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

Name: Arkansas Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)
Item: Arkansas Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)
Author: Mark Fitzpatrick

Arkansas has minimum coverage liability limits of 25/50/25. The average cost of minimum car insurance is $522 annually or about $43 monthly.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Reviewed by Mark Friedlander

Edited by Venus Zoleta

Updated: December 3, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Arkansas requires drivers to have minimum car insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Since Arkansas is an at-fault state, drivers are financially responsible for the damage they cause in accidents, making insurance mandatory.

The average monthly cost of this minimum coverage is about $43. While finding the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas is important, ensuring your policy meets the minimum car insurance requirements is also crucial for financial protection.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Arkansas Minimum Coverage Requirements
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Arkansas
Cheapest Companies in Arkansas for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in Arkansas
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Arkansas
FAQ about Insurance in Arkansas

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Arkansas Insurance Department to get the most accurate cost data for various Arkansas drivers.

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

18,932Quotes Analyzed

18Companies Compared

23ZIP Codes

Arkansas Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

To legally drive a vehicle, Arkansas drivers must have 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

As a fault state, Arkansas makes the at-fault driver responsible for paying the damage caused in an accident. Adequate insurance coverage is essential to protect yourself financially if you're at fault.

ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGES REQUIRED IN ARKANSAS?

Arkansas doesn't require drivers to carry collision or comprehensive coverage as part of its state minimum auto insurance. However, if you finance or lease a vehicle, lenders often mandate these coverages to protect their investment against damage from accidents, theft or natural disasters. Consider buying 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're at fault in an accident	Your injuries
Damage to another person’s property if you're at fault in an accident	Damage 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 face the highest premiums due to their increased risk and likelihood of filing claims.

The table below provides an overview of Arkansas' average minimum coverage cost per age group, highlighting how insurance expenses vary with age.


22-29	$631	$53
30-59	$522	$43
60 +	$506	$42

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Arkansas

Arkansas residents seeking the most affordable minimum coverage insurance may consider these providers with competitive rates:

Southern Farm Bureau: $315 per year; $26 per month
State Farm: $347 per year; $29 per month

While cost is important, explore all your options, such as the best car insurance in Arkansas, to find coverage that fits your needs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:

Age Group:

Age Group:30-59


Southern Farm Bureau	$315	$26
State Farm	$347	$29
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$373	$31
Nationwide	$401	$33
Progressive	$415	$35
Travelers	$450	$38
AAA	$480	$40
Alfa	$482	$40
Shelter	$506	$42
GEICO	$519	$43
Farmers	$562	$47
Home State Ins Group	$602	$50
Hanover	$647	$54
Allstate	$712	$59
Dairyland	$1,017	$85

Optional Add-On Coverages in Arkansas

Beyond minimum coverage, Arkansas drivers can opt for several valuable add-ons, including 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. Consider your circumstances and vehicle value to determine how much car insurance you need.

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're at fault or damage that exceeds 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
Collision coverage	Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault	Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters
Comprehensive coverage	Repairs to non-collision damage from events like theft, fire or hail	Damage from a collision or personal injuries
Towing and labor coverage	Towing and basic roadside assistance labor costs at the site of your vehicle's breakdown	More extensive repairs needed at the garage
Custom parts and equipment coverage	Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems	Original parts that came with your vehicle
Accidental death coverage	Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident	Non-accidental death or injuries
Classic car insurance	Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars	Regular use like your daily commute

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Arkansas

The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in Arkansas varies based on whether it's your first or subsequent offense. Initial violations usually 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 several years.

Understand the significant risks and extra costs of driving without insurance in Arkansas. Maintain at least the minimum coverage to comply with the law and protect yourself and others on the road.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

If your car insurance policy has been canceled in Arkansas, immediately seek a new policy and refrain from driving until you're 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 Department of Motor Vehicles (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.

Arkansas doesn’t have a state program like TexasSure. However, you can explore high-risk insurance providers or the Arkansas Automobile Insurance Plan if you have trouble getting coverage. Ensure you have at least the minimum coverage before driving to comply with state laws.

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 cancelation.
Fraudulent claims: Filing false claims can cause an insurer to terminate your policy.
High risk: You may be considered too risky to insure after too many accidents or traffic violations.
Policy violation: The company might cancel your plan if you violate any agreement terms.

FAQ: Arkansas Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

We provide answers about Arkansas' minimum car insurance requirements for drivers looking to stay legal while saving money.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, drivers must have at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This minimum coverage meets the state's legal requirements, ensuring drivers have basic financial protection in an at-fault accident. However, higher limits provide better security.

Why does Arkansas require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Arkansas requires all drivers to have minimum car insurance to cover damage or injuries in an accident. This law protects everyone involved by ensuring victims aren't charged with the costs. It also reduces the number of uninsured drivers, making roads safer and minimizing legal and financial risks.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, comprehensive insurance isn't legally required. While the state mandates minimum coverage for bodily injury and property damage, comprehensive insurance is optional. It covers non-collision events, like theft or natural disasters, providing extra protection and peace of mind.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Arkansas?

Driving uninsured in Arkansas can lead to significant penalties. If caught, you'll face fines ranging from $50 to $250 for a first offense. Persistent violations can result in increased fines and suspension of vehicle registration. Beyond legal consequences, being uninsured puts you at financial risk for any damage or injuries you cause in an accident.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

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.

Read Full Bio »