From the Great Smokey Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River in the west, Tennessee offers some of the most scenic vistas that any driver could want. Whether you are taking a great American road trip or just driving to the grocery store, you want to make sure you have the right auto insurance to keep you protected. At Tackett Insurance Inc in Memphis, TN, we have a team of experts who will make sure your policy is customized to your needs and wallet. 

In the state of Tennessee, you are required to have liability insurance. It is a basic amount which may be fine if you don’t have many assets. If, however, you do have assets, it probably isn’t the right choice. Liability insurance protects other people from an accident where you are the at-fault driver, but what about your vehicle? If you have basic auto insurance, it isn’t going to cover your vehicle. 

To protect your vehicle, you need to carry collision and comprehensive coverage. 

Collision insurance

Collision insurance pays to repair or replace your vehicle if you are in an accident where you are at fault. It will also cover a hit and run or a single driver accident where you are the only one involved. 

Comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive insurance also covers your vehicle. Many things can damage your vehicle over which you have no control. You can’t control hail from damaging your paint, limbs from falling on your roof, or stones from flying up and cracking your windshield. Theft and vandalism are also covered by comprehensive insurance.

When you count on your vehicle to do your daily tasks, having insurance to protect it is a must. 

Contact Tackett Insurance Inc in Memphis, TN when you need your auto policy reviewed or are looking for a first policy.

What are my insurance options as a Tennessee driver?

The government of Tennessee requires drivers to carry minimum coverage of property damage liability and bodily injury liability.  However, that doesn’t mean you stop there as there are other critical additional coverages that you can buy or increase your limits. If you are a driver looking to purchase auto insurance in Memphis, TN, Tackett Insurance Inc can provide you with several options to help you have a good starting point.

You will need collision and comprehensive coverages

Whether you are a skilled driver or an amateur, you will need a comprehensive and collision package to protect you against financial loss in the event of an accident.  Remember, your liability coverage does not cover you nor your vehicle but other motorists who may get injured in accidents that you cause. Collision coverage replaces or repairs your damaged vehicle after a collision with another car, tree, or pole on the roads. Comprehensive coverage compensates you in case your vehicle is stolen, vandalized, or burned.

Bundle your policies for discounts

Most insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle up your insurance policies. If you buy home, auto, and boat insurance from the same insurance provider, you are likely to get a huge bonus that will lower your rates. Ask about discounts before settling on a specific insurance company.

Consider buying uninsured/ underinsured coverage

Just because you are insured doesn’t mean everyone else is. It would be a good idea if you could purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages to protect yourself and your property in case you encounter an accident with such drivers.

Insurance today is no longer complicated like it used to be years back. However, you need to study and understand your policy to avoid confusion and misunderstandings when filing a claim in Memphis, TN.  Don’t forget to seek help from Tackett insurance Inc. when you get stuck. We are always waiting to assist you.

You’re commuting to work when out of nowhere you’re rear-ended. You’re ok, and so is the other driver, but there’s extensive damage to your vehicle that needs to get repaired. After altering the police to the accident, it’s now time to exchange insurance information. At this point, do you involve your insurance agency? That depends.

According to Tackett Insurance Inc, there are three scenarios that you’ll face when in an accident that’s not your fault: the other driver is insured, underinsured, or uninsured.

If the driver is insured and can cover the amount of damage to your vehicle, there’s no reason to involve your insurance company as you won’t need to file a claim. However, it’s always a good idea to let them know when you’ve been in a no-fault accident because they’re on your side and you never know what issues could come up in the future. Also, your premium will not rise when the other insurance company is covering the costs in Memphis, TN.

If the driver is underinsured or uninsured, you may need to file a claim with your insurance company to pick up the rest of the amount it will take to get your vehicle repaired. This is where your policy kicks in to help you out. As long as you’ve been a good driver and haven’t had a string of accidents, your premium should not go up. Once your claim is exhausted, the rest of the amount, if any, will have to come out of pocket. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have maximum auto coverage, and beyond that, umbrella insurance to cover any future scenario that might happen.

To learn more about purchasing auto insurance or upgrading a current policy, contact the team at Tackett Insurance Inc, serving Memphis, TN. 

Auto Insurance Buying Tips for New Drivers

As a new driver, it’s only natural for you to have questions about purchasing auto insurance. Auto insurance is required in Tennessee, making it necessary for you to have coverage. If you’re not sure what kind of coverage to buy, these tips from Tackett Insurance Inc. can help you choose wisely.

Shop Around

The first thing you need to know about auto coverage in Memphis, TN is that it isn’t “one size fits all.” People differ in the protection they need depending on the vehicle they drive, their driving habits, personal lifestyle, and budget. By shopping around, you can learn more about coverage options and costs so you can get a good deal on your policy.

Choose the Right Insurer

Choosing the right insurer is as important as choosing a policy. For quality coverage, good customer service, and help with claims, it’s better to work with a reputable insurer, even if you pay a little more for your policy.

Don’t Compromise Coverage for Price

Coverage is more important than price, especially for new drivers, as you’re at greater risk of an accident due to lack of driving experience. Make sure the policy you choose offers ample coverage to protect you against auto theft, accidents, breakdowns, and other mishaps that can occur on Memphis highways.

