s not how most policies work. Homeowners insurance is intended to cover sudden and accidental losses, not maintenance-related issues or normal wear and tear. If a hot tub pump fails after years of use, the motor burns out, or corrosion develops over time, those situations are generally considered maintenance issues rather than insurance claims. The same goes for neglect-related problems. If pipes freeze because the hot tub wasn’t winterized properly, or a slow leak causes damage over time, coverage may be denied. That’s why regular maintenance is just as important as having insurance in the first place. The Real Risk Is Usually Liability From an insurance perspective, the bigger concern with hot tubs is often liability exposure rather than property damage. Whenever you invite guests onto your property, there’s potential for accidents. Hot tubs can increase those risks because slips, falls, and injuries can happen more easily around wet surfaces. There’s also the possibility of more serious incidents involving children, alcohol consumption, or electrical equipment. If someone is injured while using your hot tub and you are found legally responsible, the liability portion of your homeowners policy may help cover medical bills, legal expenses, or settlements. But severe injuries can become expensive very quickly, which is why liability limits matter. Safety Features Can Make a Difference Insurance companies want to see homeowners taking reasonable precautions to reduce risk. A locking safety cover, proper fencing, slip-resistant surfaces, and professionally installed electrical connections can all help make a hot tub safer. In some cases, carriers may even require certain safety measures before they agree to insure the property. Beyond insurance considerations, these features simply make good sense. Preventing an accident is always better than dealing with a claim afterward. Why You Should Notify Your Insurance Agent One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming they don’t need to tell their insurance company about a new hot tub. While every carrier has different underwriting guidelines, failing to disclose it can create complications if a claim occurs later. As agents, we’re not looking to make life difficult for homeowners. Our job is to make sure there are no gaps in coverage and that clients understand the risks they’re taking on. A quick policy review can help confirm:
Hot tubs are a great way to relax and enjoy your home, but they do come with insurance considerations that homeowners shouldn’t ignore. In many cases, homeowners’ insurance will provide coverage for damage caused by covered events. What it typically will not cover are maintenance problems, wear and tear, or preventable damage caused by neglect. More importantly, hot tubs can increase liability exposure, which is why having the right amount of liability protection is so important. Before installing a hot tub—or if you already own one—it’s a good idea to sit down with your insurance agent and review your policy. A short conversation today can help prevent major surprises later. |
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