Do I need uninsured motorist coverage?

At Tackett Insurance Inc. in Memphis, TN, many clients have asked us if they need uninsured motorist coverage on their auto insurance policies. We understand the desire to save as much money as possible, especially in today’s economy. However, we have found that this coverage has saved policyholders thousands in auto repairs, medical expenses, and legal costs.

With the cost of goods and services on the rise, there has also been an increase in drivers operating on the roadways without auto insurance. This is a dangerous, reckless, and inconsiderate act, but it is also a reality that we have to face if we are going to be on the road.

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury and Property Damage Coverages

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a requirement by Tennessee law for all auto insurance policies written in the state unless policyholders sign a form opting out of the coverage. But why opt out of coverage that will cover you and your passengers medically if you are injured in an accident with an uninsured driver? This coverage is called uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UMBI). There is also uninsured motorist property damage coverage (UMPD) available for you if you are hit by an uninsured driver who pays for you to get your vehicle fixed (minus the deductible). Typically, uninsured motorist coverage will mirror your policy’s liability limits for bodily injury and property damage coverage. However, it will never exceed it.

Uninsured motorist coverage also covers you when you have been in a hit-and-run accidand you are unaware of who damaged your vehicle. Moreover, uninsured motorist coverage will help compensate you for lost wages, medical expenses, and damaged property. It also compensates you quickly, so you don’t have to take the uninsured driver to court before receiving compensation after an accident.

Give Us a Call Today!

For more information about an uninsured motorist policy, its benefits, and cost, call Tackett Insurance Inc. in Memphis, TN, at (662) 371-1100.

Does auto insurance cover a rental car?

If you ever need a rental car, you might wonder whether your auto insurance will cover the cost. At Tackett Insurance Inc. in Memphis, TN, we are an independent insurance agency committed to serving our customers. We will ensure you have the coverage that best suits your needs.

Whether your auto insurance can cover a rental vehicle depends on the coverage type you have on your personal vehicle. If you possess basic auto insurance, it will only extend liability coverage. Consequently, you’ll need to get insurance through your credit card or the rental company. However, you won’t need to purchase the excess liability insurance on offer.

If you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your personal vehicle, then you will have the same coverage on the rental vehicle. This meets the rental company’s insurance requirement, and purchasing their insurance would provide duplicate coverage.

If your credit card offers rental coverage as a perk, it’s up to you to choose between utilizing it or your personal insurance. Both will offer protection, and your choice depends on whether you find one easier to deal with than the other.

You may be presented with the option to purchase protection for items you’ll be transporting in the rental vehicle, like your luggage or golf clubs. If you have home, condo, or renters insurance, you’re already covered for this, thus eliminating the need for additional insurance.

Allow us to assist you with your auto insurance needs. Our dedicated team at Tackett Insurance Inc. in Memphis, TN will ensure you receive the auto coverage you need. Call us today to discuss your auto insurance requirements.

Three Mistakes Drivers Make When Getting Auto Insurance

Avoid Common Auto Insurance Setup Mistakes with Tackett Insurance Inc.

Setting up auto insurance is a process involving significant decisions and substantial knowledge. Avoiding common setup mistakes can be crucial to securing the proper coverage. In this blog, we’re going to discuss some common mistakes to look out for briefly.

Securing Adequate Coverage

A frequently seen mistake is not securing enough coverage for your vehicle. State-required coverages might not suffice for your specific needs. Explore additional options like comprehensive and collision coverage to protect your vehicle against potential damage. Determine if something like rental car reimbursement could be helpful in case your car requires extensive repairs and ascertain many more coverage options suitable for your situation.

Opting for the Correct Liability Limits

Another commonly observed mistake is settling for liability limits equal to the state’s minimum requirements. Accidents could easily surpass these limits, leaving you liable for hefty expenditures. An advisable approach would be opting for significantly higher liability limits, providing ample protection should you be held responsible for an accident.

Assessing Annual Mileage Accurately

Underestimating the distance you cover annually can lead to unanticipated issues. Since more mileage increases your chances of being involved in an accident, it affects your insurance premium accordingly. So, it would help if you weren’t underestimating your annual mileage to save a bit on premium costs, as it might lead to complications later. Agents at Tackett Insurance Inc. can provide an average mileage estimate for most drivers and help you make an informed guess.

Ensure these common mistakes do not plague your auto insurance setup. For professional help with the process, contact us at Tackett Insurance Inc. We cater to clients from Memphis, TN, and are ready to serve you.

Mississippi Auto Insurance Must-Haves

At Tackett Insurance Inc., we want our Memphis, TN, customers to understand the auto insurance that they have to have to drive legally on the state’s roads and the auto insurance they should add to protect their financial investment in their vehicle properly. Driving without insurance results in fines and the potential loss of your license if caught.

