BestCar InsuranceArkansasBest Car Insurance in Arkansas (May 2023)
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State Farm is the best car insurance overall in Arkansas and is also the ideal provider for seniors. Young adults, drivers with offenses and those seeking minimum coverage will also find the best value and service from this insurance provider. Drivers with new cars will get the best coverage from Travelers. Those who prioritize customer service should consider Shelter, while military drivers will get the best rates from USAA.
We’ve also determined the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas if cost is your only focus without considering service quality.
BestCar InsuranceArkansasBest Car Insurance in Arkansas
Best Overall - State Farm
Best for Service - Shelter
Best for Minimum Coverage - State Farm
Best for Young Adults - Hanover
Best for Seniors - Shelter
Best for Driving Offenses - State Farm
Best for New Cars - Travelers
Best for Military - USAA
Best Overall for Car Insurance in Arkansas
State Farm provides the best car insurance for full coverage. Here are the top-two insurers based on our analysis:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($628 per year)
- Auto-Owners Insurance Co: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($751 per year)
State Farm received the highest overall MoneyGeek score out of the 12 insurers we ranked. It also offers the cheapest rates for full coverage alongside above-average service. But if you just want to maximize savings, MoneyGeek also found the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in Arkansas.
MoneyGeek Top Pick
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
State Farm earned the top spot on our list, offering the lowest premiums and providing quality customer service. A full coverage policy costs an average of $628 per year. However, this low cost also comes with few add-on coverage options.
Although State Farm offers few add-on coverage options, the ones available are essential for most drivers. The insurer also has the lowest rates of the companies we evaluated, making it a great option to save on coverage.
On top of your annual premium, State Farm’s roadside assistance only costs an additional $9 per year. This is a huge bargain considering it covers towing, locksmith labor, mechanical labor and delivery of gas, tires, battery and oil, although you'll still have to pay for the delivered items.
If you purchase rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage, your policy will pay up to $500 in rental car expenses, lodging or other transportation. This coverage also provides up to $500 repayment in deductible if you’re found at fault in an accident.
MoneyGeek Runner-Up
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Its affordable premiums, coverage options and fair customer service record earned Auto-Owners Insurance the second spot in our rankings. A full coverage policy averages $751 per year, which is the second cheapest rate in Arkansas. Among its noteworthy coverages are diminished value, accident forgiveness, deductible modification and gap insurance coverage.
Auto-Owners Insurance gets the basics right with its mix of essential and rare coverages. It is one of only a handful of insurers that offer diminished value coverage, which compensates you for the reduced value of your car after it is damaged in an accident. You could also save by purchasing its Personal Automobile Plus Package which provides over 10 additional coverages at one competitive rate.
You’ll always feel secure on the road with this insurer’s roadside assistance which you can rely on if you have a flat tire, run out of gas or need minor car repairs. Travel costs can quickly add up to a huge sum while you’re waiting for your car to be fixed. Auto-Owners Insurance’s rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage offsets this financial burden by paying for a rental car and other expenses while your car is being repaired.
How the Best Insurers in Arkansas Rank: MoneyGeek Scores and Costs
We ranked 12 insurance providers in Arkansas to find the best car insurance in the state. Our ranking only included insurers where data was available for all components (affordability, customer satisfaction, claims management, etc.) of our scoring system. All referenced rates are for a full coverage policy unless otherwise noted.
Auto-Owners Insurance Co outperformed its competitors by providing affordable premiums, an above-average amount of coverage options and good customer service. State Farm was a very close runner-up due to its affordable premiums and quality customer service. However, this lender offered fewer coverage options.
Best Car Insurance in Arkansas for Customer Service
If you’re looking for an insurer that provides excellent customer service irrespective of cost, consider Shelter. The following are the top-two insurers for customer service:
- Shelter: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($1,143 per year)
- Auto-Owners Insurance Co: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($751 per year)
Shelter is a solid option for buyers who value customer service and prefer a wide selection of coverages, but be prepared to pay a higher premium for these perks.
pros
Has the highest customer satisfaction score out of 12 insurers we evaluated
Offers a wide range of coverage options
Offers new car replacement coverage and gap insurance
cons
Has more expensive premiums
Doesn’t offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage, which is beneficial to most drivers
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Shelter offers the essential coverages that most drivers need. Its most noteworthy benefit is new car replacement coverage, which applies to cars less than a year old with fewer than 15,000 miles. With this coverage, your totaled car will be replaced with a brand new one of the same year, make and model. Other insurers with this coverage charge an additional fee, but Shelter includes this for free with each policy.
