Below are some of the more frequent questions we receive as an agency. If you have a specific question please do not hesitate to give us a call or email.
Homeowners Insurance
It’s worth considering. Tennessee sits on two active seismic zones, and standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage.
The East Tennessee Seismic Zone runs through the valley around Knoxville and Chattanooga and produces frequent small earthquakes, including a magnitude 4.4 quake near Decatur, Tennessee in 2018. The New Madrid Seismic Zone in West Tennessee produced very large earthquakes in 1811 and 1812, and Memphis is among the most exposed cities in the central U.S.
Earthquake coverage is added by endorsement or a separate policy, usually with a percentage deductible. In much of Tennessee it costs less than people expect, so it’s worth getting a quote.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Usually not unless you add it. Many standard homeowners policies exclude sinkhole damage, but sinkhole coverage is generally available as an option in Tennessee.
Much of East and Middle Tennessee sits on limestone karst, where sinkholes can form as rock dissolves underground. Damage often shows up as cracking foundations, sloping floors, or a depression in the yard.
If you live in an area with known sinkholes, ask us whether your policy includes sinkhole coverage and what it would cost to add it. Carriers may ask for an inspection first.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Some carriers offer a discount for roofs that resist hail and wind, such as Class 4 impact-resistant shingles or roofs built to the IBHS FORTIFIED standard.
Class 4 shingles are tested under the UL 2218 standard to resist damage from hailstones. FORTIFIED roofs add a sealed roof deck, stronger nailing, and better edge details to resist wind and water. Discounts and eligibility vary a lot from one carrier to the next.
If you’re replacing your roof, keep the product information and your roofer’s invoice, and send them to us. A credit only helps if your carrier has the paperwork, and we can find a carrier that recognizes the upgrade.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Yes. A Tennessee insurer can decline to write or renew a homeowners policy because of roof condition, but it has to give you advance written notice before nonrenewing your policy.
Many carriers now review roofs with aerial images or inspections. Worn shingles, visible hail damage, and roofs near the end of their life are common reasons for a nonrenewal or a request to replace the roof. Some carriers also pay older roofs on an actual cash value basis instead of replacement cost.
Keep receipts and permits for any roof work, and if you get a nonrenewal notice, call us right away. We can shop other carriers before your policy ends.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Many Tennessee homeowners policies now carry a separate wind and hail deductible, usually a percentage of your dwelling (Coverage A) limit, such as 1%, 2%, or 5%.
On a home insured for $350,000, a 2% wind and hail deductible means you pay the first $7,000 of a storm claim from wind or hail, instead of your regular flat deductible. Other claims, such as fire, theft, or a burst pipe, still use your regular deductible.
Wind and hail deductibles have become more common across Tennessee as storm losses have grown. Check your declarations page so you know what you’d pay after a tornado or hailstorm, and ask us to compare carriers if the number is higher than you’re comfortable with.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Tennessee homeowners insurance has been rising mainly because of severe storm losses, higher rebuilding costs, and the higher cost of reinsurance that insurers buy.
Tornadoes, hail, and damaging straight-line winds cause a large share of Tennessee home claims, and storms like the March 2020 Nashville tornado and the December 2023 Clarksville tornado were costly. At the same time, construction and labor costs climbed, so it costs more to rebuild a home, and fast growth around Knoxville and Nashville pushed home values up.
To keep your premium down:
- Keep your roof in good shape, and ask about credits for impact-resistant shingles when you replace it.
- Bundle home and auto with the same carrier.
- Consider a higher deductible, and understand your wind and hail deductible.
- Update your roof, electrical, and plumbing and keep the documentation.
- Have an independent agent compare several carriers at each renewal.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
There are a number of things you can do to lower the cost of your homeowners insurance. The easiest thing to do is get a comprehensive review of your policy and needs from your local agent.
It’s not surprising to find quotes on homeowners insurance that vary by hundreds of dollars for the same coverage on the same home. When you shop, be careful to make sure each insurer is offering the same coverage.
Another way to lower the cost of your homeowners insurance is to look for any discounts that you may qualify for. For example, many insurers will offer a discount when you place both your automobile and homeowners insurance with them. Other times, insurers offer discounts if there are deadbolt exterior locks on all your doors, or if your home has a security system. Be sure to ask us to look into these discounts for you.
