What is an SR22?

So, you have received notice that you are now required to carry an SR22 or your license will be suspended. Like many people who come to me requesting this coverage, you may be thinking, “What is an SR22?”. If the state is requiring you to purchase this “Financial Responsibility State Filing” it’s really not all that complicated. I also have good news for you, purchasing SR22 Insurance really is not too different than purchasing regular car insurance on your vehicle.

So, what is an SR22?

An SR22 means that you have most likely done something wrong that the state is now requiring you purchase specific coverage to keep your license from being suspended. This specific coverage in most cases is called Bodily Injury (BI). This coverage is designed to cover injuries for the other party (not you or your vehicles injuries) you cause if you ever are deemed at-fault in an accident.

Everyone who wants to register a vehicle in Missouri or Kansas is required to carry PIP/PD coverage (Personal Injury Protection & Property Damage) for that vehicle before the state will let you register it. So, if you must carry an SR22 and own a vehicle you will now need to carry Bodily Injury as well as the PIP/PD. As an agent, we always recommend you carry Bodily Injury anyways so it may not be such a sad thing being forced to carry this coverage. If you ever hurt someone in an accident you would be very happy that you did.

Now there is something called an SR-22S. It is like the regular SR-22, where you need it to keep your vehicle registered and your license from being suspended. The difference between the two is that an SR-22S doesn’t require Bodily Injury (although most companies won’t write you an SR22S policy without Bodily Injury). The SR-22S is also referred to as a non-cancelable policy, which means it must be paid-in-full.

There is also a chance you do not own a registered vehicle but the state is still requiring you to carry an SR-22. What you would do in this case is purchase what is called a non-owners policy. These policies are specifically designed to satisfy the state’s request and allows someone who doesn’t own a vehicle to purchase Bodily Injury coverage. The good news is these policies can be much cheaper than that of a vehicle owner’s SR-22 policy. However, this can be a little tricky for those who are being required to carry an SR-22S (which requires only PIP/PD) as non-owner’s policy do not include PIP. I would recommend contact us with your specific SR-22 situation. A good agent should be able to get you exactly what it is you need and back on the road. Also, I personally invite you to contact us about your SR-22 issue, as we specialize in this type of policy and have some of the best companies in the state to accurate almost every driver there is out there. We also done a few companies who are notoriously cheap, so call us if you are having troubles with this and we would be happy to assist you.

What You Need to Know about Renters Insurance

What You Need to Know about Renters Insurance

Many people in KC rent a home or apartment and the number of renters continues to grow. Unlike a homeowner who is required by their mortgage company to buy insurance, there is generally no requirement to purchase renters insurance. Common misperceptions about renters insurance include:

“Renters insurance is too expensive, and I already have enough bills to pay.” The average renters insurance policy costs between $15 and $30 per month. Replacing all of your possessions or being liable for someone being injured on your premises will cost much more.

“I don’t have that many valuables.” Even a minimal number of small household appliances can add up to more than you realize and if you add in expensive sound systems and clothing, the cost to replace your belongings could be much higher than you think.

“My landlord has insurance, so I’m already protected.” The landlord’s insurance does not extend to your personal property, nor does it protect you from being liable for damage you might cause to the building (e.g., a kitchen fire or a plumbing mishap) or for another person’s injuries that occur inside your apartment. Your landlord has insurance for damage to the building and protection for lawsuits filed against the landlord but that insurance does not cover renters.

Who needs renters insurance?

  • Anyone who rents an apartment, condominium or even a home;
  • Former homeowners who may be downsizing to an apartment;
  • College students not covered by parent’s homeowners policy.

A-1 Insurance offers these tips for renters:

How much renters insurance do you need? Talk to your insurance agent or company about the property you want to protect and the hazards you would like to be insured from. Your agent can provide guidance based on your specific needs. Questions you might ask include:

  • What hazards are included in your plan and if you need a separate policy for specific circumstances;
  • If your insurance plan affects your roommate(s), if any;
  • How you should determine value for your items;
  • What some of the insurance terms mean or what they include;
  • What optional coverage might be available to you; and
  • How much liability coverage is included in your plan.

