Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to auto insurance, the options can be overwhelming. At Fortner Insurance, we work hard to make choosing auto insurance as simple as possible. And we save you money while we do it.

With so many choices to pick from, it’s normal to have questions, and we’re happy to personally answer any you might have. Here are just a few of the questions we’re asked most frequently:

1. How much coverage should I have on my personal auto?
   Auto insurance provides coverage for physical damage (comprehensive & collision) and liability. The minimum limits for the state of Missouri are 25/50/25 ($25,000 bodily injury per person; $50,000 bodily injury per occurrence; $25,000 property damage per occurrence). However, this amount of coverage usually is not enough in the event of an accident. Higher limits should usually be chosen when buying an insurance policy.
2. If someone else drives my car, are they covered under my policy?
   Yes and no. Liability and property damage follow your car. If the driver is insured, his or her policy will also cover damages. The vehicle owner’s policy is the primary coverage in the event of an accident, but some companies only cover the individuals listed as named drivers on the policy. It’s best to check with your agent to find out if your insurance provider covers only named drivers.
3. What factors can affect the cost of my automobile insurance?
   Plenty of factors can affect the cost of your automobile insurance. These factors include,
   • Type of car
   • Driving record
   • Credit
   • Purpose the car serves (ex. school, business, pleasure)
   • Age of drivers
   • Marital status
   • Where you live
   • Discounts (ex. multi-policy, multi-car, good student, etc.)

For more information on auto insurance, give us a call today. We’d love to answer your questions and find you a perfect rate to fit your needs.

No place should be more protected than your home. And to make sure you have the best homeowner’s insurance available, Fortner works with you to be certain your coverage meets your needs at the most reasonable rate you can find.

We’re here to help. No matter what questions you have when it comes to homeowner’s insurance, we’ve got answers. A few of the questions we’re asked most include:

1. How much coverage should I have on my home?
   You should cover at least 80% of your home’s value. This will insure that you are covered in the event of a major loss. While it’s never fun to think about the possibility of a major loss, it is something you should always be prepared for.
2. What is the difference between “actual cash value” and “replacement cost”?
   When your property is damaged by a peril covered by your insurance, it will be paid on either an actual cash value or replacement cost basis. Replacement cost is the current cost to replace the property. Actual cash value is replacement cost less depreciation, which basically means the actual market cost of the damaged item if you would have sold it right before it was damaged.
3. What is renters insurance, and why would I need it?
   Renters insurance is usually required if you live in an apartment or rental house. This provides coverage for your personal property. In the event of a loss, the owner/landlord’s insurance would not cover your personal property unless the loss was their responsibility. Anyone who leases an apartment or house should consider renters insurance to make sure they’re protected.

If you have any other questions about homeowner’s insurance, we would love to answer them for you. Just give us a call or request a quote today!

Whether you’re a CEO of a major corporation or the owner of your small business, commercial insurance is essential. With important factors like commercial auto insurance, general liability insurance and worker’s compensation to consider, you need to be sure that you’re covered. Our job is to make sure you have the coverage you need at the rates you can afford. No matter what questions you have, we’re here to help. We get a wide variety of questions that we’re always happy to answer, including questions like:

1. Why am I being audited, and what does this mean?
   Every commercial policy is eligible for audit. This means that at the end of the policy term, the insurance company will compare your estimated figures to actual figures. Depending on the type of product or service which your business offers, the figures which were used for determining your premium may have been payroll, or gross sales. If the actual figures are higher than what was estimated, there will be additional premium due to the carrier. If the actual figures are lower than what was estimated, there will be a credit (or refund) to the policy holder.
2. Why do you want to know what my payroll or sales figures are?
   The premium for a commercial insurance policy is based upon factors such as payroll, total gross sales, square footage of a building, or a number/combination of other factors. These figures are necessary in order to provide an accurate quote, and avoid gaps in coverage.
3. Why is my building insured for more than market value?
   The purchase price or market value of a property is very different from the insurable value. In the event of a total loss, there are other costs included aside from the reconstruction of the original structure: costs associated with debris removal; changes in building codes which may require upgraded materials or design; foundation repair or removal/replacement, lot preparation, utility line removal/replacement. All of these factors are considered when determining the minimum amount of coverage required, so the insured is able to enjoy less financial impact at the time of a loss, while transferring that risk over to the insurance company.
4. What is co-insurance?
   Co-insurance is the amount of the cost for which you agree to take responsibility in the event of a loss. It is a term which is also sometimes used when referring to your policy deductible. The co-insurance (your financial responsibility in the event of a loss) varies based on the type of policy coverage.

