Shelter Insurance, GEICO, Alfa Insurance and Nationwide are Arkansas’s best car insurance companies in 2024. This evaluation is based on a comprehensive analysis of the insurers’ annual car insurance rates, financial strength ratings and customer satisfaction scores.
Use our guide to find the right insurance company for your needs and budget. Navigate your insurance options in Arkansas with confidence to choose the best car insurance company.
Our takeShelter Insurance is the top choice for car insurance in Arkansas. Its high financial rating of A from AM Best and competitive rates make it an excellent option for affordable and comprehensive coverage.
Shelter Insurance’s average car insurance cost is $1,934 a year. It has a J.D. Power score of 673/1,000 and an overall rating of 4.66 out of 5.
CarInsurance.com found that GEICO offers the lowest average car insurance premiums at $1,918 per year.
Check out our experts recommendations for the best car insurance coverage
What are the best car insurance companies in Arkansas?
Arkansas drivers have various top-rated car insurance companies to choose from. Whether you seek the best overall experience, the most affordable rates or exceptional customer service, there’s an insurer that fits your needs.
Here’s a breakdown of the best auto insurance companies in Arkansas by category.
| Category | Company |
|---|---|
| Best for adults | Shelter Insurance |
| Best for seniors | Shelter Insurance |
| Best for teen | Shelter Insurance |
| Best for young adults | Shelter Insurance |
| Best overall | Shelter Insurance |
| Highest customer satisfaction | Alfa Insurance |
Compare the best auto insurance companies in Arkansas
Comparing car insurance companies is important in finding the best policy that suits your specific requirements. Insurance rates can vary significantly from one company to another based on how they assess risk.
By comparing quotes, you can find affordable rates and potentially save money on your premiums. To make it easier, we’ve analyzed the best car insurance companies in Arkansas. The table below shows the best auto insurance providers for Arkansas drivers.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelter Insurance | $1,934 | A | 673 | 0.44 | 4.66 |
| GEICO | $1,918 | A++ | 641 | 0.60 | 4.27 |
| Alfa Insurance | $4,008 | A | 685 | 0.79 | 3.61 |
| Nationwide | $2,681 | A | 632 | 0.64 | 3.59 |
| Progressive | $3,619 | A+ | 637 | 0.60 | 3.32 |
| Farmers | $2,760 | A | 641 | 1.24 | 3.31 |
| Allstate | $3,798 | A+ | 641 | 1.20 | 2.92 |
Best car insurance companies by age group in Arkansas
As you age, your driving habits and insurance needs change, influencing your car insurance rates and the type of coverage you require. The best insurer for a teen is likely not the best choice for a senior, as each age group has unique needs and priorities when it comes to auto insurance.
Teenagers, viewed as high-risk due to their inexperience, often benefit from policies with extensive coverage options, digital tools and discounts for good grades and safe driving habits. Seniors, on the other hand, might prioritize higher liability limits and prefer personalized customer service.
Additionally, while teen drivers’ insurance needs change rapidly as they gain experience, seniors typically focus on maintaining comprehensive coverage as they age. Thus, the best insurer for one may not meet the unique requirements of the other.
Select your age group and coverage level below to see the list of best car insurance companies and their annual average rates.
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age group
Best for teen drivers in Arkansas
Teen drivers typically face higher insurance premiums due to their higher risk and lack of driving experience. It’s important to find insurance companies that offer competitive insurance rates and provide benefits for teen drivers, such as good student discounts, driver training discounts and accident forgiveness.
Known for its lower-than-average rates for teen drivers, Shelter Insurance is a great option for teenagers looking to save on premiums at $6,139 a year.
When determining the best car insurance companies for teen drivers, several key factors were considered to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. The overall score for each company is derived from a weighted analysis of four main factors:
- The average annual full-coverage car insurance cost (25%)
- J.D. Power score (30%)
- AM Best rating (25%)
- NAIC rating (20%)
Each factor is assigned a specific percentage weight based on how they performed in each category.
Here are some top choices for teens aged 16-19 based on our analysis:
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelter Insurance | $6,139 | A | 673 | 0.44 | 4.66 |
| Alfa Insurance | $7,503 | A | 685 | 0.79 | 4.48 |
| GEICO | $6,547 | A++ | 641 | 0.60 | 4.24 |
| Nationwide | $10,213 | A | 632 | 0.64 | 3.58 |
| Progressive | $14,383 | A+ | 637 | 0.60 | 3.36 |
| Farmers | $12,553 | A | 641 | 1.24 | 3.11 |
| Allstate | $16,767 | A+ | 641 | 1.20 | 2.82 |
Best for young adults in Arkansas
Young drivers must find the right insurance company, as they usually encounter higher premiums due to their perceived risk. According to an analysis by the National Safety Council, drivers aged 20 to 24 were involved in 7,300 fatal crashes in 2022, which accounts for 11.2% of the total number of drivers involved in these incidents.