Another easy way to lower the cost of your homeowners insurance is to raise your deductible. Increasing your deductible from $250 to $500 will lower your premium, sometimes by as much as five or ten percent.
The typical homeowners policy has two main sections: Section I covers the property of the insured, and Section II provides personal liability coverage for the insured. Almost anyone who owns or leases property has a need for this type of insurance. Usually, homeowners insurance is required by the lender to obtain a mortgage.
Covered losses under a homeowners policy can be paid on either an actual cash value basis or on a replacement cost basis. When “actual cash value” is used, the policy owner is entitled to the depreciated value of the damaged property. Under the “replacement cost” coverage, the policy owner is reimbursed an amount necessary to replace the article with one of similar type and quality at current prices.
Here’s a checklist of things you should consider when you purchase homeowners insurance:
- Determine the amount and type of insurance that you need. The coverage limit of your house should equal 100% of its replacement cost. If your policy limit is less than 80% of the replacement cost of your home, any payment from your insurance company will be less than the full cost to replace your home. You’ll have to pay the rest out of your own pocket. Also, decide if the personal property and personal liability limits are adequate for your needs.
- Determine which, if any, additional endorsements you want to add to your policy. For example, do you want the personal property replacement cost endorsement, an earthquake endorsement, or a jewelry endorsement?
- Once you’ve decided on the coverage you want in your homeowners insurance policy, consult us. We’ll be able to help you determine if there are any gaps in coverage you might not have been aware of and explain the details of the policy’s exclusions and limitations, as well as recommend an insurance company that will live up to your expectations.
*Note: this answer is based on the Insurance Services Office’s HO-3 policy.
A: The dwelling and other structures on the premises are protected on an “all risks” basis up to the policy limits. “All risks” means that unless the policy specifically excludes the manner in which your home is damaged or destroyed, there is coverage. The policy limit for the dwelling is set by the policy owner at the time the insurance is purchased. The policy limit for the other structure is usually equal to 10% of the policy limit for the dwelling.
Losses to your personal property are covered on a “named perils” basis. “Named perils” means that you have coverage only when your property is damaged or destroyed in the manner specifically described in the policy. The policy limit on the coverage is equal to 50% of the policy limit on the dwelling. Limits for the coverage for the additional expenses that the policy owner may incur when the residence cannot be used because of an insured loss is equal to 20% of the policy limit on the dwelling.
The coverage limit on personal liability is determined by the policy owner at the time the policy is issued. The coverage limit on medical payments to others is usually set at $1000 per injured person.
Personal property (except property that is specifically excluded) is covered anywhere in the world. For example, suppose that while traveling, you purchased a dresser and you want to ship it home. Your homeowners policy would provide coverage for the named perils while the dresser is in transit, even though the dresser has never been in your home before.
The standard insurance policy does not pay for direct damages caused by earth movement. “Earth movement” is a much broader term than “earthquake”. It includes earthquakes, volcanic activity, and other types of earth movement. This coverage may be available by endorsement for an additional charge. If you live in an area that’s more likely to have an earthquake, you’ll pay more than if you live in an area that is unlikely to have one. We can help you weigh the costs and benefits of this coverage before you decide to purchase.
Auto Insurance
Yes, if you carry Comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive covers flood, hail, falling trees, wind, and theft.
Liability-only policies, including Tennessee’s minimum coverage, don’t pay for damage to your own car. Flood-damaged vehicles are often declared a total loss, and Comprehensive pays the car’s actual cash value minus your deductible. Your homeowners and flood insurance policies don’t cover vehicles.
When severe storms or flash flooding are in the forecast, move vehicles to a garage or higher ground if you can do so safely, and never drive through flooded roads.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
After a Tennessee car accident, move to safety, call 911 if anyone is hurt, exchange information, document the scene, and notify your insurance company.
- Check for injuries and move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Tennessee requires crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage to be reported to police.
- Exchange names, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and vehicle registration with the other driver.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, road conditions, and any injuries, and get witness contact information.
- If police didn’t investigate and the crash caused injury or significant damage, you may need to file a report with the Tennessee Department of Safety within 20 days.
- See a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine, and notify your insurance company.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
It’s strongly recommended. Industry estimates put roughly one in five Tennessee drivers on the road without insurance.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries, lost wages, and in qualifying cases pain and suffering when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. It can also apply in many hit-and-run accidents, and it can protect you and your household as pedestrians or cyclists.