Roadside assistance is another free perk. This coverage guarantees you'll receive 24/7 service and up to $100 per incident if your car needs emergency repairs, a flat tire change, a battery delivery or locksmith services. If you’ve just purchased a car through a loan, consider getting Shelter’s gap insurance which pays for the difference in what you owe if your car is damaged and your collision coverage doesn't fully cover the amount.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Customer Service?
Insurance providers that rate highly for customer service are able to provide efficient and prompt services in all transactions, especially those for policyholder claims. Providers should also be responsive to your inquiries and quickly resolve any problems or complaints. We found that our top pick, Shelter, surpassed its competitors in all these aspects.
Best Car Insurance in Arkansas for Minimum Coverage
State Farm is the best insurer for minimum coverage insurance policies. Our rankings were based on affordability and service quality ratings for policies that meet the minimum liability requirements in Arkansas. These are our top two picks:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($232 per year)
- Auto-Owners Insurance Co: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($315 per year)
State Farm offers the lowest rates for minimum coverage policies while providing quality customer service. Although the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Arkansas is generally the least expensive, it provides the least amount of liability protection and doesn’t cover damages to your car.
pros
Has the cheapest premiums at $232 per year
Offers discounts for insuring multiple cars, bundling policies and having factory-installed daytime running lamps
Has the highest score for affordability and the third-highest score for customer satisfaction out of the 12 insurers that we ranked
cons
Has a below-average rating for claims management and coverage options
Offers no discounts for choosing paperless billing or paying in full
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Compared to the other insurers we evaluated, State Farm offers the cheapest policies and delivers reliable, above-average customer service. Our analysis of data from J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) indicated that most policyholders are satisfied with State Farm's services.
State Farm’s minimum coverage policies are already very affordable, but policyholders can reduce their annual premium even more through discount opportunities. You can save money by insuring multiple cars, bundling your auto policy with your home, life, condo or renter's insurance or being insured with State Farm for at least three years without a chargeable violation.
New customers may also qualify for a safe driving discount by not having any moving violations or at-fault accidents for a minimum of three years. State Farm also offers rare discounts such as for having a factory-installed anti-lock braking system or daytime running lamps.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Minimum Coverage?
Drivers on a budget can still get coverage through a minimum coverage policy. A good minimum coverage insurance offers the cheapest premiums for the minimum coverage limits set by your state and discounts that can further reduce your rates. Our winner, State Farm, provides the low rates and many discounts opportunities without sacrificing customer service.
Best Car Insurance in Arkansas for Young Adults
Hanover is the best car insurance provider for drivers in their 20s. We analyzed quotes for young drivers purchasing full coverage policies and found that the following companies offer the best balance of affordability and customer service:
- Hanover: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($741 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($796 per year)
Generally, drivers in their 20s pay lower insurance premiums compared to teen drivers, but they are charged higher rates than middle-aged drivers for the same coverage. Shopping around can help you find the cheapest car insurance for young drivers in Arkansas.
pros
Cheapest premiums out of 17 providers
Offers good student, distant student and accident prevention education discounts
Above-average rating for customer satisfaction
cons
Relatively low claims management score
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Hanover offers the cheapest policies for young adults out of the 17 providers we evaluated for cost. In addition to offering cheap policies, the insurer also provides good customer service, as indicated by data from J.D. Power and the NAIC.
Hanover has several discounts that could make premiums more affordable for students who get good grades and young drivers who complete an approved accident-prevention course. Its add-on coverage options are more limited, but the ones available — like roadside assistance and rental car coverage — are very useful. This insurer also has rare coverages which can benefit many young drivers. Accident forgiveness, deductible modification, new car replacement and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverages are all designed to cushion the monetary impact of an accident, great for drivers in their 20s just starting out on their financial journeys.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Young Adults?
