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Profile photo of a State Farm Agent named: Don Self

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State Farm® Insurance Agent

Don Self

(423) 396-2126
5559 Little Debbie Parkway
Suite 123
Ooltewah, TN 37363-5597

On Little Debbie Pkwy across from Sherwin-Williams and Pinnacle Bank.

Profile photo of a State Farm Agent named: Don Self

Would you like to create a personalized quote?

Office Info

Office Hours

Mon-Fri
8am - 5pm
Sat-Sun
Closed
After Hours by Appointment
Call or text us 24 hours a day!

Address

5559 Little Debbie Parkway
Suite 123
Ooltewah, TN 37363-5597

Languages

English, Spanish, Italian

CALL US TO LEARN HOW TO SAVE ON YOUR AUTO INSURANCE WITH DRIVE SAFE AND SAVE!! AUTO INSURANCE BASED SPECIFICALLY ON HOW, AND HOW MUCH, YOU DRIVE....

NO TWO DRIVERS ARE CREATED EQUAL! IN OTHER WORDS, EVERY DRIVER WHO COMMUTES TO WORK DOES NOT DRIVE THE SAME NUMBER OF MILES, HAVE THE SAME DRIVING STYLE OR HABITS, OR OBSERVE THE TRAFFIC LAWS THE SAME WAY. THEREFORE, CONSCIENTIOUS DRIVERS SHOULD NOT PAY THE SAME AMOUNT AS THOSE WHO ARE LESS CONSCIENTIOUS. THERE ARE MANY FACTORS THAT GO INTO WHAT WE PAY FOR OUR AUTO INSURANCE, INCLUDING ANNUAL MILEAGE, ANY ACCIDENTS OR TICKETS IN OUR PAST, ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER FACTORS. WE ALL DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS, AND WE ALL SHOULD USE GOOD JUDGMENT AT ALL TIMES BEHIND THE WHEEL.

HOWEVER, SOME DRIVERS ALWAYS SEEM TO PAY LESS THAN OTHERS. THERE ARE MULTIPLE REASONS FOR THE VARIATION IN WHAT WE PAY FOR COVERAGE. AS A RESULT, MANY INSURANCE COMPANIES, INCLUDING STATE FARM, HAVE IMPLEMENTED "TELEMATICS" SYSTEMS INTO THEIR AUTO INSURANCE PLANS. THESE PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED TO MONITOR YOUR SPECIFIC DRIVING HABITS AND MILEAGE. THIS ALLOWS YOU TO "FINE-TUNE" AND MAXIMIZE YOUR FAMILY'S SAVINGS. OUR PROGRAM REQUIRES YOU TO HAVE A SMARTPHONE, AND TO INSTALL THE APP ON YOUR PHONE, BUT IT IS A VERY SIMPLE PROCESS. ASK US ABOUT DRIVE SAFE AND SAVE! STATE FARM PROVIDES A SUBSTANTIAL DISCOUNT FOR SIMPLY ENROLLING IN THE PROGRAM, WITH PERHAPS MUCH GREATER SAVINGS FOR YOUR GOOD DRIVING HABITS AND HISTORY!

CALL OUR OFFICE TO DISCUSS OPTIONS FOR PROTECTING YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES AGAINST THE POTENTIAL DISASTER OF PREMATURE DEATH. LIFE INSURANCE IS MUCH MORE COST-EFFECTIVE THAN YOU MIGHT THINK, AND THERE ARE OPTIONS FOR ALMOST ANY BUDGET AND FINANCIAL SITUATION. WE LOOK FORWARD TO VISITING WITH YOU TO DISCUSS THIS VERY IMPORTANT FACET OF YOUR FAMILY'S FINANCIAL PLAN!

We would love an opportunity to spend some time with you, to fine tune a plan of protection for your home and business. So, call us today to schedule a no-obligation appointment. We will utilize this time to review your current coverages and discuss any changes that might be needed. Whether you choose to do business with us or not, we want you to know exactly what you have and what you need. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to our community, and we hope to have you become a member of the Don Self State Farm family.

  • Call today to learn what make our office different than any other insurance agency in Chattanooga, Ooltewah, Cleveland, or the entire Tennessee Valley region!

  • IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO YOU, WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO YOUR FAMILY? Call us today to schedule a time to discuss your personal and family life insurance needs.

  • The Official Home and Auto Insurer of the UTC Mocs Men's Tennis Program!

