Car Insurance in Arkansas
- USAA offers the cheapest liability and full coverage auto insurance in AR
- Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in AR from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+ other top companies)
The Zebra works with 100+ insurance partners to connect you with the best coverage in Arkansas at the right price.
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Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- Associate in Insurance (AINS)
- Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
- Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as a licensed insurance professional and content strategis…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- 5 years of experience in the insurance industry
Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specialized in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.
Ross h…
Credentials
- 5+ years in the Insurance Industry
Car insurance quotes in Arkansas
Auto insurance in Arkansas costs on average $1,243 every six months — 15% more expensive than the national average.[1]
About 38% of Arkansas drivers think they're paying too much for car insurance.[2] If you're looking to cut costs, USAA offers the cheapest options in the state for both liability and full coverage — but not everyone qualifies for USAA coverage. The next cheapest options are from Shelter or GEICO. If customer service is your main concern, we suggest starting your search with Shelter or State Farm.
It's important to remember that what you pay in Arkansas may be higher or lower than that of other drivers in the area, depending on several rating factors that insurers use to price your premium, such as your age, specific location, driving record, and more.
- USAA offers the cheapest liability insurance in Arkansas at $32/mo
- Read about the rest of the top and best companies in Arkansas ↓
- USAA offers the cheapest full insurance coverage in Arkansas at $112/mo.
- See the other cheapest full coverage insurance companies and best discounts in Arkansas ↓
- State Farm consistently scored above average in every region on J.D. Power's 2024 auto study.[3] For those eligible, USAA is also a top-rated company when it comes to customer service.
- Read about the rest of the top and best companies in Arkansas ↓
- The Zebra used third-party reviews from J.D. Power and AM Best and thousands of customer ratings in Arkansas to name Shelter Insurance the best overall company for Arkansas drivers.
- Read more about why we've ranked Shelter Insurance as a great fit for many Arkansas ↓
Cheap liability insurance in Arkansas
The average cost for liability insurance in Arkansas is $349 for a 6-month policy.[1] For our user profile, USAA, GEICO and State Farm offer the cheapest liability insurance in Arkansas.
Minimum liability quotes are cheaper than those with collision and comprehensive included, as your coverage level significantly affects the cost. The table below shows monthly and 6-month liability insurance quotes from top insurers in Arkansas.
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| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $239 | $40 |
| Shelter | $316 | $53 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $344 | $57 |
| Progressive | $474 | $79 |
| Allstate | $575 | $96 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
According to our data, 49% of Arkansas drivers only insure their vehicles with liability coverage. Car insurance is regulated at the state level, and every state sets its own minimum coverage level for a driver to be road-legal. Arkansas requires minimum liability limits of 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage per accident. See our handy guide for a more detailed explanation of Arkansas car insurance limits and laws.
Expect to pay $349 every six months for the state minimum level of coverage in Arkansas (or about $56 per month). This rate is about $6 more monthly than the national average for state minimum coverage.
Although the minimum required coverage in Arkansas is all you technically need to drive legally, that doesn't mean it will be enough to pay for damages if you're involved in an accident. Liability coverage is strictly to pay for the other driver's damages, not your own car if you're at fault. Unless you have a cheap car (a general rule of thumb is if the vehicle's value is under $4,000), I suggest carrying as much coverage as you can reasonably afford.
If you don't want full coverage, consider adding UMBI (uninsured motorist bodily injury) and UMPD (uninsured motorist property damage) coverage to help out if you're involved in a traffic incident with an uninsured driver. With a significant number of uninsured drivers on the roads, taking steps to protect yourself and your assets is essential.
Beth Swanson, content specialist at The Zebra
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| Company | Liability Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $192 | $682 |
| GEICO | $194 | $825 |
| State Farm | $199 | $685 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $258 | $753 |
| Shelter | $283 | $932 |
| Nationwide | $339 | $784 |
| Progressive | $385 | $1,470 |
| Allstate | $391 | $1,707 |
Source: The Zebra
Cheap full coverage insurance in Arkansas
In 2026, full coverage insurance in Arkansas costs an average of $1,243 for a 6-month policy. A popular choice among drivers, 51% of The Zebra's Arkansas customers receive quotes for full coverage insurance.[2]
Full coverage includes comprehensive and collision coverage, which is more expensive than carrying only the state minimum required coverage. However, full coverage will add peace of mind regarding potential damages such as theft, vandalism or weather incidents. The cheapest full coverage in Arkansas is from USAA at $112 per month, but Shelter and GEICO are also solid options.
