As a driver in Arkansas, you probably realize the cost of car insurance can be expensive. What may surprise you is how rates differ greatly based on various factors, including location and driving history. We analyzed average rates across Arkansas to help determine exactly how much car insurance coverage will cost you.

Age is the primary determining factor of car insurance rates. Younger drivers generally pay higher premiums due to lack of experience on the road; as drivers age, however, their rates become significantly more affordable, particularly after 25. Meanwhile, older drivers can save money by comparing rates and switching providers.

Gender: Male drivers typically pay higher rates at similar ages than their female counterparts due to statistics showing men are more likely to get into accidents than women; as women age, however, their rates begin to decrease slightly. Marital Status: Insurance providers take marital status into consideration as it can have an effect on driving habits; generally speaking married drivers tend to have lower premiums than single ones.

Credit Score: Insurers use your credit score to assess risk and create your premium, with higher scores leading to lower premiums while low scores often resulting in increased rates. While some states have banned this practice, in Arkansas it remains a factor. Having a high credit score leads to lower premiums while having one leads to increased ones.

Location: Your city of residence can have an enormous effect on your car insurance rates, especially if it has high traffic volumes and crime rates. Conversely, rural areas with few accidents and less traffic tend to see lower premiums.

Driving Record: Maintaining a clean driving record is key to keeping insurance rates affordable. A speeding ticket, accident, or DUI on your record could see them spike substantially; in Arkansas alone a DUI could raise rates by an average of $2,231 annually.

While full coverage car insurance may provide the best protection, its costs may not always be affordable. Liability-only policies offer an economical solution. This policy typically costs less than Arkansas’ minimum mandatory coverage and still covers many financial losses if you’re found at fault in an accident. However, it’s important to keep in mind that opting for liability-only coverage could limit your ability to file claims for injuries sustained in an accident as the at-fault party’s insurance will cover their expenses. Still, this option should be carefully considered; just remember to carry proof of coverage in your vehicle at all times!