Understanding the Importance of Safety Ratings in Your Vehicle Purchase

When purchasing a new car, various factors influence your decision, one of which should be the vehicle’s safety ratings. Although this parameter might not have been a significant consideration on past purchases, here are several compelling reasons why safety ratings should be a major criterion for buying your next vehicle.

1. They Determine Collision Protection

Safety ratings are influenced by a vehicle’s performance under direct-impact collisions. Vehicles with top-notch safety ratings typically ensure better protection for you and your family in the event of a crash. This might be due to strategically placed airbags, seatbelts, and other security features safeguarding passengers during a collision. The vehicle’s body reaction to a collision also feeds into this rating.

2. High-tech Safety Features for Prevention

Newer vehicles, compact cars or large SUVs, are increasingly fitted with cutting-edge safety technology. For instance, sensors that alert drivers when other vehicles are too close for comfort or automatic braking systems that slow down the car when a collision seems imminent. These features enhance with each new model release and contribute positively to the overall safety rating.

3. Quality of Body Material

Over the past decade, there’s been a shift from steel to aluminum in most vehicle designs. Aluminum, being lighter than steel, improves gas mileage without compromising on durability. In a collision, aluminum frames are engineered to direct impact force away from the driver and passengers, enhancing safety and increasing the vehicle’s safety ratings.

These are just a few crucial reasons to factor in safety ratings when purchasing your next vehicle. If you’re in the Memphis, TN area and need an insurance quote, contact Keltner Insurance Agency today.

At Keltner Insurance, we understand that there are many myths surrounding auto insurance, and as a trusted provider, we aim to debunk these common misconceptions. By doing so, we hope to help drivers make informed decisions about their coverage in Memphis, TN.

Myth 1: Red Cars Cost More to Insure

Contrary to popular belief, insurance companies do not consider a car’s color when determining rates. Factors such as the vehicle’s make, model, age, and safety features have a more significant impact on insurance costs.

Myth 2: Personal Auto Insurance Covers Business Use

If you use your vehicle for business-related activities, you may need to purchase additional coverage or a separate commercial auto insurance policy. We can help you determine if your personal auto insurance policy provides adequate coverage for your business needs.

Myth 3: The Minimum State-Required Coverage is Sufficient

Tennessee drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. However, relying solely on the state-required minimum may not provide enough financial protection in the event of an accident. We can help you find a policy that meets your unique needs and offers the appropriate level of coverage.

Myth 4: Your Insurance Covers Anyone Who Drives Your Car

While many auto insurance policies do extend coverage to occasional drivers, this is not a universal rule. Your policy may have specific limitations or exclusions regarding who is covered when driving your vehicle. Reviewing your policy and consulting with us if you have questions about who is covered is essential.

Understanding the truth behind common auto insurance myths is crucial for securing the right coverage in Memphis, TN. At Keltner Insurance, we’re here to provide accurate information and advice, ensuring you make informed decisions about your auto insurance needs. To learn more or to discuss your coverage options, contact us today.

As spring warms the days in Memphis, TN, many motorcyclists take to the roads to enjoy the spring air and sunshine. Keltner Insurance wants to help prepare you for the inevitable with an important option to add to your motorcycle insurance – roadside assistance.

Roadside Assistance for Your Motorbike

Whether you opted for insurance covering the state’s minimum required bike insurance or chose full coverage, we suggest you add roadside assistance to your coverage. This low-cost add-on provides a bevy of benefits.

Tow Trucks if Your Bike Breaks Down

It covers towing and labor if your motorcycle breaks while you enjoy a ride. Even if your bike breaks down at or near your home, you can phone roadside assistance for a tow to the nearest garage.

Roadside Gas Concierge

If you run out of gas while riding, roadside assistance saves you. When you phone the toll-free number, a dispatcher sends a tow truck with a gallon of gas to your location. This gets you on your way again.

Flat Tire Help

Roadside assistance covers a plethora of problems, including flat tires. If you experience a flat while on a ride, use your roadside assistance to get a tow to the nearest tire shop. Your motorcycle insurance covers reimbursing you for repairs, so as long as you file an acceptable claim for the tire damage, you’ll get back the money you spent on the new tire.

Contact Us Today

Contact Keltner Insurance, serving Memphis, TN, to add roadside assistance to your motorcycle insurance policy. Let us help you remain prepared for any situation arising from your enjoyment of your motorcycle.