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| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $912 | $152 |
| Shelter | $935 | $156 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $1,004 | $167 |
| Allstate | $1,658 | $276 |
| Progressive | $1,941 | $324 |
Source: The Zebra
Find an affordable policy in Arkansas in minutes!
What are the best car insurance companies in Arkansas?
We named Shelter Insurance the best car insurance company in Arkansas based on consumer reviews, third-party ratings (J.D. Power, Trustpilot, and AM Best), and details such as discount information and coverage options.
Below are the pros and cons of Shelter Insurance, plus more of the best-rated companies in Arkansas. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies to see which best fits your needs.
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Lower-than-average rates in AR
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Great customer service ratings
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Wide variety of insurance products
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Only available in 14 states
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May lack the technology of larger companies
Best car insurance in Arkansas — honorable mentions
To determine the best companies, we looked at J.D. Power Auto ratings and consumer reviews we collected from nearly 3,000 drivers across Arkansas and the US.
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| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $912 | $152 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $1,004 | $167 |
Source: The Zebra
How did we pick the "Best Value" company in Arkansas?
The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:
- The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
- J.D. Power's 2024 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
- Each company's average cost of car insurance in Arkansas
- Available coverage options
- The author's 5+ years of insurance industry experience
Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based, and our content is not impacted by any partnerships.
For more information, see our editorial standards page.
Car insurance in popular Arkansas cities
Where you live in Arkansas can significantly impact your car insurance costs. Rates tend to be higher in bigger cities, such as Little Rock, due to the number of drivers on the roads. Risk also varies based on the likelihood of severe weather in certain parts of the state and the number of uninsured motorists in an area. Ensuring adequate liability coverage is vital throughout the state, especially in highly populated areas with more drivers on the roads.
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| City | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Springdale | $1,305 | $217 |
| Fort Smith | $1,306 | $218 |
| Fayetteville | $1,329 | $222 |
| Jonesboro | $1,375 | $229 |
| Little Rock | $1,568 | $261 |
Source: The Zebra
Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in Arkansas
One constant in every state is that the younger you are, the more you'll pay for auto coverage. Insurance companies see teens and drivers in their 20s as relatively inexperienced drivers. In Arkansas, teens pay $6,932 annually, $334 more than the national average and 189% more than a 30-year-old Arkansas driver.
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| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Farm Bureau | $1,909 | $318 |
| USAA | $2,029 | $338 |
| GEICO | $2,251 | $375 |
| Shelter | $2,836 | $473 |
| State Farm | $3,510 | $585 |
| Nationwide | $3,702 | $617 |
| Allstate | $5,717 | $953 |
| Progressive | $8,150 | $1,358 |
Source: The Zebra
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $6,797 | $1,133 |
| Allstate | $5,481 | $914 |
| State Farm | $3,218 | $536 |
| USAA | $3,150 | $525 |
| Nationwide | $3,071 | $512 |
| Shelter | $2,954 | $492 |
| GEICO | $2,326 | $388 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $1,659 | $277 |
Source: The Zebra
Zebra Tip: 3 ways young drivers can save on car insurance
- Complete an approved defensive driving course to qualify for discounts and reduce accident risk.
- Choose a less expensive car with good safety ratings and low repair costs over high-performance models.
- Stay on a parent's policy to save money and benefit from their good insurance history.
Find your best value insurance match with The Zebra.
Arkansas auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket
Finding cheap car insurance in Arkansas after an accident can be tricky. Like bad credit, a history of accidents and citations is another risk indicator insurance companies will analyze. A recent at-fault accident can raise your rate by as much as $977 annually in Arkansas.
