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 actually carry liability insurance (the state’s minimum insurance) and just lacked an ID card or other form of proof when you were pulled over.

If you didn’t meet the state’s minimum requirements at all, the state will impound your license plate and your registration will be suspended 10 days after. You’ll have to pay a $20 reinstatement fee for your registration and license plate, plus another fee, depending on which offense number this is for you.

• First offense: $50 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.¹

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: $25,000²

Proof of Insurance

Your proof of insurance can either be a paper or digital insurance card. If your insurance company has a mobile app, you can likely access your insurance ID card on it.

Getting insurance after you haven’t had it for a period of time will make it more difficult to find the lowest rates. Additionally, some companies may not want to insure you, as you’re more of a risk compared to 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 by reading reviews on AutoInsurance.com, and pay your premium to begin coverage on your effective date.

In Arkansas, the appeals process will depend on your local circuit court. 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 at https://fayetteville.citationportal.com/. 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.

No-Fault State

Arkansas’ no-fault laws mean that after a car crash, each driver is responsible for their own medical costs under personal injury protection, or PIP.

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: 800-413-5808
• Fax: 401-528-1361
• Email: araip@aipso.com³

Along with low-cost insurance programs, the Arkansas Insurance Department’s Property and Casualty Division has a pool for high-risk drivers who can’t find insurance through the voluntary market. Again, the best person to speak to about this option is your insurance agent, as little information is available publicly.

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.⁴ Expect the following fees, depending on your vehicle type and weight:⁵

Driving without insurance in Arkansas is not only illegal, but it could also leave you in a dire financial condition if you cause an accident. Instead, find the best auto insurance in Arkansas from companies you can trust. Learn more about driving in the Natural State in our FAQ section below.