Mississippi Auto Liability Insurance Requirements

The state of Mississippi, like all other U.S. states, mandates auto insurance coverage for its drivers. The state requires 25/50/25 liability coverage. Let’s consider what that means each policy must have.

  • Bodily injury coverage for $25,000 per person per accident
  • Bodily injury coverage for $50,000 for all persons total per accident
  • Property damage for $25,000 per accident.

Each driver can choose to add other coverage to their policy, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage, comprehensive, collision, medical payments, and roadside assistance.

Why Add Other Coverage?

The state-required insurance only covers your liability. If you cause an accident, the auto policy covers the injured party’s medical bills and damage to their vehicle. Adding coverage like collision protects you financially because it pays for your vehicle repairs or replacement. Comprehensive covers damage from acts of nature and humans, such as hail storms and riots. Without these additional types of insurance coverage, you would have to pay out of pocket for damage to your own vehicle or your medical expenses, which medical payments coverage handles.

Contact Tackett Insurance Inc. Today

Don’t back out of your Memphis, TN driveway without the appropriate auto insurance. Contact Tackett Insurance Inc. today to purchase or update your auto insurance so you can drive fully protected.

Auto Insurance for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: What You Need to Know

The rise of electric (EV) and hybrid vehicles marks a shift towards a more sustainable mode of transportation. As more consumers make the switch, it’s essential to understand how this transition impacts auto insurance. Here’s a guide about auto insurance for electric and hybrid vehicles from Tackett Insurance Inc., serving the greater Memphis, TN region.

Differences in Insurance Costs

Many factors determine insurance rates and vehicle type is one of them. Historically, some EVs have had higher insurance premiums than their gasoline counterparts, mainly due to the high cost of parts and repairs. However, this dynamic may change as technology becomes more widespread and competition increases.

Potential Discounts and Incentives

Some insurance providers offer discounts for EV and hybrid drivers, recognizing their contribution to environmental conservation. These incentives and government rebates for electric vehicles can help offset the potential higher insurance costs.

Coverage for Specialized Equipment

Electric and hybrid cars come with specialized equipment, such as charging stations at home. It’s crucial to ensure your policy covers these specific components. Typically, a comprehensive policy covering equipment and installation costs is a wise choice.

Safety Considerations

Modern EVs and hybrids come equipped with advanced safety features, which might lead to lower insurance premiums. Enhanced safety can mean reduced accident rates, which is always a bonus for insurance companies.

While insuring electric and hybrid vehicles may present unique considerations, being informed can help you find the best coverage. As the automotive landscape evolves, ensuring you remain protected on the roads remains paramount. The team at Tackett Insurance Inc., serving the greater Memphis, TN, would love to ensure you are fully covered, regardless of what you drive. Call now to schedule an appointment.

Is Liability Insurance Required in Every State?

If you live in any state, you’ll need to ensure your vehicle has liability coverage. Having minimum liability coverage is a state requirement. Anyone in the Memphis, TN, area interested in acquiring auto insurance, whether it’s a liability or full coverage, can count on the experts at Tackett Insurance Inc.

Auto Insurance Experts 

Anyone driving on the road must have liability insurance in every state. However, most people opt to select full coverage insurance. Full coverage insurance refers to a combination of coverages that include liability, collision, and comprehensive. In addition, you may also choose other optional add-ons and features such as towing, windshield, hospitalization, and more.

Whether you’re in the market for new insurance or need reliable auto coverage for a new purchase, we can help. Our team of insurance agents is happy to work closely with each client to assess their situation carefully. Once they grasp current and future needs, they’ll recommend policy options that meet those needs. Not only do agents assist with submitting documents to acquire coverage, but they can also assist with any changes during the policy’s life. They’ll even provide help with filing claims.

Reach Out Today 

If you or someone you know is in the market for reliable auto insurance, our helpful team of experts can help. Call or stop by the offices of Tackett Insurance Inc., serving a resident in the Memphis, TN area, to schedule a consultation today. Our goal is to provide our customers with insurance products they can count on to give them peace of mind and security. Don’t wait to get your auto coverage. Get started today and protect yourself and your automobile, whether on the road or parked at home.

Safe driving tips for Memphis

There are many safe driving tips that can help you stay safe on the road. This blog post will discuss some of the most important ones. Following these tips can reduce your risk of getting into an accident.

  1. Don’t drink and drive. It may seem obvious, but drinking and driving are one of the most common causes of accidents on the road. If you are going to be partying or celebrating with friends, make sure you have a designated driver who will stay sober and keep everyone safe while driving.
  2. Avoid distractions while driving. Texting, talking on the phone, and fiddling with the radio are all common distractions that can make it harder for you to focus on the road. If possible, try to minimize these distractions while behind the wheel or pull over if you need to take a call or send a text message.
  3. Follow the speed limit. Driving at a safe speed is essential for staying in control of your vehicle and avoiding dangerous situations on the road. Observe the speed limit and adjust your driving as needed, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic conditions.
  4. Keep a safe distance from other cars. Maintaining a safe following distance is integral to being a responsible driver. This means allowing time to slow down or stop if you need to and not tailgating other vehicles too closely.
  5. Use turn signals when turning or changing lanes. Notifying other drivers of your intentions on the road is essential to sharing the road safely with others.

