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Home Insurance Liability Coverage: What is and isn’t Covered

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Homeowner’s liability insurance covers a range of incidents and perils, but that doesn’t mean it covers everything. Memphis, TN, homeowners will want to read the policy’s terms and conditions carefully to avoid getting faced with unpleasant surprises later on. It’s also a good idea to know which types of perils aren’t typically covered by home insurance liability coverage. 

What’s Usually Covered

Liability coverage includes bodily injury, property damage, and legal defense costs related to bodily injury/property damage claims. 

Bodily injury includes all types of injuries incurred by people visiting your property. This includes not only visiting friends and relatives but also postal workers and delivery workers who are lawfully on your property. Bodily injury can also cover dog bites as long as the policy includes your dog breed.

Property damage covers damage to property owned by third-party individuals. It usually includes scenarios such as one of your trees falling on a neighbor’s fence or your dog chewing through your great-aunt’s $10,000 purse. 

What’s Not Typically Covered

Liability coverage doesn’t cover injuries to people living in the home or property damaged caused by the home’s residents. Furthermore, you can be denied compensation for typically covered claims if the cause of the accident isn’t included on the policy. For instance, if you fail to tell the insurer you bought a dog or put in a pool and someone gets hurt by one of these, your policy won’t cover the damages.

Homeowner’s liability insurance also doesn’t cover any type of commercial activity. If you run a home-based business or rent out your home for short time periods, you’ll need additional insurance coverage. 

Call Tackett Insurance Inc. for More Information

Our team at Tackett Insurance Inc. is always happy to answer questions, give personalized insurance advice, and help Memphis, TN, homeowners purchase home insurance coverage. Call us, and we’ll help you start the process of getting your home fully covered.

Renters Insurance With Roommates: Share a Plan or Go Solo?

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A renters insurance policy is an individual policy meant for one policyholder. Sharing renters insurance with a roommate may have its upsides, but many don’t know the downsides until it’s too late. At Tackett Insurance Inc., we offer both perspectives so you can make the best decision for your living situation.

Can you share renters insurance with roommates?

Sharing renters insurance depends on the carrier and the landlord’s regulations. Some carriers will not offer renters insurance to unrelated roommates, and others don’t mind. Some landlords require roommates to get separate policies; others don’t have a preference. 

Should you get past those hurdles, you are sharing with a person who doesn’t behave the same way you do. That leads to tension and arguments that eventually break up a coexisting situation. Should you share renters insurance in Memphis, TN, make sure it’s with a roommate you trust who will pay their portion of the bill each month and inform you about moving out. 

Should each roommate get renters insurance separately instead?

While the benefits of sharing renters insurance are cost and less paperwork, there are more benefits when you and your roommate have separate policies in Memphis, TN. Everyone has coverage for their belongings, injured guests, and temporary housing. There’s no interruption in coverage when a roommate moves out. You also avoid conflict and issues about insurance claims, premium payments, compensation, and other arguments about renters insurance.

The downside is that it’s more expensive and there’s more paperwork. However, the benefits outweigh the downsides.

The agents at Tackett Insurance Inc. will write a policy for both you and your roommate if the carrier and landlord allow it. However, there are affordable standalone renters insurance policies for each roommate that are more tempting to consider. We’ll find you options with our partner carriers that fit your needs, budget, and situation. Contact us for more information. 

If I Have Landlord Insurance Can I Also Get Umbrella Insurance?

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About Umbrella Insurance and Landlords

If you are a landlord in Memphis, TN, you may be wondering if it is possible to also have umbrella insurance to add an extra level of security for your property. In Tennessee, it is possible to have both. Since your property is an investment, and you want to ensure your assets are protected, an umbrella policy is recommended. With a call to one of our agents at Tackett Insurance Inc. we are more than happy to get a policy in place, so you’ll have peace of mind in case an unexpected event occurs.