1. What insurance company do you represent for churches and other religious organizations?
   We represent Brotherhood Mutual, which is one of the leading companies for church and related organizations in America. Founded in 1917, they have almost 100 years’ experience in serving the church. Their mission is to, “Build the Kingdom by serving the Church”. Consistently receiving an A (excellent) rating from A.M. Best Company they have become one of the most reputable insurance companies in America and are dedicated to sharing your passion for ministry.
2. Do you offer insurance for church camps and schools?
   Yes, we offer a wide variety of services for every aspect of your ministry. We can create a plan for your Christian college or school, Christian camp, Workers’ Compensation for your ministry, and insurance for your church autos. Your ministry deserves a product specifically tailored to your unique needs, not a one-size-fits-all insurance policy. We are committed to designing the right plan for your ministry, no matter how big or small it may be.
3. Our church is taking a mission trip to a foreign country. Do we need insurance for that?
   Yes! Regardless of where your mission takes you, travel insurance is essential in providing the availability of resources in emergency and unexpected situations for insureds. Brotherhood Mutual has partnered with Fly For Good to create Faith Ventures, a program dedicated to serving mission travelers. Faith Ventures offers accident and illness medical expense, security and emergency medical evaluation, and trip cancellation coverage.

Life insurance is your way of ensuring that your family’s future is secure in the event that tragedy strikes. While it’s never fun to consider this worst-case scenario, we make it as simple, clear and straightforward as we can at Fortner. From personally creating a plan that fits your specific needs to working one-on-one with your family if tragedy strikes, our goal is to give you the best coverage you can get and provide the best customer service you can find.

We get a lot of questions about life insurance, including:

1. How do I determine how much life insurance I need?
   When it comes to life insurance, the first step is reviewing your financial situation. It’s easier to determine your financial need after you’ve evaluated the following:
   • Long Term Debt (auto loans, rent, mortgage, credit cards)
   • Income Replacement
   • Education/Children
   • Final Expenses (medical, funeral, burial)

   From there, the next step is to determine an insurance policy that’s designed personally for you.

2. How often should I review my policy?
   To provide the most accurate amount of coverage, you should review your policy at least once a year. Any major life change may affect your policy. Some major life changes include:
   • Marriage/Divorce
   • Significant change in your or your spouse’s health
   • Children/grandchildren born or adopted
   • Purchase of a new home
   • Refinancing of your home
   • Obtaining an inheritances

Life insurance is one of the most important forms of insurance, so contact Fortner Insurance today if you have questions or want to take out a life insurance policy. We can’t wait to start helping you secure your future.

If you’re looking for health insurance, Fortner can help you find the right rate to fit your budget. Of course, when it comes to health insurance, the lowest rate doesn’t always equal the best plan for you and your family. Health insurance can be confusing, but we here at Fortner are here to personally clarify each and every question you might have. From helping you understand what your policy actually covers to clarifying things like payment and billings, our goal is to make it as easy as we can for you. Some questions we’re frequently asked about health insurance include:

1. What is the difference between a PPO and HMO?
   A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a network of hospitals and physicians that the insurance carriers have negotiated with for their services to the policyholders.

   The Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) generally requires the plan member to go to certain plan providers. Visits to no-plan providers are not permitted except for emergencies.

2. Why should I have health insurance?
   Health insurance protects against major medical expenses. You are guaranteed full or partial coverage for most major medical expenses you may incur by paying an annual premium to an insurance company.

We hope these answers were helpful. The truth is that there’s not always an “easy answer” for health insurance questions. The best way to find the perfect health insurance plan is by creating a program that’s designed especially for you, which is what you get when you come to Fortner Insurance. So feel free to contact us today and find out how we can get you and your family on the right health insurance plan.