Springfield, MO Homeowners Insurance
(And how to work with an independent agent)
Written by
Candace Jenkins is a licensed insurance advisor with over a decade of experience. She is also a writer and loves to write on all things insurance. Candace writes for TrustedChoice.com on a continuous basis and is here with the facts about all your insurance inquiries.
The city of Springfield, MO, is known as the birthplace of Route 66. Home to three universities, this collegiate town is a great place to live.
If you are one of the 81,045 residents and own a home, you'll want to be well protected. You can work with an independent insurance agent on TrustedChoice.com and find a policy to suit your needs.
The Cost of Homeowners Insurance in Springfield, MO
Your home insurance premiums need to be competitive to keep costs low. The maintenance of your house on its own is expensive, and saving money on insurance can help. When you are comparing coverage and pricing, it's best to know the home rate averages:
- National average: $2,305
- Missouri average: $3,111
Your home insurance price could be higher or lower than the above figures depending on specific rating factors. Since insurance premiums are measured on an individual basis, everyone has a customized cost. Let's look at what the carrier's rating factors include:
- The construction makeup of your home
- Your home's square footage
- The local crime rates
- Your claims history
- Your insurance score and credit score
- The weather risks in an area
- The coverages you select and replacement cost of your home
- If you qualify for any discounts
There are several options when choosing the right independent insurance agent for your home coverage. Be sure to connect with a Springfield adviser who is knowledgeable and has your best interests in mind.
Burglaries in Springfield, MO, and Your Homeowners Insurance
Springfield, MO, is a mid-sized city with a higher burglary rate than others. With its growth and college town vibe, Springfield has a lot of people coming and going. Let's take a look at the numbers:
- Number of burglaries per 100,000 homes in the US: 376
- Number of burglaries per 100,000 homes in Missouri: 444.9
- Number of burglaries per 100,000 homes in Springfield: 1,172
The local crime rate will impact your homeowners insurance premiums. The more crime your city has, the more expensive your insurance will be. The carriers have to factor in the chance that you could be a victim of a break-in. If you file a property crime claim, they will have already started accounting for the potential loss. The best way to know how Springfield's crime will affect your premiums is by speaking with your independent agent.
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Do You Need Liability Insurance in Springfield, MO?
A home policy will have its primary coverage as liability insurance. This will safeguard you and your family from a lawsuit that could arise. The majority of carriers and lenders will require a policy with liability insurance in place. Your liability coverage is designed to protect your finances when a loss occurs. Take a look at the following instances where home liability insurance could apply:
- When a guest injures themselves on your property
- If you or a household member cause damage to another person's property
- If you or a household member make a libelous comment on social media
- If your dog bites another person causing injury
The above occurrences happen often, and when they do, your liability insurance will respond. Another form of liability coverage is umbrella insurance.
Umbrella insurance: Umbrella insurance is an additional limit of liability beyond your underlying home and auto policies. It provides an extra $1,000,000 in coverage or more once your home limit has been exhausted.
Connect with your local agent to make sure you have the liability insurance you need.
The Risks of Owning a Home in Springfield, MO
Every city has a pattern of severe weather and other natural disasters that could pose a threat. Your home insurance needs to be adequate for when one of these events occurs.
Catastrophic events in Missouri:
- Number of federally declared catastrophes since 1953: 68
- Most common disasters: Severe storms
- Number of tornadoes: 45
In Springfield in particular, your top five property damage claims are the following:
1.) Floods
2.) Storms
3.) Tornadoes
4.) Winter storms
5.) Winds
All of these disasters have the potential to add a claim to your home policy. Take note that flood damage is excluded from your home insurance policy. For that, you'll need separate flood insurance.
Flood insurance in Springfield, MO
The number one risk in Springfield, MO, is flooding. If you're unsure whether you have a flood policy, you should contact your agent for quotes. Let's look at the simple three-step process to get flood insurance:
#1 - Find an independent agent to work with.
#2 - Have your agent pull your elevation certificate to determine what flood zone your property is in.
#3 - Obtain flood insurance from the quotes your agent presents.
Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent in Springfield, MO?
Your homeowners policy is a big deal and needs the advice of a trusted advocate. If you're looking for the best rates and coverage in Springfield, an independent insurance agent can help.
They have dozens of carriers, giving you options. Get connected with an independent agent on TrustedChoice.com and start saving.
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