Driving Without Insurance in Arkansas

The first time you’re caught driving in Arkansas without proof of insurance, you will be issued a traffic violation and a $25 fine. But that’s only if you carry liability insurance (the state’s minimum insurance) and  lack an ID card or other proof when pulled over.

If you don’t meet the state’s minimum requirements at all, the state will impound your license plate and your registration will be suspended 10 days later You’ll have to pay a minimum $100 reinstatement fee² for your registration and license plate, plus another fee, depending on which offense number this is for you.

• First offense: $100 to $250
• Second offense: $250 to $500
• Third or subsequent offenses: $500 to $1,000

Penalties for third and subsequent offenses may include up to a year in jail instead of or in addition to the fine.³

The bottom line? You don’t want to be caught driving without insurance in Arkansas, especially if you’re involved in an accident.

Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage

You must have at least the following amounts of liability coverage to drive legally in Arkansas.

• Bodily injury liability coverage: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability coverage: $25,000⁴

Proof of Insurance

You’ll need to show proof of insurance during traffic stops, either in paper or digital form. If your insurance company has a mobile app, you can often access a digital copy of your  insurance ID card right from your phone.

Getting insurance after a lapse in coverage may make it harder to find affordable insurance rates. Additionally, some companies may not want to insure you, as you’re more risky than  someone with consistent coverage. However, the process of getting car insurance will work the same way. You should compare quotes from multiple providers, research insurers, and pay your premium to begin coverage on your effective date.

In Arkansas, the appeals process will depend on your local circuit court.⁵ For example, in Fayetteville, you can appeal parking violations that you believe were made in error by submitting an appeals form 14 days from the violation date. You can do this online. Check with your local municipality for more information on the appeals process.

Here are the basics you need to know about car insurance as an Arkansas driver. 

Fault Laws in Arkansas

Arkansas follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is also responsible for covering the damages. If you cause a crash, your liability insurance pays for the other party’s injuries and property damage, up to your policy limits.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

While Arkansas is not a no-fault state, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is available as an optional add-on. PIP helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs regardless of who was at fault. However, it is not required—you can decline it in writing when purchasing your policy.

Modified Comparative Negligence

If you weren’t fully compensated for your losses, you may be able to seek damages through a civil lawsuit—but Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can only recover damages if you were less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. If you are partially responsible, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

Discounts

When you buy car insurance in Arkansas, your agent or broker must offer you two insurance discounts, though you have to qualify to receive them. 

• College graduates: If you’ve graduated from college, you may be eligible for a discount. 
• Defensive drivers: Drivers aged 55 and older can save money on car insurance by completing a defensive driving course approved by the state’s Office of Driver Services.⁶ 

Arkansas doesn’t specify the percentage of either discount, so check with your insurance agent for the specifics. 

Premium Discrimination

In Arkansas, it’s legal for insurers to base rates on factors like gender, credit score, and marital status. This can result in higher premiums for male drivers, those with poor credit, or single, divorced, or widowed drivers. 

If you’ve tried to find car insurance in Arkansas and can’t afford it, the state offers the Arkansas Automobile Insurance Plan (AIP) to those who are eligible. Since any agent in the state can write a policy through the AIP, talk to your agent about this option. You can also contact AISPO, the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office behind the AIP, using the following information.

• Mailing address:
  • Arkansas Automobile Insurance Plan
    P.O. Box 6530
    Providence, RI 02940-6530
• Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET
• Phone: 855-224-2247
• Fax: 855-224-7329
• Email: araip@aipso.com⁷

Registering your motor vehicle in Arkansas for the first time requires an insurance card; a primary document, such as a bill of sale; and a Federal Odometer Statement.⁸ Expect the following fees, depending on your vehicle type and weight:⁹

Driving without insurance in Arkansas isn’t just illegal— it’s risky and could leave you financially vulnerable. You could face steep fines of up to $1,000, license suspension, reinstatement fees, and increased premiums as a high-risk driver. To avoid these penalties, make sure you have the required insurance coverage and compare the best auto insurance in Arkansas.