Does Your State Have any Auto Insurance Laws That Effect You While You Travel?

Whether it is the call of the open road, business travel, or an emergency road trip, it is prudent to check if your state’s laws differ from the state you are traveling to and through before your trip. At The Owens Agency, LLC, we can help make sure you are fully protected, no matter where you roam. We serve Waldron, AR, and the surrounding areas.

How Can Crossing State Lines Effect My Auto Insurance? 

As a general rule, crossing state lines will have little effect on your auto insurance and most states laws are very similar when it comes to driving that there are no emergent risks. However, some situations merit discussion if you plan on traveling out of state because you can be left unprotected in some circumstances. 

One way insurance can be effected in another state is if you break the law while driving. You may end up being more liable for an accident than if you got in the same accident in a state without the same law. An example is in Iowa. Drivers are required to give utility trucks the right of way if their lights are on. This law is not common across the nation, but if an accident occurs while not following that law, even if breaking the law did not cause it, you can be held accountable (liable) in some cases. This can affect your claim for that accident. 

Contact us at The Owens Agency, LLC if you want to purchase a new auto policy, upgrade your current policy before a trip, or if you have any questions. We serve the drivers in and around Waldron, AR with all of their insurance needs. 

What are My Auto Insurance Requirements?

Driving a car on a daily basis is a necessity for many people. When you are looking to drive a vehicle in the Waldron, AR area, it is important that you understand what your auto insurance requirements are. For those that are in the area, several factors should be considered when you are trying to determine what your requirements for insurance coverage include.

Minimum Requirements

When you are looking for an auto insurance policy in Arkansas, you should first consider the state requirements. Similar to all states, Arkansas will require that you carry liability coverage whenever you are on the road. In Arkansas, you will be required to carry a personal property damage coverage of at least $25,000 per incident plus bodily injury coverage of at least $50,000 per incident. This is only liability coverage and will not buy any protection for your vehicle.

Collision and Comprehensive

In the state of Arkansas, you are not required to carry collision and comprehensive insurance coverage. However, if you have a loan or a lease on the vehicle, it likely will be required by the finance company. It is important to carefully consider your entire lease or loan document to make sure that you comply with it when you are buying a new auto insurance policy. This will provide you with a variety of different coverage types on top of liability.

When you are trying to determine your auto insurance requirements in the Waldron, AR area, it would be very beneficial to speak with The Owens Agency, LLC. When you meet with The Owens Agency, LLC, our insurance agents will be able to review your personal situation and determine what your insurance requirements are. We will also be able to provide you with a recommended policy that meets your coverage needs. Contact us for a quote.

What are My Auto Insurance Requirements?

Driving a car is a practical necessity for many people. For those that are in the Waldron, AR area, driving a car on a daily basis is commonplace. Since these assets are so valuable, making sure they are properly covered by insurance is beneficial. When looking for a new auto insurance policy, there are several requirements that need to be taken into consideration.  

State Liability Minimum Requirements

The first requirement that drivers in Arkansas need to consider is the state liability minimum requirements. When driving a car in Arkansas, you will need to have a liability insurance policy in place that will provide you with up to $25,000 of personal property coverage and bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 per individual with a max of $50,000 per incident.  

Additional Coverage Requirements

While the state of Arkansas will only require you to carry the minimum liability insurance, you may also be required to carry collision and comprehensive coverage. These types of coverage will provide you with coverage in a variety of situations including if your car is damaged in an accident, if your vehicle is stolen or vandalized, or if you are in an accident involving an animal. Most auto lenders and lease providers will require you to carry this insurance.  

For those that are in the Waldron, AR area and would like to understand their insurance requirements and needs better, one great company to talk to is The Owens Agency, LLC. When you meet with The Owens Agency, LLC you will receive a lot of insight and input into what the basic requirements are for you to comply with the state laws and your loan agreement. Reach out to our agents to get a quote or try our online rating tool for a quote on auto insurance.

3 Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance Premiums

People in Mena and Waldron, AR are always looking for ways to save some money. It might surprise the people of Arkansas to know that auto insurance rates in the state are some of the lowest in the United States. Allen Kerr, Arkansas Insurance Commissioner, announced these findings of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in January of 2018.

