Car Safety Rules for New Drivers

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.

Do You Need Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

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. 

Reasons You Should Increase Your Auto Insurance Coverage

By law, you are required to have liability insurance coverage in Oxford, MS. However, many people only carry the minimum amount required, or a lower amount than they need. Here at Tackett Insurance, Inc., we encourage people to increase their auto coverage amounts over the state minimum amount. Here are a couple of the reasons why you should increase your auto insurance coverage. 

Most People Do Not Have Enough Auto Insurance Coverage

One of the reasons why you should increase your auto insurance coverage is because most people do not have enough coverage. The state requires you to purchase liability insurance, which covers medical expenses for the driver and passenger in the other vehicle, and damage to their car. It does not cover damage to your car or your medical costs. On top of this, the minimum required often is not enough to cover medical expenses for a severe accident or cover damage to a car that has significant damage. 

Having the Right Amount Protects Your Financial Assets

The second reason you should increase your auto insurance coverage is that having the right amount of coverage helps to protect your financial assets. If your auto insurance policy does not provide enough coverage to pay for the damages you caused in an accident, the other driver and passengers can come after you. They can file a lawsuit against you to recover money. This can hurt you financially. Having enough auto insurance coverage helps to protect you from this. 

Now is a great time to find out if you have enough auto insurance coverage to cover you in case of an accident. Here at Tackett Insurance, Inc. serving the greater Oxford, MS area, we can help you determine how much coverage you need and find you the right policy for your needs. Contact us today to get started. 

What Does My Auto Insurance Policy Cover?

According to Mississippi laws, all drivers must have at least the minimum liability insurance. However, it is wise to buy additional coverage for better protection. Auto insurance protects you from financial losses in case of insured risks. Reach out to Tackett Insurance, Inc. for your auto insurance needs from Oxford, MS to Memphis, TN. 

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

Liability Coverage

Liability insurance protects you from financial losses if you are legally liable for injuries or property damage to others. It does not cover injuries to you or damages to your car. Bodily injury liability helps you pay for the medical fees, loss of income, or funeral costs of another person in case of an accident where you are at fault. Property damage liability helps you to pay for the costs of repairing or replacing their property including their car, signposts, or home. If they sue you, your liability coverage compensates you for all legal charges that you incur.

Collision Insurance

Your collision insurance coverage compensates you for the costs of repairing or replacing your car after an accident. Your car needs to have collided with another car or object for you to claim this policy. You may also get compensation if your car rolls or falls over. Your collision insurance does not cover you for injuries to other people or damage to their property.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Insurance

Even though car insurance is a requirement in Mississippi, some drivers may have insufficient or no insurance. If you get into an accident involving such drivers, they may not have a way to pay you. In such instances, you may claim your uninsured/underinsured motorists insurance. The policy may also cover you in case of hit-and-run accidents.

Contact Tackett Insurance, Inc. to discuss your auto insurance quote in Oxford, MS. Our agents can work with you to find the auto insurance policy that fits your needs.