The Complete Guide to Arkansas Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Natural State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things AR car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Arkansas?
Car insurance in Arkansas averages $225/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $247 |
| Fayetteville | $207 |
| Fort Smith | $206 |
| Springdale | $205 |
| Jonesboro | $221 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so high in Arkansas?
Arkansas drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
19.3% of drivers in Arkansas are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, raising costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 5,457 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in AR, down 18% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
AR has a relatively low FEMA disaster rating of 48, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though inland flooding and earthquake are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in Arkansas?
All Arkansas drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Arkansas drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Arkansas?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Arkansas drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Arkansas?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from mudding in the Ozark trails
How much car insurance do I need in Arkansas?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Arkansas labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentonville | $82 | $101 | $153 | $82 |
| Springdale | $82 | $101 | $153 | $82 |
| Conway | $80 | $98 | $146 | $80 |
| Fayetteville | $82 | $101 | $153 | $82 |
| Texarkana | $95 | $122 | $165 | $95 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Arkansas?
Arkansas takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
First offense ranges from $50-$250 (unless you get insurance within 30 days). After that? $250-$500, then $500-$1,000.
Suspension
They’ll suspend your registration right away and might impound your car for good measure.
Jail time
First two strikes, you’re safe. Third offense? Up to one year in jail on top of that hefty fine.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Arkansas?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Arkansas?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Arkansas car insurance FAQs
Is Arkansas a no-fault state?
No, Arkansas isn’t a no-fault state. Arkansas follows at-fault rules, the driver who caused the crash pays for medical bills and property damage. You can pursue claims through insurance or the courts. Arkansas uses modified comparative fault, so your compensation might get reduced if you’re partially at fault.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Arkansas?
Yes, you need insurance to register a car in Arkansas. Proof of minimum liability insurance is required before registration can be completed. Arkansas uses electronic verification to confirm coverage, and insurance must stay active as long as your vehicle is registered.
What are the top risks for driving in Arkansas?
Arkansas drivers navigate challenging rural highways with sharp, unexpected curves and deteriorating road conditions. Speeding and impaired driving are leading causes of serious crashes, particularly on two-lane roads with minimal shoulders. The state’s susceptibility to heavy rainfall and flash flooding can rapidly turn roads impassable.
How long do I have to report an accident in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more immediately to law enforcement. If police investigate the accident, they usually handle the report. If not, you may be required to file a report yourself. Prompt reporting helps avoid fines or license issues.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, those winding country roads can surprise you, so slow down and be super careful passing on two-lane highways. Watch out for random potholes and sharp curves that come out of nowhere. Flash flooding happens fast here, so never try to drive through standing water. Stay sharp for drunk drivers, especially at night.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
Continue Reading
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in 2026?
Let’s dig into the factors that impact car insurance rates.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Car Dent?
From $50 dings to $3,000 disasters, here’s what dent repair costs and how to pay less.
How Much Does Brake Pad Replacement Cost?
Brake pad costs, warning signs, and when insurance helps.
How Much Does Car AC Repair Cost?
AC repair costs, warning signs, and insurance coverage explained.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Tire?
What you can expect to pay to repair or replace your damaged tire at the repair shop.
How Much Does a Water Pump Replacement Cost?
Costs, coverage, and what you need to know.