What Types of Insurance Do I Need?

• Homeowners insurance—This coverage focuses on protecting homeowners from risks and exposures involving their property. In most cases, your policy should include coverage for the following:
  • Dwelling—This refers to the primary residence on your property.
  • Additional structures—This may include detached garages, guest houses, sheds and gazebos.
  • Liability—This may cover losses and damages accrued by third parties from incidents for which you were liable, such as bodily injury and property damage.
  • Personal belongings—Your insurance can help recoup losses related to your possessions, such as furniture, clothing and electronics.
  • Loss of use—This coverage can help pay for costs arising from having to vacate your home, such as hotel accommodations and restaurant meals.
• Renters insurance—This type of insurance can provide financial protection if you rent your home and may help pay for damages related to your possessions and costs arising from incidents for which you are liable.
• Auto insurance—By including this type of insurance in your portfolio, you can access financial assistance for losses and damages related to motor vehicles you own and operate. In general, policies may include the following coverages:
  • Liability—If you are at fault for an accident, your insurance can help pay for other parties’ losses, such as medical bills and repairing damaged property.
  • Collision—This can help pay to repair or replace your car if you strike another vehicle or stationary object.
  • Comprehensive—Your vehicle can also be protected from noncollision perils, such as fires, hail, theft, vandalism and falling objects.
  • MedPay—If you or your passengers are injured in an accident, this coverage can help pay for medical bills regardless of who was at fault.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist—If another party was at fault for an accident but lacks enough coverage to pay for your losses, this coverage can bridge the gap.
• Motorcycle insurance—This coverage functions similarly to auto coverage but policies may include additional provisions, such as financial protection for custom parts and riding gear.
• Recreational vehicle (RV) insurance—This type of insurance can provide critical financial assistance if you own an RV. In addition to many of the same protections offered by auto insurance, these policies may also include the following:
  • Personal property coverage—This insures belongings stored or carried in your vehicle. 
  • Campsite and vacation coverage—This coverage can provide financial protection if you are liable for another party’s damages while parked at a campsite.
  • Full-time residence coverage—If you use your RV as your permanent residence, this coverage can provide enhanced financial protection for personal liability, medical payments and loss assessment.
• Personal umbrella insurance—If you exceed liability limits from other policies, such as those listed in your auto and homeowners insurance, this coverage can provide secondary financial protection to help minimize out-of-pocket losses. 

Acquire Optimal Coverage 
Regardless of how safe and responsible your lifestyle may be, even routine tasks like commuting to work, running errands and cooking can create various risks and exposures. Furthermore, certain hazards and perils such as severe weather events may be impossible to avoid. Fortunately, an adequate insurance portfolio can cast a broad safety net across many common potential incidents and ensure that you have access to critical financial resources. 

For over 120 years, the agents at The Insurancenter have helped individuals, families and businesses in Joplin and the surrounding area. We will use our extensive experience and expertise to help you identify your insurance needs and secure suitable coverage. Contact us today to get started. 


This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.