Holiday Lighting Safety Tips

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It is the holiday season in Memphis, TN. What a wonderful time of year to gather with friends and family and adorn your home with all the sights and sounds of the holidays.  However, amid all the excitement, don’t forget to use good safety practices when decorating. For peace of mind knowing that your home is safe from electrical fires, use these tips when hanging the holiday lights.

Outdoor Lighting Safety Tips

People in Memphis, TN love to decorate their homes with lights. But before you start, check the cords for damage.  If they are damaged, do not use them.  Any extension cords used should be labeled for outdoor use.  Make sure that your plugs have circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).  You can purchase portable ones if your home does not have GFCI protected circuits.

Fasten outdoor lights securely to protect them from wind damage.  But be careful not to pierce the cord as it will damage its insulation.  Avoid decorating near power lines and make sure that lights and cords are not resting in standing water.

Indoor Lighting Safety Tips

Indoor lighting should meet similar safety requirements as outdoor lighting.  They should be purchased from a reputable source and inspected for damage before use.  Incandescent lights should have no more than three strands strung together.

Before you begin to decorate inside with lights, check to see how many outlets are available for use and plan accordingly.  Do not overload your outlets with lights and other electrical decorations as this can cause a fire.  Turn your lights off when you are away from home or going to sleep for the night.

By following these simple safety tips, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is well-protected against disastrous holiday electrical fires.

Mistakes first time home buyers make

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Buying a home can be a fun, exciting, and scary experience whether you are buying a home in Memphis, TN or somewhere across the states there are many tips that would be good to know. Keltner Insurance has come up with mistakes to avoid for first time home buyers.

One tip is not coming up with a budget and knowing what you can and cannot afford. The bank might say what you are approved of, but that can be different from what you can actually afford. Make a list of monthly expenses to be sure how much you can actually afford. Don’t look at homes that are outside your price range or you will end up lusting over something you cannot afford.

The next mistake would be skipping the mortgage qualification process. Always get pre-approved for a loan before placing an offer on a home because it if you have poor credit or unstable income it can deny you.  Also failing to consider the additional expenses can really put a burden on the new homeowners. There are additional expenses on top of the monthly payments such as property taxes, insurance, and repairs. Even find out if there is a homeowner’s association fee. Next, being too picky is a big mistake. Everyone has a new home wish list, but don’t be so inflexible that you just continue to rent because nothing is perfect. There might be things you have to compromise on to find a good home.

Don’t get caught without the level of homeowner’s insurance coverage you need. Instead, easily compare quotes online though Keltner Insurance serving Memphis, TN.      

What questions should you ask about a new home insurance policy?

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One of the most important things for home owners in Memphis, TN to know is that their home is protected in the event of anything bad happening.Whether your home is destroyed by a storm, fire, or robbed int he middle of the night, the agents at Keltner Insurance know how to find a policy that will protect you.  If you’re looking for a new home owner’s policy, make sure you consider these questions before you commit.

  1. Do I have enough coverage?  Remember that after a major disaster, the costs to rebuild and replace your possessions will increase.  In subdivisions, rebuilding often costs more than the house originally cost to build, thanks largely to the expense of hiring separate contractors for every job.  Make sure you have enough coverage to get back on your feet.
  2. What other expenses are covered?  Besides the cost of rebuilding, does your policy cover the costs of temporary housing?  What about the cost to remove debris?  Make sure your policy will cover all of your recovery expenses.
  3. Do you need replacement cost insurance?  Some policies will only give you he market value of the items you need to replace. Finding used replacement items, however, can be hard to do after a disaster.  If you don’t have enough money in savings to make up the difference and buy new clothes, appliances, and more, then consider buying replacement coverage.  This rider will provide funds to replace everything inside the home that was lost.

If you’re thinking about buying a new home insurance policy, or if you just want to see if you can save money on your existing policy, call the agents at Keltner Insurance.  They have years of experience helping Memphis, TN residents find the policies that are right for them and their budget

Memphis, TN Autumns and What They Mean for Home Insurance

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If you live in Memphis, TN, you probably do not have to deal with the harsh temperature changes that many of your neighbors up north experience every year. However, there are seasonal changes that could potentially affect your home and home insurance, and it would certainly behoove you to be aware of them. As such, it would be very helpful to go through your home insurance policy this time of year, as it will remind you of things you should pay attention to in order to avoid uninsured damages.

You will want to make sure that you get rid of any dead vegetation on your property. It could increase the risk of fires if the weather is dry, and it could clog up the gutters and cause water backup issues in your drainage systems if the weather is rainy. Also, insects and animals are going to be seeking refuge from the cold in indoor spaces, which could include your home. You should keep this in mind and do what you can to keep the pests out of your home. You should also make sure that you are prepared for the winter and that the heating systems are efficient; if they are not, you could end up wasting a great deal of money. You should also make sure that the home is well insulated and that the windows and doors are sealed well, so that heat does not escape. Make sure that your pipes are in good working order as well, so that the damage itself doesn’t cause you money, and you do not lose heat that way.

If you want to know about what the autumns of Memphis, TN mean to you in terms of home insurance, you should feel free to contact the professionals at Keltner Insurance for all of the information you need. The agents at Keltner Insurance will be willing to answer any questions you may have and give you all of the help you need.

