The post Term vs. Whole Life Insurance for Young Families in Kansas City appeared first on Hilt Insurance.
]]>Life insurance pays a benefit to the people you name if you pass away while the policy is in force. For young families, that money can help:
If someone depends on your income or the work you do at home, life insurance is worth a conversation. That includes stay-at-home parents, whose childcare and household work would cost real money to replace.
Term life covers you for a set period, such as 10, 20 or 30 years. If you pass away during the term, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit. If the term ends and you’re still living, coverage ends unless you renew or convert it, if your policy allows.
Why families like term:
Things to keep in mind:
Whole life is a type of permanent life insurance. It’s designed to last your whole life as long as premiums are paid, and it builds cash value over time.
Why some families choose whole life:
Things to keep in mind:
| Term Life | Whole Life | |
|---|---|---|
| How long it lasts | A set number of years | Lifetime, if premiums are paid |
| Cost for the same benefit | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Cash value | No | Yes |
| Best for | Covering big, time-limited needs | Lifelong needs and long-term planning |
Yes. Some families pair a larger term policy to cover the mortgage-and-kids years with a smaller permanent policy for lifelong needs, like final expenses. Others start with term and convert part of it later if the policy allows. The right mix depends on your budget and goals.
A simple way to start is to add up:
Then subtract savings and any coverage you already have through work. Keep in mind that group life coverage through an employer usually doesn’t follow you if you change jobs. An agent can help you run the numbers.
We help young families in Gladstone, North Kansas City, Liberty, Parkville, Riverside, Smithville and across Missouri, Kansas and Iowa compare term and whole life options. If you already have home or auto insurance with us, ask whether adding life insurance qualifies for any multi-policy discounts. Read more about bundling.
Many young families start with term life because it usually provides a larger death benefit for a lower premium during the years they need it most. Whole life can make sense for lifelong needs. It depends on your budget and goals.
Coverage stops at the end of the term. Some policies allow renewal or conversion to permanent coverage. Check your policy’s terms.
It’s a good start, but it may not be enough to replace your income, and it usually ends if you leave the job. Many families add an individual policy.
It’s worth considering. Replacing childcare and household work can be costly, so many families insure both parents.
Want a second set of eyes on your coverage? Request a free quote online or call our Gladstone office at 816-420-0502. We’re at 6812 N Oak Trafficway, Unit 3, Gladstone, MO 64118. Our other office is Hilt Group Agency, run by Eric Hilt, at 315 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, phone 816-605-7684. We write policies throughout Missouri, Kansas and Iowa.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Coverage, discounts and availability vary and are subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and underwriting. Talk with a licensed agent about your situation.
The post Term vs. Whole Life Insurance for Young Families in Kansas City appeared first on Hilt Insurance.
]]>The post Kansas Auto Insurance Requirements Explained: Liability, PIP and Uninsured Motorist appeared first on Hilt Insurance.
]]>The requirements come from the Kansas Automobile Injury Reparations Act, mainly K.S.A. 40-3107. Every Kansas auto liability policy must include:
The Kansas Insurance Department’s auto insurance resources are a good place to read more about these requirements.
PIP is “no-fault” coverage. It helps pay certain costs for injuries from a car accident no matter who caused it. It can cover you, relatives in your household, people driving your car, passengers, and pedestrians struck by your vehicle, subject to the policy terms.
The minimum PIP benefits are set in K.S.A. 40-3103 and 40-3107:
You can usually buy higher PIP limits if you want more protection.
Because PIP pays some injury costs no matter who’s at fault, Kansas limits when an injured person can sue for pain and suffering. Under K.S.A. 40-3117, an injured person can generally sue for pain and suffering only if their medical treatment has a reasonable value of $2,000 or more, or if the injury includes things like permanent disfigurement, a fracture to a weight-bearing bone, a compound or displaced fracture, loss of a body member, permanent injury, permanent loss of a bodily function or death. That’s why liability coverage still matters: serious accidents can lead to claims against you.
