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Best Car Insurance In Arkansas

Auto-Owners is our top choice for car insurance in the Natural State due to its affordable coverage and excellent customer service

Find out if you’re paying too much for auto insurance here.

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Written by:
Dash Lewis , Writer
Written by: Dash Lewis Content Writer
02/29/2024 07:48 PM

Compare rates from top providers all in one place

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Key Points:

  • USAA, State Farm, Geico, and Auto-Owners offer some of the cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Arkansas.
  • USAA and State Farm offer the most affordable minimum liability car insurance quotes  in Arkansas.
  • Progressive is the best option for high-risk drivers in Arkansas due to their lower rates for those with spotty driving records.

The state of Arkansas requires all drivers to maintain at least liability auto insurance, but savvy drivers will look for full-coverage policies. Either way, we’re here to help you find the best auto insurance in Arkansas.

Our review team has researched the best car insurance companies in the U.S., and in this article, we’ll take another look at how those companies serve Arkansas drivers, specifically. By looking at regional customer satisfaction reports as well as local rates, we’ve come up with a list of the best auto insurance providers in Arkansas.

In addition to reading our recommendations, you should reach out for individualized quotes if you want to find the cheapest car insurance premiums for your vehicle. You can request free quotes from top-rated providers by using the tool below.

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Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Arkansas

According to our rate estimates for Arkansas, USAA, State Farm, and Geico are among the cheapest car insurance companies across the state. The below estimates are from Quadrant Information Services and apply to the following Arkansas driver profile:

  • Male
  • Single
  • 30 years old
  • Good credit
  • Clean driving record
  • Owner of a 2020 Honda CR-V
Car Insurance ProviderAverage Annual
Full-Coverage Cost Estimate
USAA$1,154
State Farm$1,295
Geico$1,436
Auto-Owners Insurance$1,455
Southern Farm Bureau$1,708

Cost Of Auto Insurance In Arkansas

For the driver profile outlined above, the average cost of full-coverage car insurance in Arkansas is $1,832 per year or $153 per month. The national average cost is about $1,968 per year or $164 per month.

It’s a similar story for minimum liability coverage, which only covers damage to other property and other drivers’ medical costs and does not include collision or comprehensive insurance. Arkansas drivers pay an average rate of $569 per year or $47 per month for minimum coverage, compared to national averages of $798 per year or $67 per month.

Annual Arkansas Car Insurance Estimates By Age

Here’s a look at how age affects auto coverage rates in Arkansas. These estimates are for single males with good credit, a clean driving record, and who drive a 2020 Honda CR-V.

AgeAverage Annual
Full-Coverage Cost Estimate
16$7,671
20$3,551
30$1,832
40$1,671
50$1,571

Annual Arkansas Car Insurance Estimates For Drivers With Bad Credit

Drivers with poor credit scores can pay nearly double in price for car insurance than drivers with good credit scores. These estimates are for the same driver profile mentioned above, only with a comparison of credit ratings.

Credit RatingAverage Annual
Full-Coverage Cost Estimate
Good$1,832
Poor$3,242

Annual Arkansas Car Insurance Estimates For Bad Drivers

Drivers in Arkansas who are considered high-risk drivers can expect their car insurance rates to increase drastically. The following estimates again apply to a single male 30 years of age with good credit, driving a 2020 Honda CR-V.

Driving RecordAverage Annual
Full-Coverage Cost Estimate
Clean$1,832
Speeding Ticket$2,324
At-Fault Accident$2,759
DUI$2,718

5 Best Auto Insurance Companies In Arkansas

If you’re looking for the best auto insurance in Arkansas, be sure to consider customer reputation and coverage options, as well as cost. Each of our recommended insurers provides full-coverage offerings at some of the lowest rates in the state while also upholding a reputation for quality customer service.

Best Auto Insurance
In Arkansas
Our Overall Rating
(Out Of 5.0)
Average Annual Cost
For Full Coverage
1. Auto-Owners4.4$1,455
2. USAA4.5$1,154
3. Geico4.5$1,436
4. State Farm4.7$1,295
5. Progressive4.5$2,071

*Not all companies were included in our rate estimates for each state. You may also notice that some car insurance companies are listed above those with higher star ratings. This is because our star ratings take into account nationwide factors, while our ranking looks specifically at what insurance providers are best for car insurance in Arkansas.

#1 Auto-Owners: Best Local Service

We’ve rated Auto-Owners Insurance the number one provider for auto insurance in Arkansas because of its excellent customer service reputation in the area. In the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study℠, Auto-Owners insurance scored 888 out of 1,000 points. This score put it in the top tier of all providers and came in comfortably above the national average of 878.

