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)
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The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

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Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes 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 $1,201 every six months — 10% more expensive than the national average.[1] 

About 31% 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.

Cheapest liability coverage in AR
Cheapest liability coverage in AR
Cheapest full coverage in AR
Cheapest full coverage in AR
Best Customer Service in AR
Best Customer Service in AR
The Zebra's Recommendation for best car insurer - Shelter
Best car insurance in AR— overall

Cheap liability insurance in Arkansas

The average cost for liability insurance in Arkansas is $334 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. 

Cheapest Liability Coverage in AR

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Company Avg. Monthly Premium Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $32 $192
GEICO $40 $237
State Farm $44 $264
Shelter $45 $271
Southern Farm Bureau $55 $328
Nationwide $64 $382
Allstate $79 $472
Progressive $82 $491

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 $334 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.

Beth Swanson
Is liability insurance enough for Arkansas drivers?

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

Liability versus full coverage quotes in AR

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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 2025, full coverage insurance in Arkansas costs an average of $1,201 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. 

Cheapest insurance companies in Arkansas

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $672 $112
Shelter $932 $155
GEICO $945 $158
Southern Farm Bureau $950 $158
Nationwide $982 $164
State Farm $1,028 $171
Progressive $1,941 $324
Allstate $1,943 $324

Source: The Zebra

Find an affordable policy in Arkansas in minutes!

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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.

Shelter
Overall best car insurance company in Arkansas — Shelter Insurance

Shelter Insurance is an excellent option for most drivers in Arkansas due to its affordable rates, quality customer service, and overall availability throughout the state.[3] The company has strong financial stability, giving customers confidence that it can pay out claims reliably. [4]

Pros
  • Lower-than-average rates in AR

  • Great customer service ratings

  • Wide variety of insurance products

Cons
  • Only available in 14 states

  • 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. 

Best car insurance companies in Arkansas

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $672 $112
Southern Farm Bureau $950 $158
State Farm $1,028 $171

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.

Insurance in popular Arkansas cities

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City Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Fayetteville $1,125 $188
Springdale $1,125 $188
Fort Smith $1,133 $189
Jonesboro $1,178 $196
Little Rock $1,330 $222

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.

Cheapest insurance companies in Arkansas for teen drivers

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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

Top companies in Arkansas for Teens
Filter by:

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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

  1. Complete an approved defensive driving course to qualify for discounts and reduce accident risk.
  2. Choose a less expensive car with good safety ratings and low repair costs over high-performance models.
  3. 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.

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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.

Best insurance companies in AR after an accident

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $946 $158
Shelter $1,066 $178
Southern Farm Bureau $1,221 $203
State Farm $1,270 $212
GEICO $1,516 $253
Nationwide $1,709 $285
Allstate $2,344 $391
Progressive $2,742 $457

Source: The Zebra

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.

Arkansas auto insurance quotes by violation

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Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium $ Rate Increase
None $2,404 $0
One Med/PIP claim $2,430 $26
Not-at-fault accident $2,446 $42
One comp claim $2,450 $46
Two Med/PIP claims $2,488 $84
Two comp claims $2,543 $139
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,882 $478
Driving without lights $2,903 $499
Child safety restraint $2,903 $499
Failure to show documents $2,935 $531
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,979 $575
Driving with expired registration $2,979 $575
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,989 $585
Driving too slowly $2,992 $588
Speeding in school zone $2,993 $589
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $3,002 $598
Failure to yield $3,009 $605
Failure to stop at a red light $3,017 $613
Wrong way/wrong lane $3,025 $621
In 65 MPH zone $3,032 $628
Texting while driving $3,033 $629
Cell phone violation $3,033 $629
Illegal turn $3,042 $638
Improper passing $3,049 $645
Following too closely $3,052 $648
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $3,111 $707
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $3,120 $716
Passing school bus $3,146 $742
Operating a vehicle without permission $3,242 $838
Open container $3,297 $893
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $3,368 $964
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $3,381 $977
DUI $3,756 $1,352
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,757 $1,353
Racing $3,758 $1,354
Reckless driving $3,812 $1,408
Driving with a suspended license $3,923 $1,519
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,997 $1,593

Source: The Zebra

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.

Arkansas car insurance quotes with a DUI

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.

Car insurance costs in Arkansas since 2015
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!

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Arkansas car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Arkansas auto insurance.

USAA ($112/month) has the cheapest rates in Arkansas, with Shelter ($155 per month) as a runner-up. However, the only way to know which company is best for you is to shop around.

For a single male driver with full coverage and $500 deductibles, the average premium in Arkansas is $1,201 every six months ($2,402 annually, or about $200 per month).

In Arkansas, it is illegal to drive your vehicle without insurance. You must carry at least minimum coverage to drive in the state legally. The Zebra can offer free and cheap liability and full coverage insurance quotes.

Sources
  1. Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool

  2. Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra

  3. 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power

  4. 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra

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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.