Welcome to Coker Insurance – A Legacy of Trust and Service
Our story began in the late 1940s with the shared dream of two visionary leaders in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. In 1948, the Lawrence Insurance Agency was founded by D. Leonard Lingo, a respected attorney with Ponder & Lingo, and Robert H. Smith, Sr., a well-known farmer and banker. The agency opened its doors from a small shared office with the Ponder & Lingo Law Firm.
As the agency grew, it relocated to the First National Bank on Main Street, where it became a trusted name in the community for decades.
In 1968, a new chapter began as Ted Coker became managing partner of the Insurance and Real Estate division, ushering in the second generation of leadership. The legacy continued in 1981 when David Coker joined the agency, reinforcing the family’s commitment to excellence and community service. Andrew Coker began his career in insurance in 2020 along with Will Coker in 2024 for a total of five generations of family leadership.
With continued growth came the need for more space. In 1986, the agency moved to its current location at 124 W. Main Street in Walnut Ridge.
Expansion didn’t stop there. In 2000, 2005 and 2018 we acquired established agencies in Paragould and Pocahontas, proudly rebranding them as Coker Insurance.
Today, our experienced team brings over 167 years of combined industry expertise. We remain committed to providing trusted insurance solutions—built on generations of leadership, local knowledge, and dedication to the people we serve.
Why do business with Coker Insurance?
Unlike captive or direct insurance companies that can only offer their own proprietary products, our agency is 100% independent. This distinction is more important than many insurance consumers realize.
When it comes to protecting what matters most, it’s crucial to work with an agency that has deep knowledge of a wide range of insurance products, carriers, and underwriting guidelines—not just those of a single company.
Ultimately, what truly sets one agent apart from another is their ability to proactively service policyholders, along with their expertise in the insurance industry, products, and the unique situations that clients may face.
Independent Agent Vs. The Rest
Here is a quick comparison of the differences between an independent agency like us, and the various other types of companies that are out there:
If you’d like to get started with a complimentary quote and/or policy review, we’d be happy to help you any way we can. Simply complete the fields below to get started online in a matter of seconds.
We appreciate the opportunity to help you, and look forward to servicing your insurance needs! Feel free to call us directly if you have more detailed questions.