What to Know About Umbrella Insurance in Memphis, TN

For a landlord who has a primary policy in place with appropriate liability limits, adding umbrella insurance is a consideration. With an umbrella policy in place, once your primary policy has reached its limits, the policy picks up where your primary policy leaves off. Umbrella insurance serves as added liability protection, which protects your assets. 

The type of liability claims that an umbrella policy handles once your main policy has exceeded its limits include a tenant injury while they are on the property, such as if they fall or slip, a guest is injured while on the property due to issues, such as being injured due to broken stairs. Other claims include dog bites, wrongful eviction, and legal fees in the event of a lawsuit.

Contact our Team

Our agents at Tackett Insurance Inc. understand the importance of providing our clients with the help and information they need to make sure their investment is protected. Contact us by phone or use our online form to contact an agent. 

Is Condo Insurance Required When You’re Buying a Condo?

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If you are buying a condo, you may be wondering whether condo insurance is required and what type of coverage you actually need. Understanding when condo insurance is necessary can help you make informed decisions during the buying process.

The professionals at Tackett Insurance Inc. servicing Memphis, TN can help you navigate your condo insurance options. If you have questions about coverage requirements or the benefits of condo insurance, our team can provide clear answers to help you decide what is right for you.

Is Condo Insurance Required When Buying a Condo?

In many situations, condo insurance is required. Whether you must carry a policy often depends on how you are purchasing the condo and the rules set by the condo association.

  • Mortgage requirements: If you are financing your condo with a mortgage, your lender will almost always require condo insurance before finalizing the loan.
  • Condo association requirements: Even if you are not using a mortgage, your condo association may still require you to carry condo insurance. Reviewing the association’s governing documents can help clarify your responsibilities.

How Does Condo Insurance Protect You?

Condo insurance typically helps cover your personal belongings, provides liability protection, and may cover improvements or upgrades made to the interior of your unit. While the condo association’s master policy usually covers the building structure and shared areas, it does not protect your personal property or personal liability.

When Should You Shop for Condo Insurance?

It is best to start shopping for condo insurance once your offer has been accepted. Comparing policies early allows you to find coverage that fits your budget and meets lender or association requirements. You will want to have your condo insurance policy in place before your mortgage is finalized and before closing.

Who Can Help Me Get Condo Insurance in Memphis?

If you need condo insurance, the professionals at Tackett Insurance Inc. servicing Memphis, TN are here to help. As independent insurance agents, we work with multiple insurance carriers to help you compare options and find coverage that meets your needs. Contact us today to get started.

Reasons for a Carrier Denying Life Insurance

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When applying for life insurance or filing a claim in Memphis, TN, the process may appear simple. However, if certain requirements are not met, the insurance carrier may deny your application or refuse to pay benefits. Tackett Insurance Inc. can help you understand the situations in which coverage may be denied.

The Insurance Company Denies Your Application

Life insurance companies evaluate risk when reviewing applications. If underwriters determine that you fall outside their acceptable risk profile, they may deny coverage or offer a policy with higher premiums. Health-related issues are the most common reason for denial. Conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses can raise concerns. Underwriters may also review family medical history and your Body Mass Index (BMI).

Additional reasons an insurer may deny an application include:

  • A high-risk lifestyle
  • An occupation with an increased mortality risk
  • Financial instability
  • Smoking or substance abuse

It is important to be honest when completing your application. Providing incomplete information or false answers can lead to an automatic denial.

Denial of Payout

Even after a policy is issued, insurers may deny a payout under certain circumstances. Most companies have a contestability period, typically lasting two years. If the policyholder dies during this period, the insurer may investigate the application. If any misrepresentation is discovered, benefits may be denied.

A payment lapse is another common reason for a denied payout. If premiums are not paid and the policy lapses, coverage ceases. Policyholders should also be aware of excluded causes of death. While suicide is a common exclusion during the early policy period, some policies may also exclude deaths resulting from extreme sports or illegal activities.

