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Arkansas requires 25/50/25 liability coverage, backed by a three-step penalty ladder written into Ark. Code 27-22-103: a fine of $100 to $250 for a first offense, $250 to $500 for a second, and $500 to $1,000 or up to a year in jail for a third or later offense. The statute also lets a judge dismiss the charge if the driver proves coverage was in force at the time of the stop.
Proof matters more than most drivers expect. Under state law, failing to show proof of insurance at a traffic stop, or failing a database check, creates a rebuttable presumption that the vehicle is uninsured, and the proof can be paper or electronic. If you do have coverage but cannot produce the card, the penalty for failing to present proof is a $25 fine. Arkansas also directs liability policies to include minimum medical and hospital benefits of up to $5,000 per person. Storm risk is real, with tornadoes, hail and flooding across the state, and the modified comparative fault rule can bar a claimant who is 50 percent or more at fault.
| Minimum liability | 25/50/25 (BI per person / BI per accident / PD, in $1,000s) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | None beyond liability |
| Fault system | At-fault (tort) |
| Credit-based insurance scores | Restricted |
Arkansas minimum liability limits
To register and drive a car in Arkansas you need at least this much liability coverage:
- $25,000 for injuries to one person in an accident you cause.
- $50,000 in total for injuries to everyone in that accident.
- $25,000 for damage to other people's property, such as their car.
Arkansas law (Ark. Code 23-89-202) also directs auto liability policies on private passenger vehicles to include minimum medical and hospital benefits of up to $5,000 per person; whether a policyholder can reject them in writing could not be confirmed.
Tip: The minimum is a legal floor, not a recommendation. If a serious crash costs more than your limits, you could be personally responsible for the rest. See how much liability coverage you may need.
Other required and offered coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is available, and a rejection continues until you withdraw it in writing; higher limits must be rejected in writing on new applications (Ark. Code 23-89-403).
Learn more about uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection.
Is Arkansas a no-fault state?
Arkansas is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other people's injuries and property damage, which is normally paid by that driver's liability insurance. Injured people can claim against the at-fault driver's insurer or, in some cases, sue.
Arkansas uses modified comparative negligence, so a person whose fault is equal to or greater than the other party's cannot recover damages.
Read more: at-fault vs. no-fault states explained.
Can insurers use your credit in Arkansas?
Status: Restricted. Arkansas law bars rates based solely on a credit score, bars considering an absence of credit history or medical collections, and requires insurers to recalculate a score after three years.
See how credit affects car insurance for the bigger picture.
Penalties for driving uninsured in Arkansas
Under Ark. Code 27-22-103, driving without required insurance carries a fine of $100 to $250 for a first offense, $250 to $500 for a second, and $500 to $1,000 or up to one year in jail, or both, for a third or later offense. A judge may dismiss the charge if coverage was in force at the time.
Arkansas checks proof of insurance through a state database; failing to show proof at a stop or a failed database check creates a rebuttable presumption that the vehicle is uninsured, and proof may be shown on paper or electronically.
If you are ordered to file proof of insurance, see what SR-22 insurance is.
Tips for Arkansas drivers
- Keep a digital copy of your insurance card on your phone. Arkansas accepts electronic proof, and failing to produce proof at a stop creates a presumption that you are uninsured.
- If you had coverage but could not show it, bring proof to court. A judge may dismiss the uninsured charge when coverage was in effect, and failing to present proof alone carries a $25 fine.
- Review the medical and hospital benefits on your policy. Arkansas liability policies are directed to include up to $5,000 per person, so ask your insurer what is included and whether it can be changed.
- Uninsured motorist coverage rejections must be in writing, and a rejection stays in place until you withdraw it in writing. Ask to see what your policy currently shows.
- Under modified comparative negligence you cannot recover if you are 50 percent or more at fault, so avoid statements at the scene that assign blame.
- After tornado or hail season, document damage with photos before repairs. Comprehensive coverage, not liability, handles weather damage to your own vehicle.
When you shop, compare quotes from several insurers using the same limits and deductibles, so the prices are like-for-like.
Official resources
- Insurance regulator: Arkansas Insurance Department
- Motor vehicle agency: Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicle
Your state insurance department can answer questions about your rights and handle complaints about insurers.
Frequently asked questions
What is Arkansas's minimum car insurance requirement?
Arkansas requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage, known as 25/50/25. The Arkansas Insurance Department states these figures in its consumer FAQ. State law also directs auto liability policies to include minimum medical and hospital benefits of up to $5,000 per person.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Arkansas?
Under Ark. Code 27-22-103, a first offense carries a fine of $100 to $250, a second offense $250 to $500, and a third or later offense $500 to $1,000 or up to one year in jail, or both. A judge may dismiss the charge if coverage was in effect at the time of the stop.
What happens if I can't show proof of insurance at a stop in Arkansas?
Failing to present proof when asked creates a rebuttable presumption that the vehicle is uninsured. If you can prove coverage was in effect at the time of the stop, the penalty is a $25 fine. If you cannot, the uninsured-driver penalties apply. Proof can be shown on paper or electronically.
Is Arkansas a no-fault state?
No. Arkansas is an at-fault state that applies modified comparative negligence. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, but if your fault is equal to or greater than the other party's, you cannot recover. That is why documenting the scene and not admitting blame at the roadside matters.
Can Arkansas insurers use credit when setting auto rates?
Yes, within limits. Arkansas law does not allow rates to be based solely on a credit score or to consider the absence of a credit history or medical collection accounts. Insurers must recalculate a credit score after three years and must disclose their use of credit information, so you can ask your insurer how it applies.
Sources
- Arkansas Code – 27-22-104 Insurance required; minimum coverage (Justia)
- Arkansas Code – 27-22-103 Penalty (Justia)
- Arkansas Code – 27-22-111 Fine for failure to present proof of insurance (Justia)
- Arkansas Code – 23-89-202 Required first party coverage (Justia)
- Arkansas Code – 23-89-403 Uninsured motorist coverage (Justia)
- NAIC – Use of Credit Reports/Scoring in Underwriting (state chart, Summer 2025)
General information only. State rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Arkansas Insurance Department or your insurer before you buy. This page is not insurance or legal advice.