Tennessee auto policies include UM at the same limits as your bodily injury liability unless you reject it or choose lower limits in writing. A good rule of thumb is to keep your UM limits matched to your liability limits.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
No. Tennessee is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes an accident, and their insurance company, is responsible for the other people’s injuries and property damage.
Because Tennessee doesn’t require personal injury protection, your own injuries are paid by the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, your health insurance, or optional coverages on your own policy, such as Medical Payments and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule: you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your share of the fault.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Tennessee car insurance has gone up because repairs, medical care, and injury claims cost more than ever, and fast growth has put more cars on the road.
Newer cars are full of sensors and cameras that are expensive to repair, and heavy traffic on I-40, I-75, I-24, and I-65 leads to more accidents. Tennessee also has one of the highest shares of uninsured drivers, which raises costs for everyone who carries uninsured motorist coverage.
To lower your premium, compare multiple carriers, bundle with your homeowners policy, raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles, ask about safe-driver and telematics discounts, and keep continuous coverage.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Tennessee drivers must carry at least $25,000 for injury or death to one person, $50,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $25,000 for property damage. This is often written as 25/50/25.
This liability coverage pays for injuries and damage you cause to others. It doesn’t pay for your own injuries or your own car. Tennessee checks insurance electronically through its vehicle insurance verification program, and driving without insurance can lead to fines and a suspended registration.
Most Knoxville-area drivers are better protected with higher liability limits plus Uninsured Motorist, Medical Payments, Comprehensive, and Collision coverage.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Collision Physical Damage Coverage is defined as losses you incur when your automobile collides with another car or object. For example, if you hit a car in a parking lot, the damages to your car will be paid under your collision coverage.
Comprehensive Physical Damage Coverage provides coverage for most other direct physical damage losses you could incur, including theft. For example, damage to your car from a hailstorm would be covered under your comprehensive coverage.
Most states have insurance laws that require drivers to have at least some automobile liability insurance. These laws were enacted to ensure that victims of automobile accidents receive compensation when their losses are caused by the actions of another individual who was negligent.
It’s often the case that the cost of repairing the damages to an older car is greater than its value. In these cases, your insurer will usually just “total” the car and give you a check for the car’s market value less the deductible. Many people with older cars decide not to purchase any physical damage coverage.
A number of factors can affect the cost of your automobile insurance, some of which you can control and some that you can’t.
The type of car you drive, the purpose the car serves, your driving record, and where the car is garaged can all affect how much your automobile insurance will cost.
Even your marital status can affect your cost of insurance. Statistics show that married people tend to have fewer and less costly accidents than single people do.
Flood Insurance
Flood insurance covers direct physical damage caused by flooding to your home’s structure and, if you buy it, your personal belongings.
NFIP policies cover up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents on a single-family home.
- Building coverage: foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC, water heaters, built-in appliances, cabinets, flooring, and detached garages.
- Contents coverage: furniture, clothing, electronics, and portable appliances. This must be purchased separately.
- Not covered by NFIP: vehicles, which need auto Comprehensive coverage; temporary living expenses; money; and most items in basements.
Basements are common in East Tennessee, and NFIP coverage there is limited, so private flood policies with broader basement coverage can be worth comparing.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Flood insurance costs vary widely, from a few hundred dollars a year for many lower-risk homes to several thousand dollars for high-risk properties near water.
Under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0, NFIP premiums are priced for each home individually, not just by flood zone. Your price depends on distance to water, elevation, foundation type, the cost to rebuild your home, and your chosen coverage and deductible.
Private flood insurers sometimes beat NFIP pricing, especially for lower-risk homes around Knoxville, Maryville, and Oak Ridge. The best way to know is to compare NFIP and private quotes side by side.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
If your home is in a FEMA high-risk flood zone (a Special Flood Hazard Area) and you have a federally backed mortgage, your lender will require flood insurance.
Lenders check the flood zone when you buy or refinance, and they can also require coverage later if a map update moves your home into a high-risk zone. If you’re outside a high-risk zone, flood insurance is usually optional, but it’s still worth considering in Tennessee, where many floods happen outside mapped zones.
You can meet a lender requirement with an NFIP policy or, in many cases, an approved private flood policy. Because NFIP coverage usually has a 30-day wait, start early if you’re closing on a home.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
It’s strongly recommended. Nationally, more than 20% of flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones.
