Decisions After a Motorcycle Accident

When the shock is over, the initial pain has stopped, and a licensed rider starts to go down the recovery path, he’s going to have to make some decisions with regards to how to move forward. After the medical trauma has been passed, the shock of the accident will become apparent in what’s left of the motorcycle. Where the vehicle is totaled, wrecked beyond any kind of reasonable repair, then the decision is very straightforward. The question simply becomes whether the policy in place is sufficient enough to pay for a replacement or go a good way towards one. However, where a motorcycle has been damaged but can be repaired, a hard decision becomes present.

If a rider wants to go for a repair, it’s important to first make sure that the bike frame has not been bent. A warped frame will make it critically dangerous to ride the bike at high speed. The motorcycle could either mishandle or, worse, under stress buckle and break apart. So if the damage is cosmetic, such as a lay down, the bike can be repaired. However, if there was an actual impact, a thorough engineering examination is necessary.

Another big risk is the engine and intake assembly. Some motorcycles have body parts but most have an exposed engine assembly. Even a lay down can cause significant damage, tearing parts from each other. Many engine and intake parts are made of aluminum, a very soft metal that gives way to impact very easily. So a good mechanic’s review and analysis is also necessary before using the motorcycle again.

Keltner Insurance serves motorcycle riders in the greater Memphis, TN area, providing insurance services as well as accurate and valuable recovery advice where a claim is necessary. They can advise clients on coverage options and how each choice will work in terms of repair or replacement. Call to find out more.

What New Boat Owners in Tennessee Should Know

Getting insurance can be a trying task, and getting insurance for your boat is no different. While Tennessee boaters are not required to get boat insurance, it is highly recommended that they do so for a variety of reasons. For instance, depending on how your county handles matters, you may be required to insure your boat in order to use it as collateral for a loan. Either way, boat insurance is a valuable thing to get, as it may help you out of a bad situation such as an accident. Of course, you should not rush to make a decision on the insurance plan that you get, as you should ensure that your insurance plan is tailored to your individual needs.

Boaters who operate sailboats or mechanically powered vessels may be expected to register them. To register your boat, you can check your County Clerk’s office or the dealer from which you purchased your boat. It should also be noted that first-time boaters may need to through extra steps in order to complete their registration. Because every county may have varying rules and guidelines regarding boat insurance and registration, what is true for one person may not be true for another.

A variety of factors may influence your situation and its outcome. As such, it is important that you thoroughly research these factors in order to nail everything down. The best way to get all of this vital information in a row is to contact us, so be sure to send us a message here. We at Keltner Insurance will then try to address your specific circumstances and help you to sort your issues out.

ATV Riding in Memphis: A Helpful Beginner’s Guide

If you don’t know very much about ATVing, then here’s some good news: it’s pretty easy to pick up. If you can drive a car and ride a bicycle, chances are you’ll look pretty good on an ATV. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t safety precautions to take so you can make sure you have fun in one piece. Here are a few tips to get you out in the sun, wind and open air.

Easy Rider 

Your ATV should have just a few simple instructions to operate. As a beginner, you won’t need to have anything fancy (you can always add features on later.) You should be taking your ATV out to the many open areas around Memphis where you’re reasonably sure you won’t injure yourself or any property, even if you make several mistakes. If you’re a natural and you feel confident you know what you’re doing, then feel free to step it up a notch, but at least at the beginning take it slow.

Proper Gear 

Suit up in the case doesn’t mean put on a tie. Goggles and helmets aren’t just for motorcycles. If you fall off, you need protective clothing to save you from the harsh road or unexpected changes in terrain. Invest in an outfit and get used to always putting it on before you head out.

Getting Insured

In Tennessee, you’re not required to buy insurance, but ATV theft is really too common to leave it to chance. Even with proper safety precautions, you’re still at a big risk to lose your investment. Talking to Keltner Insurance can help you see how easy and affordable it is to get your ATV set up so you don’t have to be responsible for the many things that can go wrong.

 

Ways to Help All Year Long

The holiday season of giving is over, but at Keltner Insurance Inc., we believe there is a way to keep the spirit going with the greatest gift all year long — that of your time.  Keltner Insurance Inc. is all about community from providing coverage to its members to the rallying cry of paying it forward.  Our top ten ways to help the community are as follows:

1) The people who help in times of natural disasters are actively seeking volunteers.  Consider spending time with the Mid-South Chapter of the American Red Cross, who seeks volunteers for its Disaster Action Team, which responds to house fires and assist families the immediate emergency needs and covering the office phones.

2) Volunteer Wounded Warrier
It can be as little as donating a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.  Help advocate for Wounded Warriors online by sharing your status updates with your friends.

3) Volunteer Hospice Care – There is nothing more appreciated than helping the terminally ill and their loved ones during a difficult time.

4) From April through October the Memphis Farmers Market Downtown needs volunteers to help in a variety of ways during Market Days each Saturday.

5) If you are looking for a bit of an adventure with volunteering, check out the Lichterman Nature Center.   At the Backyard Wildlife Center volunteers prepare meals and clean animal areas.

6) The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is looking for volunteers to serve Ready Runners who act as family assistants, lobby help, and wheelchair organizers, as well as Kafe Kay Companions to carry trays and help families in the cafeteria.

7) Try for a different adventure in the oldest active burial ground at Elmwood Cemetery, where they are looking to train volunteers to be tour guides, costumed reenactors, special event workers, and monument restorers.

8) The American Diabetes Association needs “Step Out Street Crew” volunteers to post flyers, initiate outings, and even to help in the office.

9) The Memphis Crisis Center needs volunteer “caring voices” for its hotline and be part of a group that helps more than 15,000 people who call the lifelines annually.

10) At Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, there are many volunteer needs including a playroom assistant, creative arts room, baby huggers, and activity cart.

There is much to do every day of the year, but none is more satisfying than having helped your community.  With Keltner Insurance, Inc., you are always guaranteed to be insured by someone in your community.