The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Arkansas in 2023

Although Arkansas is the 29th-cheapest state for car insurance, it ranks eighth for uninsured motorists. We explain what coverages are required and which are optional so you can protect yourself on the road — plus how to find the cheapest auto insurance in the Natural State.

Why You Can Trust Compare.com trust shield

At Compare.com, it’s our mission to find simple ways to help our customers save money on the things they need. While we partner with some of the companies and brands we talk about in our articles, all of our content is written and reviewed by our independent editorial team and never influenced by our partnerships. Learn about how we make money, review our editorial standards, and reference our data methodology to learn more about why you can trust Compare.com.

Arkansas drivers pay slightly less for car insurance than the national average, with statewide premiums coming in at $124 per month.

Multiple factors — such as your age, driving record, coverage choices, and the insurer you purchase a policy from — can affect your insurance premium. If you’re looking for the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas, check out our analysis below.


Key Takeaways:

  • GEICO has the cheapest auto insurance rates for state minimum, full coverage, good drivers, and Arkansans with a speeding ticket.
  • State Farm’s rates are the lowest for Arkansas drivers with an accident or DUI on their driving record.
  • Comparing car insurance quotes, keeping a clean driving record, and having a good credit score are ways to get cheap car insurance in Arkansas.

Arkansas’ Cheapest Car Insurance Companies

Arkansas auto insurance averages $124 monthly — $5 cheaper than the national average. But some insurers offer cheaper rates, helping you save even more on insurance coverage in the Natural State.

The cheapest insurance companies in Arkansas are shown in the table below.

Company Monthly Premium
GEICO $47
State Farm $62
Cameron Mutual Insurance Company $79
Farm Bureau Insurance $84
Auto-Owners $86

GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas, averaging $47 per month. But many factors can affect your rates, so you might find that GEICO isn’t the cheapest option for you. We analyzed dozens of insurers in the sections below to help you find affordable coverage.

How we chose the cheapest companies in Arkansas
Our team analyzed thousands of rates from dozens of the top insurance companies in Arkansas. Using that data, we listed the five cheapest options for Arkansas drivers based on several key factors, such as age, coverage level, driving history, and more. All the rates listed are based on someone who drives a 2016 Honda Accord and has the minimum limits for coverage in Arkansas. The listed “full-coverage” rates include $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverages in addition to state-minimum liability coverage.

The Average Cost of Arkansas Car Insurance

The average cost of auto insurance in Arkansas is $124 per month, making it the 29th-cheapest state in the country. The Natural State’s rates are cheaper than the national average and neighboring states Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Rates in Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas are between 7% and 53% higher than Arkansas’ rates.

State Average Rates State Rank
Arkansas $124 29th cheapest
Louisiana $266 49th
Mississippi $93 12th
Missouri $161 41st
Oklahoma $112 23rd
Tennessee $102 15th
Texas $134 33rd
National average $129

Just as premiums can vary by state, they can also vary by factors like your age and driving record, as you’ll see in the following sections.


Uncover Arkansas’ Cheapest Rates in Minutes


Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for State-Minimum Insurance: GEICO

Like most states, Arkansas has coverage requirements drivers must purchase to drive legally in the state. But we’ll discuss these minimums in detail later.

The table below shows the auto insurance companies offering the cheapest minimum-coverage car insurance in Arkansas.

Company Monthly Premium
GEICO $22
State Farm $36
Hanover Insurance $38
Auto-Owners $43
Columbia Insurance Group $44

GEICO offers the cheapest average rate of $22 per month for state-minimum coverage. You might also find affordable rates through State Farm or Hanover Insurance.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Full-Coverage Insurance: GEICO

Although state-minimum insurance is cheaper, it doesn’t protect your vehicle if you cause an accident like full coverage does. Full coverage includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverages. But in states like Arkansas, additional options might include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP).

Adding these extra coverages increases your rates but provides more financial protection if you get injured or cause a car accident.The table below shows Arkansas’ cheapest insurance companies for full coverage.

