2670 Union Avenue Extended Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38112
Formerly Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance
Founded on October 1, 1954, in Memphis, Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance grew from a small personal insurance agency to one of the nation’s top 100 property and casualty agencies. Co-founders Mathew W. Lipscomb and John Pitts expanded their office multiple times and, in 1989, Mat Lipscomb, son of Mathew W. Lipscomb, and Johnny Pitts, son of John Pitts, assumed management of the agency. In 1992, the sons purchased LPI and eventually relocated to 2670 Union Avenue Extended. Under Mat and Johnny’s leadership, the ownership group of Lipscomb & Pitts expanded, helping to promote a robust and motivated ownership culture. LPI’s reach also extended into Jonesboro, Nashville and Chattanooga.
In 2020, Lipscomb & Pitts partnered with Higginbotham, enhancing resources, stability and support for LPI clients and employees. Mat and Johnny were named Managing Partners at Higginbotham, and many employees became shareholders in the firm. Now, the team continues to provide people-first service to clients with the added resources of a national network of insurance professionals.
At Higginbotham, we care deeply about our Memphis community. Through cityCURRENT and local nonprofit partnerships, we strive to make a positive impact. Our employees are encouraged to engage in philanthropy, donating their time, talents and resources to enrich the lives of those around them. Additionally, we offer our conference center to local nonprofits to help support their missions.
As our team continues to grow and expand under the Higginbotham brand, our dedication to community engagement and client-focused service remains steadfast, ensuring that we continue to build lasting relationships and deliver exceptional value.
cityCURRENT, powered by Higginbotham, is a privately-funded catalyst working to power the good in the Mid-South, Middle Tennessee and beyond. Since 2005, cityCURRENT has been championing its goal of enriching, engaging and impacting community. This is done with the help of more than 100 partner companies, ranging from some of the largest employers in the world to local small businesses, who join forces and funds to host hundreds of events, along with an array of philanthropic initiatives and media, each year.
Managing Partners Mat Lipscomb and Johnny Pitts have built a culture of excellence and client-focused service. Mat, who joined LPI in 1979, focuses on sales management and carrier relationships, while Johnny, who joined in 1981, focuses on finance and administration. Both became partners in 1989 and purchased LPI in 1992, continuing their fathers’ legacy.
Mat Lipscomb was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and was raised in North Mississippi. Mat graduated from Memphis State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Insurance. He then worked for an international insurance company, where he trained in the underwriting, claims, audit and loss control departments while earning a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. After furthering his training in estate conservation at Purdue University, Mat joined Lipscomb & Pitts in 1979 in the role of Commercial Insurance Producer.
Mat is very involved in the Memphis community and the insurance industry. He previously served as Chairman of the Memphis and Shelby County Insurance Advisory Committee and currently serves on numerous insurance company advisory boards.
Johnny Pitts was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1973 and graduated from Memphis University School in 1976. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Insurance from the University of Tennessee, where he ran track and cross-country. Johnny was employed at Safeco Insurance Company and CIGNA Insurance Company before moving to Lipscomb & Pitts in 1981 as a commercial insurance producer, where he focused on client retention and new business production. Early in his career, Johnny earned a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation.
Johnny currently serves on the boards of Youth Villages, Boy Scouts, Innovate Memphis, PeopleFirst Partnership, the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers and Insurors of Tennessee Large Agency Committee.
Higginbotham’s business insurance brokers leverage a broad understanding of the insurance marketplace and relationships with the nation’s leading insurance carriers to help your company find coverage that meets your needs. We start with understanding your organization’s needs, identifying gaps in coverage and helping to find the best possible terms for your policies. And, that’s not all: we provide year-round support with risk management, certificate validation, claims advocacy, loss control, safety training and risk technology solutions.
Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to provide coverage for employees who experience injuries or illnesses while performing their job duties, including auto accidents that occur during business-related activities. This type of insurance typically addresses medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, and it may cover a portion of lost wages for employees who are unable to work due to their injuries or illnesses.
Regardless of your business’s size or industry, there are inherent risks associated with commercial operations that need to be managed. Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance aims to help protect your company against claims of bodily injury, property damage and personal or advertising injury that may occur during normal operations. This coverage can include medical expenses, legal fees and settlements or judgments.
Business property insurance is designed to protect your business assets, such as buildings, equipment, inventory and furnishings, against risks such as theft, fire and vandalism. This commercial coverage typically helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, supporting your business in recovering from unexpected events.
Commercial auto insurance coverage is intended to provide protection for vehicles owned or used by your business. This insurance can cover a wide range of vehicles, from a single company car to an entire fleet of commercial trucks. Coverage may include liability for bodily injury and property damage, medical payments, uninsured motorist coverage and physical damage to your vehicles.
Commercial umbrella insurance, also known as excess liability insurance, provides an additional layer of liability protection by extending the coverage limits of your existing general liability, auto liability and other commercial liability policies. In doing so, it can offer extra security against large claims or catastrophic events by supplementing your underlying policy limits.
In today’s digital landscape, understanding and managing cyber risks is crucial. Cyber liability insurance aims to protect your business from the financial repercussions of data breaches, cyber-attacks and other cyber incidents. A cyber policy could include costs related to data recovery, legal fees, notification expenses and credit monitoring for affected individuals.
Business income or business interruption insurance typically covers loss of income and operating expenses when your business is temporarily unable to operate due to a covered event, such as a fire or other natural disaster. This insurance helps cover expenses like payroll, rent and other fixed costs during the interruption period, helping to keep your business afloat during challenging times.
Every business, regardless of size, is vulnerable to internal and external crime. Crime insurance and fidelity bonds are designed to protect your business against financial losses resulting from employee theft, fraud, forgery and other white-collar crimes. This coverage can include reimbursement for stolen money, securities, or property, as well as coverage for legal expenses related to such crimes.
Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, provides protection for businesses that offer professional services or advice, such as consultants. It helps to cover claims of negligence, mistakes or failure to perform; this could include expenses like legal defense costs, settlements and judgments.
Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance is a form of professional liability coverage that protects the personal assets of your company’s directors and officers from claims made against them while serving in their official capacities. This coverage can include legal defense costs, settlements and judgments.
Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) is designed to protect employers from claims made by employees alleging discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation and other employment-related issues. An EPLI policy can help cover legal defense costs, settlements and judgments related to a covered event.
Inland marine insurance covers business property that is in transit or temporarily off-site, protecting it against risks like theft, damage or loss. This coverage is particularly important for businesses that frequently transport goods, equipment or valuable items.
Equipment breakdown insurance typically covers the sudden and accidental physical damage of essential business equipment that requires repair or replacement. Potential covered events could include mechanical breakdown, power surges and overheating. This form of coverage is vital for businesses that rely on tools, machinery or other equipment in their day-to-day operations.
Bonds can help demonstrate the credibility of your business by providing a guarantee of performance. Higginbotham’s bond specialists leverage relationships with the country’s top surety companies to give you access to a wide range of bonds. Some of our most commonly requested bond services include business license bonds, payment and performance bonds, fidelity bonds, notary services, utility bonds and commercial surety.
At Higginbotham, we’re dedicated to connecting you to personal insurance that works as hard as you do. We believe nothing is as valuable as peace of mind, so our goal is to protect you from life’s unexpected events through insurance coverage that meets your needs and your budget.
With Higginbotham, you don’t have to navigate insurance alone. Our Memphis team helps individuals and businesses across Tennessee and the U.S. identify risks and secure the best possible coverage options. We provide ongoing support to help ensure that your policies evolve with your needs.