5 Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance

You’re not alone if you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head in confusion over your car insurance policy. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about car insurance so that you can feel confident that you’re getting the coverage you need. So, whether you’re a first-time buyer or just looking to save some money on your premium, read on for everything you need about car insurance.

1. What is minimum liability insurance?

Minimum liability insurance is the minimum amount of insurance required by your state to drive. This insurance only covers damages you may cause to another person or their property in an accident. It does not cover any damage to your vehicle.

2. Why is comprehensive insurance important?

Comprehensive insurance is essential because it covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by an accident. This can include damage from a fire, theft, or vandalism. In most states, comprehensive insurance is not required by law, but it is still a good idea to have in case of an unexpected incident.

3. Are all premiums the same?

No, all premiums are not the same. Your premium is based on various factors, including your age, driving record, the type of car you drive, and the amount of coverage you need.

4. When should I shop around for new car insurance?

You should typically shop for new car insurance when your current policy is up for renewal. Your rates may have changed since you first purchased your policy. If you’ve had any recent changes in your life, such as getting married or moving to a new state, you should also shop around for new car insurance at that time.

5. How do I file a claim?

If you need to file a claim, the first thing you should do is contact your insurance company. They will then walk you through filing a claim and getting reimbursed for any damages.

No matter your situation, it’s essential to understand the basics of car insurance to ensure you’re getting the coverage you need. For those in Waldron, AR, The Owens Agency LLC can help you find the right policy for your needs. Contact us today for a free quote.

What Are The Different Types Of Trucking Insurance?

Trucking insurance policies come in various and may include comprehensive, collision, and liability. Each type of policy comes with its benefits and risks, so it’s important to research and shop around to find the policy that best suits your needs and budget. The type of trucking insurance you need will depend on the type of truck you drive and the nature of your business. 

If you drive a large truck that makes hauls between cities, you may need a combination of liability and cargo insurance. Even though cargo insurance is not required by law, it’s one of the most important types of insurance. For issues, check with The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR.

What Various Trucking Coverage Entails 

Liability insurance protects the trucking company if one of its trucks causes property damage or bodily injury to another person. Property/collision insurance covers the truck’s repair cost if it is damaged in a collision or by other causes such as a falling load. Most trucking companies require their drivers to maintain a minimum level of liability insurance, often at least $100,000 per person. Liability insurance covers the costs you might be responsible for in the event of an accident, such as medical bills for passengers or other drivers or repair costs for another vehicle. 

Cargo insurance covers the cost of replacing your cargo if it is damaged or goes missing. Most standard policy limits for liability coverage are between $100,000 and $300,000. You may be able to purchase higher liability limits, but most truckers go with the standard amounts, as they are more affordable. In most cases, the amount of the cargo insurance is determined by taking a percentage of the total value of the cargo. For example, if the cargo is valued at $100,000 and you pick up another load with a value of $50,000, your new cargo limit would be $150,000. 

If your truck is damaged in an accident, your physical damage (PD) insurance will pay to repair it. In the U.S., there are different types of commercial truck insurance plans that you can choose from. These plans differ in coverage, price, and more. For consultations in Waldron, AR, call The Owens Agency LLC.

What to do after a car accident?

Being in a car accident is never fun, but there are steps that you can take to ensure your safety, the safety of anyone else in your car, and the safety of any third parties involved in the accident. Immediately after an accident, start by prioritizing moving your vehicle to a safe area away from the traffic. Once done, check yourself for injuries before moving on to anyone else in your vehicle. If you have any concerns that someone is injured, do not hesitate and immediately call for emergency services to be dispatched to the scene. Once your vehicle is out of the way of traffic and you’ve ensured that you are safe, exit your car and check on any other parties. Even if the accident is minor, it is always best to contact the police and request that an officer is dispatched to the scene to complete an accident report. This report is vitally important for the insurance claims process because it often delineates who was at fault in the incident.

Additionally, you’ll want to document everything about the scene. Take photos of where the accident occurred, the damage to your vehicle, and damage to any other vehicles or property. Ask the other driver to provide you with copies of their driver’s license and insurance card. Be sure also to take a photo of the vehicle’s license plate. You can contact your insurance company from the scene if you feel comfortable beginning the claims process. Most insurance companies allow you to do this directly from your phone via their app. 

For more questions on what to do after an accident or learn about our auto insurance offerings, give The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR a call to schedule a complimentary consultation. 

Common Auto Insurance Exclusions

Your auto insurance is a worthwhile investment covering numerous risks you encounter on and off the road. Unfortunately, auto insurance doesn’t cover all the risks you face. The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR sheds light on typical auto insurance exclusions.

Theft of personal belongings

Have you left a laptop in your car? You better have home or renters insurance to cover the loss should someone break your car and steal your electronics. Typical car insurance excludes losses and damage to personal assets unless you purchase a "rider" to cover personal belongings.

