In the late 1940’s, the dream of two men in Walnut Ridge was to open an Insurance and Real Estate office.
The Lawrence Insurance Agency was founded in 1948 by two respected community leaders—D. Leonard Lingo, a prominent attorney with Ponder & Lingo, and Robert H. Smith, Sr., a farmer and banker. The agency began its journey in Walnut Ridge, sharing office space with the Ponder & Lingo Law Office.
As the agency grew, it relocated to the First National Bank on Main Street, where it remained a trusted presence for many years.
In 1968, the second generation stepped in when Ted Coker was named managing partner of the Insurance and Real Estate division, marking a new era of leadership and growth.
The tradition continued with the third generation. In 1981, David Coker joined the agency, further strengthening its family legacy. With expansion came the need for more space, prompting a move in 1986 to our current location at 124 W. Main Street in Walnut Ridge.
The early 2000s brought even more growth. In 2000 and 2005, we acquired established insurance agencies in Paragould and Pocahontas, rebranding them as Coker Insurance.
Today, our team of experienced agents brings over 165 years of combined service to the industry. Through generations of dedicated leadership, we’ve built a legacy of trust, expertise, and community commitment.
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.