Young adults are usually charged more for car insurance. A good company will therefore offer relatively lower premiums, discount opportunities and essential coverages that will lessen the overall financial burden of car ownership. We suggest looking for insurers that give discounts to drivers 25 and under. Hanover checks most of these boxes — it has the most affordable rates for young drivers in Arkansas and discounts specifically for young adults.
Best Car Insurance in Arkansas for Seniors
Senior drivers will find the best value and service from Shelter. We recommend these top-rated insurers:
- Shelter: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($870 per year)
- Hanover: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($551 per year)
Shelter offers most, if not all, of the essential coverages that senior drivers will find useful. Although drivers in their 60s are charged similar rates to those in their 30s through 50s, premiums tend to increase once you hit your 70s. We suggest comparing quotes from multiple providers to identify the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas for seniors.
pros
Affordable rates for seniors at $870 per year
Ranks first in customer satisfaction and has a good selection of add-on coverages
Offers gap insurance and new car replacement
cons
Below-average claims management rating
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Shelter outpaces all its competitors in service quality while keeping its premiums affordable. It also offers a good selection of add-on coverages.
Whether you frequently go on road trips or only travel occasionally, you’ll benefit from having roadside assistance and rental car coverage. With roadside assistance, you’re guaranteed prompt service to repair a flat tire, jump a dead battery, or if you get locked out or run out of gas. After an accident, Shelter will pay for a rental car and cover incidental expenses like lodging and meals. New car replacement coverage is already included in every Shelter auto policy at no extra cost, so you’re guaranteed to receive a brand-new car of the same year, make and model as your current vehicle if it’s totaled.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Seniors?
Seniors are very careful drivers, but their age makes them more prone to serious injuries if they do get in an accident. A good car insurance company for senior drivers offers affordable full coverage policies that include personal injury protection (PIP) and senior discounts. Shelter provides these on top of useful add-on coverages like roadside assistance, gap insurance and new car replacement coverages. These are must-haves if you’re often on the road.
Best Car Insurance in Arkansas for Drivers With Offenses
State Farm is the best insurer for drivers with different offenses on their records, such as speeding tickets, DUIs or at-fault accidents. We recommend these companies for their affordability and service ratings:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($718 per year)
- Hanover: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($899 per year)
State Farm has the cheapest rates and ranked third for customer satisfaction. Drivers with offenses should search for affordable car insurance in Arkansas after an incident since average premiums increase by $252 following a speeding ticket, $398 after a DUI and $460 after an at-fault accident.
pros
Has the most affordable full coverage policies at $718 per year
Ranks the highest for affordability and the third-highest for customer satisfaction out of 12 insurers
Provides rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance as add-on coverages
cons
Has limited coverage options and relatively low ratings on claims management
Doesn’t offer accident forgiveness and new or better car replacement coverages
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
State Farm has the most affordable premiums for drivers with offenses and has a strong reputation for delivering quality service.
State Farm has limited coverage options, but its basic coverages apply to most drivers. With rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage, State Farm will pay up to $500 in car rental expenses, including meals, lodging and other transportation costs. You’ll also get a $500 repayment of your deductible if you’re found at fault in an accident involving your rental car. For an additional $9 per year, on top of the cost of your standard State Farm policy, you’ll receive roadside assistance coverage for towing, locksmith services, mechanical labor and delivery of gas, tires, battery or oil. Note that you'll still have to pay for the delivered items.
There are also several opportunities to save through State Farm’s impressive list of discounts. Receive substantial savings by bundling policies, insuring multiple cars and having a factory-installed anti-lock braking system.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Drivers With Offenses?
Not all companies are willing to insure drivers with offenses, and those that do typically charge them significantly higher rates. A good insurance company for drivers with traffic violations offers comparatively low rates and discounts. It should also provide car replacement and accident forgiveness coverages. State Farm doesn’t have these coverages, but it has the cheapest rates for high-risk drivers and offers many discounts.