Tennessee’s hills and creeks can send water rising fast. The 2010 Nashville flood and the 2021 Waverly flood both damaged many homes outside mapped high-risk areas, and in Knoxville, creeks like First Creek and Third Creek can flood in heavy rain. Flood insurance for homes in moderate- to low-risk zones, such as Zone X, is often much more affordable than people expect.
You can check your flood zone on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov). Keep in mind that maps show general risk, not guarantees.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
NFIP flood insurance generally has a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins, so you can’t buy a policy when heavy rain is in the forecast and expect it to cover that storm.
There are exceptions: coverage bought in connection with a new mortgage or loan closing can start right away, and certain flood map changes allow a shorter wait. Private flood policies may have shorter waiting periods, depending on the carrier.
Tennessee’s heaviest rains often come with spring storms and the remnants of tropical systems in late summer and fall, so the best time to buy is well before either.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
No. Standard Tennessee homeowners policies exclude flood damage, so you need a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer.
Flood includes rising water from rivers and creeks and heavy rain that overwhelms storm drains and enters from the ground up. Water that comes in through a storm-damaged roof may be covered by homeowners insurance. Water that rises into the home is not.
Tennessee has seen some of the worst flooding in the country, including the May 2010 Nashville flood, the August 2021 Waverly flood, and Hurricane Helene’s flooding in Northeast Tennessee in 2024.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Life Insurance
Most Tennessee families with a mortgage and young children get the most protection for their money with term life insurance, while whole life makes more sense for lifelong needs like estate planning, final expenses, or leaving an inheritance.
- Term life: covers you for a set period, commonly 10, 20, or 30 years, at the lowest cost. It’s ideal for covering a mortgage and the years your kids are growing up.
- Whole life: lasts your entire life, has level premiums, and builds cash value you can borrow against.
Many families combine the two: a large term policy for the working years and a smaller permanent policy for lasting needs. Some term policies can be converted to permanent coverage later without a new medical exam.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Usually not. Employer group life insurance is often only one or two times your annual salary, while many families need roughly 10 times income or more to cover a mortgage, debts, and future expenses.
Group coverage also typically ends when you leave or change jobs, which can leave you without coverage when you’re older and personal policies cost more.
With home prices around Knoxville and Nashville rising, a personal term policy that you own is often the right addition to group coverage. A needs analysis using your debts, income, mortgage, and education goals will give you a specific number.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
No, as long as you name a living beneficiary. Life insurance with a named beneficiary is paid directly to that person and skips probate.
Claims are often paid within a few weeks of the insurer receiving a death certificate and claim form. If you name your estate, leave the beneficiary blank, or all named beneficiaries have died, the proceeds may go through probate in the county where you lived, such as Knox County. Probate can take months and cost your family time and money.
Review your beneficiaries after marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, and always name a contingent beneficiary.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Generally, yes, when the policy is payable to a spouse, children, or dependent relatives.
Tennessee law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-7-203) generally protects life insurance proceeds and cash surrender values payable to those family members from the insured person’s creditors. Proceeds paid to your estate instead can go through probate and become reachable by creditors.
Once your beneficiary receives the money, their own creditors may be able to reach it. This isn’t legal advice, so consult a Tennessee attorney about asset protection for your situation.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
For a healthy non-smoker in their 30s, a 20-year, $500,000 term life policy often costs roughly $20 to $40 a month, though your price depends on age, health, tobacco use, coverage amount, and term length.
Rates rise with age, so locking in coverage earlier usually costs less over time. Permanent policies, such as whole or universal life, cost significantly more than term because they last your whole life and build cash value.
Where you live in Tennessee has little effect on life insurance pricing. Your health and the carrier you choose matter far more, so comparing multiple carriers is the best way to find the lowest rate.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Life insurance death benefits are generally not subject to federal income tax, and Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, no inheritance tax, and no estate tax.
Tennessee repealed its inheritance tax in 2016 and its Hall tax on investment income in 2021. Exceptions to tax-free treatment include interest earned if the benefit is paid in installments, and policies that were transferred for value.
Very large estates may owe federal estate tax, since life insurance you own counts toward your taxable estate. Some families use an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) to help avoid that. For larger estates, coordinate with a Tennessee estate planning attorney or CPA.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
General Insurance FAQs
Yes, if you carry Comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive covers flood, hail, falling trees, wind, and theft.
