Do You Have to Have Commercial Insurance to Obtain a Business License?

Posted on October 30, 2018December 2, 2024 by admin

Opening a business is an exciting, yet confusing time in your life. You are excited about your new opportunities, but also confused and overwhelmed by the rules, requirements and regulations that must be followed in order to open and run your business. While we can’t help you with everything, here at Brock and Poole Insurance Agency, we can help you obtain commercial insurance in the greater Collierville, TN area. You may find yourself wondering if you need commercial insurance to obtain a business license. Here is more on that topic.

Do You Have to Have Commercial Insurance to Obtain a Business License?

There are different rules for different types of businesses. However, as a general rule of thumb, you are not required to obtain commercial insurance to obtain a business license.

What Else Do You Need Commercial Insurance For?

While the city or county you are opening up your business in may not require you to obtain a commercial insurance policy, some of the people you are looking to do business with may require it. In order to lease out space in a building, most leasing agencies require you to carry a commercial insurance policy. Additionally, many of the people you do contract work with or for may require you to carry a commercial insurance policy to protect themselves in case you get hurt or injured. As such, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a policy.

Are you looking to purchase commercial insurance for your new business in the greater Collierville, TN area? If so, let Brock and Poole Insurance Agency assist you. Contact us today to discuss your needs and let us put together the right policy for you.

Do You Need Auto Insurance if You Don’t Have a Car?

Posted on September 28, 2018October 2, 2018 by admin

If you don’t have a car, then you probably think to yourself that you don’t need to have auto insurance in Collierville, TN. Without a car, you can get non-owner car insurance with Brock and Poole Insurance Agency, so if you ever have to drive a car you will be covered.

You should have this type of policy if you rent cars frequently, or use car sharing services. It’s also helpful if you are borrowing others peoples’ cars. This would cover you if the costs of any damage caused exceeds the owner’s liability limits, so you aren’t on the hook for the remainder. If you are between cars and want to get car insurance later, having this type of insurance can help you save on premiums since going without coverage can make you look risky. If you will be owning a car soon, then get this policy, and once you get a car call your agent and switch to regular coverage. If you live with the people whose cars you are constantly driving, such as your parents, then this policy wouldn’t make sense and you should be listed as a driver on the other policy.

The cost of the policy is less than you would expect. Its price can depend on how often you plan on driving and how old you are. The plans will typically provide liability coverage and some will include medical coverage for yourself. This type of insurance won’t cover collision or comprehensive costs, so repairs on the vehicle won’t be covered. You may also have the option for uninsured motorist coverage, to help if you are in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance.

Contact an agent at Brock and Poole Insurance Agency serving Collierville, TN to discuss your options for non-owner car insurance, and see if this policy is the best fit for your needs.

What Can Happen if You Do Not Have Proper Auto Insurance in Tennessee?

Posted on August 13, 2018August 13, 2018 by admin

In Tennessee, it is illegal to drive without auto insurance or to have less than the minimum required amount of auto insurance. An easy way to avoid any legal issues is to have the right amount of auto insurance. However, there are still some people in Collierville, TN that do not even have the state minimum required by law. Here at Brock and Poole Insurance Agency, we want to make sure everyone has the proper amount. If you don’t, these are some of the things that can happen to you.

There are different penalties based on if you do not have the right insurance or if you fail to provide proof in Tennessee. If you do not have the right amount of insurance, you can get fined up to $300. If that wasn’t enough, you will also have your driver’s license and registration suspended until you can provide proof of having the right amount of coverage in place. Before they will be reinstated, you will even have to take the driver’s license examination again. Not only will you have the fee mentioned before but you will have to pay a $65 restoration fee and a $50 fee to the commissioner of safety. Lastly, you will have to supply the SR-22 certificate to your insurance company for 3 years and that can greatly increase your insurance costs.

If you want to make sure that you have the proper amount of auto insurance for Tennessee, make sure you reach out to us here at Brock and Poole Insurance Agency, serving Collierville, TN. We can take a look at your current policy to make sure you have the right amount of coverage. We can also get you a brand new policy if you need something different or do not have auto insurance at all. Contact us today to get your free quote and insurance.

Who Need Commercial Auto Insurance?

Posted on July 26, 2018December 2, 2024 by admin

Commercial auto insurance is meant for cars and trucks you use for business purposes. Depending on who you work for or the type of business you own, your coverage options vary. Make sure to add on your employees and anyone driving company vehicles for business purposes. This includes your own car if used during the course of your duties at transportation-related or other jobs that require driving.

Check with your Brock and Poole Insurance Agency in Collierville, TN about the types of coverage that would benefit your business. Here is some information to help you prepare.

Who Needs Commercial Auto Insurance?

Commercial vehicles used in trucking, pickup, chauffer, taxi and other transportation-related industries need to be covered by commercial auto insurance. Even if you drive your own vehicle for work, you should consider a basic policy that protects your commercial assets in the event of an accident.

Taxis, vans, limos, and other vehicles need commercial auto insurance. Let’s look at the types of coverage.