  • Direct Servicing Agent for Flood Insurance (National Flood Insurance Program)

  • For over forty years, we have built our business by making relationships the most important things.

  • We focus on all insurance needs for small business owners.

  • Notary Public always available at no cost to anyone in the neighborhood. Just let us know you're coming....

  • Complaint-Free with the Better Business Bureau for OVER FORTY YEARS!

  • Our agent meets with all newly licensed drivers and their parents to reinforce and teach safety measures

  • Member of Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce

  • Steer Clear Program for enhanced situational awareness for youthful drivers.

  • We excel at helping our customers with their state to state and in-state re-locations

  • We have team members who speak Spanish and Italian.

  • Proud sponsor of Ooltewah High School Basketball

  • We are proud supporters of the staff, students, and mission of Southern Adventist University.

  • "Special Event" coverage for weddings, birthdays, receptions, etc.

  • We offer flexible office hours, 8:00-5:00 Monday thru Friday, with other hours available by appointment.

  • Agreed Value Coverage for Antique and Classic Vehicles of All Kinds

DUE TO THE HIGHER TRAFFIC VOLUME FROM SCHOOL BEING BACK IN SESSION, WE ALL NEED TO EXERCISE A HIGHER LEVEL OF CAUTION, ESPECIALLY DURING THE MORNING AND EVENING COMMUTES. EVEN THOUGH IT IS HUMAN NATURE TO GET IN A RHYTHM, LET'S BE CAREFUL NOT TO BECOME COMPLACENT. IT'S STILL IMPORTANT THAT WE DRIVE DEFENSIVELY, AND THAT WE KEEP OUR "HEAD ON A SWIVEL."

PLEASE DO ALL YOU CAN TO AVOID ANY DISTRACTIONS WHILE BEHIND THE WHEEL. APPROXIMATELY 80% OF ALL WRECKS ARE CAUSED BY SOME SORT OF DISTRACTED DRIVING, USUALLY INVOLVING CELL PHONE USAGE. SOME STATISTICS SHOW THAT AS MANY AS 90% OF TRAFFIC FATALITIES RESULT FROM DISTRACTED DRIVING. ONE MORE THING: HAVING THAT PHONE IN YOUR HAND WHILE YOU'RE BEHIND THE WHEEL IS ILLEGAL IN BOTH TENNESSEE AND GEORGIA (AS WELL AS AN INCREASING NUMBER OF OTHER STATES)!!! WHAT'S THE MESSAGE HERE? TEXTING WHILE DRIVING IS IRRESPONSIBLE, DANGEROUS, AND JUST PLAIN DUMB!

SEEMS LIKE EVERY TIME I DRIVE ANYWHERE, I SEE PEOPLE ALL AROUND ME STILL DRIVING WITH THEIR PHONES IN HAND. OUR POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE ALL BATTLING MORE SERIOUS ISSUES, SO THEY DON'T HAVE TIME TO WRITE TICKETS FOR DISTRACTED DRIVING. SO IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SPREAD THE WORD. DON'T BE A DISTRACTED DRIVER!

THERE ARE MANY FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO AN EFFECTIVE INSURANCE PLAN, AND IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT EACH HOME OR PROPERTY OWNER KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THOSE FACTORS ARE. A HUGE PART OF WHAT WE DO FOR OUR CUSTOMERS IS A PERIODIC REVIEW OF ALL RISKS AND COVERAGES. WE WANT TO BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE NO SURPRISES! CALL OUR OFFICE TO SCHEDULE A TIME TO REVIEW ALL YOUR FAMILY'S OR BUSINESS'S COVERAGE. THERE IS NO OBLIGATION, AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE AN OPPORTUNITY TO WALK THROUGH IT WITH YOU.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: IF YOU HAVE A LOSS TO YOUR HOME DUE TO STORM DAMAGE, PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT A PUBLIC ADJUSTER! ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH A PUBLIC ADJUSTER WILL PROHIBIT YOU FROM HAVING ANY CONTACT WITH YOUR AGENT REGARDING YOUR CLAIM. THE PUBLIC ADJUSTER ESSENTIALLY BECOMES YOUR REPRESENTATIVE, WHICH MEANS THEY BECOME RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING ANY FUNDS FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY ON YOUR BEHALF. IN EXCHANGE FOR THIS "SERVICE," THE PUBLIC ADJUSTER WILL LIKELY CHARGE A HEFTY PERCENTAGE (WE'VE SEEN AS HIGH AS 30%) OF THE VALUE OF THE LOSS AS THEIR COMMISSION. THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL LIKELY LEAVE YOU HAVING TO PAY MORE THAN YOU SHOULD PAY IN ORDER TO GET THE REPAIRS DONE. YOU SHOULD NEVER PAY A PENNY MORE THAN YOUR DEDUCTIBLE FOR ANY CLAIM! IT IS SIMPLY NOT A BENEFICIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR MOST HOMEOWNERS. IN FACT, IT'S PROBABLY NOT A BENEFICIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR ANYONE OTHER THAN THE PUBLIC ADJUSTER!