Complications with beneficiaries, including disputes or a beneficiary passing away without an alternate listed, can also delay or prevent payouts.

You can improve your chances of securing reliable coverage by working with Tackett Insurance Inc., serving Memphis, TN. Contact our office for help with the application process and to find the right life insurance policy for your needs.

Can You Lose Your License For Not Having Auto Insurance?

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Auto insurance in Memphis, TN, is more than just a way to ensure financial protection in the event of an accident—it’s also required by law. Drivers caught operating a vehicle without insurance can face a wide range of consequences.

Tennessee Guidelines

Having an auto insurance policy isn’t enough; the policy must meet Tennessee’s state minimum requirements. According to state guidelines, a policy must include:

  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $25,000 for property damage

An experienced agent at Tackett Insurance Inc. can help ensure your policy meets these state guidelines so you don’t risk losing your license.

Can You Lose Your License?

Yes, you can lose your license in Tennessee if you’re caught driving without proper insurance coverage. Some judges may suspend your license until you provide proof of insurance, while others may impose a suspension for a set period, such as six months, for repeat offenses. However, losing your license isn’t the only consequence you may face.

Other Consequences

Drivers involved in an accident without proper insurance coverage are financially responsible for damages. This includes paying for the other party’s property damage and medical expenses. Failure to pay can result in a lawsuit and a court judgment ordering you to cover the costs.

Law enforcement may also impound your vehicle, and you’ll be required to pay fees to retrieve it. In some cases, you won’t be allowed to recover your vehicle from impound until you obtain appropriate insurance coverage. Daily impound fees can quickly add up, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Additionally, you may face fines totaling hundreds of dollars, lose your vehicle registration, or even have your car seized. Ultimately, it’s far cheaper to maintain proper insurance coverage than to deal with the financial and legal consequences of driving without it.

Our auto insurance experts at Tackett Insurance Inc. are here to help you find a policy that meets your needs and budget. Contact us today to learn more. We proudly serve the Memphis, TN, area.

What is the Policy Analysis Division?

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If you are a Tennessee business owner, one of your responsibilities isto protect your business assets by purchasing commercial insurance. Many Tennessee company owners work in tandem with an experienced insurance agency. If your company is located in or near Memphis, TN, our team at Tackett Insurance, Inc. is ready to work with you to create your unique insurance portfolio.

What is the Policy Analysis Division?

Do you wonder what happens to an insurance policy after a client has signed it? The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance wants to be sure every policy complies with Tennessee state law. The Department’s website describes the efforts of the Policy Analysis Division in auditing insurance companies and in educating the public. The division has three sections – each of which is dedicated to one category of insurance.

According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, the first sector of this division is dedicated to reviewing all life and health insurance policies. The second sector audits policies that can result in property or casualty claims. The third sector oversees all workers’ compensation policies. In addition to auditing policies for legality and fair pricing, these sectors are also involved in providing education to interested parties.

Call Us For an Appointment Today

Every business is different, and we can help you find the types of commercial insurance that are right for your company. Our team at Tackett Insurance, Inc. would like to form a business relationship with your team, which will help your insurance choices adapt as your business grows. Clients in the Memphis, TN area have been placing their trust in our insurance experts for years. Call us for an appointment today and allow us the privilege of working with you and your business.

Cold-Weather Pipe Breaks and What Memphis and Collierville Renters Often Overlook

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Memphis, TN and Collierville, TN are lucky. Cold snaps here don’t last long, but they hit fast enough to expose weaknesses, especially inside older rental units. Most renters focus on the obvious concerns during winter, like keeping the heat on, avoiding icy steps, and watching for drafts. But what they often miss are the simple cold-weather dynamics happening within the walls of their apartment.