Company Monthly Premium
GEICO $72
State Farm $88
Cameron Mutual Insurance Company $110
Farm Bureau Insurance $118
Nationwide $124

GEICO is Arkansas’ cheapest full-coverage car insurance company, averaging $72 monthly. Besides full coverage, you can customize your insurance policy with GEICO’s emergency roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown coverage.

Compare Arkansas Auto Insurance Rates by Age

woman in yellow shirt on cell comparing auto insurance quotes

Your age is one factor that affects your auto insurance rates the most. The more experience you have behind the wheel, the cheaper your car insurance premiums can be. We compared the average rates for different age ranges in the sections below to help you find the cheapest car insurance companies in Arkansas.

Cheapest car insurance for Arkansas teens: GEICO

Young drivers are the most expensive to insure because they have the highest rate of crashes and fatalities of any age group, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). But rates typically drop as drivers reach age 25 and gain more driving experience.

The table below shows the cheapest companies in Arkansas for 18-year-old drivers, sorted by average liability-only premiums.

Company Liability Only Full Coverage
GEICO $75 $196
Hanover Insurance $100 $272
State Farm $111 $253
Columbia Insurance Group $122 $402
Auto-Owners $126 $306

Arkansas teens and young drivers might find cheap car insurance with GEICO, Hanover Insurance, or State Farm. GEICO’s rates are the cheapest, averaging $75 monthly for liability-only and $196 for full coverage. Comparing car insurance quotes with different companies could help you save big on the coverage you need.


Get Cheaper Rates for Your Teen


Cheapest car insurance for Arkansas seniors: GEICO

Retirement is an exciting time for many seniors, and cheaper car insurance rates are one more reason to celebrate. Seniors pay the least for insurance coverage and may get an even lower price for driving less during retirement.

We compared average insurance policy costs to show you the five cheapest companies for Arkansas seniors in the table below.

Company Liability Only Full Coverage
GEICO $21 $69
Hanover Insurance $34 $121
State Farm $34 $80
Shelter Insurance $38 $109
Allstate $42 $200

GEICO offers the lowest average rates for Arkansas’ senior drivers, at $21 monthly for state minimum and $69 for full coverage. Arkansas retirees needing liability-only coverage should consider GEICO, Hanover Insurance, or State Farm. And GEICO, State Farm, and Shelter Insurance may be the most affordable option for full coverage.

Compare Arkansas Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Your driving record is another factor that affects your auto insurance premium significantly. Causing accidents, getting tickets, or having a DUI conviction can cause hefty rate increases — but the amount can vary by company.

We compared different driver profiles in the sections below to help you find the cheapest auto insurance companies in Arkansas.

Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in Arkansas: GEICO

Insurance companies give the best rates to good drivers with no at-fault accidents or tickets in their recent driving history. We analyzed Arkansas insurance companies in the table below to find the most affordable liability and full-coverage car insurance options.

Company Liability Only Full Coverage
GEICO $22 $72
State Farm $36 $88
Hanover Insurance $38 $151
Auto-Owners $43 $130
Columbia Insurance Group $44 $146

If you’re a good driver looking for the best rate for state-minimum insurance, GEICO, State Farm, and Hanover Insurance might offer the cheapest premiums. And if you need full coverage, GEICO, State Farm, and Auto-Owners may have the most affordable rates.

Although Hanover Insurance has cheap liability-only rates, its average rate for full coverage is the most expensive of the companies you see listed here.

Cheapest car insurance in Arkansas after a ticket: GEICO

On average, insurance rates increase by 23% nationally after a speeding ticket conviction, according to Compare.com data. Although your rates might go up, comparing car insurance quotes after a ticket could help keep the increase to a minimum.