Like in Missouri, 25/50/25 is a floor, not a recommendation. A serious accident or damage to a newer vehicle can exceed those limits, and you could be responsible for the rest. And $4,500 in PIP medical benefits may not go far after a hospital visit.
Coverage many Kansas drivers consider adding:
Your auto policy is generally based on where you live and where your vehicle is garaged. If you move from Missouri to Kansas, or the other way, update your policy so it meets the new state’s requirements, including Kansas PIP. Missouri doesn’t require PIP but does require uninsured motorist coverage. You can compare with our guide to Missouri minimum auto insurance requirements.
Our offices are in Gladstone and North Kansas City, just north of the river, and we write auto policies anywhere in Kansas as well as Missouri. Whether you’re in Overland Park, Olathe, Lawrence, Wichita or a small town, we can quote and service your policy by phone or online.
Kansas requires 25/50/25 liability, personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of at least 25/50 (K.S.A. 40-3107 and 40-284).
Yes. Kansas requires PIP, which pays certain injury costs regardless of fault, and limits pain-and-suffering lawsuits unless medical treatment reaches $2,000 or the injury is serious (K.S.A. 40-3117).
The minimum includes $4,500 per person for medical expenses, $4,500 for rehabilitation, up to $900 per month in lost income for up to a year, $25 per day for in-home services and $2,000 for funeral costs. Many drivers choose higher limits.
You’ll need a policy that meets Kansas requirements, including PIP. Contact your agent when you move so your policy reflects your new address.
Want a second set of eyes on your coverage? Request a free quote online or call our Gladstone office at 816-420-0502. We’re at 6812 N Oak Trafficway, Unit 3, Gladstone, MO 64118. Our other office is Hilt Group Agency, run by Eric Hilt, at 315 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, phone 816-605-7684. We write policies throughout Missouri, Kansas and Iowa.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Coverage, discounts and availability vary and are subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and underwriting. Talk with a licensed agent about your situation.
The post Kansas Auto Insurance Requirements Explained: Liability, PIP and Uninsured Motorist appeared first on Hilt Insurance.
]]>The post Missouri Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements vs. What You Actually Need appeared first on Hilt Insurance.
]]>Missouri’s minimum liability limits are set in RSMo 303.190, and uninsured motorist coverage is required by RSMo 379.203. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance and the Missouri Department of Revenue both describe the minimums as:
You’ll often see this written as 25/50/25 with 25/50 UM. Missouri drivers also have to keep proof of insurance in the vehicle, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Bodily injury liability pays for injuries you cause to other people, up to your limits. Property damage liability pays for damage you cause to someone else’s property, like their car or a fence. Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for your injuries and your passengers’ injuries if you’re hit by an at-fault driver who has no insurance or by a hit-and-run driver. According to the Missouri DCI, it doesn’t cover damage to your car.
What minimum coverage doesn’t include:
Think about what $25,000 of property damage coverage buys today. If you cause an accident involving a newer pickup or SUV, or more than one vehicle, the damage can exceed that limit. The same goes for medical bills when someone is seriously hurt. If a claim goes over your limits, you could be personally responsible for the difference.
That’s why many drivers choose limits well above the state minimum, especially if they own a home, have savings or have a household with teen drivers.
A few questions to start with:
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why we like to walk through it in person or by phone.
We’re a local Allstate agency in Gladstone with a second office in North Kansas City. We help drivers in Liberty, Parkville, Riverside, Smithville and everywhere else in Missouri, Kansas and Iowa. Driving on the Kansas side? See our guide to Kansas auto insurance requirements.
Missouri requires 25/50/25 liability ($25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage) plus uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident (RSMo 303.190 and 379.203).
Yes. Missouri law (RSMo 379.203) requires uninsured motorist coverage on auto liability policies, with limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
No. Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to others. To cover your own vehicle, you’d need collision and comprehensive coverage.
It meets the legal requirement, but it may not be enough to protect your assets after a serious accident. Many drivers choose higher limits. An agent can help you compare options.