Can you get a discount on renters insurance if your residence has particular safety features, like a burglar alarm? Many insurers will reduce your premiums if you have fire or burglar alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and/or deadbolts on exterior doors. Some companies might also offer discounts if you have more than one policy with them. Be sure to ask about discounts.

Are you covered in the case of a flood or earthquake? These natural disasters are not generally covered by a renters insurance policy. If you believe you may be subject to these risks, ask your insurance agent or company if your policy fully protects you or whether you need to purchase additional coverage.

Could owning a pet cause your premium to be higher? Certain municipalities require that owners of select breeds of pets buy liability insurance to cover injuries caused by the animal. Some insurance companies might only provide this insurance through the purchase of additional coverage.

Does renters insurance only cover you when you’re at home? Some insured items may be covered if they are stolen by someone who breaks into your car or if they are damaged while not on your property.

Is personal liability included? A renters insurance policy also covers your personal legal responsibility (or liability) for injuries to others and/or their property while they are on your property.

Will you receive additional living expenses if you have to live somewhere else while your apartment is being repaired? If there is damage to the building you are renting and you must live elsewhere during repairs, additional living expense coverage will help pay rent at another location.

How do you expedite your renters insurance claim? A home inventory – along with photos and proof of ownership – makes it easier to file an accurate, detailed insurance claim in case your possessions are damaged or destroyed. A home inventory can also help determine how much coverage you need from your renters insurance.

Are there different forms of renters insurance? Yes, there are two standard renters policy forms. The Comprehensive Form covers your possessions against more perils but costs more. The Broad Form covers less but costs less. Review your specific situation with your insurance professional.

I have some jewelry and one expensive painting; are they covered? The typical renters policy does not cover certain items of high value, however, a jewelry floater or fine arts floater can be added that will specifically name high value items and insure them at specified amounts.

If I file a claim how am I reimbursed? Most policies insure your possessions on a “replacement cost” basis which means that you receive enough funds to replace damaged items. Avoid “actual cash value” policies since they settle claims by deducting for depreciation which means you will get less and may not have enough funds to replace the damaged items.

Your insurance professional should assist you by identifying your specific needs and help you select the right policy to meet your needs. Contact A-1 Insurance to answer all of your questions and to get a quote.

Business Insurance

Business Insurance Overview

If you are a business owner, you probably have a lot depending on you.

So, go ahead and depend on us for your business insurance. Having the correct business insurance can mean the difference between your company surviving an insurance loss or having to cut operations or even close.

We are experts in business insurance and can help make sure your business can weather any type of insurance loss that may come along.

Business insurance is highly customizable based on your operations, your sales, your products and your employees.

You may have a simple at home consulting business and need only some coverage for your property and liability. Or you may have a manufacturing operation and need coverage for products, employees and delivery vehicles.

Whatever business you’re in, we can help insure it.

Here are some of the types of commercial insurance:

General liability business insurance: This is insurance that covers your business if you are sued for someone else’s injuries. An example of this may be a customer slip and fall accident on your property.

Professional liability business insurance: Professional liability business insurance protects your business from loss due to negligence and wrongful acts. This coverage is a must if you are in the business of giving advice such as a lawyer, banker or financial advisor.

Product liability insurance: Product liability insurance protects you if your product is found to cause damage such as illness, injury or death.

Property insurance: Property business insurance is self-explanatory. It will cover all your business property from damage by a covered loss. This could be fire, storm or theft.

Commercial auto insurance: Commercial auto coverage protects you, your drivers and your business vehicles. A commercial auto policy works much the same way your personal auto insurance does with liability coverage and physical damage coverage for the business vehicles. For example, a general contractor might have a fleet of vehicles that needs coverage.

Workers compensation: Workers compensation coverage covers medical expenses and lost wages of your employees if they become ill or injured while on the job.