Here are the five cheapest companies in Arkansas if you have a speeding ticket:

Company Liability Only Full Coverage
GEICO $21 $71
State Farm $40 $94
Cameron Mutual Insurance Company $49 $111
Hanover Insurance $52 $204
Shelter Insurance $55 $143

GEICO is the cheapest auto insurance company in Arkansas if you have a ticket. The insurer offers multiple ways to keep low rates, including discounts and its DriveEasy program. State Farm and Cameron Mutual Insurance Company are also affordable options.

Cheapest car insurance in Arkansas after an accident: State Farm

If you cause an accident, you may see an even higher rate than if you have a speeding ticket. The national average rate increase after an at-fault accident is 43%, according to Compare.com data.

The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers in Arkansas with one at-fault accident.

Company Liability Only Full Coverage
State Farm $44 $102
GEICO $45 $136
Cameron Mutual Insurance Company $49 $111
Columbia Insurance Group $57 $195
Hanover Insurance $57 $209

State Farm’s average rates are the most affordable for both liability-only and full-coverage policies after an accident. State Farm offers a generous bundling discount, saving up to 23% if you have more than one policy with the insurer. GEICO and Cameron Mutual Insurance Company may also offer reasonable rates.

Cheapest car insurance in Arkansas after a DUI: State Farm

A DUI is a serious offense that could cause your insurance rates to skyrocket. Nationally, insurance premiums increase by 92% after a DUI conviction, according to Compare.com data. However, by shopping around, you could find a less substantial rate increase.

The table below shows the five cheapest auto insurance companies after a DUI.

Company Liability Only Full Coverage
State Farm $40 $94
GEICO $49 $158
Hanover Insurance $62 $228
Shelter Insurance $64 $165
Farm Bureau Insurance $66 $147

State Farm’s rates are the cheapest for liability-only and full coverage after a DUI. GEICO also has affordable rates, though its full-coverage premiums average over 65% more than State Farm’s. Hanover Insurance is another affordable option for liability-only policies, though Shelter Insurance’s full-coverage prices are cheaper.

The Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in Arkansas

Overhead city view of Arkansas

Where you live in the Natural State matters, as insurance costs can vary by ZIP code. Bigger cities and towns with higher accident and vehicle theft rates, car repair costs, and medical bills can lead to pay higher rates.

The table below shows average car insurance rates in nearly two dozen cities across Arkansas.

City Average Premium
Benton $66
Bentonville $65
Blytheville $61
Cabot $64
Conway $65
El Dorado $49
Fayetteville $64
Fort Smith $58
Hot Springs National Park $58
Jacksonville $67
Jonesboro $68
Little Rock $82
Malvern $56
North Little Rock $78
Paragould $58
Pine Bluff $64
Rogers $69
Russellville $53
Searcy $64
Sherwood $73
Springdale $61
Texarkana $51
Van Buren $55
West Memphis $65

El Dorado, Texarkana, and Russellville are the cheapest cities for car insurance in Arkansas, averaging between $49 and $53 per month. Their insurance rates are likely more affordable because they have smaller populations and more favorable weather patterns than more populated cities.

Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith are the most populated cities in Arkansas — and they tend to pay a lot more for car insurance because of it. Little Rock’s rates are the highest, at $82 per month, while Fayetteville averages $64 and Fort Smith $58 per month. Insurance premiums in these cities are more expensive because they have the highest rates of motor vehicle theft, larger populations, and an increased likelihood of accidents.

5 Ways to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Arkansas

These five tips can help you get cheap car insurance in Arkansas:

  • Keep a clean driving record: Avoiding tickets and accidents will get you the lowest rates from car insurance companies in Arkansas.
  • Check your credit score: Insurers can use your credit information to determine your rates in Arkansas, which can increase if you have poor credit. You can improve your credit score by paying your bills on time and using credit responsibly.
  • Maximize discounts: Insurance companies offer many discounts, likemulti-policy, good driver, and low-mileage “Taking advantage of as many discounts as you can will help you save on your insurance policy,” says Nick Schrader, owner of Second Western Insurance.
  • Increase deductibles: If you have full coverage, you can offset the higher premiums by raising your comprehensive and collision deductibles.
  • Shop for car insurance quotes: By shopping around at each renewal with different companies, you can increase your chances of getting the best price for your coverage needs.