Is An Uber Driver Covered Under A Commercial Insurance Policy?

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Uber is technically a "ride sharing service," and not a taxi cab company. People pick you up in their own personal vehicles, and overall it’s not that different from asking a group of friends "Hey if you know anybody who’s going to be driving to the grocery store tonight, I need a ride." So how are Uber drivers covered when it comes to insurance? Do they provide it for themselves? And if so, does a standard auto policy cover it, or do they need to seek out some kind of commercial policy?

An important point regarding Uber drivers, and indeed many taxi drivers, is that they are not actually employees of the company, rather, they work as private contractors. One way of putting it is that they work with Uber in a limited partnership capacity. Uber brings the driver their customers, and in exchange, the driver splits the revenue with the company.

Put simply, if a driver has a policy from, say, Keltner Insurance, then that typically covers their own vehicle, while Uber’s commercial policy covers other aspects of the business. Oftentimes, a personal policy will cover an Uber driver’s interests, but you can’t take this for granted, as many policies have exclusions related to driving for hire. If you’re thinking of driving for Uber or Lyft, you’ll want to talk to your provider about it, first.

Uber carries a commercial policy that covers up to $1 million in excess liability per incident, but this is intended to supplement, not replace, the driver’s personal policy. In any event, if you’re thinking of driving for Uber or Lyft, make sure to talk it over with your provider before picking up your first fare.

RV Insurance Coverage with Keltner Insurance Gives Peace of Mind

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An RV is a big investment, and you want that investment to have the best returns possible. Not only are you making memories as you travel, but you want peace of mind. Protect your special memories with RV insurance coverage. Our independent agents at Keltner Insurance can help you examine your insurance coverage options. We’ll find you the best rates out there.

Before you take your RV out on the open highway, do you check the engine, stock the cupboards, and pack your favorite pillow? Contact us at Keltner Insurance to review your RV insurance coverage as well. Laws for minimum coverage sometimes change. Your RV may need a different level of insurance than it carries now. Perhaps you have a particular concern about coverage for specific kinds of situations. Our agents can inform you of any changes that would affect your coverage or your rates. Visit us online or in our office to learn what options you have.

Serving the Memphis, TN area, Keltner Insurance is ready to serve your RV insurance needs. Whether you want minimum coverage or you want to protect against those big disasters, we can help. Online you can receive multiple quotes for insurance coverage or you can speak directly with an agent who can research your best coverage and rates out there. That means you aren’t committed to any one insurance company with set rates and narrow offers. You have an independent agent who can find the most suitable coverage for your needs. Owning an RV requires some attention to detail concerning insurance because the differences in RVs can make a huge difference in coverage levels. We can sort this out and find you the best rates. Contact us today.

 

Decisions After a Motorcycle Accident

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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

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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.

Tips To Make Packing Easier

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No one likes to pack before a move and no one likes to unpack it either. However, the packing part may be more difficult to some people. If you are about to move and need to start packing up your home, there are some easy ways to make the entire process easier for you. It will also help to make the unpacking process a lot easier as well. Before you move into your new home, read these tips on packing and contact us at Keltner Insurance for all of your homeowners insurance needs. 

  1. Make a first night box. Once you have moved into the new home, you do not want to spend all night looking for your toothbrush in all of the boxes. Instead, while packing, make sure you make a box filled with things you will need the first night. This will include things like toiletries, towels, basic clothes, pillows, and blankets to sleep on. After moving, you will need all of these things and probably will not want to unpack the house to find them.
  2. Label your boxes and take inventory. If you keep track of the boxes, what they have in them, and label them, it will be a lot easier to find what you need and unpack things in an organized fashion. Make sure you take the time to label the boxes so that the unpacking process does not take long and you do not run the risk of getting frustrated. Color coding boxes is also a good idea. You can use color coded stickers to label boxes that should go into specific rooms. That way you will have all of the boxes in the rooms they belong in on the day you move. This makes everything a bit easier when unpacking. 

Ways To Avoid Road Rage

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Road rage can affect even the best of us while driving. For some people, it is a chain of events that can really get under their skin. For others, one small thing can set them off and before you know it, they are driving around in a fit of rage. This type of driving is not beneficial for anyone. It can increase the risk of an accident since the driver is more focused on their anger than their driving. To counteract these emotions while driving, use these tips.

  • If someone is riding your car from behind, consider moving out of the way instead of egging them on or letting the action make you angry. By letting them pass, you are letting them leave your vicinity as well as the potential road rage. Your passengers will thank you.
  • Listen to music that makes you happy while in the car. Listening to the music that you like will make your mood better no matter how annoying some other drivers may be. Some people even like to create mixes to help them stay calm behind the wheel in traffic.
  • Plan ahead for potential delays. You are more likely to get frustrated behind the wheel when you are running late. Give yourself some extra time to counteract this and reduce the risk of road rage.
  • Only use your horn when absolutely necessary. Even if people are not angry yet, using your horn is guaranteed to escalate the situation. Only use it if absolutely necessary instead and avoid the spread of road rage.

Another thing that can make you mad while driving is not having enough or adequate insurance. Take care of that issue by contacting us at Keltner Insurance for a policy review or to explore your options.