Loss of income: Loss of income is also known as business interruption insurance. This coverage provides for expenses and lost profits if you can’t operate your business due to a covered loss.

Employment Practices Liability (EPLI): Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) protects an employer from lawsuits stemming from wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment or other employment related misconduct.

Cyber and Data Breach Insurance: Cyber and data breach insurance is customizable based on operations. The coverage protects businessowners from property or liability damages if there is a data security breach. This is a must have coverage for business that collects customer personal information data.

Crime / Employee Dishonesty Insurance: This coverage protects employers from theft by employees of money, securities or property.

Ordinance or Law Coverage: An important coverage for commercial building owners that protects the policyholder from the increased cost of construction due to complying with updated building ordinances or laws required for repair and rebuilding.

Still confused about Business Insurance?

Business insurance is complex, it doesn’t matter if you are a landlord that owns rental properties, you run a winery, or if you own a roofing company. Let us use our expertise to find you just the right coverage for your needs, so you can go ahead and get back to business. Call A-1 Insurance today to get all of your questions answered.

Auto Insurance Coverage

Auto Insurance Coverage

Love your car? We do too! Let our insurance agency: A-1 Insurance, help make sure it’s protected.

Our agency can make sure you have the coverage you need to protect yourself and your car during all your travels.

Auto insurance protects your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident or some other covered loss. It also protects you against lawsuits if you are responsible for injuring someone or damaging someone’s property with your car.

Either of those things make for a bad day, but accidents do happen. We are here to help.

Many states require all drivers carry some car insurance coverage. Here’s a little explanation of those coverages and why you must have them.

Liability auto insurance: This is the coverage that will kick in if you hurt someone or damage their property. There is no deductible with this coverage. It’s there to protect you if you are responsible for an accident.

Liability insurance is one of the least expensive coverages for cars, so make sure you are fully protected.

Not sure how much liability auto insurance coverage you need? Our agency can help you chose limits that work for your life and your budget. Get an instant auto insurance quote here. You can compare multiple companies with our online rater.

Protecting your car with Auto Insurance

Now that you have liability coverage in place. It’s time to think about protecting your car.

Auto insurance offers two main coverages for damages to your car: collision and comprehensive.

Collision: Collision coverage pays to repair your car if it is involved in an accident with another car, or collision with some object.

The beauty of collision coverage is you can use it to fix your car whether you are responsible for the accident or not. With collision coverage, it doesn’t matter. You can use this coverage to get your car repaired any time.

Comprehensive: Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle if it is damaged by anything other than a collision. Examples of comprehensive losses may include falling objects, weather events or damage from animals.

Both collision and comprehensive auto insurance can include a deductible of your choosing.

Other important coverages

Uninsured / Underinsured motorist coverage: This coverage pays medical bills for you and your passengers if the driver responsible for the accident doesn’t have any insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your injuries.

Medical Payments: Medical payments is an optional coverage that will pay for medical bills for you and your passengers regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Personal injury protection, also known as PIP, covers the policyholder’s medical bills regardless of fault for the accident. PIP may also pay for lost wages, passenger injuries, and injuries sustained if the policyholder is struck as a pedestrian.
Optional Coverages

Towing/Emergency Roadside Service: An auto coverage that will pay up to a selected dollar amount for towing or emergency roadside assistance such as changing a flat tire or jumping a battery. Policyholders can select a per incident limit ranging from $35-$150.

Rental Reimbursement Coverage: Rental reimbursement pays for the cost of a rental vehicle while the insured vehicle gets repaired from a covered loss. Policyholders can choose from a variety of limits ranging from $25-$75 per day subject to a policy limit.

Full Glass Coverage: Full glass coverage pays to repair or replace the glass on a vehicle with no deductible to the insured. It is typically available for purchase along with comprehensive coverage.

GAP Coverage: Gap coverage is available at the time a vehicle is financed and added to the policy. The coverage pays for the difference between the actual cash value of the vehicle and the balance on the financing due if the vehicle is involved in a total loss.

