Each state has its own combination of factors that makes finding the best car insurance company a unique experience. Reviews.com studied the insurance market in Arkansas to help drivers find the best coverage for their needs. Our research could help you learn what factors to analyze when shopping for car insurance and might help you choose a carrier.
The 4 Best Car Insurance Companies in Arkansas
To choose the four best car insurance companies in Arkansas, we first looked at 2021 average premium information from Bankrate.com. We also reviewed each company’s coverages, discounts, digital tools, and third-party scores for customer satisfaction and financial strength. Based on our research, these are the four best car insurance companies in the Land of Opportunity:
- USAA: Best for Military-Centric Options
- State Farm: Best for Local Agents
- Progressive: Best for Discounts
- Shelter: Best for Customer Satisfaction
Compare the Best Car Insurance Companies in Arkansas
These companies rose to the top of our research methodology, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be right for everyone. Each driver has a unique set of wants and needs when it comes to insurance, so be sure to understand your own circumstances and get quotes from several providers.
Information accurate as of July 2022
* Premium data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power 2022 Auto Insurance Satisfaction rating for the Central region. Based on a 1,000-point scale. USAA is not officially ranked due to eligibility restrictions.
Best for Military-Centric Options
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- High J.D. Power customer satisfaction
- Superior AM Best financial strength
- Military-centric coverage and discount options
Cons
- Strict eligibility requirements
- Few local offices
- Fewer discounts than some competitors
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Motorhome
- Homeowners
- Landlord
- Farm and ranch
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Military installation
- SafePilot
- Loyalty
- Clean driving record
Best for Local Agents
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Local agents available
- Superior AM Best financial strength
- Low average premiums
Cons
- Cannot purchase accident forgiveness (must be “earned”)
- No gap coverage available
- Higher-than-average overall NAIC complaint index
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Home
- Condo
- Umbrella
- Life
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Drive Safe and Save
- Steer Clear
- Good student
- Driver training
Best for Discounts
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Numerous discounts
- Robust digital tools
- Lower-than-average rates
Cons
- Lower-than-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
- Lower-than-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction score
- Higher-than-average NAIC complaint index
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Mexico auto
- Mobile home
- Pet
- Business
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Snapshot
- Continuous insurance
- Sign online
- Paperless
Best for Customer Satisfaction
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Highest official J.D. Power score in the Central region
- Numerous insurance products available
- Local agents available
Cons
- Highest average minimum and full coverage rates on our list
- AM Best rating is lower than many competitors
- Not available in all states
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Boat
- Farm
- Umbrella
- Personal articles
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Accident prevention course
- Companion life insurance
- Military
- Driver training course
* Data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study rating for the Central region. Based on a 1,000-point scale. USAA is not officially ranked due to eligibility restrictions.
The Average Cost of Car Insurance in Arkansas
According to 2021 premium data from Bankrate.com, car insurance in Arkansas costs an average of $470 per year for minimum coverage and $1,914 per year for full coverage. Minimum coverage in the U.S. costs $565 per year, on average, so Arkansas drivers pay less. But the national average for full coverage is $1,674 per year, so Arkansas is higher there.
Many factors influence your car insurance rates, including driving history, the type of vehicle you drive, and the coverage limits you choose. To find the best car insurance in Arkansas, make sure you understand your needs, then shop around and compare quotes from several carriers.
Top 3 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Arkansas
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| USAA | $1,142 |
| Farmers | $1,150 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $1,215 |
* Data provided by Bankrate.com.
Top 3 Most Expensive Car Insurance Companies in Arkansas
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| The Hanover | $4,183 |
| Allstate | $3,039 |
| Sentry | $2,619 |
* Data provided by Bankrate.com.
Top 3 Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in Arkansas
| City | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Lowell | $1,689 |
| Cave Springs | $1,689 |
| Bella Vista | $1,700 |
* Data provided by Bankrate.com.
Top 3 Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance in Arkansas
| City | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| West Helena | $2,184 |
| Helena-West Helena | $2,178 |
| Lexa | $2,160 |
* Data provided by Bankrate.com.
Key Things to Know About Car Insurance in Arkansas
Each state has its own unique set of factors that will help guide you when you are buying coverage. Understanding what makes Arkansas car insurance different from car insurance in any other state could help you build a policy that fits your needs.
Arkansas Car Insurance Requirements
Like most states, Arkansas requires drivers to have at least minimum levels of car insurance to drive legally. In the Land of Opportunity, the minimum car insurance requirements are:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Car insurance companies must also offer uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP), although you can decline these in writing if you choose.
While minimum coverage is enough for you to drive legally, most insurance experts recommend that you buy higher liability limits for more financial protection. It may cost more, but it could end up saving your finances from ruin if you cause an accident.
Car Insurance Coverage Options
In addition to liability coverage, you might want to consider these coverage types to build a more robust policy:
- Collision: Collision is designed to pay for damage to your vehicle caused by colliding with something, like another vehicle or a building. Collision is part of full coverage and is required if you have a loan or lease.
- Comprehensive: If you want coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision scenarios — like hitting an animal, storm damage, or theft — you’ll need comprehensive coverage. Sometimes called “other-than-collision coverage,” comprehensive is the other part of full coverage and is also required if you finance your vehicle.
- Roadside assistance: Much of Arkansas is rural, and if your vehicle breaks down, you could be in for a hefty service call or tow bill. Roadside assistance is an optional coverage that may help cover these costs. Each company’s roadside assistance package varies, though, so be sure to talk to your carrier about the specific coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
Reviews.com reviews products, services, and companies based on five criteria to help readers understand how companies compare based on similar metrics. For the best car insurance companies, our editorial team compared affordability, customer support, coverage options, customer satisfaction scores, and online resources from each company to determine top providers.
As for average pricing, we used Bankrate.com’s 2021 data of car insurance in Arkansas, based on the profiles of a 40-year male and female. For full coverage, the details used were the following:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
About the Authors
Cate Deventer is a writer and licensed insurance agent. She has a Bachelor’s degree in theatre and is currently pursuing a degree in English with a concentration in professional and technical writing from Indiana University East. Her work has been featured on Reviews.com and Bankrate.com, and she’s passionate about helping people take charge of their finances. In her free time, she likes to read thrillers and sci-fi novels, garden, and toss tennis balls for her dog.
