Cheapest Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers in Arkansas (2024)


For individual drivers with low-income and poor credit history in Arkansas, Alfa offers the cheapest car insurance rate at $40 per month. For families with low-income, State Farm provides the most affordable rate at $53 per month.

Arkansas does not offer state-backed car insurance programs for low-income families and individuals. However, finding the provider with the most affordable rate is one option to manage the cost. Additionally, there are ways to get discounts to help alleviate the cost of car insurance.

While minimum coverage will help you drive legally, there are downsides. For example, in an at-fault accident, minimum coverage may not cover all expenses, leaving you with significant out-of-pocket costs.

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Cheapest for Individuals With Low Income

GEICO is the cheapest car insurance provider for individual drivers with low-income and poor credit history in Colorado with an average minimum coverage premium of $43 per month or $521 per year.

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Cheapest for Families With Low Income

State Farm is the cheapest car insurance provider for families with low-income in Arkansas with an average minimum coverage premium of $53 per month or $631 per year.

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Cheapest for Senior Drivers With Low Income

Alfa is the cheapest car insurance provider for seniors with low-income and poor credit score in Arkansas with an average minimum coverage premium of $43 per month or $511 per year.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed thousands of data points and quotes from Quadrant Information Services and the Arkansas Department of Insurance to get the cheapest average costs for low-income drivers of Arkansas.

18,932Quotes Analyzed
 
18Companies Compared
 
23ZIP Codes

Does Arkansas Offer Low-Income Insurance?

Like most other states, car insurance companies in Arkansas don't offer income-based assistance programs. Income isn't a factor when calculating your car insurance rates in Arkansas, but other factors — including your age and credit history — are important.

The best way to find the cheapest rates is to compare quotes from several insurance companies. A minimum coverage policy is often the most inexpensive way to stay legal on the road, but it can leave you vulnerable to a substantial loss from an at-fault accident. If you rarely drive, look into pay-per-mile insurance, which could be a great way to save.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Arkansas

To legally operate a vehicle in Arkansas, you're required to carry car insurance that meets the state's minimum car insurance requirements. This includes the following liability coverage levels:

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

Arkansas does not mandate uninsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), medical payments coverage, or death liability coverage.

When considering car insurance, you have two main policy types: a liability-only car insurance policy, which covers damages to others if you're at fault in an accident but not your own vehicle, and a full coverage car insurance policy. The latter includes collision and comprehensive coverages, safeguarding your vehicle against various damages, including theft and natural disasters.

In Arkansas, known for its unpredictable weather, opting for full coverage can be particularly wise. For example, if you live in an area prone to severe storms or flooding, full coverage can provide peace of mind against the elements. Understanding the risks and benefits of each policy type is crucial in determining the best coverage for your needs.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Individuals With Low Income in Arkansas

Credit history plays a crucial role for low-income drivers in Arkansas, impacting car insurance premiums. A poor credit record can signal higher risk to insurers, resulting in higher premiums. In Arkansas, your credit history can significantly influence your insurance rates.

The cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with low-income and poor credit record in Arkansas are:

  • Alfa: $477 per year, $40 per month
  • Nationwide: $539 per year, $45 per month

Drivers with good insurance credit, you can get the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas from:

  • Southern Farm Bureau: $315 per year, $26 per month
  • State Farm: $344 per year, $29 per month

It's vital to secure state minimum coverage because driving without insurance is illegal. In Arkansas, this is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to suspension of your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and fines ranging from $175 to $1,000, among other penalties.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Credit Score:Poor
Alfa$477$40
Nationwide$539$45
Southern Farm Bureau$589$49
Home State Ins Group$602$50
Progressive$655$55
Travelers$718$60
GEICO$718$60
Farmers$734$61
Shelter$750$62
AAA$820$68
Allstate$917$76
Auto-Owners Insurance Co$1,067$89
State Farm$1,095$91
Hanover$1,121$93
Dairyland$1,459$122
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Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Families With Low Income in Arkansas

While your income doesn't change car insurance rates, your family situation does. In Arkansas, single parents with a teen pay around $1,006 annually, whereas married couples with a teen pay about $631, saving nearly $375 per year.