Liability-only policies, including Tennessee’s minimum coverage, don’t pay for damage to your own car. Flood-damaged vehicles are often declared a total loss, and Comprehensive pays the car’s actual cash value minus your deductible. Your homeowners and flood insurance policies don’t cover vehicles.
When severe storms or flash flooding are in the forecast, move vehicles to a garage or higher ground if you can do so safely, and never drive through flooded roads.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
After a Tennessee car accident, move to safety, call 911 if anyone is hurt, exchange information, document the scene, and notify your insurance company.
- Check for injuries and move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Tennessee requires crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage to be reported to police.
- Exchange names, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and vehicle registration with the other driver.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, road conditions, and any injuries, and get witness contact information.
- If police didn’t investigate and the crash caused injury or significant damage, you may need to file a report with the Tennessee Department of Safety within 20 days.
- See a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine, and notify your insurance company.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
It’s strongly recommended. Industry estimates put roughly one in five Tennessee drivers on the road without insurance.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries, lost wages, and in qualifying cases pain and suffering when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. It can also apply in many hit-and-run accidents, and it can protect you and your household as pedestrians or cyclists.
Tennessee auto policies include UM at the same limits as your bodily injury liability unless you reject it or choose lower limits in writing. A good rule of thumb is to keep your UM limits matched to your liability limits.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
No. Tennessee is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes an accident, and their insurance company, is responsible for the other people’s injuries and property damage.
Because Tennessee doesn’t require personal injury protection, your own injuries are paid by the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, your health insurance, or optional coverages on your own policy, such as Medical Payments and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule: you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your share of the fault.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Tennessee car insurance has gone up because repairs, medical care, and injury claims cost more than ever, and fast growth has put more cars on the road.
Newer cars are full of sensors and cameras that are expensive to repair, and heavy traffic on I-40, I-75, I-24, and I-65 leads to more accidents. Tennessee also has one of the highest shares of uninsured drivers, which raises costs for everyone who carries uninsured motorist coverage.
To lower your premium, compare multiple carriers, bundle with your homeowners policy, raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles, ask about safe-driver and telematics discounts, and keep continuous coverage.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Tennessee drivers must carry at least $25,000 for injury or death to one person, $50,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $25,000 for property damage. This is often written as 25/50/25.
This liability coverage pays for injuries and damage you cause to others. It doesn’t pay for your own injuries or your own car. Tennessee checks insurance electronically through its vehicle insurance verification program, and driving without insurance can lead to fines and a suspended registration.
Most Knoxville-area drivers are better protected with higher liability limits plus Uninsured Motorist, Medical Payments, Comprehensive, and Collision coverage.
Questions about your own policy? Ace Insurance Consultants in Knoxville helps homeowners and drivers across Tennessee compare options from multiple carriers.
Collision Physical Damage Coverage is defined as losses you incur when your automobile collides with another car or object. For example, if you hit a car in a parking lot, the damages to your car will be paid under your collision coverage.
Comprehensive Physical Damage Coverage provides coverage for most other direct physical damage losses you could incur, including theft. For example, damage to your car from a hailstorm would be covered under your comprehensive coverage.
Most states have insurance laws that require drivers to have at least some automobile liability insurance. These laws were enacted to ensure that victims of automobile accidents receive compensation when their losses are caused by the actions of another individual who was negligent.
It’s often the case that the cost of repairing the damages to an older car is greater than its value. In these cases, your insurer will usually just “total” the car and give you a check for the car’s market value less the deductible. Many people with older cars decide not to purchase any physical damage coverage.
A number of factors can affect the cost of your automobile insurance, some of which you can control and some that you can’t.
The type of car you drive, the purpose the car serves, your driving record, and where the car is garaged can all affect how much your automobile insurance will cost.
Even your marital status can affect your cost of insurance. Statistics show that married people tend to have fewer and less costly accidents than single people do.
When you apply for an insurance policy, you’ll be asked a number of questions. Among other things, the agent might ask you your name, age, gender, and address. You’ll also be asked a number of other questions which will be used to determine how likely you are to make a claim.
When an insurance company is deciding whether or not to offer automobile insurance to a potential customer, they will want to know about the person’s previous driving record, whether they have any recent accidents or tickets, and what type of car is to be insured.