Types of Coverage

Your financial institution typically requires comprehensive and collision coverage if you still make payments. This pays for damages and personal injury that occurs while the vehicle is being used for work. Here are other policies to think about:

Uninsured motorist insurance pays for damage when you are in an accident with an uninsured driver with no insurance.
Personal injury protection (PIP) helps pay for medical costs if you’re involved in an accident and it also covers lost wages

These are just some of the coverage possibilities for commercial auto insurance in Collierville, TN. Your Brock and Poole Insurance Agency professional can provide insight into the best options for your business.

Contact Us

Contact Brock and Poole Insurance Agency in Collierville, TN to speak with an agent for more information. Make an appointment to get a quote for your commercial auto insurance policy.

Purchasing Auto Insurance? Avoid These Mistakes

Posted on June 11, 2018July 18, 2018 by admin

Car insurance need not be expensive to provide the protection you need. If you’re new to purchasing auto insurance, it’s easy to make mistakes that can result in paying more money than necessary for a policy. At Brock and Poole Insurance Agency, we’ll help you avoid costly insurance mistakes and guide you to affordable auto insurance policies suited to your budget and needs. Here are some common mistakes consumers make when searching for auto insurance.

Not Comparing Policy Prices

If you don’t shop around and compare what different insurers in Collierville, TN have to offer, how do you know you’re getting the best deal? By comparing insurance companies, policies, and prices online, you can save time and money on your car insurance.

Not Knowing Insurance Requirements

Before you can buy auto insurance, you need to know what’s required for the state where you live. In Tennessee, you’re required to have minimum liability coverage to pay for injuries or damages you cause to other motorists in an accident that’s your fault. Additional insurance coverage such as collision, comprehensive, roadside assist and towing are all optional.

Not Getting Enough Coverage

When buying auto insurance, try to get a balanced package that protects both you and others in the event of accidents. Insufficient coverage could result in your getting sued for damages or having to pay for personal repairs out of pocket.

When it comes to liability coverage, minimum state requirements may not be enough to cover the fallout of serious accidents. By getting more than the minimum, you stand a better chance of protecting your interests. You should also consider coverage to protect your vehicle so you don’t have to pay repair costs on your own.

At Brock and Poole Insurance Agency in Collierville, TN, we can help you find the right auto insurance coverage at the right price.

Storm preparation: Is home insurance enough?

Posted on May 14, 2018July 18, 2018 by admin

Spring in Collierville, TN brings more than flowers. It means thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods. Some of the damage caused by those natural hazards your homeowners policy covers. Others it doesn’t. Brock and Poole Insurance Agency wants you to understand your homeowners policy so you can plan ahead and obtain additional insurance to remain on the safe side.

Homeowners Insurance vs. Specific Hazard Insurance

Check your policy. Every policy differs. Read which hazards your policy covers.

Know the difference between how damage occurs and when your policy covers it. For example, if your pipes burst or a pipe springs a leak, flooding your basement, a homeowners policy typically covers it. If heavy rains cause rising waters and it floods your home, flood insurance covers it.

Tornadoes occur commonly in Tennessee. Many homeowners policies cover wind damage from a tornado. If you live in an area that previously sustained damage, especially more than once, your policy may no longer cover wind damage. You would need to obtain a separate wind insurance policy to cover your home against tornado wind damage.

Hail occurs often in thunderstorms. It can occur outside of one. A typical homeowners policy covers hail damage. If you live in an area experiencing frequent hailstorms though, the policy may not cover it. You may need separate hail insurance.

Coverage Limits and Deductibles

Check your policy for your coverage limits and your deductible. A deductible refers to the amount of money you must spend out of your pocket before the insurance kicks in and pays for other items.

The higher the deductible, the lower your premiums. If you can afford a higher deductible, you can obtain greater coverage limits for less money. That’s important because if your property values go up before you update your policy, your policy only covers the amount for which you obtained it. It will cost you more to rebuild than your insurance covers.

Coverage limits also apply to the home’s contents. If you recently purchased new appliances, electronics, etc. without increasing your coverage, your insurance won’t cover all your costs.

Brock and Poole Insurance Agency wants you to have the coverage you need so when disaster strikes, you can quickly recover. Collierville, TN experiences stormy weather annually. We can help you prepare for the worst, so you can keep living the best life possible.

Is Your Business Safe from Disasters?

Posted on April 16, 2018December 2, 2024 by admin

By making wise commercial insurance choices, you can protect your business against natural disasters. Commercial insurance protection will keep you from financial ruin if disaster strikes and will help you make a speedier business recovery. At Brock and Poole Insurance Agency, we can provide you with a customized commercial insurance package to suit your Collierville, TN business needs.

Here are a few ways commercial coverage can protect your business against natural disasters.

Property Protection

Whether you own or rent your business location, you’ll need insurance coverage to protect your building, business equipment, and inventory. Natural disasters like lightning, wind, hail, and snowstorms can cause serious damage to business property. Property insurance coverage will pay for the repair of your building or replacement of equipment and goods so you can move forward.