Make Sure Your Auto Coverage Fulfills State Requirements  

Tennessee requires that all drivers carry minimum auto liability coverage. Liability insurance covers injuries and property damage to others in accidents you cause. When purchasing your auto insurance, make sure you fulfill state requirements to avoid paying a fee or having your license suspended if you’re caught.

Working with a trustworthy insurance agent can simplify your search for auto insurance. Drivers in Memphis, TN can trust Tackett Insurance Inc. with all their auto insurance needs.

For many, pets are a part of the family, and it’s natural to want such furry family members to live as long and healthy a life as possible. Unfortunately, those lives can be cut short in the event of an auto accident. This is especially true when pets aren’t safely restrained by a seat belt over their body or by a belt connecting their crate to the seat. But even with such safety restraints, a pet may suffer injuries in an auto accident. Tackett insurance, Inc. offers a look at what happens if you are in a car accident with your pet and whether an auto insurance plan will cover your pet:

Are Pets Covered by Auto Insurance?

The answer is that it depends upon who is determined to be at-fault for the accident and what type of insurance coverage you choose.

• If you are found not at fault. Both the government and insurance companies currently see pets as property. Thus, if someone else is found at-fault of the car accident in which your pet was injured, restitution for your pet’s injuries are likely to be covered under the other person’s property damage (or liability coverage). You will need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company (keep all of our receipts), but generally, your pet’s medical expenses will be paid or reimbursed by this policy. 
• If you are found at fault. If you are deemed at fault for a car accident, then your pet’s injuries sustained by that accident may still be covered, but only if it’s explicitly stated by the policy. Generally, this is a free or cheap add-on to collision or comprehensive auto coverage.

Ask Your Tackett Insurance, Inc. Agent About Pet Coverage

Not sure if your pet is currently covered? Contact our team at Tackett Insurance, Inc. in Memphis, TN today to talk with a friendly team about updating your auto insurance policy. 

Learning to drive can be fun, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. One thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t matter how long you have been driving; there are always things you can do to improve your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here are a few tips that Tackett Insurance, Inc. agents in Memphis, TN recommend for new drivers.

Know the Vehicle You’re In

Most people spend at least two or more hours in their vehicles every day. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your car, so you’ll want to make sure that you are comfortable and familiar with everything. Each vehicle has minor differences, and most vehicles are the same when it comes to the main mechanics. For example, the brake, accelerator, and emergency brakes are always in the same place. The turn signals, windshield wiper switch, and other devices may be in a different location on some vehicles. 

Make Adjustments

Minor adjustments can make significant differences whenever you enter a vehicle. First, adjust the seat to your comfort. Your feet should feel good on the brake and accelerator pedals, as well as your hands to the steering wheel. Then, adjust the mirrors. Your right and left side mirrors. The left mirror should be positioned so you can see only part of your vehicle in view.

Avoid Distractions

Focus on driving while you’re driving. If you’re a new driving, you should keep the music down. Pullover to the side of the road or into a parking space if you need to use your phone. Don’t eat or drink to avoid spills, which can lead to distractions.

Near Memphis, TN? Stop in today to see what the associates at Tackett Insurance, Inc. can do for you.

We offer many types of insurance at Tackett Insurance, Inc. in Memphis, TN, including full coverage. Full coverage auto insurance is more expensive than liability insurance, so it’s natural to wonder if you need it. Is saving money with liability only worth the risk?

What is Full Coverage Insurance?

Insurance companies don’t provide insurance packages titled "full coverage". However, full coverage usually means that you have liability insurance plus comprehensive and collision coverage.

In simple terms, liability insurance protects you in case you cause damage to someone else’s vehicle. Most plans also cover medical expenses incurred by the other party due to an accident.

Comprehensive and collision coverage provides protection for your vehicle. If your vehicle is damaged, this type of coverage will pay for the repairs or the cost of your vehicle. Most plans also cover any medical bills you sustain due to an accident. 

Who Needs Full Coverage

If you have a loan on your vehicle, many companies will require you to have full coverage insurance. If the vehicle is totaled in an accident, and you refuse to pay for it, the lien holder won’t recoup much of their money with a destroyed vehicle. Regardless of whether you have a lien on it, full coverage is wise if you have a newer or valuable vehicle. 

The cost of insurance premiums is well worth the peace of mind of knowing that your car will be fixed or you will have the money to replace it in the event of an accident. 

Do Good Drivers Need Full Coverage Insurance?

Everyone is legally required to carry liability insurance, which means if there’s an accident and its the other party’s fault, their insurance should cover the damage. However, even though the law states every vehicle should be insured, not everyone follows it. If someone without insurance hits you, you will need full coverage insurance to cover the damage.

It’s also important to realize that even good drivers can have an accident. If you can’t afford to replace or repair your vehicle in the event an accident occurs, then you need full coverage insurance. 

If you need insurance or would like to see if you have enough coverage for your needs, contact us at Tackett Insurance, Inc. in Memphis, TN. We would be happy to discuss your situation with you and provide you with the right coverage.