Insurance companies have different programs for different customers. Adults with good driving records will generally pay less for auto insurance than a young driver with traffic tickets will. In order to determine which program you qualify for, an insurance company needs basic information about you.
In addition to your age, gender, and driving experience, they will also need information about the vehicle you drive and how you drive it to determine a fair price. For example, a large luxury car costs more to repair or replace than a sub-compact, and someone who commutes 30 miles each way is more likely to be in an accident than someone who rides the bus to work and drives only on weekends.
By using an agent to purchase insurance, the policy holder receives more personal service. An agent with whom there is direct contact can be vital when purchasing a product and absolutely necessary when filing a claim. A local independent agent is able to deliver quality insurance with competitive pricing and local, personalized service.
Business Insurance
Absolutely. Business Interruption Insurance can be tailored to meet the unique needs of different industries, ensuring that the specific risks and operational requirements of your business are adequately covered.
Yes, Business Interruption Insurance covers ongoing operating expenses such as utilities, rent, and payroll, helping your business stay afloat during the interruption period.
No, Business Interruption Insurance is usually an add-on or rider to a standard property insurance policy. It must be specifically requested and included in your coverage plan.
The coverage period, known as the indemnity period, usually lasts until your business resumes normal operations, but it is subject to a maximum time limit specified in your policy.
Business Interruption Insurance typically does not cover losses due to pandemics or infectious disease outbreaks. For such coverage, you might need a specialized policy or endorsement.
It’s recommended to review your BOP annually or whenever there are significant changes in your business, such as expansion, new services, or changes in ownership. Regular reviews ensure that your coverage remains adequate and up to date with your business needs.
When selecting a BOP provider, consider factors such as the provider’s reputation, customer service, claims handling process, and the flexibility of coverage options. It’s important to choose a provider that understands your industry and can offer the support you need.
Yes, a BOP is highly customizable. You can add endorsements or additional coverages to address specific risks unique to your business, ensuring that you have comprehensive protection tailored to your needs.
The cost of a BOP varies depending on factors such as the size of your business, industry, location, and coverage limits. It’s best to get quotes from multiple providers to find the most affordable option for your specific needs.
A BOP typically does not cover professional liability, workers’ compensation, health and disability insurance, or commercial auto insurance. For instance, if your business involves providing professional services, you would need separate professional liability insurance to cover errors or omissions in your work.
Commercial Auto
A personal auto policy typically does not cover business use of your vehicle. HNOA provides the necessary liability coverage for business-related driving of non-owned vehicles, filling the gap left by personal auto policies.
Yes, HNOA provides liability coverage when you use your personal vehicle for business tasks. However, it does not cover physical damage to your vehicle.
Yes, HNOA can often be added as an endorsement to an existing commercial auto or general liability policy, providing an additional layer of protection.
Yes, even occasional use of non-owned vehicles for business purposes can expose your business to significant risks. HNOA provides essential coverage for these scenarios.
HNOA does not cover physical damage to the hired or non-owned vehicle itself. For protection against damage to the vehicle, you would need comprehensive and collision coverage.
To get a quote for Commercial Auto Insurance, you will need to provide details about your business operations, the types and number of vehicles to be insured, the primary use of each vehicle, driver information, and any previous claims history. This information helps insurers assess risk and provide an accurate quote.
Commercial Auto Insurance covers vehicles used for business purposes and typically offers higher liability limits than Personal Auto Insurance. It also includes coverage options specifically designed for business use, such as Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage and higher liability limits.
Yes, Commercial Auto Insurance allows you to cover multiple vehicles under a single policy. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with a fleet of vehicles, providing comprehensive coverage and simplifying policy management.
Yes, if your employees use their personal vehicles for business purposes, you should consider Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage. This policy provides liability protection in case an employee’s personal vehicle is involved in an accident while performing business tasks.
Commercial Auto Insurance does not cover intentional damage, personal belongings inside the vehicle, or certain types of business equipment. For coverage of personal belongings, consider Personal Property Insurance. For business equipment, Inland Marine Insurance may be appropriate.
Commercial Trucking
Your commercial trucking insurance rate is impacted by your personal driving record if you are an owner-operator with a CDL. A professional driver’s license means that any accidents or violations on the road will also affect how much it costs to insure your company’s vehicles
Yes, a cancellation can be done at anytime before the renewal period. What happens if I paid in advance? If you paid your premium in advance and cancel before the end of term, then insurance companies will refund the remaining balance. If you decide you want to get insured again, you will have to purchase new coverage.
