Question 1

What is an independent insurance broker?

Accepted Answer

An independent insurance broker works with multiple insurance carriers rather than being tied to a single company. This means we can shop your coverage across several top-rated carriers to find the best combination of price, coverage, and service for your specific situation — rather than fitting you into one company's products.

Question 2

How is Hutchison Insurance Group different from a captive agent?

Accepted Answer

A captive agent represents only one insurance company and can only offer that company's products. As an independent brokerage, Hutchison Insurance Group has appointments with multiple carriers across personal, commercial, and agricultural lines. That independence means we work for you, not for any single insurance company.

Question 3

Does it cost more to use an independent broker?

Accepted Answer

No. Our compensation comes from the insurance carriers in the form of commissions built into the premium — the same way captive agents are paid. You do not pay us a separate fee for our services. In many cases, working with an independent broker results in lower premiums because we can compare rates across multiple carriers.

Question 4

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Hutchison Insurance Group is based in Jefferson City, Missouri, and primarily serves clients throughout Missouri. We are licensed in Missouri and can assist with coverage needs across the state for personal, commercial, and agricultural lines.

Question 5

What is the minimum auto insurance required in Missouri?

Accepted Answer

Missouri requires all drivers to carry a minimum of 25/50/10 liability coverage — meaning $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Missouri also requires uninsured motorist coverage at the same minimum limits. These minimums are a starting point; most drivers benefit from higher limits.

Question 6

What does comprehensive vs. collision coverage mean?

Accepted Answer

Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle when you collide with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage caused by events other than a collision — such as theft, fire, hail, flooding, or hitting an animal. Both are optional but typically required if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle.

Question 7

What is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?

Accepted Answer

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you're hit by a driver who has no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are not enough to cover your damages. Missouri requires UM coverage; UIM is optional but strongly recommended.

Question 8

Can I bundle my auto and home insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bundling your auto and home insurance with the same carrier is one of the most common ways to reduce your overall premium. We can quote both together and compare bundled pricing across our carrier markets.

Question 9

What discounts are available for auto insurance?

Accepted Answer

Common auto insurance discounts include safe driver discounts, bundling discounts, good student discounts, defensive driving course discounts, low mileage discounts, and usage-based insurance programs. The specific discounts available depend on the carrier and your situation. We review all available discounts when quoting your coverage.

Question 10

What does a standard homeowners policy cover?

Accepted Answer

A standard homeowners policy (HO-3) typically covers your dwelling structure, attached structures, personal property, loss of use (additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable), personal liability, and medical payments to others. Coverage for specific perils like floods and earthquakes is generally excluded and requires separate policies.

Question 11

Is flood insurance included in my homeowners policy?

Accepted Answer

No. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy, typically available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or select private carriers. If your property is in a flood zone, your lender may require it.

Question 12

What is replacement cost vs. actual cash value?

Accepted Answer

Replacement cost coverage pays what it costs to replace or repair your property with new materials of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation. Actual cash value coverage pays replacement cost minus depreciation. Replacement cost coverage generally results in higher payouts after a loss but may carry a slightly higher premium.

Question 13

Do I need separate coverage for my home-based business?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Standard homeowners policies have very limited coverage for business property and no coverage for business liability. If you operate a business from your home, you should discuss your situation with us so we can identify the right coverage — whether that's an endorsement to your homeowners policy or a separate business policy.

Question 14

What is renters insurance and who needs it?

Accepted Answer

Renters insurance covers your personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses if your rental unit becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. Landlords' policies do not cover tenants' personal property. If you rent, renters insurance is an affordable way to protect your belongings and liability exposure.

Question 15

What are common homeowners policy endorsements?

Accepted Answer

Common endorsements include equipment breakdown coverage, buried utility line coverage, sewer and drain backup coverage, water damage coverage enhancements, and scheduled personal property coverage for high-value items like jewelry or art. We can discuss which endorsements make sense for your home and situation.

Question 16

What is a Business Owners Policy (BOP)?

Accepted Answer

A Business Owners Policy (BOP) combines general liability and commercial property coverage into a single, typically more affordable package designed for small to mid-sized businesses. It can often be customized with additional coverages such as business interruption, equipment breakdown, and cyber liability.

Question 17

What is General Liability (GL) insurance?

Accepted Answer

General Liability insurance protects your business against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury (such as defamation or invasion of privacy) caused by your business operations, products, or employees. GL coverage includes legal defense costs and is a foundational coverage for virtually every business.

Question 18

What does Commercial Property insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Commercial Property insurance covers your business building, equipment, inventory, and other business property against losses from fire, theft, vandalism, weather, and other covered perils. It can be customized to cover specific equipment, machinery, or inventory based on your business needs.

Question 19

What is Commercial Auto insurance?

Accepted Answer

Commercial Auto insurance covers vehicles used for business purposes — such as company vehicles, delivery trucks, or service vehicles. Coverage includes liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection. Commercial auto policies are required if your business owns or regularly uses vehicles for business operations.

Question 20

Is workers' compensation required in Missouri?

Accepted Answer

Missouri requires most employers with five or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Construction businesses are required to carry it with even one employee. Workers' compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job, and protects employers from related lawsuits.

Question 21

What is professional liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Professional liability insurance — also called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance — protects businesses and professionals against claims of negligence, mistakes, or failure to perform professional duties. It is important for consultants, contractors, healthcare providers, real estate professionals, and many other service-based businesses.