Auto-Owners Insurance is sold through local agents who are knowledgeable about Arkansas car insurance. Your agent will guide you through the purchasing process and assist you with handling claims. For customers who need more help finding the right insurance options, this method of purchasing insurance can be appealing. For those looking for a faster quotes and claims process, this may be considered a downside.

In addition to the standard types of auto insurance, Auto-Owners customers can also find the following extra coverage and add-on options:

  • Roadside assistance
  • Rental and travel expenses
  • Loan/lease gap coverage
  • Diminished value/new car replacement
  • Personal automobile plus package, with extras like identity theft coverage and phone replacements

If you’re looking for low-cost auto insurance in Arkansas, Auto-Owners Insurance may be your best bet. Our research indicates it is one of the most affordable providers in the region, often offering auto insurance rates lower than the state average. Customers can save even more by taking advantage of any of Auto-Owners’ numerous available discounts, including:

  • Multi-policy discount
  • Payment history discount
  • Pay-in-full discount
  • Green discount
  • Advanced quote discount
  • Multi-car discount
  • Safety features discount
  • Favorable loss history discount
  • Good student discount
  • Student away at school discount
  • Teen driver monitoring discount

While not available in every state, Auto-Owners is an option in Arkansas, and it is certainly worth considering if you’re a driver in the state.

Pros Local licensed agents throughout Arkansas Helpful mobile app Excellent customer service reputation
Cons Have to contact an insurance agent to get a quote or file a claim

#2 USAA: Best For Military Members

USAA actually scored the highest of any company in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠ for the Central region, with a total of 890 out of 1,000 points. The company is not available to all drivers in the state, however, so it was not eligible for formal ranking. Only military members and their families are eligible to become USAA policyholders.

If you are able to purchase a USAA insurance policy, we highly recommend this provider for auto insurance in Arkansas. The insurer boasts extensive coverage options, including standard policies as well as:

  • Rental reimbursement
  • Accident forgiveness
  • Roadside assistance
  • Guaranteed asset protection (GAP)
  • Car replacement assistance (CRA)
  • Glass coverage

USAA offers full-coverage insurance options, and it does so at low rates. Arkansas drivers may find USAA has the lowest car insurance rates in the state, especially if you can take advantage of USAA’s many discount offerings, such as:

  • Military installation discount
  • Driver training course
  • Defensive driving course
  • Family discount
  • Good student discount
  • New vehicle discount
  • Automatic payment discount
  • Annual mileage discount
  • Premier driver discount

USAA has an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best and a proven record of meeting customer claims obligations. It’s certainly worth considering if you’re eligible for a USAA membership.

Pros Good option for military members Affordable rates and numerous car insurance discounts Superior financial strength rating from AM Best
Cons Only available for military members and their families

Learn more by reading our full USAA insurance review.

#3 Geico: Best For Basic Coverage

Geico has a strong customer service reputation in Arkansas. In the J.D. Power 2023 Auto Insurance Study for the Central region, it scored a total of 819 out of 1,000 possible points. This put it in sixth place overall, tied with Farmers. Geico also does well by other customer service metrics. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) where it holds an A+ rating and numerous positive reviews.

Those shopping for full-coverage auto insurance can find it with Geico. It offers every type of standard auto insurance policy as well as the following coverage options:

  • Roadside assistance coverage: For as little as $14 per year, Geico’s roadside assistance policy will pay for jump-starts, spare tire installation, towing, and lockout services up to $100.
  • Rental reimbursement: This covers the cost of a rental vehicle while your car is in the shop. Coverage limits and costs vary.
  • Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI): This covers parts of your car that break down due to mechanical wear, similar to an extended auto warranty.

Customers can save with a Geico policy by taking advantage of the following Geico discounts:

  • Defensive driver discount
  • Safety feature discounts
  • Good student discount
  • Good driver discount
  • Anti-theft device discount
  • Multiple policy discount
  • Military discount
  • Federal employee discount

We think Geico is certainly worth considering for Arkansas drivers, especially given that the quotes process is quick and easy.

Pros Superior financial strength rating and A+ rating from the BBB Many choices for coverage High level of customer satisfaction
Cons Average quotes experience Usage-based app not available in all states

#4 State Farm: Best Overall Provider

State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the nation, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The company wrote over $46 billion in direct premiums in 2022. We rank State Farm as our Best Overall Provider because it offers high-quality coverage, competitive rates, and local service from more than 19,000 agents spread across the country.

State Farm performed well in the Central region of the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, receiving 833 out of 1,000 points. This placed the company third and checked in well above the regional average score of 822. State Farm also ranked highly in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, coming in fifth overall with 891 out of 1,000 points. The average score in the study was 878.