We would be happy to assist you with these questions. You can call us at 865-342-7222, or fill out the contact form and we’ll get back with you right away. Additionally, you can visit our claim center page for more information.
Even if you have been driving for years, opening your own business is a different ball game in insurance carriers eyes. Your CDL experience will impact your rate, but the time in business will also be a big factor, which means if you are a recently new business, your rates will be similar to other new businesses.
It typically takes 24-48 hours to get a quote and be covered. Once you decide which plan is best for your trucking needs, we can help you through the application process.
Commercial Auto Liability is focused exclusively on the risks of owning a truck, while general liability policies focus on protecting a company from risks that could impact the business in any manner. Commercial Auto liability typically covers property damage and bodily injury to drivers, passengers in your car, pedestrians, and others.
General liability protection covers bodily injury to anyone who could sue your company: customers and other guests (walking through the lobby), contractors, and vendors doing work for you.
Typically filings are done the same day or within 24 business hours.
A claim will affect your premium differently based on the covered riders and the severity of loss. On average, 3 years.
Typically, a trucking company will be insured for these lines of coverage: Auto Liability, General Liability, Physical Damage, Motor Cargo Coverage, Comprehensive/Collision Insurance. Contact us at 865-342-7222 for more information about protecting your trucking firms assets.
Doing your research upfront, taking good care of your truck, and looking for the least expensive coverage available are three ways to save money on trucking insurance.
- Keep your driving record extra clean to get better rates on your auto insurance policy.
- Look into other cheaper options outside of traditional captive insurance agencies. We are an independent insurance agency which means we can quote from a variety of insurance carriers.
Other factors in premium include what you’re hauling, driving radius, time in business, # of trucks, type of trucks, tickets/accidents, the driver(s) history and experience.
All insurers charge different rates for new trucking companies and owner-operators. You are legally allowed to start a trucking company without a CDL, but if you plan on driving the truck, it is a requirement to have a CDL. Premiums are generally higher when it is not owned by an individual who drives.
Commercial truck insurance rates are high because insurance companies know that there’s a higher risk of injury and accidents. Why have the rates risen in the past decade? US Commercial truck insurance rates have risen dramatically over the past few years due to the numerous cases of accidents caused by commercial trucks due to inattentive driving as well as a decreased supply of drivers.
Think of your trucking insurance premium on a risk meter. The more potential risk an insurance carrier views the higher the premium. Here are the major factors when a carrier determines your rate:
- Your Drivers History: A clean driving record in any case will help you secure a much lower rate v.s a driving record which has a history of accidents, violations, and more.
- Business Timeline: How long you’ve been in business is a huge factor to determining the premium price. In most cases, businesses with over 2 years will receive a much lower premium than businesses that have less than 2 years.
- Cargo: What you haul in your truck and how heavy it is being hauled will impact the risk level which will change the premium.
- Location + Operating Radius: The longer the operating distance the higher the premium will usually be. Longer distance means more risk because a driver has an increased risk of accidents, falling asleep behind the wheel, loosing focus on the road, and changing weather conditions throughout different areas.
- Vehicle Type: The heavier the truck, the more the premium will increase. Heavy truck means more risk in event of an accident.
Workers Compensation
The deadlines depend on the state. In Tennessee, employees should report an injury to their employer in writing right away, since the law sets short notice deadlines, and a claim generally must be filed within one year of the injury or of the last authorized medical treatment or benefit payment. It’s important for employees to report injuries as soon as possible to ensure timely processing and receipt of benefits.
In most cases, Workers’ Compensation Insurance prevents employees from suing their employer for work-related injuries. This coverage is designed to provide benefits without the need for litigation. However, employees can still sue in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm by the employer.
Employment Practices
The deadlines depend on the state. In Tennessee, employees should report an injury to their employer in writing right away, since the law sets short notice deadlines, and a claim generally must be filed within one year of the injury or of the last authorized medical treatment or benefit payment. It’s important for employees to report injuries as soon as possible to ensure timely processing and receipt of benefits.
In most cases, Workers’ Compensation Insurance prevents employees from suing their employer for work-related injuries. This coverage is designed to provide benefits without the need for litigation. However, employees can still sue in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm by the employer.