Customs parts and equipment

Like most car owners, you have modified your car to ensure it lives up to what you have always dreamt of. While nothing is wrong with "modding" your vehicle, it’s good to know that car insurance may not cover these custom parts. So, your customized sound system, chrome exhausts, forged internals, and custom-made leather seats may not be covered by your standard car insurance.

Accidents during commercial use

Are you using your car to run errands like pizza delivery? Beware! Unless you upgrade your personal auto insurance to commercial, your insurer won’t honor any damage or injuries resulting when carrying out business operations.

Racing events

If you use your car to race others, perform stunts, or do other "out of the ordinary" activities, your insurer won’t cover damage and injuries occurring in such events. However, you can purchase an "add-on" to participate in such activities.

Intentional damage

Any intentional damage to your car, including using your car as a weapon, won’t be covered by your insurer. So, think twice before getting involved in that road rage!

Learn more about car insurance in Waldron, AR

If you need an insurance partner to walk with you for all your car insurance needs, you can’t go wrong with The Owens Agency LLC.

Benefits of Trucking Insurance

Regardless of your experience and expertise in business, you can never predict the future with certainty. And because we are limited about what will happen in the future, that’s why we invest in insurance to keep our worries in check.

If you are in the trucking business, you know the kind of risks present in this ever-changing business. While your trucks are on the road like other vehicles, they are large and difficult to maneuver, posing a risk to your vehicle, driver and other road users. Therefore, to ensure your business runs smoothly in Waldron, AR, it’s pivotal to invest in trucking insurance from The Owens Agency LLC. 

Why should I invest in trucking insurance?

Investing in trucking insurance comes with many benefits. Some include:

  • Protects your truck: Your truck doesn’t come cheap. So, why would you be willing to take chances with your investment? Invest in trucking insurance to protect your truck when stolen or involved in an accident. Because you are never in control of what happens to your truck out there, let insurance take care of your interests.
  • Minimize financial losses: One simple mishap is enough to ruin your business finances. For instance, if your truck driver is at fault for an accident that results in the death of a road user, the ensuing liability claims can be too costly for your business to handle from its pocket.
  • Improves your business credibility: Taking risk management seriously can woo customers and suppliers alike. Insurance assures stakeholders that their interests are taken care of when disasters strike.
  • Promotes business continuity: Unless you have started your business for a short-term purpose, we all like to see our businesses thrive for as many years. Trucking insurance is your backup plan when disasters threaten your business.

Need to invest in trucking insurance in Waldron, AR? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with The Owens Agency LLC for an affordable quote.

Common questions you will be asked when buying home insurance in Waldron, AR?

Home insurance policies in Waldron, AR generally cover the destruction and damage to your home interiors and exteriors, theft of personal belongings, and liability arising from harm caused to others. Although a home insurance policy can be customized, the insurance company will want to ascertain the standard elements that are likely to affect your home to determine the insurer’s risk. The insurance company will also assess the risk associated with your residence by analyzing your past claim history and your home condition. To do this, here are a few common questions, The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron AR, will ask, to provide you with a suitable policy.

Common questions you will be asked when buying home insurance in Waldron AR?

What is the proximity of your house to the fire department?

If your house is located close to a highly rated fire department, you will likely pay less to have your home insured. The assumption held is that a home near a fire department is likely to receive immediate help, leading to more minor damage. This argument applies too if your house is located near a hydrant.

What is the age of your home?

While old homes can be quite beautiful, their ornate features, such as plaster walls, floors, and ceilings, tend to be expensive to replace. Plumbing and electrical systems tend to be unsafe and are more likely to get damaged.

Is your house near a source of water?

Standard home insurance policies in Waldron AR do cover flooding. If your home is near a source of water, the insurance company will recommend buying a separate flood insurance policy.

What is the quality of your home construction?

Our insurance company will evaluate if the house meets the current building codes in Waldron AR. Homes built using modern engineering building codes are likely to withstand disaster and cost less to insure.

Whatever your home insurance needs are, The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR, will customize a suitable policy for you. Reach out to our agents or visit our website for more information!

Do You Need Trucking Insurance for Your Company?

Staying Covered on the Road

Trucking insurance is a necessity that companies need to operate a single truck or many. In general, public liability insurance that has bodily injury and property damage is the minimum amount of insurance an owner operator needs. However, most owner operators and motor carriers require or elect to get additional coverage. Working with a knowledgeable insurance provider is the first step to getting quality coverage.

If you live in Waldron, AR, the experienced agents at The Owens Agency LLC are here to help you find high-quality trucking insurance for you and your company. 

Extended Coverage for Added Protection

Public liability insurance will protect you when they are at fault in an accident, but further coverage is often sought out to maximize protection. Some other types of policies that are commonly used for enhanced coverage are:

  • Cargo Insurance – This type of insurance covers the cargo that is hauled for damages. It is required by for-hire interstate owner-operators to do business.
  • Physical Damage – If a truck is financed, this kind of insurance will protect your rig from accidents on the road. It is useful even if a tractor and trailer is owned outright.
  • Bobtail – If you are employed under the authority of a motor carrier, you will need bobtail insurance. Owner-operators who have auto liability insurance are not required to get this type of coverage.