Keltner Insurance knows that auto insurance is more than just a good idea. It’s the law.

Just like most other states, Tennessee has strict auto insurance requirements. Failing to hold the most basic coverage could result in fines, suspension, or losing your driving privilege altogether. Driving uninsured is simply not worth the risk.

Luckily, Keltner Insurance can help. Located in Memphis, TN, their expert agents list three essential items that any auto insurance policy must include.

Bodily injury liability

In Tennessee, liability coverage is a must for all drivers. In a severe accident, bodily injury liability reimburses expenses resulting from physical harm you may have caused to other drivers or passengers. By law, the state requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 for any single person. A combined total of $50,000 is mandated for all people involved in an accident.

Property damage liability

Another part of liability, these plans apply to an individual’s property. This includes vehicular damage but also covers damage or destruction to mailboxes, fences, buildings, and other structures. Motorists in Memphis, TN must carry $15,000 per accident for property damage.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage grants additional protection if you’re involved in a collision with a driver who doesn’t have proper liability coverage. This is automatically applied to any auto insurance policy in the state. However, drivers have the right to reject this coverage in writing. 

Contact an agent serving in Memphis, TN.

Keltner Insurance does more than keep you "street legal." They can ensure you, your family, and other motorists are safe on the roadways. Minimum coverage is rarely enough. Their experienced agents can find a personalized policy that’s right for you. Set up an appointment right away.
 

If you own a car in Memphis, TN it’s significant to get proper car insurance from Keltner Insurance to protect you and your car. Buying an automobile liability insurance policy from a reputable insurance company is a prerequisite for your car’s registration and obtaining license plates in Tennessee. Visit us today at Keltner Insurance serving Memphis TN and we can show you various coverage options so that you can select one that is right for your needs, goals, and budget.

Auto insurance is mandatory in Tennessee

 Tennessee law requires car owners to carry minimum liability coverages in their auto insurance policy. Your auto policy must meet the following Tennessee liability coverage minimums:

• Bodily injury liability
• Property damage liability
• Uninsured or underinsured bodily injury

Several auto insurance coverage options

The state-mandated auto insurance minimums may not be sufficient to offer solidified protection to you and your automobile. It’s therefore vital to consider other available optional coverages. They include:

Collision coverage: It caters to repairing or replacing your car when physical damage results from a collision with another vehicle, post, tree, boulder, or another stationary object.

Comprehensive coverage: This is a non-collision coverage repair or replaces your car when physical damage arises from imminent incidences such as falling objects, fire, theft, vandalism, and hailstorm subject to your deductible.

Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage: It helps you pay for your medical bills or repair your vehicle; if you are involved in an accident with another inadequately covered or uninsured party.

Medical payments coverage: This policy caters to reasonable and necessary medical costs, such as X-rays and medication, regardless of who is at fault after engagement in an accident.

Auto insurance in Memphis, TN

Are you a car owner in Memphis, TN seeking an outstanding auto insurance policy that meets your needs and budget? Please call or visit our Keltner Insurance for comprehensive information about auto insurance coverage.

Owning a car is great but it also comes with certain responsibilities. One of them is getting proper auto insurance. Car insurance is not only a legal requirement but is also protection of you, as a driver, and other parties, including other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Finding perfect insurance based on your budget and needs might be hard. Therefore, Keltner Insurance serving clients in Memphis, TN prepared a short guide with a few tips on getting a perfect car insurance plan:

1. Consider the condition and age of your car

If your vehicle is 10 years and older, not in the best shape, or has high mileage, you may not need full coverage. However, if this is your only car and losing it will be a significant financial hardship for you, you still should consider having full coverage. In order to make the right decision, it is one of the first things you will need to discuss with your insurance agent. 

2. Check Loan or Lease Conditions

If you have recently purchased or leased a new car, you may have to have full coverage on the vehicle. Failing to do so might result in high penalties. Therefore, make sure you read the loan or lease conditions carefully before getting certain coverage. 

3. Shop Around

Even if you found a great car insurance plan, it is still recommended to shop around and compare at least three offers from different insurance companies. You can also seek out relatives and friends for their experiences with their insurance companies, especially if they have filed a claim. 

