Importance of trucking insurance

Trucking companies across the country have a lot of risks and expenses. Trucking insurance can help cover the costs of damage and other problems that could occur. We will talk about what trucking insurance is and why trucking companies must have it.

What is trucking insurance?

Trucking insurance has more to it than regular auto insurance or commercial auto insurance. There are more risks of accidents and damage occurring due to driver fatigue, delivery deadlines, handling heavy vehicles, and driving long distances. You can choose from various types of coverage to suit your trucking insurance needs.

General or public liability

Just like auto insurance, public liability coverage is required by most states. This covers the driver and the company in case they get into an accident and damage someone’s property or injure another person. Liability coverage will cover the cost of repairs and medical expenses related to the accident.

Physical damage coverage

Physical damage coverage protects the truck and trailer in the event of accidents, natural disasters, vandalism, theft, and many other situations that could occur.

Cargo insurance

Cargo insurance is basically what it sounds like. It covers the products or cargo that the truck is carrying. If something happens, and the goods or product is damaged, then the cost is still covered, so you don’t lose as much money from the lost cargo.

Bobtail insurance

This covers drivers that are under independent contracts when they are not in the process of hauling trailers or products.

Contact Us

If you run a trucking company, you might want to consider some of the trucking insurance coverage types listed above. Contact us at The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR for more information regarding trucking insurance.

Home Insurance Tips for Pet Owners

If you’re a pet owner in Waldron, AR, The Owens Agency LLC knows they can be like family members. And just like any other family member, you want to ensure they’re safe and taken care of. So taking simple precautions to protect your pet and home is essential.

While home insurance can provide peace of mind in certain types of accidents, preventing damage can save you time and money. Here are some tips for avoiding unwelcome surprises:

1. Provide Proper Training

Train your pet to obey basic commands and avoid furniture, carpeting, and other belongings. This will help prevent damage caused by chewing or scratching.

2. Keep Doors and Windows Secure

Ensure all windows are closed securely when you’re not home, and keep doors locked. This will help prevent unexpected visitors while you’re away.

3. Install Fences and Gates

Depending on the size of your pet, it may be a good idea to install fences and gates around your property. This will keep them securely enclosed and reduce the risk of damaging your home or belongings.

4. Keep Your Home Clean

Regularly vacuum, dust, and clean your home to prevent the buildup of pet hair and dander. This will reduce the risk of allergies and health issues caused by poor indoor air quality.

5. Schedule Vet Visits

Keep up with regular vet visits, so your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. This will reduce the risk of any illnesses or diseases that could be hazardous to your pet and home.

Owens Agency LLC wants you to enjoy your pet without worrying about potential risks. Following these tips will help you keep your home and pet safe. Contact us today for more information on home insurance for pet owners in Waldron, AR.

Most States Require Auto Insurance

Did you know that 48 states in the country require a licensed driver to have car insurance? Only Virginia and New Hampshire are exempt. If you live in or around the Waldron, AR area, The Owens Agency LLC can provide you with the needed coverage.

Why is auto insurance so vital? One of the most important reasons is that it provides financial protection. If you cause an accident, you will probably be responsible for all its costs. This includes the injured person’s medical costs, lost wages if they cannot work, and any legal fees that may result. Liability coverage helps to pay for these costs that would otherwise have to be paid out of pocket, putting a strain on your finances.

A policy comprises various types of coverage, offering either minimum or full coverage. It is based on your car, needs, driving habits, and budget. For example, a driver with an older vehicle that is paid for can purchase liability coverage and roadside assistance only.

However, a driver with a newer, more expensive vehicle will need liability but will also want collision, comprehensive, gap insurance, and roadside assistance. Regardless of how safe a driver you are, while driving, you will constantly be exposed to risk due to another’s negligence.

Don’t wait until you get into a situation where you need to file a claim. The consequences of having an accident without insurance can mean financial loss and severe mental stress. It is also against the law. Car insurance will help relieve the financial setbacks associated with an accident.

If you live in or around Waldron, AR, allow the insurance professionals at The Owens Agency LLC to provide you with a quote or answer any questions you may have. Contact them today. You will be glad you did.

Does your policy provide adequate protection for your trucking company’s drivers?

The Owens Agency LLC is here to provide trucking companies located in the Waldron, AR area with the necessary trucking insurance. Contact our office today, and let’s set up an appointment to review your insurance needs.

Protect your drivers with comprehensive trucking insurance

A successful trucking company will have many insurance needs. This is due to the number of employees and drivers necessary to keep a trucking company going, along with the cost of equipment and vehicles. This is why trucking companies should review their commercial insurance policies daily.

Protecting your drivers with a robust policy can also help to protect the firm from liability exposure. Another component of this approach is to have sufficient worker’s compensation insurance. All of these policies together can provide the protection necessary to keep a trucking business protected now and in the future.

Trucking insurance provides coverage for accidents, vehicle damage, and theft. Every policy can differ, so it’s essential to understand precisely what coverage a policy provides and what is excluded. To ensure that your company has the protection it needs, it can be helpful to sit down with an insurance professional to determine your unique needs. This will allow you to determine which policy type is right for your needs. This discussion will also help you calculate the level of protection necessary for the company.

We look forward to working with you!

Protect the truckers and decrease the liability exposure of your Arkansas company with a robust trucking insurance policy. The Owens Agency LLC is here to answer any questions and review the available options with you. Contact our office in Waldron, AR today and find out more.

Fire Prevention Tips for Your Home

A house fire can damage a home and belongings and, more importantly, create extreme danger for people and pets. Here are some fire prevention tips for your home, courtesy of The Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR.

Install smoke detectors

No matter how large or small, every home should have adequate and adequately positioned smoke detectors. There should be a smoke detector on each level of the home, including one in or outside each bedroom. Also, it is essential to check and replace smoke detector batteries often. Test them at least monthly.

Limit or eliminate sources of fires

It is also important to limit or eliminate sources of fires, such as candles, fireplaces, and cigarette smoking. Never leave a candle or fireplace fire unattended; keep each fireplace adequately cleaned and maintained.

Be careful in the kitchen.

The kitchen is a common source of a house fire. Be extra cautious while cooking on the stove and in the oven. Never leave a stove or oven unattended when it is on because a fire could start, and no one would be there to notice it immediately.

Check electrical connections

Another common source of home fires is electrical wiring, such as worn electrical cords. Closely check electrical cords, plugs, and so on. Discontinue using any electrical item that is having any problem. Also, never overload an electrical outlet with too many items.

Have a fire escape plan that you practice with everyone in your household. If a fire does occur in your home, leave home immediately, do not go back inside the house, and call for help.

There are many other ways to prevent home fires, but these tips are an excellent start. Contact The Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR for further information on keeping your home safe and protected.

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.