Insurance Explained Like a Neighbor, Not a Policy Document

Real questions. Local situations. Clear answers — written for people in Kingsport, the Tri-Cities, and across Northeast Tennessee.

What We Write About — and Why It Matters to You

Most insurance content on the internet reads like it was written by a committee for no one in particular. We write about the situations our clients actually face: a homeowner on Cherokee Lake wondering whether their boat is covered, a farm family unsure what a standard homeowners policy leaves out, a young couple who just bought their first house and have no idea whether they need mortgage protection.


If you've ever felt like you didn't know what you didn't know about your coverage, that's exactly who this blog is for.

Start Here: Three Posts Worth Reading First

If you're new here or just getting started, these three posts cover some of the most common coverage gaps we see across the Tri-Cities area.

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How Much Auto Insurance Do You Need in Tennessee?

There is no single auto insurance policy that fits every driver. The right coverage depends on your vehicle, budget, household, driving habits, and the financial risk you want to protect against. A...
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Do You Need Boat Insurance in Tennessee or Virginia?

For many families, time on the water is one of the best parts of spring and summer. Whether you enjoy fishing, tubing, cruising, or weekends at the lake, your boat represents a meaningful...
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How Much Auto Insurance Do You Need in Tennessee?

There is no single auto insurance policy that fits every driver. The right coverage depends on your vehicle, budget, household, driving habits, and the financial risk you want to protect against. A...
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What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover in Tennessee?

Homeowners insurance can help protect your house, belongings, and financial well-being when unexpected damage or liability claims arise. The right policy is not simply about meeting a mortgage...
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Coverage Topics We Cover Regularly

We rotate posts across the coverage areas that matter most to families and property owners in our region. Here's what you'll find here:

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Homeowners and auto insurance — what's covered, what's not, and when to revisit your policy

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Boat and watercraft coverage for East Tennessee lakes and waterways

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Farm and rural property insurance for livestock, outbuildings, equipment, and land

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Life insurance and annuities — income protection, mortgage payoff, and retirement income

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Business coverage basics for contractors, restaurants, and community organizations

We don't publish general insurance theory. We write about what affects people here.

Questions We Hear All the Time — Answered Here

  • When should I review my home insurance policy?

    A good rule of thumb is once a year — and always after a major life change. If you've renovated, added a structure, bought new equipment, or seen your home's value shift significantly, your current coverage limits may no longer reflect what it would actually cost to rebuild. We recommend reviewing before your renewal date so there's time to make changes.

  • Does my homeowners policy cover my boat in Tennessee?

    Most standard homeowners policies include limited watercraft coverage — typically up to $1,500 in personal property and very little liability protection on the water. If your boat is worth more than that, or if you use it regularly on Tennessee lakes, a separate boat and marine policy is almost always the right call.

  • What's the difference between a captive agent and an independent agent?

    A captive agent works for one carrier and can only offer that company's products. An independent agent like Mark Britt Agency works with multiple carriers — including Progressive, Travelers, National General, and Hallmark — which means we can shop your coverage across the market and find the combination that fits your situation, not just the options one company offers.

  • How do I know if I have the right amount of life insurance?

    A general starting point is 10 to 12 times your annual income, but the right number depends on your mortgage balance, your family's expenses, your existing savings, and how long your dependents would need income replacement. It's worth a conversation rather than a calculator — the variables matter.

  • Do you write posts about coverage in Virginia and North Carolina too?

    We do. We serve clients across Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina, and we write with that full service area in mind. Coverage rules and requirements can vary by state, so we try to note when something applies differently depending on where you live.

Stay Current on Coverage — Without the Jargon

Insurance changes. Carrier rates shift. Tennessee weather has a way of reminding people what they forgot to cover. We publish new posts regularly so you have a resource to come back to — whether you're doing your annual policy review or just had a question come up after a storm.


If you'd rather talk through a coverage question directly, we're easy to reach.