Best Car Insurance in Arkansas for Drivers With New Cars
Travelers is the best insurance company for drivers with new cars based on our analysis of insurers that offer new car replacement coverage or better car replacement coverage. These providers received the highest ratings:
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($962 per year)
- Farmers: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($1,055 per year)
Travelers has the lowest premiums and offers a wide range of useful coverages. Drivers with new cars can benefit from purchasing Travelers’ new car replacement coverage to safeguard their vehicle. With this coverage, if your car is totaled in a covered accident, your insurer will replace it with a brand new one of the same make and model.
pros
Has the cheapest policies at an average annual rate of $962
Has a good selection of essential coverages and offers good customer service
Offers new car replacement coverage
cons
Has a relatively low claims management rating
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Travelers is a solid choice if you have a new car. It has the most affordable policies, and you’ll also have a wide range of coverage options.
With its new car replacement coverage, your Travelers’ auto policy will cover the cost of purchasing a new car of the same make and model as your current one if it is totaled within the first five years of ownership.
Travelers also offers other add-on coverages that are worth looking into. If you purchased your car through a loan, strongly consider getting Travelers’ gap insurance which will pay for the difference between the actual cash value of your totaled car and the unpaid balance in your auto loan or lease. Travelers also offers accident forgiveness coverage which protects you from your premium increasing following one accident within a specified period.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Drivers With New Cars?
Drivers with new cars should look for an insurer that offers a reasonably priced full coverage policy and new or better car replacement coverage. This will provide financial protection if your car is totaled. Our winner, Travelers, offers new car replacement coverage that will pay for the cost of a new car of the same make and model as your current one if you total your car within the first five years of ownership.
Best Car Insurance in Arkansas for Military Drivers
With an impressive MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100, USAA is the best car insurance company for drivers with a military background. Its full coverage premium is the cheapest option in Arkansas, averaging $549 per year. USAA is the ideal insurer for military personnel and their families, since it offers coverages and discounts specifically tailored to their needs.
pros
Has the highest ranking for affordability with an average annual rate of $549
Has the highest rating for service quality
Provides accident forgiveness as an add-on coverage
cons
Below-average ratings for claims management and coverage options
Doesn’t offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage or gap insurance
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
USAA is the ideal insurer for military personnel and their families. It bested 12 other insurers for customer satisfaction, and its full coverage policies are the cheapest in Arkansas.
USAA offers basic coverages for military drivers who regularly travel from one base to another, such as roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage. USAA’s roadside assistance coverage pays for lockout, jumpstart, towing and gas delivery services, as well as a dead battery or tire change.
With rental car coverage, you won’t have to worry about the costs of a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop for repairs. USAA also offers accident forgiveness as an add-on. This helps policyholders avoid an increase in premiums after their first at-fault accident, but you need to be accident-free for five years to be eligible.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Arkansas for You
Always look for a good combination of affordability, financial stability and an established record of quality service when searching for the best car insurance. MoneyGeek collected information and presented recommendations for different driver profiles, but we’ll also guide you through the necessary steps if you want to do your own research.
1
Research customer service reputations in Arkansas
We referred to J.D. Power's customer satisfaction study and the NAIC customer complaint index to get reliable and accurate data on the customer service record of auto insurers in Arkansas. You may visit their websites to find out more about your preferred insurer. We also encourage you to visit Arkansas’s Department of Insurance to learn more about a particular insurer.
2
Compare quotes
MoneyGeek's quotes are average premiums for sample drivers in the majority of counties in Arkansas, but rates may vary depending on where you live. We highly recommend getting personalized quotes from a minimum of three different insurers to get a good estimate of how much your car insurance will cost.
3
Find the coverages you want in Arkansas
Insurers often advertise their coverages and discounts online, but the information on their websites might not always be up to date, and their insurance offerings may differ from state to state. Be sure to contact the insurer and speak to an agent directly to confirm if they carry the coverages and discounts that you’re looking for and if you meet their eligibility requirements.
4
Check financial stability ratings
An insurer's financial strength rating gives a clear snapshot of how well it can fulfill its financial obligations to its policyholders. You wouldn’t want to be left out to dry by your provider right when you need financial support the most. It’s always worth checking an insurer’s ability to pay claims especially if you're considering purchasing a policy from a smaller, regional insurer which is typically less financially stable.
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FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Arkansas
Your needs and preferences will determine the best car insurance provider for you. Review our answers to some frequently asked questions to help you make the right choice.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