Liability Protection

General liability insurance protects your company against a lawsuit in the event customers are hurt on your business property. If a disaster strikes during business hours and customers sustain injuries due to broken windows or flying objects, your liability coverage will pay for their medical costs. In the event of a lawsuit, liability insurance will cover legal expenses as well as a settlement to protect your business assets.

Workers’ Comp

Your business should have an evacuation plan to protect employees in the event a disaster strikes while they’re on the job. By planning ahead, you make it easier for employees to escape dangerous situations during a disaster to avoid injury and harm. In the event of accidental injuries, your workers’ comp coverage will pay for medical expenses and lost wages of workers as they recover.

Advanced planning is key to protecting your business against disasters. A comprehensive commercial insurance policy from Brock and Poole Insurance Agency will protect your Collierville, TN business against catastrophes.

Are my roommate’s possessions covered under my homeowners policy?

Posted on March 12, 2018December 2, 2024 by admin

Your home in Collierville, TN is one of your biggest investments, if not your biggest. You are probably depending on having your home until retirement, or at least using the principle when you decide to move. That is why protecting your home is so important, for you and your family.

At Brock and Poole Insurance Agency, you can find a homeowners policy that will suit your needs. You will need to make sure that the value of your home and all the possessions inside are covered, including your furniture, clothing, and appliances.

But what happens if you get a roommate? Since your policy covers all your possessions inside your home, will it also cover your roommate’s?

Your insurance policy is a contract, and the terms of the contract are spelled out clearly. If your roommate is not named as someone who is covered under the contract, his possessions will not be covered. In fact, your roommate will probably be considered a renter.

He will also not be able to take advantage of other benefits of the insurance policy. For instance, if someone tries to sue your roommate because of an injury caused by the roommate on your property, the insurance company will not provide counsel or pay out on the claim. Also, if a catastrophe were to happen which caused you to not be able to live in the home, like a fire, temporary accommodation will not be offered to someone who is not on the policy.

If you have a home in Collierville, TN and have any questions about homeowners or renters policies, please feel free to contact Brock and Poole Insurance Agency today for a free evaluation and quote.

What Type of Commercial Insurance Is Mandatory?

Posted on February 12, 2018December 2, 2024 by admin

As a business operator in Collierville, TN, you have a number of worries and concerns that escape the notice of most people. One such worry concerns protecting yourself and your business in cases of liability. If your company owns or operates vehicles, then you need to add commercial insurance to this consideration. To make this easier, Brock and Poole Insurance Agency is here to demystify the requirements and necessities of this less-common type of coverage.

Minimum Requirements

Insurance requirements vary by state, and they change over time. As of the time of this writing, Tennessee is a modified comparative negligence fault state. That’s a lot of technical jargon to say that if your Tennessee business is involved in any incident that causes property damage or personal injury, you will be liable for payments. The amount of your liability is determined by how much of the accident is ruled to be your fault. But, even if you are only 1 percent at fault, you could be charged with paying.

Despite the risk that comes from operating in a modified comparative negligence state, your business is not legally obligated to purchase commercial insurance. You are free to take risks in this regard as you see fit.

Protecting Your Business

While you won’t break the law by skipping commercial insurance, it is a particularly dangerous decision in Tennessee. The state is pretty standard when it comes to property damage, but personal injury is a different story. Tennessee puts no hard cap on payment awards for personal injury. Since you could be on the hook even if your business or employee is only 1 percent at fault, this recommends a huge financial risk. Medical expenses, lost wages and anything else a crafty lawyer can tack onto a claim could be yours to pay.

So, if you want to get the right insurance for your business, you need sufficient liability coverage. The exact amount that you want will depend on your business’s assets and operations, but any business with commercial vehicles is considered to be in a higher risk category. Driving on the road puts you in frequent contact with situations that could spell trouble. We recommend you contact your Brock and Poole Insurance Agency representative to see what packages create the most affordable coverage options for businesses in Collierville, TN.

Do Hair Salons Need Commercial Insurance?

Posted on January 23, 2018December 2, 2024 by admin

When it comes to making good money, one of the most commonly overlooked careers is that of a hairdresser. In fact, did you know that some hairdressers make upward of $45,000 a year? That’s quite a bit of money, especially when you own your own salon and you don’t have to pay to rent a hair station from someone else. As a hair salon owner, though, it is of the utmost importance that you take into account the various types of insurance you need to invest in, with one of them being commercial insurance. For now, let’s take a quick look at the benefits of commercial insurance for hair salons.

With a commercial insurance policy, you will receive general liability insurance, which is extremely valuable to those who own a hair salon. With this type of policy, you will have coverage for claims related to libel or slander, negligence on the part of you or your employees, harm due to faulty products, and more. Another excellent reason to have this type of insurance is because it will provide coverage in the event that someone is injured on your business property.

As the owner of a salon, you have unique circumstances that point toward the need of having commercial insurance. For example, if a customer was to endure severe burns because of a certain dye you used, then you may be responsible for covering the accompanying medical expenses. With a commercial insurance policy, you can have peace of mind in knowing you won’t have to dip into your own pocket to pay for these expenses.

To learn more about commercial insurance for your salon, please contact Brock and Poole Insurance Agency serving the Collierville, TN area.

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