The History of Auto Insurance

A Glimpse into the History of Auto Insurance

Given that cars are a relatively recent phenomenon, auto insurance is a comparably modern convention. Nonetheless, the concept of insurance bears a much longer history. In this piece, we will journey through the evolution of insurance, with a special focus on auto insurance. If you have inquiries about coverage or policy choices for auto insurance, feel free to contact Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc., which proudly serves Harrison, AR.

The Evolution of Insurance Through Ages

Insurance, in elemental forms, has been in existence for millennia. Going as far back as 1750 BC, there are mentions of insurance for sea shipping in the Code of Hammurabi. During the medieval era, trade guilds occasionally offered compensation if a member’s forge or other properties were destroyed by fire. With the increased global shipping in the 17th and 18th centuries, shipping insurance saw a boom. Subsequently, Ben Franklin started a fire insurance scheme in Philadelphia in 1751.

Moving forward, auto insurance came onto the scene comparatively later. The first automobile invention dates back to 1886, and by the turn of the 19th century, cars were becoming considerably common in some regions. The first auto insurance policy is believed to have been procured by Gilbert J. Loomis in 1897 in Ohio.

In 1925, Massachusetts took the lead as the first state to make auto insurance mandatory. New York followed suit in 1956, North Carolina in 1957, and by 1970, car insurance policies were required in most states. However, coverage mandates vary from state to state, so consulting with an insurance agent is advisable.

If you or your loved ones need guidance in selecting an auto insurance policy, reach out to the Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc., serving Harrison, AR, for assistance.

How does auto insurance in Arkansas protect me?

Car owners throughout the Harrison, AR area will find that owning a vehicle can make it far easier to get around the state and local community. While there are plenty of reasons to own a car, it is important to remember that it is an important responsibility. One aspect of owning a car that you need to take seriously is the need to get insurance. An auto insurance policy for your Arkansas vehicle will cover you in several ways. 

Covers Your Car

A great reason to have an auto insurance plan here is that it can cover your car. If you buy a vehicle here, you will need to ensure your investment is secure. The best way this is done is with insurance. When you have a comprehensive and full collision plan, you will get support to replace or repair your vehicle if it is stolen or damaged in any way. If you also have an auto loan, your lender will require you to carry full coverage. 

Liability Risk Mitigation

It is also a good idea to get auto coverage to mitigate your liability risks. Anyone who drives a car could cause a collision. If this happens to you, it will be your responsibility to cover the damages. Fortunately, if you do carry an auto insurance policy, you will have financial resources to cover these expenses. 

An auto insurance plan is a good investment due to the benefits that it provides to policyholders. If you want this insurance in the Harrison, AR area, you should call our team with Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. Our insurance team at Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. knows the value of this coverage and will ensure you choose the ideal policy that meets your needs. 

When Should You Update Your Auto Insurance Coverage?

When was the last time you thought about your auto insurance? If you’re not reviewing your policy annually, you could lose out on valuable coverage or pay extra for unnecessary coverage. Changes in your life or lifestyle could impact your auto insurance, and you may need to update your policy to maintain accurate coverage. At Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. in Harrison, AR, we’ve compiled a few examples of when it may be necessary to update your auto insurance.

Moved to a New Location

A move to a new city or state will require that you update your contact information on your policy. If you move from a rural to an urban area, you may want extra insurance protection to cover the risks of city driving. If you move out of state, you may need to update your policy to reflect the insurance requirements of your new state.

Adding Drivers to Your Household

New drivers to your household will need to be added to your insurance policy if they are driving your vehicle regularly. Putting them on your policy ensures they’re fully protected against any eventuality.

Retirement

If you’re driving less due to retirement, you may not need as much coverage as when you had a daily commute to and from work. Talk to your agent about updating your coverage to reflect new driving habits. Reducing your coverage could save you money in the long run.

Change of Vehicle

A change of vehicle will require an update to your insurance coverage. If you’re financing a new vehicle, your lender may require more extensive coverage to protect his investment. You can discuss coverage options with our agent to ensure you get the protection you need.

For help updating your auto insurance policy, contact Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. in Harrison, AR.

Three mistakes to avoid when you buy auto insurance in Arkansas

Getting auto insurance is important for vehicle owners driving on roads in Harrison, AR. When looking for a policy, consider the auto insurance coverage offered by Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. to meet your insurance needs.

Unfortunately, consumers sometimes make auto insurance mistakes that lead to negative consequences down the road. The following are three mistakes to avoid when you buy auto insurance in Arkansas. 

Being unaware of minimum coverage requirements in Arkansas

In Arkansas, there are specific liability coverage requirements in effect. Motorists need to meet these minimum coverage requirements at least.