New Car Replacement: An endorsement available for purchase on some policies that will replace a new insured vehicle with the same year, make and model if the brand-new car is involved in a total loss accident. The coverage applies only to new vehicles and is subject to a deductible.

Deductibles

The deductible is the amount of money you will pay out of pocket before your insurance will pay anything. Your liability coverage doesn’t have a deductible, but comprehensive and collision does.

The best way to select a deductible is to pick a dollar amount that you could come up with out of pocket if you needed to. Our agency can help you select deductibles that make sense for you. Call A-1 Insurance today.

SR22 Insurance

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We understand that unfortunate situations sometimes occur while people are behind the wheel. Maybe, for instance, you have been involved in a huge number of collisions. Or, perhaps, you were found to be driving while under the influence. Both of these issues can lead to you have a suspended drivers license in Missouri or Kansas. If your license has been suspended, you need to obtain an SR22 certificate as soon as possible. At A1 Insurance on Wornall Road, we specialize in helping individuals get this sort of auto insurance. Having a suspended drivers license in Missouri or Kansas doesn’t mean that your life is over; you can get back on your feet! Contact us soon about your SR22 certificate needs.

SR-22 Experts

SR-22 certificates are a major part of our business. When a person has their driver license suspended for tickets, DWI, uninsured accident, or No insurance, we send a numbered form recognized by States as form SR-22. This form not only tells state insurance policy meeting at least minimum state requirements was purchased, but also is in force.

At any time if insurance is dropped, a notice is sent to state informing of such, and that may jeopardize that person’s privilege to drive a vehicle. We have a big advantage over standard carriers, as we represent many companies that will provide this form at a very competitive price. We use comparative rating software that rates 10-15 companies at once to provide us with the lowest price possible. And we can pass the savings on to you!

We fax SR-22 to the state right away to ensure the processing of reinstatement of drivers license ASAP.

You Kansas City Insurance Experts

A1 Insurance Insurance writes all lines of business, but our main focus is Auto and Home insurance for people who need special attention with their insurance decisions. We insure anything that moves (auto, motorcycle, jet ski, motor home, etc). We also insure any Commercial auto, property, or liability situation. We are experts on people who need SR-22 assistance and are willing to work with all individuals in all situations. Give us a call today and we will be glad to see if we can help!

Cut your Insurance Cost in Kansas City

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A1 Insurance in Kansas City was formed from a desire to provide personal insurance products for our clients that filled their specific needs at a competitive price with the best possible service. We want our clients to feel our value is unbeatable as an insurance provider.

We are a referral agency, which means that every client came to us because we satisfied the insurance needs of a neighbor, family member or a trusted service provider they did business with.

Referrals are earned by always doing what is best for our customers.

You can count on our knowledgeable agents to provide the assistance needed in selecting appropriate coverages for you and your family. It’s not about ‘selling a policy’; it’s about making sure your family has the correct coverage available when it’s needed. We will not recommend coverage that is not needed that may unnecessarily increase premiums. Service is what immediately separates us from other agencies. Our local office is staffed by our dedicated agents Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 6:00 (Saturday 9-12) with personal appointments available evenings and weekends. Whatever your schedule requires, we will work with you by phone, email, or in person to provide the service you need.

How We Can Save You Money

A1 Insurance is an Independent Insurance Agency representing many different insurance companies for your insurance needs. We carefully select our carriers in order to provide you with the best level of service, price and coverage. As independent insurance agents, you have the ability to choose the best carrier for your insurance needs. That is the main advantage to using an independent insurance agency, we work to satisfy your needs.

Our goal is to educate and service the Kansas City community and throughout the states of Missouri and Kansas. Through our independence, we strive to educate the community on the best options for their insurance needs. We can provide an assessment of your insurance needs with a choice of which package fits you best.

We are dedicated to providing our customers in KC with the best coverage at competitive rates. Just make one call to our agency, and we can shop your coverage through many top rated companies. With our professional staff, we can be your liaison with the insurance carrier in the event of a claim. We work for you, not the insurance company.

