The Williams Insurance Group

09/09/2025

Thinking of buying an electric vehicle? Think again.

According to a recent article published in the PIA National Newsline, one of the hidden costs of EV ownership is the price of insurance. On average, insurance costs for EV's are 49% higher than for gas-powered cars. The spike is tied to higher vehicle values, repair complexity, and limited EV service and repair availability.

Insurance premiums vary by region. In low-adoption states like Arkansas, rates can be nearly double, while in EV-heavy states like California, increases are more modest at 15% - 31%.

Author of the original report, Julia Taliesin, commented that "Battery-powered cars cost more to insure because they have higher sticker prices, are more easily damaged and require specific parts for repairs. A fender bender that would be a simple fix on a traditional vehicle could require an expensive and lengthy repair on an EV to mend the battery and recalibrate the car and its sensors."

08/11/2025

If you've been thinking that driverless care should help improve auto insurance rates, think again. This technology opens up a whole new can of worms regarding legal liability for operation of a motor vehicles. Check out this excerpt from a recent article which I ran across:

"A federal jury held Tesla partly responsible for a deadly crash in Florida, where a driver using the car’s Autopilot driver assist technology hit a couple who was out stargazing. The driver was distracted by his cellphone. The automaker must pay the victims more than $240 million in damages because the jury ruled that Tesla bore significant responsibility because its technology failed.

This case could have significant implications for the auto industry because a finding of Tesla liability despite a driver’s admission of reckless behavior would pose significant legal risks for every company as they develop cars that increasingly drive themselves."

11/14/2024

Just read an interesting article that got me to thinking about our insurance rates in Louisiana.

According to the author (a trusted source research writer), more than $23 Billion was paid out in 2020 and 2021 on more than 800,000 property claims filed in the wake of hurricanes Laura and Ida. Google tells me that there are about 1.7 million households in the state. That would mean that, on average, almost half of the households incurred a claim during those years.

Where auto insurance is concerned, Louisiana's accident frequency is 16% higher than the national average. Two out of every four (auto) property damage claims results in a bodily injury claim. That is double the national average of 25%. Attorney involvement on Louisiana auto claims is 24% higher than the national average.

When you look at the big picture, is it any wonder that rates in Louisiana rank among the highest in the US?

10/22/2024

Don't be a "Deer in the Headlights" !

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the most common time of year for deer-vehicle collisions is the period from October through December.

Do you know what to do if a deer runs out in front of your vehicle?
Check out some tips on "How to Avoid Hitting a Deer" at the following link:

You're driving on a winding road, spending time with family and friends, when a deer pops out in front of you. How do you respond to such an unpredictable event?

04/29/2024

Monday, April 29, 2024

Power and phones are out at our office as a result of last night's storms. No estimate yet from SWEPCO on a restoration timeline.

If you need to file a claim, please report your loss directly to the insurance company using the number shown below.

Travelers 800-252-4633
Safeco 800-332-3226
Progressive 800-274-4499
Farmers/Foremost 800-435-7764
National General 800-468-3466
Hartford 800-243-5860
La Citizens 877-815-5005

In addition, most claims may also be reported online at the insurance carrier website (assuming you have power).

Remember, if you incur a loss, your policy authorizes you to make temporary repairs that might be necessary to protect the property and prevent further damage. Take pictures and save your receipts for reimbursement.

Stay safe.

04/28/2024

Are you unknowingly sharing your driving habits?

Although this warning was issued by the Connecticut Insurance Department, it's something that can affect everyone, no matter where you live. The short version of this announcement goes something like this....

Certain vehicles equipped with electronic features such as GPS or emergency services connectivity may enable your driving data to be collected and sold to third parties, including insurance companies. Consumers may not realize that they have approved this when purchasing a new vehicle. The terms of your purchase agreement may allow for automatic enrollment in a data collection program operated by the vehicle manufacturer.

The department suggests caution when purchasing a vehicle or downloading any vehicle related apps.

1) Review the vehicle sales agreement and look for terms or conditions regarding the sale of information or use of apps.
2) Look for information about data collection and opt-out options.
3) Review the settings/configurations and of your vehicle's infotainment system, telematics features, and connected services.
4) Disable features or permissions that you're uncomfortable with.

On the flip of all this, many insurance companies are now offering discounts to customers to who allow the monitoring of some of their driving habits. If you have safe driving habits and are not taking advantage of this option, give us a call to find out how much you might save on your auto insurance premiums.

06/17/2023

Like many other local individuals and businesses, our office has been affected by the storms during the early morning hours on Friday. We are presently receiving a projected date for resumption of power and internet at our office for next Friday, June 23rd. In the meantime, phones have been forwarded to my mobile number, however, I am also displaced as my home has also been affected and is without power.

We are working to establish temporary operations at a remote site until all services are fully restored. Please continue to call our main office number for service and be sure to leave a message if you are greeted with a recording. We promise to return your call as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience as we all work through this difficult time. We appreciate your business.

06/13/2023

Ouch! My Homeowners Insurance went up--Again!

Why home and auto insurance rates are continuing to rise in 2023

Thanks to an unusual convergence of market trends, ushered in by the pandemic and followed by other disruptive events, you may see a bigger change to the cost of your home and auto insurance than usual when it comes time to renew your policies this year.

Insurance rates are based on what an insurer thinks it will cost to make you whole in the event of a loss – whether it’s roof damage during a windstorm or a vehicle totaled during a traffic accident. As you’ve likely noticed, pretty much everything costs more than it did even a few years ago.

What’s driving higher home insurance costs?

If you’ve shopped at Home Depot or Lowe’s lately, you’ve certainly seen that the price tags on building materials have gotten pretty expensive. Last year, the cost of building materials rose 4.7%, reflecting a particularly strong uptick in prices on things like asphalt shingles (16.2%), concrete blocks (18.5%) and drywall (20.4%).

To make matters worse, the home-building industry is facing a shortfall of more than 300,000 skilled laborers, which is driving up construction-related labor costs. Combined with the high cost of construction materials and historically low housing inventory, this has been making home claims much more expensive for insurance companies.

Focus on value as you explore ways to save

Keep in mind that savings come in many forms. The value of the coverage you choose today may save you more in the long run than the lowest possible premium.

Contact us to review your current coverage. We’ll help you explore opportunities for discounts that could offset higher rates when it comes time to renew.

06/03/2022

Great new affordable Pet Insurance program introduced this past week by Safeco/Liberty Mutual. Send me a message or email if you're interested and we'll get some information to you. Be sure to put "Pet Insurance" in the subject line.

10/29/2020

Have you been ticketed for speeding recently?

While accounts vary, several sources cite that the first known speeding ticket was issued in 1896 to Walter Arnold of England. He clocked in at 8 miles per hour in a 2 mile per hour zone and earned a fine of one shilling.

AutomotiveHistory.org

10/29/2020

No matter how you plan to celebrate Halloween this year, we hope you have a fun and safe Halloween.

09/03/2020

This music teacher wrote a song about coping with the pandemic. We can all identify with her words.....