In Arkansas, motorists are required to carry $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person per accident and $25,000 in property damage coverage. 

Purchasing only liability coverage

Law only requires you to carry liability coverage on your Arkansas auto insurance policy. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carry other types of coverage. 

If you want to make sure that your auto insurance policy adequately protects your vehicle’s value, you should add comprehensive and collision coverage to your insurance policy. 

Buying a policy before you compare quotes

Getting quotes on auto insurance policies is crucial to becoming aware of all available options. The auto insurance policy you choose is important and can impact your future finances.

That’s why you need to carefully evaluate a few different quotes. Evaluate quotes not only based on their cost but also the amount of coverage that they will provide you with. 

We can provide you with a quote on an Arkansas auto insurance policy at Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. Call us today to learn about the auto insurance offers we provide to consumers in Harrison, AR. 

Add these features to your Arkansas auto insurance policy

Residents in Harrison, AR, and the surrounding area can count on the team at Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. for all of their auto insurance needs. Call or stop by our office today to find out more.

Add these features to your auto policy.

There are a lot of great features that are now available with common auto insurance policies. If you want to maximize the benefits of your new auto policy, consider adding one or all of these great features:

  • Declining premium – your premium will decrease every year you go without an accident or claim. There are even some carriers that offer zero-payment policies with this feature. A declining premium is a must-have for all of the safe drivers out there!
  • Car rental coverage – no one wants to be without transportation, which is true when your car is in the shop after an accident. Check out this feature that can prevent you from having to come out of pocket for car rental expenses. 
  • Roadside assistance – if you are ever caught on the side of the road because of a breakdown or accident, you’ll want to have roadside assistance ready to go. When you add this feature to your policy, you can rest assured that you’ll receive prompt service from providers approved by your insurance carrier. 

These are just a few of the many worthwhile features that are available with your auto insurance policy. Why not find out more about these excellent services and others that are available?

Give us a call today!

Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. is here to help the greater Harrison, AR community with all of its insurance needs. If you have questions about auto insurance, give us a call today.

Why basic auto insurance may not be the right choice for you

Most states have basic auto insurance requirements that you must meet to drive your vehicle, and Arkansas is no exception. At Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. in Harrison, AR, we understand the temptation to carry the bare minimum auto insurance, but we also understand the risks, and we can share our experience with our customers to help them to make the right choice for them. 

In Arkansas, basic auto insurance is strictly liability coverage. The required amount is 25/50/25. This provides $25,000 for one person injured in an accident and a total of $50,000 for two or more people injured. It also allows for $25,000 for damaged property. While this is adequate coverage, it may not be enough to protect you in a severe accident. 

If you have a car loan or you are leasing your vehicle, you will not be able to get away with just having basic auto insurance. You need protection for the car as well. 

If like many people, you don’t live somewhere that has excellent public transportation, you require your vehicle to get around for the daily activities of life. If that vehicle was unavailable to you because it had been damaged in an accident where you were responsible or a hit and run, would you be able to pay for the repairs to get it back on the road? If your auto was damaged by flooding or another weather-related event, or if it was stolen, would you be able to replace it easily? If your answer is no, this is one excellent reason to carry more than just basic auto insurance. 

Contact Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. in Harrison, AR for all your auto insurance needs. We will answer all your questions and provide a free quote as well. 

Accident with an uninsured driver: Dos and Don’ts

While nearly all states in America require drivers to have the minimum liability car insurance, there are still drivers behind wheels without insurance driving on public roads. According to a study by the Insurance Research Council, one in eight drivers doesn’t have auto insurance. So what are your options if hit by an uninsured driver? This article outlines the dos and don’ts to help you obtain compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver.

Do: Call the police immediately

Your first step to getting fully compensated for your injuries or losses is calling the police. Your insurance provider will rely on this report when seeking compensation if they cover the damages. At Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. we also recommend getting the name of the police officer who interrogates you at the scene.

Don’t:  Move the car

Whether the accident happened on the highway or a small less busy road in Harrison, AR, never move your car until you are done with the police report. Altering the scene before the police arrive can heavily impact your compensation process.

Do: Get contact details of the other driver

The other driver might not have their insurance details as they don’t have insurance in the first place, but they have their personal contact details that you can use to reach them. Don’t forget to take details of a witness as their statements will be beneficial during the claim process.

Don’t:  Accept money

The other driver may try to offer you money to avoid legal repercussions. They could face some hefty fines and fees or even have their driving license revoked. Never accept money even if the deal seems too good. Remember you cannot estimate the damages or injury costs at the moment.

Do: Document the damage

Take pictures and videos of the two vehicles. You will need them when reporting the accident to your insurance provider.