Want a second set of eyes on your coverage? Request a free quote online or call our Gladstone office at 816-420-0502. We’re at 6812 N Oak Trafficway, Unit 3, Gladstone, MO 64118. Our other office is Hilt Group Agency, run by Eric Hilt, at 315 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, phone 816-605-7684. We write policies throughout Missouri, Kansas and Iowa.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Coverage, discounts and availability vary and are subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and underwriting. Talk with a licensed agent about your situation.
The post Missouri Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements vs. What You Actually Need appeared first on Hilt Insurance.
]]>The post How Bundling Home and Auto Insurance Can Save Money in Missouri and Kansas appeared first on Hilt Insurance.
]]>Bundling means buying more than one type of insurance from the same company. The most common bundle is homeowners (or renters or condo) insurance plus auto insurance. Many insurers, including Allstate, offer a multi-policy discount when you combine eligible policies.
You can also bundle other coverage, depending on what’s available, such as:
The main way bundling saves money is the multi-policy discount. The size of the discount varies by insurer, state, the policies you combine and your situation, so we can’t give you a number here without quoting you. What we can say is that it’s worth comparing a bundled quote with what you’re paying now for separate policies.
There are other benefits that aren’t about price:
Bundling isn’t always the lowest total price. A few situations where it pays to compare carefully:
Our advice: compare the total cost and the coverage, not just the discount percentage.
Depending on eligibility and what’s offered in your state, other ways to manage your premium may include:
Discounts and eligibility vary, so ask your agent which ones apply to you.
Kansas City is a two-state town. Plenty of families live on one side of State Line Road and work on the other. If you’re moving between Missouri and Kansas, or own property in both states, it’s worth reviewing your policies, since auto and home insurance rules and coverage options differ by state. We write policies throughout both Missouri and Kansas, so we can help with either side.
To get an accurate comparison, it helps to have:
We’ll put together a quote with similar coverage so you can make an apples-to-apples comparison.
We’re a local Allstate agency with offices in Gladstone and North Kansas City, and we help families in Liberty, Parkville, Riverside, Smithville and across Missouri, Kansas and Iowa.
Not always. A multi-policy discount often helps, but the total price depends on your home, vehicles, drivers and coverage choices. Compare total cost with similar coverage.
Often, yes. Many insurers treat renters insurance as an eligible policy for a multi-policy discount. Ask your agent what’s available.
No. You can often add a policy when the other one renews. Your agent can help time the switch so you don’t have a gap or pay for overlapping coverage.
Your home and auto policies are generally written for the state where you live and garage your vehicles. We write policies in both Missouri and Kansas and can help either way.
Want a second set of eyes on your coverage? Request a free quote online or call our Gladstone office at 816-420-0502. We’re at 6812 N Oak Trafficway, Unit 3, Gladstone, MO 64118. Our other office is Hilt Group Agency, run by Eric Hilt, at 315 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, phone 816-605-7684. We write policies throughout Missouri, Kansas and Iowa.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Coverage, discounts and availability vary and are subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and underwriting. Talk with a licensed agent about your situation.
The post How Bundling Home and Auto Insurance Can Save Money in Missouri and Kansas appeared first on Hilt Insurance.
]]>The post Hail and Wind Deductibles in Missouri: A Guide for Kansas City Northland Homeowners appeared first on Hilt Insurance.
]]>This guide explains how wind and hail deductibles work on a Missouri homeowners policy, so you can check yours before the next storm instead of after it.
A deductible is the part of a covered loss you pay before your insurance pays the rest. Many homeowners policies have one “all other perils” deductible that applies to things like a kitchen fire or a burst pipe. Some policies also have a separate deductible just for wind and hail damage.
That separate deductible can be set up two ways:
That second one surprises a lot of people, so let’s walk through it.
Say your home has $300,000 of dwelling coverage and a 1% wind/hail deductible. Your deductible on a covered hail claim would be $3,000. At 2%, it would be $6,000. The math is based on your coverage limit, so as your dwelling coverage goes up at renewal, the dollar amount of your deductible goes up too.
This is just an illustration. Your actual deductible options depend on your policy, your home and the insurer’s guidelines. The point is to look at your declarations page and figure out the real dollar amount you’d owe, not just the percentage.
