General / Independent Agency Questions
What is an independent insurance agency?
An independent insurance agency represents multiple insurance carriers instead of just one. Unlike a "captive" agent who can only sell one company's policies, an independent agency like Choice Insurance Advisors shops multiple carriers to find the coverage and price that actually fits your situation.
Does it cost more to use an independent insurance agent?
No — using an independent insurance agent typically costs the same as buying directly from a carrier, since the carrier pays the agency's commission, not you. The advantage is that you get to compare multiple carriers' rates and coverage through one point of contact, instead of shopping each company yourself.
How is Choice Insurance Advisors different from other Insurance agencies?
Choice Insurance Advisors is built around client education first, coverage second. Before recommending a policy, we walk you through what's covered, what isn't, and why — so you understand your policy coverages instead of just signing where you're told to.
What areas does Choice Insurance Advisors serve?
Choice Insurance Advisors serves clients throughout Oklahoma, Colorado, and Missouri.
How much car insurance do I need in Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri?
Oklahoma and Missouri require a minimum of 25/50/25 liability coverage — $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Colorado however only requires $15,000 for property damage. Please note -Minimum coverage often isn't enough to fully protect your assets in a serious accident, which is why we only offer higher liability limits based on your specific situation.
Is Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri a no-fault or at-fault insurance state?
Oklahoma, Colorado, and Missouri are at-fault states, meaning the driver responsible for an accident (and their insurance) is responsible for covering damages. This makes carrying adequate liability coverage especially important, since you could be held financially responsible for another driver's damages and injuries.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage?
In Oklahoma and Colorado uninsured motorist coverage is not required by law, but the coverage is strongly recommended since a significant percentage of drivers carry no insurance at all. This coverage protects you if you're hit by a driver who can't pay for your damages or injuries. Missouri is different, uninsured Motorist coverage is required by law at the state minimum limit of $25,000/$50,000.
Does homeowners insurance cover storm and hail damage in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Missouri?
Most standard homeowners policies cover wind and hail damage, but coverage details, deductibles, and exclusions vary significantly by carrier. Given these states exposure to severe storms, it's worth reviewing your specific policy's wind/hail deductible, which is often separate from your standard deductible.
What isn't covered by a standard home insurance policy?
Standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage, earth movement (including some tornado-related ground shifting), and normal wear and tear. Homeowners often need separate flood insurance, since it's not included in standard coverage regardless of your flood risk.
How much homeowners insurance coverage do I need?
Your homeowners coverage should reflect the actual cost to rebuild your home, not its market value — these numbers are often very different. We help calculate rebuild cost based on your home's size, construction, and local labor/material costs rather than guessing off your purchase price.
Do I need condo insurance if my HOA has a master policy?
Yes — your HOA's master policy typically only covers the building's structure and common areas, not your personal belongings, interior upgrades, or personal liability. A condo (HO-6) policy fills that gap and protects what's actually yours.
What's the difference between homeowners insurance and landlord insurance?
Landlord insurance is built for rental properties and includes protections a standard homeowners policy doesn't, such as loss-of-rental-income coverage and liability protection specific to tenants. If you rent out a property you don't live in, a standard homeowners policy likely won't provide adequate coverage.
What's the difference between term and whole life insurance?
Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period (like 20 or 30 years) at a lower cost, while whole life insurance covers you for your entire life and builds cash value over time at a higher premium. The right choice depends on your goals — term life is often better for covering a specific need like a mortgage or kids' upbringing, while whole life suits long-term estate or wealth planning.
How much life insurance do I actually need?
A common starting point is 10-12 times your annual income, though the right amount depends on your debts, dependents, and long-term financial goals. We help calculate a specific number based on your actual situation rather than a generic formula.
What insurance does a small business need?
Most small businesses in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Missouri need general liability insurance at minimum, with commercial property, workers' compensation, and business auto coverage added based on your specific operations. The right combination depends on your industry, whether you have employees, and whether you own or lease your space.
Is workers' compensation insurance required?
Yes — law requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance, with limited exceptions for certain business types and sole proprietors with no employees. Requirements and exceptions vary, so it's worth confirming your specific obligation based on your business structure.
Does my auto insurance cover my motorcycle?
No — a standard auto insurance policy does not cover motorcycles. Motorcycles require a separate policy, which typically includes liability, collision, and often custom parts/equipment coverage for bikes with aftermarket upgrades.
Is boat insurance required?
Oklahoma, Colorado, and Missouri do not legally require boat insurance, but most marinas, lenders (if you're financing), and liability exposure make it a practical necessity. Boat insurance typically covers hull damage, liability, and towing/roadside assistance for your trailer.
Does homeowners insurance cover my engagement ring or jewelry?
Most standard homeowners policies cap jewelry coverage at a low amount — often $1,000-$2,000 total — regardless of your jewelry's actual value. A standalone jewelry policy (called a "rider" or "floater") covers the full appraised value of specific pieces like engagement rings, heirlooms, or watches.