Finding a perfect car insurance policy for your vehicle is a challenging task. Therefore, Keltner Insurance would like to assist you and help you to make an informed decision. Our clients’ satisfaction is the number one priority for us, so we always do our best to find a perfect insurance plan for each of our clients. If you are a resident of Memphis, TN or any surrounding area, give us a call to discuss the options with our insurance agent. 

Driving while impaired, whether by drinking or using prescription or non-prescription drugs puts you, other people, and property at risk. In the event you injure or kill someone or damage Memphis, TN property you could be looking at serious jail time, losing your license, state fees, and expensive legal fees to reinstate your license. But, did you know that impaired driving could also impact your insurance options for years to come? Here’s what you need to know about how impaired driving could affect your Keltner Insurance automotive insurance policy. 

Your Insurance Policy Will Typically Pay Up To Your Policy Limits 

While driving impaired due to alcohol or drugs is illegal, if you drive while impaired and cause a vehicle collision your car insurance policy will pay for the damage you cause — up to your policy limits. This means that if you injure a person or damage a light pole, your insurance policy will pay for the damages. 

Driving While Impaired Will Cause Your Insurance Rates to Skyrocket 

While your current automobile insurance policy is obligated to pay for your damages if you drink and drive not only will your driving privileges probably be affected, but you’ll also end up paying increased premiums for years for your insurance coverage once your license is reinstated. Tennessee keeps a DUI conviction on your record for your entire lifetime! While the average impact on automobile insurance premiums for a DUI conviction is less in Tennessee than in some states, it is on average a whopping 42% higher per year than your previous policy. 

Car insurance policy rates can vary widely if you’re convicted of driving while impaired offense in Memphis, TN, so it is important to review your insurance options carefully. If you have questions about how driving under the influence conviction can affect your insurance rates, give us a call at Keltner Insurance today. 

Car insurance protects you from financial losses in case your car gets into an accident. It is important to have the right type and amount of car insurance at all times. Get the help of a reputable Memphis, TN insurance agency such as Keltner Insurance to get auto insurance quotes that are customized to your needs. They will help you to review your auto insurance and determine whether or not it is time for an update. You could be missing out on new discounts or sticking with insurance coverage that no longer meets your needs. The following are some of the situations that may make it necessary to update your car insurance coverage.

Major Life Changes

Major life changes may force you to update your car insurance coverage. They include; marriage, getting kids and moving to a new home. If you are a new homeowner, you may get a homeowners’ discount. If you are getting married, you may need to include your spouse in your car insurance policy. You may need to remove an old spouse if you are getting divorced. If your child just got their driver’s license, you may need to include them in your policy. That addition may lead to an increase in your premium rates.

Before and After Buying a New Car

You may need to update your auto insurance while shopping for a car. It helps you to know the premium rates beforehand and come up with appropriate budget plans. It helps you to buy a car that you can afford to insure. Updating your premium after buying a new car protects your car in case of accidents. It is important to have your car insured from the first time you drive it. You never know when an accident could happen.

Contact Keltner Insurance for your auto insurance needs in Memphis, TN.

Sometimes when you buy a car, your choices for auto insurance are made for you. If you lease or finance, the bank does everything possible to ensure that you’re protecting the property to the utmost degree, so you’ll be required to have comprehensive coverage to get the loan or lease. But if you buy a car with cash, you have the option for liability or a less inclusive policy. While the price may be right, the decision might be wrong. 

Keeping Insurance Simple 

Keltner Insurance has helped the people of Memphis, TN understand their options when choosing the right auto insurance policies, and we can do it for you too. If you live in this city, you need to be prepared for practically anything. Liability only helps the person you hit. It can leave the at-fault party without transportation for weeks or potentially months if the person can’t afford to fix their car or buy another one. Uninsured drivers, drivers with not enough coverage and hit-and-runs are typically not covered, meaning you’ll be responsible for fixing your own car if you can’t successfully track down the criminal driver or sue for money the driver might not have. 

Calling Keltner Insurance 

Most people are better off getting a better policy than they have now, so if you want to see what you’ll pay for more coverage, talk to us for more information. The people in Memphis, TN stay safe in part because of their responsible choices when it comes to being on the road. Setting a good example isn’t just good for you, it’s good for your family, friends, and neighbors. Give us a call today to see what your choices are and how to elevate your protection and security when on the road.