Moving to the Ooltewah or Chattanooga area? Insured with State Farm where you're moving from? We would love to help make your transition as smooth as possible. Give us a call today, and we will do all we can to be of service to you and your family through your move and beyond. Welcome to the area, and we look forward to meeting you soon!

"I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me." - Joshua Graham

"There is no such thing as 'your truth.' There is THE TRUTH, and there is your opinion." - Ben Shapiro

"LIFE IS 10% ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU AND 90% ABOUT HOW YOU RESPOND!" CHUCK SWINDOLL

So many of life's most important lessons are caught, not taught! Be the driver you want your teen to be. During Teen Driving Awareness Month, we encourage parents to lead by example and reinforce safe driving habits. Call our office for some good ideas for reinforcing the lessons you're teaching your new driver, and to learn of some great ways to save money on insuring the vehicle they'll be driving.

ATTENTION ARTISAN CONTRACTORS OF ALL KINDS: PLUMBERS, ELECTRICIANS, CARPENTERS, FLOORING AND TILE, ETC. WE WOULD LOVE TO PROVIDE A QUOTE FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS. OUR ARTISAN/CONTRACTOR POLICY IS COMPREHENSIVE IN ITS COVERAGE, AND WE ARE VERY COMPETITIVE IN TODAY'S CHALLENGING MARKET. WE CAN HANDLE ALL YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS, INCLUDING YOUR BUSINESS AUTOS AND WORKER'S COMPENSATION.

"IF IT DOESN'T CHALLENGE YOU, IT DOESN'T CHANGE YOU!" FRED DE VITO

IF YOUR FAMILY DEPENDS ON YOUR INCOME AND SOMETHING HAPPENED TO YOU, WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO THEM? ASK US ABOUT LIFE INSURANCE FOR YOUR FAMILY OR SMALL BUSINESS. STATE FARM HAS MORE INDIVIDUAL LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES IN FORCE THAN ANY OTHER COMPANY. AND, STATE FARM HAS RECEIVED THE J. D. POWER AWARD FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AMONG LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES THREE YEARS IN A ROW! CALL TODAY SO WE CAN DISCUSS YOUR FAMILY'S SPECIFIC NEEDS.

THE GIFT OF LIFE: we offer several options for life insurance coverage for children, from newborns and up. While most folks don't want to discuss anything happening to their kids or grandkids, we think this kind of coverage is important to help guard against their future uninsurability due to a medical diagnosis that might make them difficult or impossible to cover. This type of coverage would provide for an amount of coverage to be determined, and it would also provide multiple options to increase coverage without regard to health or occupation. Let's talk about this coverage for those younger members of the family!

"Wrong is wrong, even if everybody is doing it. Right is right, even if nobody is doing it." Stephen Rummidge

"There is no such thing as an innocent bystander." A. W. Tozer

BE GRATEFUL!!!

“If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.” ― Alan Simpson

FLOOD INSURANCE! Whether you realize it or not, EVERY building is at least at some risk for flooding during the typical length of ownership. The term "one-hundred year flood" doesn't mean what most people think it means. Instead of being at risk for a flood every one hundred years, that means that you're at a one percent chance of flooding during any particular year. Over the life of a thirty year loan, that means that there is an approximately 26 percent chance of flooding. Our office is a Direct Servicing Agent for the National Flood Insurance Program, and we would be glad to assist you with your flood coverage, EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO OTHER COVERAGE WITH US! Call our office at your convenience for a no-obligation quote.

