Arkansas minimum car insurance requirements
Are you looking for affordable auto coverage that meets Arkansas state insurance requirements? We’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of car insurance in the state. We'll break down everything you need to know about coverage options, discounts, and more.
How much is car insurance in Arkansas?
Let's face it: when it comes to car insurance, cost is often the first thing on our minds. But there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your insurance costs can swing depending on a variety of factors.
Driving record
Age
Type of vehicle you drive
Where you live in Arkansas
Insurance score
Coverage levels you choose
Many insurers offer flexible options to help with costs, including:
Policy terms: We offer both 6-month and 12-month policies. Short-term plans can be useful for temporary needs, while longer policies can lock in rates for a full year.
Minimum down payment: To make quality coverage more accessible, insurers often offer various down payment options. For example with a Dairyland® policy, you'd need a 20% down payment for a six-month term, or 10% down for a 12-month term. Available billing options may vary.
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What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, you’re required to carry at least the minimum limits of bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Insurers must also offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, but you can reject them. All other coverages are optional.
Arkansas bodily injury liability insurance
Bodily injury liability insurance can help protect you financially if you’re at fault in a covered accident and someone else is injured. Here's what Arkansas mandates:
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident
That means, if the accident qualifies, your insurance will cover up to $25,000 for each injured person, with a total cap of $50,000 per accident. Medical bills can add up quickly, so increasing your coverage is worth considering.
Property damage liability insurance in Arkansas
If you’re at fault in a covered accident and you damage someone else’s property, property damage liability coverage will step in to cover some of those costs. Property can include the other party’s vehicle, fences, mailboxes, or public property like road signs or the cost of debris removal from the scene. The minimum coverage in Arkansas is:
$25,000 per accident
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
While in many states, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is a requirement, in Arkansas you can decline when it’s offered by your insurer. Passing on this coverage may help lower your monthly premium, but it could leave you vulnerable to some hefty out-of-pocket costs if you’re in an accident and the other party isn’t insured or doesn’t have high enough limits to cover your costs.
Personal injury protection (PIP)
The other insurance coverage that needs to be offered by insurers in the state of Arkansas, but that you can reject, is personal injury protection coverage. PIP helps cover costs related to your injuries in a covered auto accident. Along with medical costs, it can help offset lost wages, funeral expenses, and other fees.
If you’re injured in an auto accident where you’re not at fault, the other party’s liability insurance should help cover these costs. If, however, you don’t have PIP coverage and you’re at fault—or the other party is underinsured—that money could be coming out of your pocket.
Optional car insurance coverages in Arkansas
Medical payments
Lienholder deductible
Special equipment
Car loan protection
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SR22 insurance in Arkansas
If you've had certain serious driving violations, you might find yourself needing to file an SR22 form. But don't worry, we're here to help you understand what it means and how to handle it.
An SR22 isn't actually a type of insurance. It's a form that your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum required insurance coverage. You might need an SR22 if you've had incidents like:
Driving without insurance
Multiple traffic violations in a short time
Being involved in an accident without insurance
Here's some good news—at Dairyland, we mail SR22 forms for our customers daily at no extra charge.
Car insurance discounts in Arkansas
When shopping for car insurance, it's important to look beyond just meeting the state insurance requirements. Many insurers offer discounts that can help you save money while maintaining robust coverage. Here are some discounts we offer in Arkansas:
Multi-vehicle discount: If you insure multiple vehicles on the same policy, you can earn a discount. This can be particularly beneficial for families or households with multiple drivers.
Homeownership discount: Insurers often view homeowners as more financially stable and less risky to insure. Owning a home, condo, or even a mobile home could qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance.
Transfer discount: We offer discounts for switching to us from another insurer.
Paid in full discount: How you pay can affect your premium. We offer a discount for paying your entire premium upfront.
Advanced quote discount: Moving to Dairyland before your current policy expires could lead to savings.
Good student discount: College graduates under age 25 who maintained good grades (typically a B average or better) may qualify for reduced rates.
Defensive driving course discount: If you’re 55 or older, completing an approved defensive driving course can not only make you a safer driver but also potentially lower your insurance costs.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas?
Finding affordable car insurance in Arkansas requires some research and comparison. While you may be tempted to go with the cheapest option, it's important to understand that the lowest price doesn't always equate to the best value. Here are some tips to help you select a provider:
Compare quotes
Ask friends and family their experiences
Read customer reviews and testimonials
Need more than Arkansas car insurance?
While having the right auto insurance is crucial, being a responsible driver in Arkansas involves more than just insurance. Here's some additional information you can use:
Driver requirements and laws
Arkansas has specific laws and requirements for drivers. Staying informed about these laws can help you avoid penalties and keep your insurance rates low.
Driver resources
Here are some useful resources for Arkansas drivers:
Arkansas Department of Transportation
Visit their website for information on road conditions, construction projects, and travel information.
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
This is where you'll go for your vehicle registration and driver's license. You can also do many common regulatory tasks using the Arkansas DMV self-service portal.
Arkansas Insurance Department
Get more information about insurance regulations and consumer protection in Arkansas.
Hit the Arkansas roads with confidence
Ready to explore your car insurance options in Arkansas? We’re here to help you navigate Arkansas state insurance requirements. Contact us today to learn more.
*Data accuracy is subject to this article’s publication date.