Although you won’t find quite as many add-on coverage opportunities with State Farm as with some of its competitors, you can still get the following benefits:

  • Drive Safe & Save™ usage-based insurance program that can save good drivers up to 30 percent on their premiums
  • Optional rideshare coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers
  • Travel expense coverage of up to $500 for covered breakdowns far from home

State Farm policyholders can also take advantage of the following discounts:

  • Multi-policy (for bundling auto coverage with life, renters, or other policies)
  • Accident-free (for three continuous years)
  • Defensive driving course
  • Multi-car
  • Good student (for full-time students with “B” average)

State Farm is a fine option for drivers all over the country, and certainly worth checking out if you’re an Arkansas resident.

Pros Affordable rates for high-risk drivers High customer satisfaction scores Significant savings for safe driving and teen drivers
Cons Not many additional coverage options

#5 Progressive: Best For Usage-Based Insurance

Progressive is a good option for drivers across the United States, including Arkansas. It has a solid reputation for customer service, with an A rating from the BBB. Progressive is just below the national average in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study with a score of 870.

Progressive doesn’t only offer good service, but it may provide the lowest rates for auto insurance in Arkansas, for some drivers. Those able to take advantage of the following discounts may be interested in an insurance policy from Progressive:

  • Deductible savings bank: Reduces your deductible by $50 for every six months you go without filing a claim.
  • Policy bundling: Offers discounts for bundling your auto policy with another Progressive insurance policy, such as home insurance or Progressive motorcycle insurance.
  • Snapshot® mobile app: Offers premium reductions for safe driving by monitoring your driving habits to set your premium.

Another way to save with Progressive is by using the Name Your Price® Tool. This tool lets you start shopping for auto insurance by picking the price you hope to pay and finding policies that fit that requirement.

Pros One of the top auto insurers in the U.S. Superior financial strength rating Great choice for high-risk drivers Available in 50 states
Cons Average claims process Mixed customer service reviews Usage-based app not available in all states

Learn more about the company by reading our Progressive insurance review.


Arkansas Car Insurance Requirements

Like most states, Arkansas requires that all drivers maintain a liability auto insurance policy at the very least. The minimum required coverage amounts are described as 25/50/50. This means policies must cover at least the following:

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

Drivers would be wise to go beyond these minimums and carry full-coverage auto insurance as well. A full-coverage policy means also purchasing comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, medical coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Most providers will include these policies with liability coverage at a relatively low increase in cost.


What To Know About Driving In Arkansas

Arkansas is among the most dangerous states in the country for drivers. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2021 the state averaged 22.9 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people. This was the third-worst rate in the nation and well above the national average of 12.9. Obeying speed limits and wearing a seat belt are two simple ways to avoid the risk of becoming part of this statistic when driving in Arkansas.


Best Car Insurance In Arkansas: Our Take

Arkansas drivers pay below the national average for car insurance. The state minimum requirements are not very high, but it is wise to maintain full-coverage car insurance in any state. Those looking for high-quality policies should consider Auto-Owners Insurance, USAA, and Geico. All of these companies offer auto insurance in Arkansas and are well regarded by drivers in this state.

Of course, the only way to find the cheapest rates for auto insurance in Arkansas is to shop around and compare quotes. Use the free tool below to get started.

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Auto Insurance In Arkansas: FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about car insurance in Arkansas:

Who has the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas?

According to our research, USAA, State Farm, Geico, and Auto-Owners Insurance offer the cheapest auto coverage in Arkansas. Comparing quotes from multiple providers is the best way to find the most affordable car insurance for your needs.

Is it illegal to drive without insurance in Arkansas?

It is illegal to drive without insurance in Arkansas. State requirements mandate that drivers maintain at least a 25/50/25 liability insurance policy. Drivers caught without car insurance in Arkansas are subject to the following penalties:

  • First offense: A fine between $50 and $250
  • Second offense: A fine between $250 and $500
  • Third offense and beyond: A fine between $500 and $1,000, and a jail sentence up to one year

How much is car insurance in Arkansas?

Arkansas drivers pay less than the national average for car insurance. For a 30-year-old, single male with good credit and a clean driving record who drives a 2020 Honda CR-V, the average annual rate of full-coverage car insurance in Arkansas is $1,832 per year or $153 per month. The national average is $1,968 per year or $164 per month.


How We Rate Auto Insurers

Our review team extensively researches auto insurance providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:

  • Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Availability: Insurance companies that offer wider availability to consumers in terms of state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
  • Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
  • Pricing: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
  • Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer a smooth experience.
  • Technology: Providers with an online quote tool, easy-to-use claims app and a usage-based insurance app score best in this category.

*Data accurate at time of publication.