The Hidden Reality of Pipes in Older Memphis and Collierville Rentals

Many rental properties in Memphis, Collierville, and across the region were built long before modern insulation standards became common. That means your pipes are often running through unprotected spaces, behind thin exterior walls, under kitchen cabinets, through breezeways, or along crawl spaces that never really warm up. And here’s the reality: a sudden freeze overnight will cause even more stress in these areas, even if your thermostat shows a perfectly comfortable number.

The real problem is timing. Pipes don’t always burst during the cold spell. More often than not they just crack a bit, not failing until hours or days later, when the cold has long been forgotten. Suddenly, you notice the water on the floor and assume it just happened. But in reality, the damage began during the freeze.

This is the same exact pattern we see every year here at Tackett Insurance, Inc. Renters tend to believe their landlord’s insurance will handle everything, but that’s simply not the case. Your landlord’s insurance focuses on the building’s structure, not your personal belongings. And that gap becomes painfully clear once the water destroys your furniture, electronics, clothing, or irretrievable documents. That’s what your renters insurance covers, the things that are yours.

Why Awareness Matters More Than the Weather Forecast

Memphis and Collierville winters don’t need to show prolonged cold to create real problems in your home. All it takes is one hard freeze followed by a fast warm-up. Our experts at Tackett Insurance, Inc. help renters across Memphis, TN and Collierville, TN ensure their renters insurance reflects the risks you’re actually facing before the water spreads.

What About Auto Insurance for Out-of-State College Students?

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If you drive in TN, state law requires you to buy auto insurance. But what if your college student goes to school out of state? Our team at Tackett Insurance Inc. is happy to discuss your insurance options.  

What About Auto Insurance for Out-of-State College Students?

If you have a child who will be going to college in a different state, you may wonder how this will affect their auto insurance. First, check with the school. Some colleges don’t allow freshmen to drive their cars on campus. However, you shouldn’t assume this means your child will no longer need auto insurance, since they may decide to drive a car when they come home to visit.

Ask the officials at your child’s school about state laws regarding auto insurance. If your child is covered by your car insurance policy, and they are driving a car that causes an accident, you could be held liable for any damages or medical bills from the other driver. Many parents decide their child doesn’t need to use a car while at college, but they might drive a friend’s car while at school. Make sure you understand your responsibility for your child’s driving activities while at college.

Call Us for an Appointment  

Don’t take a chance by driving without auto insurance. Our team at Tackett Insurance Inc., serving Memphis, TN, will work with you to find the best auto insurance policy at a price you can afford. Call us for an appointment, and let’s talk about insurance.

The Process of Claiming Life Insurance Benefits

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When a family in Tennessee experiences the loss of a loved one, claiming life insurance benefits is undoubtedly not a priority. However, the loved one who passed wanted to provide for the ones they left behind, so survivors need to understand the process of claiming life insurance benefits. At Tackett Insurance Inc., which serves the residents of Memphis, TN and surrounding areas, we are here for grieving families who need those life insurance benefits to move forward.

Letting the Insurer Know

The first step is to contact the insurance company. They’ll ask for a death certificate and a claim form, which they’ll either send or provide online. Some people prefer to handle it digitally, while others feel better mailing things in. Either method works. The key is simply starting the process so the claim is in motion.

Collecting What’s Needed

Besides the certificate, the insurer may ask for proof of identity or details about the policy. If you have the original paperwork, it helps, but it’s not essential. Most companies can track the policy with basic information like the insured’s name, birth date, or Social Security number. Pulling these details together early keeps things moving.

How and When Payouts Happen

Once the documents are submitted, the company reviews them. If nothing is missing, benefits are often released within weeks. In Tennessee, beneficiaries usually get to choose between a lump sum or installments, depending on what makes the most sense for their situation. That flexibility can make a real difference when bills and long-term planning are both in the picture.

No one looks forward to dealing with claims during such a difficult time. However, in Tennessee, with the right information and a little preparation, families can usually access the benefits smoothly and focus on healing instead of red tape. Contact Tackett Insurance Inc. serving Memphis, TN for help today.