"NO ONE EVER LEARNED ANYTHING WHILE THEY WERE TALKING...." UNKNOWN

"IT IS BETTER TO REMAIN SILENT AND BE THOUGHT A FOOL THAN TO SPEAK AND REMOVE ALL DOUBT." ATTRIBUTED TO BOTH MARK TWAIN AND ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Wisdom regardless of who said it originally.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: The cost of everything seems to be on the increase. Everything from gasoline to a gallon of milk costs more today than at almost any time in our country's history. The insurance industry is also being impacted on many fronts. Building costs have increased tremendously over the past couple of years, and as a result the amount of coverage required to protect your home is greater now than before. Also, as the increased cost of vehicle replacement parts (and labor to install them) is resulting in increased cost of repairs when your car or truck sustains damage due to a wreck or other loss.

We are all feeling the pinch of these increases, and we want to help as much as possible. During these times we think it is even more important than ever for you to understand EXACTLY what is covered by your insurance plan, and to understand what might NOT be covered. There are a few ways to maximize the value of your insurance plan, and we would appreciate an opportunity to discuss the options with you, answer any questions you may have, and make some recommendations that may take some uncertainty away.

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS WE GET TO DO FOR OUR CUSTOMERS IS HELP THEM MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO SURPRISES! This is the reason that we like to spend plenty of time during the purchase process to explain all the different coverages, as well as answer any questions you may have. We understand the value of your time, and we want to be sure we are as efficient as possible. However, racing through the process in fifteen minutes is not our first priority. And rushing certainly isn't a very effective way to avoid mistakes or misunderstandings.

Also, we like to do periodic insurance reviews with each of our customers. It is important that we know if you have made any additions to your home (for instance), or if there are any changes to your household. During this review, we want to confirm that coverage is in place for all the things that need to be covered, and that we give our customers an opportunity to ask any questions they may have. The purpose is to make sure there are no gaps where they can be filled, and that there are no questions about what is and is not covered. So, if you and your family are currently insured with us, you can be expecting a call in the near future, asking for a convenient time to get together to review your household coverages.

Most of us tend to expend much time and energy (and lots of other resources) chasing after what the world calls success. But, we think it is important to remember that "The most important things in life are NOT things!" Reach out to someone today that maybe you haven't seen or spoken to in a while, and let them know that you love them. It's all about relationships!

Call us to learn what makes our office different! With well over one hundred fifty years combined experience, the team at Don Self State Farm knows that the most important things in life aren’t things. Most insurance companies act as if the things are what counts, when it is really the people in our lives that are most important. We want to let you focus on the most important things, and let us take care of your things when they get broken.

The choice on which insurance company to trust with helping protect your family or business should include more than just the amount of you pay each month. The cheapest price on insurance does not always (or even usually) provide the most comprehensive coverage for your home, auto, or business. We would love an opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with you about all your insurance needs, and to show you why we think State Farm provides a tremendous value for your insurance dollars.

If you have loved ones in your life who depend on your income, you really need to have enough life insurance! We would love to talk to you about your specific needs, and to help you acquire the coverage needed to give both you and your loved ones the assurance you all deserve....

"Insurance does not prevent accidents, but rather gives a secure base from which to face their consequences." Philip Yancey

We would love to interview with you and your family for the position of Insurance Agent and Financial Services provider! With more than one hundred fifty years of combined industry experience, our licensed staff is uniquely qualified to assist in the process of protecting your home, family, and small business!

What does that mean for you and your family or small business? It means that we know the questions to ask to help find the perfect solution for providing the most appropriate and cost-effective coverage. When you hire us, we take the responsibility for protecting your family and business assets very seriously.

Our experience gives us a depth of knowledge that will ensure that you have NO SURPRISES when you have a claim. Call our office today for an auto, home, or life insurance quote. We also off very competitive coverage on renter's insurance, small business insurance, supplemental health insurance, or group life insurance....

Finally, after many months of struggling through tornadoes and viruses, we are starting to get back to normal around here. So, for those of you who have always preferred to do business face to face, we welcome you to start coming back to the office any time. We will certainly still be glad to offer "curb service," but we no longer have the front door secured. Feel free to come in to transact your business and stay and catch up if you like.

Insurance Products Offered

Auto, Homeowners, Condo, Renters, Personal Articles, Business, Life, Health

Other Products

Banking, Mutual Funds

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THE MISSION: We want to be your family's trusted source for insurance information, coverage, and guidance!

