Arkansas Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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Arkansas requires motorists to carry state minimum car insurance, with liability coverages of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage. As an at-fault state, drivers are held financially responsible for damages they cause in an accident. Car insurance is mandatory, ensuring drivers can cover potential costs arising from collisions.

The monthly cost of state minimum car insurance in Arkansas is around $34. While finding the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas is important, drivers must ensure their policy meets the minimum car insurance requirements. This baseline coverage is both a legal necessity and a financial safeguard.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Arkansas department of insurance to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Arkansas drivers.

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These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Arkansas as of June 2024.

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Arkansas Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Arkansas, to legally drive a vehicle, drivers must have state minimum car insurance coverage that meets the following amounts:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.

The cost of your premium can be influenced by Arkansas' status as a fault state. This means that the person found to be at fault for an accident is responsible for paying the damages incurred by the other party. Having adequate insurance coverage is therefore necessary to protect yourself financially in case of an at-fault accident.

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ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE REQUIRED IN ARKANSAS?

Arkansas does not require drivers to carry collision or comprehensive coverage as part of its state minimum auto insurance. But if you finance or lease a vehicle, lenders often mandate these coverages to protect their investment against damages from accidents, theft or natural disasters. In Arkansas, you should consider collision or comprehensive insurance if you have a newer vehicle or can't afford to replace your car after a loss.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident

Damages to your car

Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy

Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

The table reflects Arkansas's minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Coverage specifics depend on an individual's policy terms and conditions.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Arkansas

Age is a common factor in evaluating minimum car insurance rates. In Arkansas, drivers aged 22 to 29 carry the highest premiums due to their increased risk profile and likelihood of filing claims.

The table represents the average cost of minimum coverage auto insurance in Arkansas, broken down by age group.

60 +Annual Premium$390Monthly Premium$32
22-29Annual Premium$498Monthly Premium$41
30-59Annual Premium$405Monthly Premium$34

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Arkansas

For Arkansas residents seeking the most budget-friendly minimum coverage insurance options, consider the following providers known for their competitive rates:

  • Southern Farm Bureau: $299 per year; $25 per month
  • State Farm: $314 per year; $26 per month

Although finding a cost-effective solution for your minimum coverage auto insurance is important, ensure that you review all your options, such as the best car insurance in Arkansas, to find coverage that aligns with your individual needs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Southern Farm BureauAnnual Premium$299Monthly Premium$25
State FarmAnnual Premium$314Monthly Premium$26
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$323Monthly Premium$27
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$345Monthly Premium$29
NationwideAnnual Premium$375Monthly Premium$31
GEICOAnnual Premium$408Monthly Premium$34
ShelterAnnual Premium$453Monthly Premium$38
TravelersAnnual Premium$453Monthly Premium$38

Optional Add-On Coverages in Arkansas

In Arkansas, drivers can opt for several useful add-on coverages beyond state minimum insurance. These include uninsured motorist coverage, comprehensive, collision, medical payments and personal injury protection. Although not legally required, these coverages provide additional financial protection in case of accidents, theft or other unforeseen events on the road. To determine how much car insurance you need, consider your individual circumstances and vehicle value.

Add-On Coverage
What It Covers
What It Doesn't Cover

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.

Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault.

Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.

Roadside Assistance

Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.

Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.

Gap Insurance

Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.

Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.

Rental Car Reimbursement

The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.

Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Arkansas

The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in Arkansas varies depending on whether it's your first offense or a subsequent one. Typically, initial violations might result in lighter penalties, whereas repeat offenses can lead to harsher consequences.

For people caught driving without the state minimum coverage in Arkansas, the penalties include, but are not limited to:

  • Vehicle registration suspension: You can lose your car's registration.
  • License suspension and reinstatement fee: Your driving license might be suspended, and you'll have to pay a fee to get it back.
  • SR-22 requirement: You might have to prove future financial responsibility by filing an SR-22 form, usually for a number of years.

Understand the significant risks and extra costs that come with driving without insurance in Arkansas. Ensure that you comply with the law and protect yourself and others on the road by maintaining at least the minimum coverage.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

If your car insurance policy has been canceled in Arkansas, you should immediately seek a new policy and refrain from driving until you are insured again. Driving without insurance is illegal and can result in severe penalties. Contact an insurance agent or shop around for new coverage as soon as possible.

The Arkansas DMV will be notified of your insurance status through the state's electronic insurance verification system. If you're found to be uninsured, you could face fines, vehicle registration suspension and other legal consequences.

If you're struggling to obtain coverage, Arkansas doesn’t have a state program like TexasSure, but you can look for high-risk insurance providers or the Arkansas Automobile Insurance Plan. Ensure you have at least minimum coverage before getting behind the wheel to comply with Arkansas laws.

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WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Arkansas may have been canceled for a few reasons:

  • Non-Payment: If you didn't pay your premiums on time, the insurer can cancel your coverage.
  • License Suspension: Losing your driver's license for any reason may lead to cancellation.
  • Fraudulent Claims: Filing false claims can cause an insurer to terminate your policy.
  • High Risk: After too many accidents or traffic violations, you may be considered too risky to insure.
  • Policy Violation: If you violate any terms of the agreement, the company might cancel your plan.

FAQ: Arkansas Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Here, we provide answers about Arkansas's minimum car insurance requirements for drivers looking to stay legal on the road.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Arkansas?
Why does Arkansas require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?
Do you need comprehensive insurance in Arkansas?
What happens if you drive uninsured in Arkansas?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.