For more safe driving tips, call Tackett Insurance Inc. today. We proudly serve the Memphis, TN area.

Three signs that it’s time to update your auto insurance policy

There are plenty of reasons why you may need to change your auto insurance policy. Some changes you make to your policy could save you money or make it so that your coverage is more closely aligned with your needs.

If you are a motorist in need of an updated insurance policy, get in touch with us at Tackett Insurance Inc. The following are three signs that it’s time to update your auto insurance policy in Memphis, TN. 

You’ve bought an additional vehicle.

You need to notify your auto insurance provider of any new vehicle purchase if you want to have every vehicle you own covered.

If you buy a new vehicle, this may increase your auto insurance coverage costs. That’s why it’s essential to immediately notify your auto insurance provider of a new vehicle purchase to ensure that you’re covered behind the wheel in any of your vehicles. 

You’ve moved to a different area.

It’s important to be aware of the differences in auto insurance requirements in different communities and states.

If you’ve recently moved to a new area, update your coverage accordingly. Your previous auto insurance provider might not offer coverage in your new area, so research any changes regarding your auto insurance needs. 

Your vehicle usage habits have changed.

If you’re not driving as far as you used to as part of your daily commute, you might be eligible for a low mileage discount. You should look into this possibility if your vehicle usage habits have changed. 

We’re standing by to assist you with your auto insurance needs in Memphis, TN. Give us a call at Tackett Insurance Inc. if you need to update your auto insurance coverage. 

Do people in Memphis need auto insurance?

People in the Memphis, TN area will always benefit by having their own car. When you are looking to purchase a vehicle in this region of Tennessee, you can quickly find that protecting your car is important. A great way that you can protect yourself and your car is by getting insurance for it. An auto plan is needed for people in this area for a variety of reasons. 

Coverage is Needed to Protect the Car

One of the reasons that you need auto insurance is so you can protect your car. There is a big investment that comes with a vehicle purchase and protecting it is very important. If you are insured, you will have the support that will help to mitigate various risks including theft or accident damage. 

Coverage is Required for Drivers

Another reason that you will want to get an auto insurance plan is that it will likely be a requirement. If you ever intend to drive your car in this state, you will have to carry liability insurance. With this type of insurance, you will have protection if you cause an accident that has damages. If you do not have this insurance in place, you could be found in violation of state driving laws and can face various penalties in the future. 

Anyone that owns or leases a vehicle in the Memphis, TN area is going to need to have auto coverage. If you are evaluating your needs for insurance here, you can start your search by calling Tackett Insurance Inc. With so many choices to make when looking for coverage, working with Tackett Insurance Inc. is a great option. The team here will give you any support that you need to understand all of your needs and pick an ideal plan. 

How to Protect Your Car from Theft

Auto theft is a common occurrence these days, with thieves getting savvy every day. There are many ways to prevent yourself from being a victim of car theft by taking preventative measures and ensuring car security. Investing in the right auto insurance policy is also a way to protect your car from theft. In case it gets stolen, you can be compensated for your loss. If you’re in Memphis, TN, Tackett Insurance Inc. can help with guidance on auto insurance companies that cover theft. 

Lock doors and close windows

When doors are unlocked, you make it easy for a thief to break in. It’s critical to make it a habit to check whether doors are locked at all times. If you leave the windows open, a thief can easily reach in and unlock the door from inside, then steal what they want.

Be smart about where you park and avoid dark, unattended areas

If you don’t want to fall victim to car theft, park your car in areas that are easily accessible and with good lighting. This will make it hard for a car thief to break in and steal anything as they fear being seen. Have a motion sensor installed if it isn’t in a completely lit place.

Don’t leave the keys in the car

Thieves can easily drive away with your car if you leave the keys on the ignition. If you are stepping out to run an errand, ensure you don’t leave the engine running. Otherwise, your car becomes an easy target for theft.

Install safety features

Car safety features and anti-theft devices are necessary when it comes to protecting your car from auto theft. Install alarm systems to go off when there is an attempt to break in and, if possible, have visible locks on the steering wheel and window etchings to keep off thieves.

If your car doesn’t have an antitheft system, have one installed. Your car has a higher chance of getting recovered fast, and this is discouraging to thieves. Ask your insurer about the discounts for these anti-theft systems. 

There’s so much you can do to protect your car from theft. It’s important to remember that lives are crucial, so don’t resist when confronted by a carjacker. You can also contact Tackett Insurance Inc. serving Memphis, TN to learn more about policies such as comprehensive auto insurance that cover your car against theft and other issues apart from collision.