Find Arkansas’ Cheapest Rates in Minutes


Arkansas Auto Insurance Requirements

View of a road in Arkansas

Arkansas law requires drivers to purchase the following auto insurance requirements:

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

Insurers must also offer personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage. PIP insurance pays your medical bills for injuries you get in an accident, no matter who’s at fault, plus lost wages.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional, but Arkansas is the eighth-highest state for uninsured motorists, according to the Insurance Information Institute. With this coverage, your insurance company will pay for injuries or damage you sustain from an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Penalties for driving without auto insurance in Arkansas

The Arkansas Insurance Department has an automatic insurance-verification system. If you’re caught driving without auto insurance, you could face the following penalties:

  • $100–$250 fine
  • License plate suspension
  • Vehicle reinstatement fee of $20
  • Court fees and costs

Subsequent offenses increase the fine. For the second offense, the penalty is $250 to $500, and for the third and subsequent offenses, you’ll receive a $500 to $1,000 fine or a year in jail.

SR-22 auto insurance in Arkansas

An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance. It’s a certification of financial responsibility your insurance company sends to the Arkansas Insurance Department to show proof that you have the minimum auto insurance coverage.

If you’re convicted of a traffic crime —- like vehicular manslaughter, for example — you might need to provide an SR-22 for three years from your conviction date.

High-risk drivers who need an SR-22 generally pay higher insurance rates. Comparing quotes can help you find the best rate, and ensuring continuous coverage will help you comply with the SR-22 requirement.

Arkansas Auto Insurance FAQs

It’s easier to get cheap auto insurance in Arkansas when you know which companies offer the lowest rates. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you find the best deal.

Who is the cheapest auto insurance company in Arkansas?

GEICO is the cheapest auto insurance company in Arkansas, according to Compare.com data. We also found that State Farm, Cameron Mutual Insurance Company, Farm Bureau Insurance, and Auto-Owners offer affordable rates.

How much is car insurance in Arkansas?

How much car insurance costs in Arkansas depends on factors like your age, driving record, coverage selections, and insurance company. The average cost of auto insurance in Arkansas is $124 per month.

Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas?

El Dorado has the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas, averaging $49 per month, according to Compare.com data. Texarkana and Russellville also have low average rates — not far behind El Dorado. Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Little Rock are among Arkansas’ most expensive.

How much car insurance is required in Arkansas?

Arkansas drivers must have liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance you need is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Insurance companies must also offer uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection.

What happens if you get caught driving without insurance in Arkansas?

You could face fines and vehicle registration suspension if you’re caught driving without insurance in Arkansas. Subsequent offenses increase the fines and could even lead to jail time.


Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.


Sources:

  1. Arkansas Insurance Department, “Private Passenger Automobile Insurance Consumers FAQ,” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  2. CrimeGrade.org, “Arkansas Vehicle Theft Rates and Vehicle Theft Maps,” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  3. Insurance Information Institute, “Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists,” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  4. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Fatality Facts 2021 Teenagers,” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  5. Justia, “2020 Arkansas Code Title 27 – Transportation Subtitle 2 – Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing Chapter 22 – Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Subchapter 1 – General Provisions § 27-22-103. Penalty,” Accessed August 29, 2023.
  6. World Population Review, “Arkansas Cities by Population 2023,” Accessed August 29, 2023.

About Compare.com

Compare.com’s #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.

  • All of Compare.com’s content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
  • None of Compare.com’s content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
  • Compare.com’s editorial team operates independently of any of the company’s partnership or business development interests. We publish unbiased information strictly for the benefit of our readers.
  • All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.

Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.

Uncover Arkansas' Cheapest Rates in Minutes