Hail claims tend to involve roofs, siding, gutters, window screens and sometimes vehicles. Roof replacement is one of the bigger repair bills a homeowner can face. If your wind/hail deductible is higher than you realized, a storm that damages your roof could leave you with a larger out-of-pocket cost than you planned for.
It also matters for smaller storms. If the damage is less than your deductible, you’d typically handle the repair yourself, and you may decide not to file a claim at all.
Your deductible isn’t the only thing to look at. Many policies also spell out how roof damage is paid:
Some policies settle roofs differently based on age or roofing material. If your roof is getting older, ask your agent how it would be handled on your specific policy.
There’s no single right answer. Here are a few questions that help:
We’re a local Allstate agency in the Northland, and reviewing deductibles is one of the most common things we help with. If you’re in Gladstone, North Kansas City, Liberty, Parkville, Riverside or Smithville, we can sit down with your declarations page and explain exactly what you’d owe on a hail claim. We also help homeowners anywhere in Missouri, Kansas and Iowa.
No. A percentage wind/hail deductible is usually calculated from your dwelling coverage amount (Coverage A), not from the size of the claim. Check your declarations page to see the dollar amount.
Hail is a covered peril on many homeowners policies, but coverage depends on your policy’s terms, exclusions, deductibles and how roofs are settled. An agent can review your specific policy.
If the damage is less than your deductible, the policy generally wouldn’t pay. When it’s close, it can help to get a contractor estimate and talk with your agent before deciding.
Often, yes, usually at renewal or with a policy change, depending on what options are available for your home. Ask your agent to compare premiums at different deductible levels.
Want a second set of eyes on your coverage? Request a free quote online or call our Gladstone office at 816-420-0502. We’re at 6812 N Oak Trafficway, Unit 3, Gladstone, MO 64118. Our other office is Hilt Group Agency, run by Eric Hilt, at 315 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, phone 816-605-7684. We write policies throughout Missouri, Kansas and Iowa.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Coverage, discounts and availability vary and are subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and underwriting. Talk with a licensed agent about your situation.
The post Hail and Wind Deductibles in Missouri: A Guide for Kansas City Northland Homeowners appeared first on Hilt Insurance.
]]>The post Picking the Right Insurance appeared first on Hilt Insurance.
]]>First things first, know what you need. Think about your life stage. Are you a digital nomad, a homeowner, or somewhere in between? Different life stages come with different needs. Health insurance, renter’s insurance, and car insurance are some of the basics. If you’re married or have kids, life insurance is worth considering too.
We’re the generation that grew up with price comparison websites, so this part should feel like second nature. Use online tools to get quotes from different insurance providers. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Look at coverage, deductibles, and what’s included.
We’re also the generation of Yelp and TripAdvisor. Do your homework and check out online reviews for insurance companies. Find out what other customers have experienced. Good customer service is a must!
If you’ve got multiple insurance needs (car, home, and maybe even life), see if bundling is an option. Bundling can often save you money and simplify your life by having one point of contact for all your insurance needs.
Insurance lingo can be confusing, but don’t let it scare you off. Deductibles, premiums, copays – get familiar with these terms. Knowing what you’re paying for and what you’ll get in return is crucial.
While having enough coverage is essential, don’t go overboard. You don’t need to insure every little thing. Think about what you can afford and what makes sense for your life stage.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Call up the insurance company and clarify any doubts. You’re investing in your future, so you deserve to have all the information you need.
Life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your insurance coverage. As you hit different milestones like getting a promotion, buying a house, or having a child, reevaluate your insurance needs. Your coverage should grow with you.
Finally, don’t forget about your emergency fund. Insurance is there for the unexpected, but having a financial cushion can save you stress and money in the long run.
So, there you have it – an easy guide to choosing insurance. Remember, it’s not just about checking a box; it’s about protecting your future self. Stay savvy, stay insured, and let’s adult like pros! 🚀
The post Picking the Right Insurance appeared first on Hilt Insurance.
]]>