Companies such as Shelter Insurance and GEICO offer more affordable rates for drivers aged 20-24.
For our 2024 ranking of the best car insurance companies for young adults, we considered four factors: average annual full coverage car insurance cost (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%), and NAIC rating (20%). Each factor has been weighted accordingly to evaluate overall performance.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelter Insurance | $3,711 | A | 673 | 0.44 | 4.44 |
| GEICO | $2,981 | A++ | 641 | 0.60 | 4.27 |
| Alfa Insurance | $5,086 | A | 685 | 0.79 | 3.95 |
| Farmers | $3,653 | A | 641 | 1.24 | 3.50 |
| Nationwide | $5,026 | A | 632 | 0.64 | 3.32 |
| Progressive | $5,684 | A+ | 637 | 0.60 | 3.29 |
| Allstate | $6,178 | A+ | 641 | 1.20 | 2.82 |
Best for adult drivers in Arkansas
When choosing car insurance, different age groups often have varying needs and priorities. For adults and experienced drivers aged 25 to 60, factors such as coverage options, customer service and premium costs play significant roles in selecting the right insurer.
In Arkansas, Shelter Insurance stands out as the best car insurance provider for adult drivers. It offers full coverage at an average annual cost of $2,003 and boasts the highest overall rating of 4.61 among the companies analyzed.
We have evaluated and curated a list of the best car insurance companies for adult drivers based on four key factors: average annual full coverage car insurance cost in Arkansas (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%), and NAIC rating (20%).
Experienced drivers are usually seen as less risky than younger drivers because they have more experience on the road and as a result, they often pay lower insurance premiums.
Find below the list of the best car insurance companies in Arkansas and their average annual premiums for adult drivers aged 25-60.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelter Insurance | $2,003 | A | 673 | 0.44 | 4.61 |
| GEICO | $1,888 | A++ | 641 | 0.60 | 4.27 |
| Alfa Insurance | $3,936 | A | 685 | 0.79 | 3.61 |
| Nationwide | $2,646 | A | 632 | 0.64 | 3.59 |
| Farmers | $2,634 | A | 641 | 1.24 | 3.35 |
| Progressive | $3,545 | A+ | 637 | 0.60 | 3.32 |
| Allstate | $3,766 | A+ | 641 | 1.20 | 2.90 |
Best for senior drivers in Arkansas
Shelter Insurance provides the most affordable car insurance for senior drivers with premiums as low as $1,804 per year.
As drivers enter their senior years, insurance companies may raise premiums based on the risk associated with changes that can affect driving, such as slower reflexes and vision impairment. Besides, senior drivers might face difficulty finding a policy that offers adequate coverage at reasonable rates, given that insurers often view older drivers as high-risk due to their increased likelihood of being involved in accidents.
Finding the best car insurance companies for senior drivers necessitates a thorough evaluation of several factors. Each insurer’s overall score is determined through a weighted analysis of four different parameters: the average annual cost of full-coverage car insurance (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%), and NAIC rating (20%). The weight assigned to each factor reflects its significance in assessing an insurance provider’s financial stability, affordability, customer satisfaction and complaint index.
Here are the best auto insurance companies in Arkansas for senior drivers aged 65 to 75.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelter Insurance | $1,804 | A | 673 | 0.44 | 4.66 |
| GEICO | $1,789 | A++ | 641 | 0.60 | 4.27 |
| Alfa Insurance | $3,647 | A | 685 | 0.79 | 3.74 |
| Nationwide | $2,534 | A | 632 | 0.64 | 3.61 |
| Progressive | $2,958 | A+ | 637 | 0.60 | 3.59 |
| Farmers | $2,754 | A | 641 | 1.24 | 3.26 |
| Allstate | $3,930 | A+ | 641 | 1.20 | 2.82 |
Learn more about how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Speak with a friendly agent and get your quote in minutes!
How do I choose the best insurance company based on my driver profile in Arkansas?
Selecting the right insurance company is heavily influenced by your driver profile. Here’s how to choose the best insurer to meet your specific needs:
For budget-conscious drivers in Arkansas
Look for car insurance companies that offer discounts, including safe driver, multi-policy and automatic payment discounts, to reduce your premiums. And you can opt to pay your premiums monthly, semi-annually or annually.