Business Insurance in KC

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Insurance coverage that protects your company – so you can get back to business

As a business owner, you have enough on your mind without having to worry about your insurance needs. You want to have the confidence that the business you’ve built is covered by a company that understands your business insurance needs.Commercial business insurance provides wide-ranging protection for businesses and their subsidiaries under a single policy. There are various types of commercial business insurance that take care of property, liability and workers’ compensation, to name a few. While property insurance covers damages to business property and products stored within the premises; liability insurance provides coverage for damages to third parties; and workers’ compensation insurance covers injuries to employees.

Commercial business insurance is an important aspect of any business that cannot be ignored especially if the business premises are leased or rented and even otherwise. Whatever your commercial insurance needs, A1 Insurance in Kansas City can design a protection program that’s right for you.

A1 Insurance knows business in KC

You can find our office off Wornall, and our clients all around Missouri and Kansas. As an independent insurance agency, we take pride in reviewing your options with multiple insurance companies and comparing protection and prices to find the best value for your business.

We’re proud members of the local Kansas City marketplace, and we’re committed to being an advocate for you and your business in times of need.

Our commitment is to serving you

A1 Insurance knows that in Kansas City, there are as many unique insurance needs as we have neighbors who live here! To talk with one of our helpful team members about your insurance needs, contact us today.

Kansas City Home and Auto Insurance

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Why Choose Us?

Think about this for a second, where are the loyalties of a salesman that works directly for the insurance company? That salespersons job is to sell you insurance from that company whether it’s right for you or not. That poses a bit of a moral dilemma for the agent who is supposed to be looking out for you or your business.

We sit on the same side of the table as you, not the insurance company. We are the anti-insurance company. I know…..that statement isn’t going to score us any points with the insurance companies. But our job is to make them fight for your business. We serve as your personal insurance advisor and the best part is, you don’t pay any more money to access our service.

Some insurance companies, you know the ones that spend millions to run TV and radio commercials every 5 minutes, are depending on your blind loyalty because your family has been with them for 30 years. What they have really done is morphed into marketing companies. They are showing decreased market share and poor claims experience. Why is this happening? With the use of the internet and information readily available the consumer has become educated, and the fat cats are being exposed.

Going Beyond Your Traditional Insurance Brokerage in KC

Communication and information are what the consumer is craving most. Technology is great, and a quote in 30 seconds is convenient, but having to speak to a call center is proving to be ineffective and frustrating for consumers. Technology can be a great tool, but not all insurance companies use it in a way that enriches the client experience.

A1 Insurance leverages the very best technology and know how to apply it to provide you with a “WOW” experience, and we back it up. How do we do this? Quite simply, we listen to our clients and measure results. By always listening and learning from what our clients are saying, we are able to consistently and reliably improve our client experience while developing meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.

The Importance of Relationships

Our mission at A1 Insurance in Kansas City is to keep you as a client for life. We understand the insurance industry is a competitive one, and if we don’t exceed your expectations we will lose your business. We truly care about protecting you and your family because it’s our passion and the reason why we do what we do. There’s not an 800 number or call center that’s going to provide you with that type of relationship.

At A1 Insurance we make insurance easy. Whether it’s your home insurance and auto insurance, or business insurance, we have the experienced staff and tools to get the job done. We take it personally if you’re not satisfied.

Our Promise to You

If we fail to exceed your expectations and “WOW” you with our service we’ll gladly forward your insurance policy to a new agent. It’s that simple. We hold ourselves accountable and deliver on our promises.

Automobile Liability Insurance

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One of the most frequent inquiries A1 Insurance in Kasas City receives is regarding automobile liability insurance policies. Policyholders want to know what they cover, how claims are determined and paid, and advice regarding issues between repair facilities and automobile liability insurance companies. This is a summary of information, regulations and state law as it relates to the payment of claims and payment to repair facilities.