The decision on whom you trust to insure your family or small business is a very important one. We know that our customers take that decision very seriously. So, when you and your family make the choice to hire us as your insurance agent, we embrace that responsibility. With well over 100 years of experience, each of our team members is licensed and has the knowledge to evaluate your family or business's needs and recommend the most appropriate coverage options to meet your specific needs. In many cases, this is as simple as taking a few minutes to go over policy coverage, just to verify that we're all on the same page. Other times, the situation requires a more in-depth discussion. No matter how long it takes, we want to make 100% sure our customers understand exactly what they have, and that there will be NO SURPRISES!

If you're like most of us, you have questions about your existing coverage; what's covered and what might NOT be covered. We would love an opportunity to visit for a comprehensive review of your personal and business insurance needs. Call our office at your convenience to schedule a time to get together. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service, and we look forward to meeting you!

Si usted, su familia o su empresa están buscando profesionales de seguros que también hablen español, ¡nos encantaría hablar con usted! Por favor llámenos o venga a nuestra oficina en Little Debbie Parkway en Ooltewah, y pregunte por Richard ... ¡Esperamos conocerlo a usted ya su familia!

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With well over one hundred years of combined industry experience, our team has the knowledge and experience to help protect your home, family, and small business! We would love to interview with you and your family for the position of Insurance Agent and Financial Services provider!

What does our experience mean for you and your family or small business? It means that we know the questions to ask to help find the most appropriate solution and cost-effective coverage to meet your specific needs. When you hire us, we take the responsibility of protecting your family and business assets very seriously.

Our experience gives us a depth of knowledge that will ensure that you have NO SURPRISES when you have a claim. Call our office today for an auto, home, or life insurance quote. We also off very competitive coverage on renter's insurance, small business insurance, supplemental health insurance, or group life insurance....

our team image 0 our team image 1 our team image 2
Kathy Arwood State Farm Agent Team Member

Kathy Arwood

Office Representative

Time sure does fly! I have just celebrated my fourth anniversary as a part of the team, and I am still blown away by how much there is to learn about the insurance industry.

Though I haven't spent most of my adult life in the insurance industry like some of the other team members, I have many years' experience in the customer satisfaction business.

It is such an honor to be a part of this wonderful local business, and to work with a group of terrific folks, as well as some of the nicest customers I've ever met....

Anita L Barto State Farm Agent Team Member

Anita L Barto

Office Representative

Even as long as I've been doing this, it seems I still learn something new every day! I've been with Don for well over twenty years now, and the changes don't appear to be slowing down any at all. Technology has definitely made the job different in some ways, but the basics of the job will never change.

The one job we will always have is taking care of our customers' insurance and financial needs. When you, your family, or your business has a need that involves insurance, we would love an opportunity to discuss that with you.

Richard Self State Farm Agent Team Member

Richard Self

Marketing Coordinator

"The most important things in life are not things."

The past twelve years have truly flown by! So much has happened, a much-needed move back to Tennessee, getting engaged in the "family business" for the first time since the very beginning, and a move to a new office when I was just starting to feel at home in the old one.

All that being said, the last twelve years have been years of growth and maturation, both personally and professionally. When I left home at the tender age of 17, I never dreamed I would be back in Tennessee again, but I sure am glad that I am!!!

Our business is changing on a daily basis, and sometimes it can be a challenge to keep up, especially for "old school" folks like me. Not only does that make it fun, but I also think there are constant opportunities to grow, both professionally and personally. The greatest part of our business is that I get a chance to talk to and meet a bunch of really great folks, and it seems that I learn something new every day. Sometimes the lessons are related to business, and sometimes to relationships.

However, I am blessed every day to have an opportunity to be a part of safeguarding the things that are most important to our customers. Sometimes those things are things, and sometimes they are people. Please call or come by the office to discuss your home or business insurance needs, as well as any vehicle finance needs you might have. I look forward to an opportunity to meet you and your family, and to the opportunity to be of service....

Donna Lacey State Farm Agent Team Member

Donna Lacey

Office Representative

I have had the honor of working with Don and this great team since 2006, and it has been a wonderful adventure. Every day is new and different, and I get an opportunity to meet a lot of really great people. As a result, I sort of get the feeling that I'm part of their family, and that they're a part of ours.

This is a very rewarding career, and I am blessed to know that I can make a difference for so many people. Please call me or come by for a visit to discuss your home or auto insurance needs. I look forward to meeting you soon!