Not sure whether you have enough auto insurance? Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. can help you protect yourself, your loved ones and other motorists with quality auto insurance. Let us help you get the most out of your policy. Call us today or visit our Harrison, AR offices.

What could happen if I do not have auto insurance in Arkansas?

People that live in the Harrison, AR area will find owning a vehicle is a good idea as it will make it much easier to get around the community. If you are going to own a car when you are in this area, you also need to get auto insurance. This coverage is required in practically all situations and offers great protection. There are a few things that could happen if you do not have this coverage. 

Be Responsible for Damages and Losses

A key reason that you should have insurance is that it will give you financial protection if you cause an accident or incur a loss. If you are responsible for an accident, you will need to pay damages out of pocket. Further, if your vehicle is stolen or damaged, you will want to have coverage to help you replace it. If you do not have insurance, you will need to cover all of these costs out of your own savings. 

Legal Penalties

In Arkansas, all drivers are obligated to have auto insurance at all times. If you do not have this coverage in place, you could face various penalties. Those that are caught without insurance could be fined and may even lose their right to drive temporarily. Further, you could be in default of an auto loan if you don’t maintain this coverage. 

When you are a vehicle owner in the Harrison, AR area, it will be very important that you continue to take your insurance needs seriously. The team with Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. can continue to provide you with the support needed to assess your insurance situation and needs. Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. is able to do this by taking a personalized approach and offering the right guidance while you are selecting your next plan.

What Legal Risks Do I Take if I Drive Without Insurance in Harrison, AR?

People don’t spend a lot of time thinking about their auto insurance. In fact, until they have a fender-bender or need something repaired, they rarely consider it at all. But it is a good idea to think about it if you want to make sure you are following the law in your state.

Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc. reminds you that Insurance laws are allocated to the states so it’s important to note that insurance laws vary from state to state. If you live in Arkansas for example, you need to know that the mandatory requirements are:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage
  • $50,000 per accident
  • $25,000 property damage per person

Alternative coverage includes:

  • $25,000 Underinsured and uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage 
  • $50,000 per accident
  • $25,000 Underinsured and uninsured property damage per person

These alternative coverages are not mandated, but it’s a good idea to consider carrying uninsured and underinsured insurance in the event you are involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured motorist. If you have this coverage, your insurance will pay for your repairs and medical bills if the other party’s insurance doesn’t. 

Penalties for not carrying the minimums

The required insurance coverages are not negotiable. In Harrison Arkansas (or anywhere else in the state of Arkansas), penalties for failure to carry the required insurance are:

  • Mandatory fines ranging from $50-$250 per incident for the first offense
  • $250-$500 for the second offense
  • $500-$1000 for the third offense

Beyond that, you can also be subject to paying additional court fees and costs including jail time up to one year. You could even lose your license permanently if you are involved in an accident while uninsured.

Keep it in Your Car

Not only do you need to make sure you are carrying the minimums, but you are also required by Arkansas law to keep a copy of your proof of insurance in your car. If you do not have this in your glove compartment when pulled over, you will pay additional fines for failure to carry it in your vehicle. 

Why Risk It?

Arkansas is one of the many states that require auto insurance. It’s really not worth the risk to not carry it. So study the minimums and make sure you have the basic requirements covered. Then discuss your personal insurance needs with the professionals with Foresee General Insurance Agency Inc in Harrison, AR.

Learn About Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is a special kind of monthly expense. It is probably one of your only expenses that are required by law. This makes auto insurance especially important, and it makes getting a good deal even more important. At Foresee General Insurance Agency, Inc., serving Harrison, AR, we want to help our clients and future clients make the best insurance choices. This is why we strive to provide great insurance information during the process. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about auto insurance. 

Why Is Auto Insurance So Important?

Driving can be risky. If you are involved in a wreck, you can sustain injuries that could cause thousands of dollars of medical expenses, not to mention your vehicle’s possible damage or loss. This could happen to you at no fault of your own, but you are still left financially vulnerable. Insurance policies strive to eliminate this financial risk. You may still get in a car accident, but if everyone in the accident were covered by insurance, you would not need to worry about paying for repairs or replacing your car. Medical bills will also be taken care of. This provides financial protection and peace of mind, which are crucial to our economy. 

What Does Auto Insurance Cover?

Auto insurance will provide coverage in the following general areas:

  • Comprehensive/Collision – This type of insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your car if it is lost or damaged due to natural disaster, accident, or theft. 
  • Liability – This type of coverage will cover any expenses that might result if you caused a wreck. This can include repairs and replacement of the other car or medical bills. 

If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact Foresee General Insurance Agency, Inc., serving Harrison, AR.