Allen Kerr

05/28/2026

Honoring Mel Anderson on his retirement from the Arkansas Insurance Department this week.

Mel has been one of the most respected and accomplished financial regulators in the country, and Arkansas has been fortunate to benefit from his leadership, professionalism, and steady approach for many years.

One of the highlights of my time as Commissioner was seeing Mel recognized with the prestigious NAIC Robert Dineen Award in 2018. The award honors insurance department professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the regulation of insurance and to advancing the regulatory profession nationwide. It was a well-deserved recognition for someone who has quietly worked behind the scenes for decades, protecting consumers and strengthening state-based regulation.

Mel truly was “the best kept secret in financial regulation across the nation.”

Congratulations, Mel, on an incredible career and retirement. Thank you for your friendship, leadership, and service to Arkansas and the insurance industry. Wishing you and your family all the best in your truly earned retirement!

05/20/2026

God bless our fallen heroes, their families, and the United States of America!
Memorial Day is more than the start of summer. It is a time to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of those who fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.
May we never forget the cost of liberty, and may we always honor the families and loved ones who carry that sacrifice forward.

04/20/2026

Great time at the Summit for Insurance Excellence in Oklahoma City supporting a great cause.
Enjoyed the interview with Australian golf legend David Graham by Jim Kelly, and connecting with Congresswoman Stephanie Bice and industry leaders.
Best part was hearing valuable insights from Commissioners Glen Mulready and Dean Cameron - great perspective on where the industry is headed.

04/03/2026

Good Friday is a time to pause and reflect on sacrifice, humility, and the weight of doing what is right, even when it is difficult.
Easter Sunday reminds us that there is always hope on the other side of that sacrifice.
Wishing you and your family a meaningful Good Friday and a blessed Easter.

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
In my experience, long-term success comes less from luck and more from discipline, good judgment, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
Still, I’ll take a little luck today.
Wishing everyone the best. 🍀

03/10/2026

Spring is a great time of year, but it also brings a few road hazards that people sometimes forget about.
After many years in the insurance business and later serving as Arkansas Insurance Commissioner, I saw firsthand how small things can quickly turn into accidents.
A few simple reminders for this season:
~ Sun glare during sunrise and sunset can make it difficult to see the road.
~ Some allergy medications can slow reaction time.
~ Wildlife becomes more active this time of year.
~ Warmer weather means more pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles on the road.
~ Wet roads require more stopping distance.
It is also a good time to give your vehicle a seasonal check and make sure your coverage is where it should be.
A little awareness goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe on the road.
Drive safely this spring.

02/11/2026

This Valentine’s Day, I’m reminded that the strongest business relationships aren’t built on contracts alone - they’re built on trust.
Markets change. Regulations evolve. Political winds shift.
But trust - once earned - compounds over time.
In business, that’s worth committing to.
Happy Valentine’s Day to the clients, colleagues, regulators, and partners who understand that trust is the most valuable asset we manage.

01/24/2026

The Winter storm is here, so now is the time to slow down, stay put when possible, and check in on our people and our pets.
Please take a moment to reach out to:
Elderly neighbors and those living alone
Families without reliable heat or power
Friends who may need supplies or a warm place
Anyone who might not be able to prepare as easily
And don’t forget pets! Bring them indoors, ensure they have warmth, food, and water, and limit time outside in extreme cold.

Stay safe. Stay warm. And if you can, check on someone today.

01/23/2026

After more than four decades in the insurance industry, I’ve seen firsthand how freezing weather causes the most damage when water is involved. Frozen pipes and resulting water loss are often the costliest - and most preventable - outcomes of extreme cold.
The best way to beat winter weather is to be prepared:
• Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers, or wrap with a towel and plastic
• Let indoor faucets drip, especially those on exterior walls (water is cheaper than a deductible)
• Keep the heat set at 68° or higher, even if you’re away, and open cabinet doors under sinks
• Fully charge phones and keep backup battery packs ready in case of power outages
• Use space heaters cautiously - UL-rated only, at least 3 feet from walls or furniture, and never near children
• Never use an oven or cooktop to heat your home
• If travel is unavoidable, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
If you’re prepared, you can get through most winter weather events with little or no damage.
And remember, this cold weather will pass!

01/22/2026

According to the National Weather Service, an estimated 55 million people are currently under winter storm watches.
For Southern states—where prolonged cold and ice are not routine—this kind of weather can be especially disruptive. Arkansas, for example, is preparing aggressively.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation has 78,000 cubic yards of salt on hand, supported by 121 salt houses, 600 salt spreaders, and 700 snowplows positioned statewide. The safest option during severe winter weather is simple: don’t drive if you don’t have to.
There’s another reality worth considering. If you purchased auto insurance directly from an advertiser without an agent’s guidance, you may have only bought what you thought you needed. With the extreme winter weather we’ve been seeing, today is not the day to find out whether you were right.
If you must drive:
• Slow down well below posted speeds
• Increase your following distance significantly
• Avoid bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas first—they ice over fastest
• Carry an emergency kit (blanket, water, flashlight, phone charger)
• Make sure someone knows your route and expected arrival time

01/21/2026

A stark reminder of how quickly winter weather can turn dangerous.
This massive pileup in Michigan highlights the very real risks that snow and ice pose on our roads. As this storm system moves east and south, Arkansas and other states that don’t routinely navigate winter driving conditions are expected to face hazardous weather this weekend.
This is a reminder for everyone involved to slow down, stay alert, and take these warnings seriously, especially in regions with limited winter road experience.

More than 100 vehicles smashed into each other or slid off an interstate in Michigan on Monday as snow fueled by the Great Lakes blanketed the state. The massive pileup prompted the Michigan State Police to close both directions of Interstate 196 Monday morning just southwest of Grand Rapids while o...