Types Of Claims

There are two types of claims that can be made under an automobile insurance policy: either a first-party claim or a third-party claim. First-party claims are claim filed by the policyholder, such as Uninsured Motorists (UM) coverage, medical payments and collision/comprehensive coverages. Third-party claims are claims where the policyholder is at fault, such as liability and property damage coverages. It is important to note that an insurance company has a greater duty to the claimant in third-party claims than in first-party claims.

Steering

An insurance company may not dictate to you where you must have your repairs made. An insurance company may recommend that repairs be made at a designated repair facility where they have a contractual relationship; however, payment of the claim may not be conditioned on the use of a particular repair facility. Also, an insurance company cannot refuse to pay a claim because the repairs were made at a particular repair facility.

Measure of Damage

The damages that may be recovered under an automobile claim is defined in the policy and is often the actual cash value of the property immediately prior to the loss, or the amount necessary to properly repair the damage.
Most policies will provide for two (2) different manners for recovery by the policyholder:

  1. Insurance company pays for the loss; or,
  2. Insurance company repairs the vehicle.

Policyholders are encouraged to read the policy to clearly understand what the insurance company will pay under the policy. Any dispute regarding whether the insurance company has paid in accordance with the policy is a question of fact. A question of fact is to be determined by the finder of fact, which is either a jury or a judge.

Amounts to be Paid

By law, the most an insurance company shall be required to pay for the repair of the vehicle or repair or replacement of the glass is the lowest amount that such vehicle or glass could be properly repaired or replaced by a contractor or repair shop within a reasonable geographical or trade area of the insured. Most insurance policies actually provide for greater payment than what is statutorily required by providing that the insurance company will pay the median or average amount to properly and reasonably repair or replace within the policyholder’s geographical or trade area.

In preparing an estimate, an insurance company will base the amount it will cost to properly repair the vehicle on the insurance company’s set hourly rate pursuant to policy terms. This estimate will be provided to the policyholder before repairs are made. The insurer’s hourly rate must conform to statutory law.

A policyholder may choose to have the repairs made at a repair facility that charges more than what the insurance company has agreed to pay. Insurance companies do not set repair facility hourly rates so there may be a difference between the two rates. In that instance, either the repair facility will agree to make the repairs for the amount in the insurance company’s estimate or the policyholder will have to pay for the difference.

Policyholders should be aware of and address any potential differences between the insurance company’s and the repair facility’s estimate before allowing the repair facility to begin to repair the vehicle.

If additional damage is discovered in the repair process, the insurer will inspect the vehicle before agreeing to the repairs. After it is determined these repairs are needed and covered under the policy, a supplemental check will be issued to the repair facility to cover these additional costs.

SR22 Insurance Information

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SR22 Insurance Information

An SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility is generally referred to as insurance, but it is actually a special document that is purchased from insurance companies and does not provide any insurance coverage at all. The form is a consequence of a serious traffic offense, such as a DUI or reckless driving charge. It can also be sentenced against you if you are convicted of driving without proof of insurance. If you have been instructed to purchases an SR-22, you have to keep it for the duration of the sentence, in addition to your regular car insurance.

You can be required to have SR-22 coverage even if you do not currently own a car. This usually happens in situations where multiple convictions for the same charge have already been leveled and there is no confidence in your ability to refrain from driving a vehicle. In this case, the judge or DMV can order you to carry SR-22 coverage to make sure that you will have the required insurance even if you are driving illegally.

When you have been ordered to carry an SR-22, it is purchased through A1 insurance company, and we notify the DMV that the certificate has been issued. If you allow the SR-22 to lapse, we are required by law to report it to the DMV and your license will usually be suspended or revoked.

Remember, you will still need to carry at least the required state minimum insurance in addition to the SR-22. The SR-22 simply stats that you are in compliance with the law; it does not eliminate the need to buy the coverage required. The bottom line is that being required to carry an SR-22 will not do anything except keep you in compliance with the law, and even that requires you to have any other car insurance coverage necessary in your state.