Below is how much top insurance companies in Arkansas will charge you after an at-fault accident.
Table could not be displayed.
Zebra Tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction
Hopefully, you'll never need to file an auto insurance claim, but if you do, you want it to be as easy as possible. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, we gauged satisfaction among those who filed claims. USAA emerged as a great choice if you're eligible for coverage; for those who don't qualify, look at Southern Farm Bureau or Shelter as good alternatives.
In Arkansas, a poor driving record will skyrocket your rates. If you get a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums are likely to increase. The extent of the increase depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing criteria, and varying local insurance regulations and risks. This is why tickets might affect insurance in your state differently than the national average.
Table could not be displayed.
The Zebra's guide to Arkansas car insurance laws for high-risk drivers
Some of the more serious violations above, such as a DUI or driving without insurance, can lead to more complicated insurance implications. Below are more in-depth guides to Arkansas car insurance laws and regulations.
Learn more about car insurance requirements in Arkansas with our helpful guide.
Arkansas DUI laws
Getting a DUI in Arkansas can raise your auto insurance premium by 56%. Because DUIs often trigger a significant rate increase compared to many other citations, it can be challenging to find an affordable policy in the aftermath of a DUI.
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Arkansas
It’s integral to assess each of your insurance choices carefully if you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Arkansas. Car insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurance company. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Arkansas, Southern Farm Bureau, advertises annual rates 40% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Arkansas is USAA, while the most expensive is Allstate, with prices 22% above average.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Southern Farm Bureau | $2,261 |
| USAA | $2,591 |
| Shelter | $2,752 |
| State Farm | $2,868 |
| GEICO | $3,691 |
| Progressive | $4,404 |
| Nationwide | $4,405 |
| Allstate | $4,595 |
Source: The Zebra
The hard truth is that you likely won't be able to find an inexpensive rate after a DUI that's as low as a rate you'd get without a DUI on your record. The recommended way to save after a DUI citation is to shop around with as many companies as possible.
Arkansas SR-22 insurance
An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement after getting a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Arkansas to ensure that you remain insured.
Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Arkansas might require some research, but it shouldn't be too difficult.
How to acquire an SR-22 in Arkansas
For currently insured drivers
If you already have an active auto insurance policy, obtaining an SR-22 is fairly straightforward. Contact your insurance company and request that the company file an SR-22 certificate request on your behalf. If your current insurance company doesn't require a certificate, you should look for a new car insurance company.
For uninsured drivers
When filing for a new policy, you might have to pay an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 certification might disqualify you from getting coverage from some companies, while others will sell you a policy.
For drivers without a vehicle
Not owning a vehicle makes it more challenging to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If you don't own a vehicle, you should apply for a non-owner car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. Non-owner auto coverage is typically cheaper than traditional coverage since it doesn't cover physical damage to your vehicle.
How have car insurance costs in Arkansas changed?
Car insurance rates in Arkansas have seen significant fluctuations over the past decade, demonstrating a dynamic market. In 2024, the average annual premium reached a high of $2,066, which was actually a slight decrease from the year before — this was not the norm in many states. Overall, the trend in car insurance rates is higher costs, but there have been (and will likely continue to be) dips and gains over the years.
These changes highlight the impact of regulatory adjustments, economic conditions, and market dynamics on Arkansas's insurance costs nationwide. To find the best rates in Arkansas, it's essential to shop around and compare rates from multiple companies.
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium | Yearly Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,066 | -$74 |
| 2023 | $2,140 | $22 |
| 2022 | $2,118 | $350 |
| 2021 | $1,768 | $66 |
| 2020 | $1,702 | $5 |
| 2019 | $1,697 | $131 |
| 2018 | $1,566 | $100 |
| 2017 | $1,466 | -$35 |
| 2016 | $1,501 | $262 |
| 2015 | $1,239 | $86 |
If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.
Save money on your next car insurance policy!
Arkansas car insurance FAQs
Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Arkansas auto insurance.
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Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
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Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra
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2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power
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2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra
RECENT QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR INSURANCE IN AR
Why did my rates go up when I have a clean driving record?
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.