The most affordable car insurance companies for a married couple with a teen in Arkansas are:

  • State Farm: $631 per year; $53 per month
  • GEICO: $759 per year; $63 per month

For a single parent with a teen, the cheapest options are:

  • State Farm: $1,006 per year; $84 per month
  • GEICO: $1,386 per year; $115 per month

These rates show that single parents may face higher premiums, which could be due to insurers viewing them as having a higher risk profile. Maintaining a solid credit score is vital, as it can help secure more favorable car insurance rates.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Family Type:Married Couple with Teen
State Farm$631$53
Allstate$697$58
Progressive$714$60
Nationwide$725$60
GEICO$759$63
Travelers$856$71
Auto-Owners Insurance Co$990$83
Farmers$1,190$99

Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors With Low Income in Arkansas

Car insurance premiums generally decrease as you reach the early senior years, typically around age 55 to 65, especially if you have a clean driving record.

The two cheapest car insurance for senior drivers with low-income and poor credit history are:

  • Alfa: $43 per month, $511 per year
  • Nationwide: $43 per month, $516 per year

After the age of 70, car insurance rates typically increase as older drivers are statistically considered higher risk. This trend continues each year, meaning premiums generally rise as seniors age. In Arkansas, specific guidelines for seniors getting car insurance may apply.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Credit Score:Poor
Alfa$511$43
Nationwide$516$43
Southern Farm Bureau$523$44
Shelter$571$48
Progressive$632$53
Home State Ins Group$642$54
Travelers$749$62
AAA$750$63
GEICO$759$63
Farmers$773$64
Allstate$1,008$84
State Farm$1,031$86
Hanover$1,042$87
Auto-Owners Insurance Co$1,092$91
Dairyland$1,442$120
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

What Factors Affect Car Insurance Rates in Arkansas?

Income does not directly affect car insurance rates in Arkansas. However, if a low income leads to a poor credit record, your car insurance rates may go up. Conversely, a good credit record can help lower your rates. Understanding the factors that contribute to car insurance rates can help you make informed decisions in choosing the best car insurance for you.

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    Driving record

    A clean driving history with no at-fault accidents or moving violations usually results in lower rates.

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    Age and gender

    Younger drivers, especially males, typically pay more due to higher risk than more experienced drivers.

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    Credit history

    Your credit history can affect your rates, with lower insurance scores often leading to higher premiums.

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    Location

    Where you live plays a role, with urban areas often having higher rates than rural areas due to more congested roadways, higher accident rates and incidents of vehicle theft and vandalism.

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    Vehicle type

    The make, model and year of your car impact insurance costs. Sportier or more expensive cars generally cost more to insure.

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    Coverage levels

    The higher your level of coverage, the higher your premiums.

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    Insurance company

    Different insurers have different underwriting methodologies and discounts, so it's important to compare quotes.

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    Claims history

    A history of filing claims can lead to higher rates. If you can afford to pay for your own repairs, it might behoove you not to file a claim.

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    Extreme weather events

    Texas is prone to severe weather events like hailstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and ice storms, which can increase insurance claims and, in turn, rates.

How to Save on Car Insurance in Arkansas

There are several ways to find affordable car insurance in Arkansas. Whether you're looking for state minimum coverage or considering state-sponsored programs for low-income drivers, you have options to save money on your premiums.

Here are some tips to lower your car insurance premiums:

  1. 1

    Choose minimum coverage

    Opting for state-mandated minimum coverage can help you save while ensuring you meet legal requirements to drive.

  2. 2

    Comparison shop

    Getting quotes from multiple insurers allows you to compare rates and discounts, while shopping locally potentially offers the lowest rates in Arkansas.

  3. 3

    Look for discounts

    Insurance companies provide various discounts for good students, safe drivers, military members or those bundling policies. These can significantly reduce your premium.

  4. 4

    Increase your deductible

    Opting for a higher car insurance deductible, if choosing collision or comprehensive coverage, can significantly reduce your monthly premium. Be prepared to pay this amount out-of-pocket if an accident occurs.

  5. 5

    Consider pay-per-mile insurance

    If available in Arkansas, pay-per-mile insurance can be a cost-effective option for low-mileage drivers. You pay a base rate plus a fee per mile, perfect for those who drive less.

  6. 6

    Bundle your policies

    Bundling your auto insurance with other policies like homeowners or renters insurance can lead to substantial discounts. The best home and auto bundles can save you around $496 each year.

  7. 7

    Drive a cheaper car

    Your car’s make, model and year play a significant role in your insurance costs. Driving the cheapest cars to insure can save hundreds of dollars each year.

FAQ: Low-Income Car Insurance in Arkansas

Finding affordable car insurance can be difficult for low-income drivers in Arkansas. Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about low-income car insurance in Arkansas.

Does Arkansas have a state-backed low-income car insurance program?

How can low-income families get affordable car insurance in Arkansas?

Does your income affect the cost of car insurance in Arkansas?

What are the benefits of usage-based telematics programs for drivers with low-income in Arkansas?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He 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.