Question 22

Do I need cyber liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

If your business stores customer data, processes payments, or relies on digital systems, cyber liability insurance is worth serious consideration. It can cover costs related to data breaches, ransomware attacks, notification requirements, and legal defense. Cyber incidents affect businesses of all sizes.

Question 23

What is Umbrella/Excess Liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Umbrella or Excess Liability insurance provides additional liability coverage above the limits of your underlying policies (GL, Auto, etc.). It kicks in when your primary coverage limits are exhausted and can provide protection up to $1 million or more. It's affordable protection for business owners with significant assets.

Question 24

What is Business Interruption coverage?

Accepted Answer

Business Interruption coverage reimburses lost income and covers ongoing operating expenses if your business is forced to close temporarily due to a covered loss (such as fire or weather). It helps your business survive and recover from unexpected closures.

Question 25

How is farm insurance different from a standard homeowners policy?

Accepted Answer

Farm insurance is specifically designed to cover the unique exposures of farming operations — including farm structures (barns, grain bins, equipment sheds), farm equipment, livestock, crops, and farm liability. A standard homeowners policy is not designed to cover these exposures and would leave significant gaps for a farming operation.

Question 26

What is crop insurance and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Crop insurance protects farmers against losses due to natural disasters (drought, flood, hail, frost) and market price declines. Most crop insurance in the U.S. is sold through the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) administered by the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA). Policies are sold and serviced by approved private insurance companies. We can help Missouri farmers understand their crop insurance options and enrollment deadlines.

Question 27

Does farm insurance cover my farm employees?

Accepted Answer

Farm liability coverage can provide some protection related to farm employees, but workers' compensation for farm workers is a separate consideration. Missouri's workers' compensation requirements for agricultural employers differ from general employers. We can review your operation and help identify the right coverage for your workforce.

Question 28

What is farm equipment coverage?

Accepted Answer

Farm equipment coverage protects your tractors, combines, balers, and other agricultural equipment against damage from fire, theft, weather, and other covered perils. Equipment can be covered on your farm property policy or with specialized farm equipment coverage depending on the value and your needs.

Question 29

What is livestock coverage?

Accepted Answer

Livestock coverage protects your cattle, horses, poultry, and other livestock against loss due to death, disease, or accident. Coverage can include mortality coverage, veterinary expense coverage, and liability related to livestock. The specific coverage available depends on the type and value of your livestock.

Question 30

When can I enroll in Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare begins three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and extends three months after — a seven-month window. If you miss your IEP, you may be able to enroll during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31 each year) or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on your circumstances.

Question 31

What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans replace Original Medicare and are offered by private insurers — they often include additional benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. Each approach has trade-offs in cost, flexibility, and network access.

Question 32

What is the difference between term and whole life insurance?

Accepted Answer

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period (10, 20, or 30 years) and pays a death benefit if the insured passes away during the term. It is generally the most affordable option for pure death benefit protection. Whole life insurance provides permanent coverage for the insured's lifetime and builds cash value over time. The right choice depends on your goals, budget, and financial situation.

Question 33

What is long-term care insurance?

Accepted Answer

Long-term care insurance (LTCI) helps cover the cost of care when you can no longer perform basic activities of daily living due to illness, disability, or cognitive decline. This includes care in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or at home. Medicare provides very limited long-term care coverage, making LTCI an important planning tool for many individuals.

Question 34

What are annuities and how do they work?

Accepted Answer

An annuity is a financial product where you make a lump-sum payment or series of payments to an insurance company in exchange for regular income payments, either immediately or at a future date. Annuities can provide guaranteed income in retirement and are often used as part of a comprehensive retirement plan. We can discuss whether an annuity might be appropriate for your situation.

Question 35

What is the difference between fixed and variable annuities?

Accepted Answer

Fixed annuities provide guaranteed income payments and are backed by the insurance company's general account. Variable annuities allow you to invest in sub-accounts (similar to mutual funds), and your income payments vary based on investment performance. Fixed annuities offer more security; variable annuities offer more growth potential but with more risk.

Question 36

How do I file a claim?

Accepted Answer

For most claims, you should contact your insurance carrier directly using the claims number on your insurance card or policy documents — carriers have 24/7 claims reporting available. You can also contact our office and we will help guide you through the process. For emergencies involving property damage, document the damage with photos before making any temporary repairs.

Question 37

How do I request a certificate of insurance?

Accepted Answer

You can request a certificate of insurance (COI) by contacting our office by phone or email. Please provide the name and address of the certificate holder and any specific requirements they have requested. We will work to process your request as quickly as possible.

Question 38

How do I make changes to my policy?

Accepted Answer

Contact our office by phone or email to request policy changes such as adding or removing vehicles, updating your address, adjusting coverage limits, or adding additional insureds. Some changes may require carrier approval and could affect your premium.

Question 39

What should I do if I receive a non-renewal or cancellation notice?

Accepted Answer

Contact us immediately if you receive a non-renewal or cancellation notice. We can review the reason, help you understand your options, and shop alternative coverage if needed. Do not let a lapse in coverage occur — a gap in coverage can affect your future insurability and rates.

Question 40

How quickly can I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

We can provide quotes quickly for most personal lines (auto, home, renters) — often within hours. Commercial quotes may take a bit longer depending on the complexity of your business. You can start the quote process online through our website or by calling us directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Working With an Independent Broker

Auto Insurance

Home Insurance

Commercial Insurance

Farm & Agricultural Insurance

Medicare & Life Insurance

Claims & Policy Service

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