The Owens Agency, LLC has played its part in keeping rates for auto insurance low in Arkansas. We feel one of our most important assets is tapping the wealth of agents with local experience.

The laws of Arkansas demand that certain minimums for bodily injury and property damage are maintained for any vehicle. These are three ways you can lower your auto insurance premiums and stay legal.

Let an Agency Shop for You

Do not shop for a better deal on your own. The easiest way to find a lower insurance premium is to deal with an agency that represents a number of the top firms in the country. You can get an immediate comparison of rates for the same coverage. This helps to make a decision simple and fast.

Higher deductible

Selecting a higher deductible has a dramatic impact on your premium. This method of premium reduction does not work for all people. Some very expensive cars are not suitable for this method. Younger drivers are not allowed to use a lower deductible due to a higher frequency of accidents.

Drive safely

Your premium will decrease if you drive without an accident. The longer that you drive accident free, the more your premium will go down. Your auto insurance premium will never get to zero. Safe driving does pay in reduced rates. The insurance company would instead give you a break on your premium than pay for an accident because the premium cut costs less.

The Owens Agency, LLC in Waldron, AR is more than happy to find a way to help you lower your auto insurance premiums. Call us at 479-637-2207 to discuss options that can reduce your premiums.

 

Does Auto Insurance Cover Your Windshield?

Here at The Owens Agency, LLC in Waldron, AR, one of the questions that we are often asked in relation to auto insurance is whether windshields are covered under an auto insurance policy. Here is a bit of information that you will want to know if you have this question. 

Windshields Are Included

Windshields are covered under your auto insurance policy. If a rock flies up and cracks your windshield or if it shatters due to a car accident, you can file an insurance claim and have the windshield repaired or replaced. However, many people are under the impression that they are not included as part of an auto insurance policy because often the cost of the deductible exceeds the cost of the windshield repair or replacement cost. In this case, it makes no sense to file an insurance claim, leading many to believe it is not covered. 

Windshields Can Have Their Own Deductibles

In some cases, windshields or auto glass has its own deductible. This deductible may apply specifically to your auto glass and is lower than your regular auto insurance deductible. This helps to make it easier for you to afford windshield repairs or replacement. If you are wondering if you have a separate deductible for auto glass, be sure to read your policy. If you do, it will be clearly stated. If you cannot find this information in the policy, it is because you likely do not have a separate deductible for auto glass or your windshield.

If you are in the market for a new auto insurance policy or are looking to price out policies with auto glass coverage, contact The Owens Agency, LLC in Waldron, AR today. We would love to put together a plan for you and provide you with an estimate. Contact us today to get started. 

 

3 Auto Insurance Myths to Stop Believing Today

If you’re in the market for an auto insurance policy, one phrase comes to mind: "buyers beware." Although it seems fairly cut and dry, there are quite a few things to consider before purchasing an auto insurance policy. That said, the following is an overview of 3 of the top auto insurance myths you should stop believing ASAP.

If Your Car is Totaled Your Insurance Company Will Pay It Off

While many believe this to be true, insurance companies actually offer fair market value, which is drastically different from the value of the car. Therefore, for those who total a newer car, you may still be on the hook with regards to paying at least part of that loan.

Your Credit Doesn’t Affect Your Premium

While many believe your credit rating has no bearing on your insurance premiums, this is also false. In fact, most states allow insurance companies to access this information as a means of making their decision. 

Your Premiums Will Get Higher with Age

While many think a loss of mobility and other things that come with age are a good reason for rising premiums, the opposite is true. Given that older drivers are often more settled and experienced than younger ones, those over 55 years of age typically enjoy significantly reduced premiums and other perks. 

Overall, let The Owens Agency, LLC be your new insurance choice. Hailing out of Waldron, AR, we offer highly qualified staff, competitive rates, quick quotes, and much more. So, if you live or work in the Waldron, AR area, stop by The Owens Agency, LLC to find out how you can start your policy immediately and feel that sense of security.