Find the best insurance companies and their annual rates for different coverage levels listed below in Arkansas.
| Company | State-minimum | Liability-only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $390 | $452 | $1,918 |
| Shelter Insurance | $493 | $560 | $1,934 |
| Auto-Owners | $494 | $428 | $2,580 |
| Nationwide | $700 | $678 | $2,681 |
| Farmers | $858 | $921 | $2,760 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $625 | $683 | $3,190 |
| Progressive | $629 | $765 | $3,619 |
| Allstate | $926 | $981 | $3,798 |
| Alfa Insurance | $692 | $895 | $4,008 |
Notes:
- Full coverage car insurance limit is 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance limit is 50/100/50.
- State minimum car insurance is 25/50/25.
For high-risk drivers in Arkansas
If you’re a high-risk driver or someone with traffic violations or DUIs, seek insurance companies specializing in high-risk policies. To help lower your rates, try to improve your driving record by taking a defensive driving course. These actions can help you save money on your insurance over time.
High-risk status is not permanent. Regularly compare insurance rates and options, as improving your driving record and altering your risk profile can lead to more affordable car insurance rates over time.
| Company | Six-month cost | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Alfa Insurance | $3,108 | $6,216 |
| Allstate | $2,823 | $5,645 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,303 | $4,606 |
| Farmers | $1,902 | $3,804 |
| GEICO | $1,674 | $3,348 |
| Nationwide | $2,419 | $4,838 |
| Progressive | $2,569 | $5,139 |
| Shelter Insurance | $1,330 | $2,660 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $2,014 | $4,028 |
By understanding their unique driver profiles and conducting thorough research, high-risk drivers can find insurance companies that best meet their needs.
In conversation with experts
CarInsurance.com editors interviewed James Brau, Joel C. Peterson, professor of finance at Brigham Young University. See his responses below.
How important is customer service when deciding the right car insurance company?
Customer service is critical – it should be one of the top factors consumers consider. All else equal, meaning similar premiums, coverage, riders, etc., customer service is often the deciding factor. If a customer gets to speak to a cheerful human without 10 minutes of robot phone trees, especially when stressed out after a wreck or theft, it makes life a lot better.
What are the key factors that consumers should consider when selecting a car insurance company in their state?
Customers should do research pertaining to coverage, premiums, reputation, how many stars on reviews, etc. Make sure to compare apples to apples – that you’re getting the same coverage amounts, for example. Shop around – competition helps the consumer.
How often should policyholders review and adjust their car insurance policies?
Every six months is a good rule of thumb because most people pay in semi-annual installments. If you keep your company on its toes, they are more likely to stay competitive and offer special pricing, deals, incentives, etc.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of car insurance in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, the average yearly cost of car insurance is $2,942 . The cost can differ based on factors like the driver’s age, driving history and coverage limits.
How much car insurance coverage do I need in Arkansas?
When evaluating your car insurance requirements in Arkansas, it’s important to know the state’s minimum required coverage. Typically, it includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability.
If you have valuable assets to protect, it’s advisable to exceed Arkansas’s minimum car insurance requirements and choose higher liability limits. CarInsurance.com editors recommend opting for full coverage car insurance with limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 deductible for collision and comprehensive coverage.
Here’s what it means:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person. This coverage pays for injuries that you, as the policyholder, cause to one person in an accident.
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident: This is the total amount your insurance will cover for bodily injuries per accident, covering costs if multiple people are injured.
- $100,000 in property damage liability per accident: This covers damage you cause to another person’s property in an accident.
These higher limits are recommended because they offer greater financial protection. Additionally, consider your driving habits, vehicle value and financial situation when choosing the coverage limit.
Which company has the best car insurance rates in Arkansas?
According to CarInsurance.com’s analysis, GEICO provides the most affordable car insurance for Arkansas drivers at $160 per month or $1,918 annually.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2022 Teenagers.” Accessed March 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Risk Factors for Teen Drivers.” Accessed March 2026.
- National Safety Council. “Age of Driver.” Accessed March 2026.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com evaluated auto insurers on a 0.5-to-5 star scale using a data-driven methodology to simplify your buying decision. We calculated scores using J.D. Power customer satisfaction (30%), AM Best financial strength (25%), state-level annual premiums (25%), and NAIC complaint index (20%).
Each insurer was awarded between 0.5 and 5 stars. No company in the ranking received less than one star in any category, and 5 stars was the highest any insurer could receive.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Still have a question? Ask our experts
Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.
Browse all FAQs