Professional Liability
To file a claim, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. They will guide you through the process, which typically includes providing details about the claim, submitting necessary documentation, and cooperating with any investigations.
Generally, premiums paid for Professional Liability Insurance are tax-deductible as a business expense. However, it’s best to consult with a tax professional to understand the specifics of your situation.
Yes, many policies allow you to add additional insureds, such as clients or business partners, which can be beneficial in contractual agreements.
The amount of coverage you need depends on the size of your business, the nature of your services, and the risks involved. It’s advisable to assess your specific needs with an insurance expert to determine the appropriate coverage limits.
Professional Liability Insurance does not cover intentional wrongdoing, bodily injury, property damage, or non-professional activities. For these types of risks, General Liability Insurance is more appropriate.
Commercial Property
It’s advisable to review your policy annually or whenever significant changes occur in your business, such as renovations, purchasing new equipment, or changes in inventory levels, to ensure your coverage remains adequate.
Contact your insurance provider immediately to report the incident. Document all damages with photos and keep records of related expenses. Your provider will guide you through the claims process.
Yes, many insurance providers offer package policies, such as a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), which combines Commercial Property Insurance with General Liability Insurance and other coverages for a comprehensive protection plan.
Evaluate the replacement cost of your building and contents, considering factors like location, industry-specific risks, and the value of your assets. It’s essential to choose coverage limits that fully protect your investment.
Commercial Property Insurance typically does not cover damages from floods or earthquakes. Separate policies, like Flood Insurance or Earthquake Insurance, are required for these specific risks.
Bonds
Yes, surety bonds typically have a set term and need to be renewed upon expiration. The term length can vary depending on the type of bond and the requirements of the obligee. It’s important to keep track of your bond’s expiration date and ensure timely renewal to maintain compliance and coverage.
Yes, it is possible to get a surety bond with bad credit, though it may come with higher premiums. Many surety companies offer programs specifically designed for businesses with credit challenges. It’s essential to work with an experienced agent who can help you navigate this process and find the best options available.
If a claim is made against your surety bond, the surety company will investigate the claim to determine its validity. If the claim is found to be valid, the surety will compensate the obligee up to the bond amount. However, the principal (your business) is ultimately responsible for repaying the surety for any claims paid out.
The time frame to obtain a surety bond can vary based on the type of bond and the complexity of your business operations. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. For more complex bonds, the process might take longer as it involves thorough evaluation and approval.
Surety Bonds Insurance does not cover direct business losses, damages to property, or liability claims. For instance, if your business suffers from property damage, you would need a property insurance policy to cover those losses. Surety bonds are specifically designed to guarantee contractual obligations and compliance with regulations
Cyber Liability
Yes, Cyber Liability Insurance can cover business interruption costs, helping your business recover lost income and additional expenses incurred while restoring operations after a cyberattack.
While both types of insurance provide coverage for cyber incidents, Cyber Liability Insurance typically offers broader protection, including business interruption, cyber extortion, and regulatory fines, whereas Data Breach Insurance focuses mainly on the costs associated with data breaches.
Even with robust cybersecurity measures, no system is completely immune to cyber threats. Cyber Liability Insurance provides an additional layer of protection, covering the financial losses and recovery costs associated with a cyber incident.
Cyber Liability Insurance can cover the costs associated with meeting regulatory requirements, such as notification expenses, legal fees, and fines or penalties for non-compliance with data protection laws.
Cyber Liability Insurance typically does not cover physical damage to hardware, bodily injury, or property damage. For these types of coverage, you would need a General Liability or Property Insurance policy.
Builders Risk
To file a claim, contact your insurance provider immediately after a loss occurs. Provide details of the incident and any supporting documentation. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process.
Yes, Builder’s Risk Insurance is beneficial for renovation projects as well. It covers the value of the work being done and any materials used in the renovation.
Yes, Builder’s Risk Insurance can be tailored to fit the specific needs of your project. This includes adjusting coverage limits and adding endorsements to cover additional risks.
Coverage typically lasts for the duration of the construction project, from the start date to its completion. Policies can usually be extended if the project takes longer than expected.
Builder’s Risk Insurance does not cover accidents and injuries on the job site, worker theft, or liability risks. For these, you would need General Liability Insurance or Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
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