Quality Commercial Insurance in AR

Our team at The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR has years of experience helping companies get the right kind of trucking insurance for safe operations. We will work with you to tailor the perfect trucking insurance policy so you can rest assured you and your assets are protected.

Is Home Insurance Required in Arkansas?

Home insurance is one of the most important investments you can make as a homeowner. Unfortunate events do happen and insurance prepares you for the worst, particularly in the financial sense. Residents of Waldron, AR and the surrounding areas should be well informed on the benefits of home insurance and why it’s a smart financial move. The team at The Owens Agency LLC is here to help guide you through this process. 

Most lenders require home insurance as part of the mortgage contract you sign when purchasing a home. If you worked with a lender to secure a home loan, it’s very likely that they require insurance to protect the investment they’ve made in you.

But more than that, home insurance protects the most important asset in your life to date. A home is a huge responsibility and a massive financial investment. Failing to protect your home can lead to many different disastrous outcomes; the most common type being financial hardship or ruin. If disaster strikes and you’re without insurance, the out-of-pocket costs can be brutal to handle on your own. 

Insurance alleviates this headache by covering the majority of these costs. From natural disasters to dangerous weather, fire, theft, and more… home insurance is essential to protecting your home and your money, and to have peace of mind that if anything happens, you’re safe and your important asset is covered.  

If a new or updated policy sounds like something you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at The Owens Agency LLC. We’re proud to serve the residents of Waldron, AR as they navigate homeownership and we’re happy to help you find a policy that works for you and your family. Let’s talk! 

Different Trucking Insurance Coverages

If you want to become an owner-operator or offer trucking services, you have to consider trucking insurance. Your trucking insurance will depend on the type of truck, the kinds of goods carried, the experience of your driver and the level of risk involved.

Unsure where to start with trucking insurance? The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR has a guide on different trucking coverages you can consider.

  • Primary liability coverage: This coverage is mandatory in Arizona. It protects you against bodily injuries and property damage your truck causes to other people.
  • General liability: If your truck causes damages to another person’s property, this coverage comes to your rescue. For instance, if your truck damages a truck stop or delivery location, this coverage comes into play. It also covers delivery errors.
  • Physical damage: It has cost you money and time to finance your truck. As such, you need to protect your truck against perils like theft, accidents, vandalism, and natural disasters. Trucking insurance compensates you for repairs and even replacement of your truck following damage by a covered risk.
  • Motor truck cargo: This coverage covers the contents of your truck should it become stolen or damaged.
  • Bobtail / non-trucking liability: It covers you when your driver is using your truck for personal reasons or is off dispatch.
  • Medical payments: It covers the medical expenses of the driver and passengers following an accident.
  • Uninsured/underinsured: This coverage protects your truck should it collide with a motorist carrying insufficient or zero insurance.
  • Reefer breakdown coverage: If you own refrigerated trucks, this coverage protects you against lost cargo, refrigerator breakdown, damaged cargo, and so on.

Trucking Insurance in Waldron, AR

If you want to cushion yourself financially from costly bills should any of your truck is involved in an accident, you must invest in trucking insurance. Ready for trucking insurance? Get in touch with The Owens Agency LLC for an affordable quote.

4 Facts You Didn’t Know About Arizona Auto Insurance

How much do you know about Arizona auto insurance on a scale of 0 to 10? Whether it’s as low as 2 or 3, at The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR, we don’t judge. We understand that everyone starts somewhere. And when it comes to matters of auto insurance, we are happy to be the place you begin learning the ins and outs of insurance.

Here are the top four things you need to learn about Arizona auto insurance.

Arizona is a “fault” state

What does this even mean? We will explain. If you are involved in an accident, whose fault is another person, you can claim damages from your company (especially if the at-fault driver isn’t insured), claim from the other driver’s insurance, or sue to get compensation for damages and injuries suffered. 

You are required to maintain minimum liability coverage

You probably know that auto insurance is mandatory in Arizona, but do you understand the minimum requirements? You must include a bodily injury liability of $15,000 per person and $30,000 for collisions involving multiple persons. Besides, you need to purchase property damage liability of at least $10,000 to cover damage you cause to other people’s property. 

If you don’t meet these requirements, you could face numerous non-compliance fines and penalties. 

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) isn’t a requirement

Unlike some states, PIP coverage isn’t mandatory in Arizona. But do you know what this means? If you are involved in a hit-and-run incident or collide with a driver without insurance, you will have to pay out-of-pocket medical bills for injuries sustained in the accident.

It doesn’t cover the belongings in your car

Depending on your policy, your auto insurance covers you and your car, but not personal belongings lost or damaged while inside your vehicle. For that, you may need separate coverage like renter’s insurance.

Are you ready to get started with auto insurance in Waldron, AR, and its environs? Please get in touch with The Owens Agency LLC for an affordable quote.