Your heartbeat races, your cheeks flush an embarrassingly crimson shade, and your hands start to get clammy and nervous.
No, it’s not love: your insurance agent just asked about your auto insurance.
Did you know that most consumers find insurance products like car insurance in Arkansas harder to understand than most other products and services they use? Whether you live in Fayetteville, AR, or elsewhere, if you find yourself as one of those consumers, don’t worry, it’ll be our secret! After this blog, you will be able to purchase auto insurance like a pro (and save your nerves)!
What Does Auto Insurance in Arkansas Cover?
Before we dive into common mistakes, let’s break down what your auto insurance policy should include. While Arkansas only requires minimum liability coverage, you’ll likely need more protection than that to stay financially safe on the road.
✅ Bodily Injury Liability
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Covers medical expenses if you injure someone in an accident.
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State minimum: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
✅ Property Damage Liability
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Pays for damage you cause to other vehicles, buildings, or property.
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State minimum: $25,000 per accident
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Note: A new car often costs $35,000+, so the minimum may leave you underinsured.
✅ Collision Coverage
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Covers repairs to your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault.
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Often required if you finance or lease your car.
✅ Comprehensive Coverage
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Pays for damage from non-collision events like theft, hail, falling trees, or hitting a deer.
✅ Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
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Protects you if you’re hit by a driver with little or no insurance.
✅ Full-Glass Coverage (Optional)
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Covers windshield or window repairs without requiring you to pay your deductible.
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Popular in Arkansas due to frequent hail and gravel damage.
Now that you know what your policy should look like, let’s explore the most common (and costly) mistakes drivers make—and how to avoid them:
Mistake #1: Only Carrying State-Minimum Liability
In Arkansas, minimum liability requirements are:
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$25,000 bodily injury per person
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$50,000 total bodily injury per accident
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$25,000 property damage per accident
But that often isn’t enough—car prices have increased, and medical costs are high. For example, a new car now costs around $35,000, and an average serious injury bill is approximately $74,900. That means state-minimum coverage could leave you with massive out-of-pocket expenses.
Tip: Doubling or even tripling your limits only slightly increases premiums—think the cost of a few specialty coffees a month.
Mistake #2: Choosing a Too-High Deductible
A deductible is what you pay first for repairs—not for someone else’s injuries. Some opt for a high deductible to lower monthly costs, until they have a claim and see that a $1,000 deductible means they’re on the hook for expensive repairs.
Tip: Choose a deductible you can comfortably pay right now, not just one that looks good on paper.
Mistake #3: Skipping Full-Glass Coverage
Rock-induced windshield cracks are common in Arkansas. While most people don’t add full-glass coverage, it’s cheap and covers glass repairs—without requiring you to pay your deductible. With repairs costing around $600, glass coverage is a smart choice.
Tip: Always add full-glass coverage—it’s a minor cost for major protection.
✅ Bottom Line:
Avoid these three mistakes and you’ll drive with confidence and peace of mind:
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Go beyond state minimums
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Choose a deductible you can actually pay
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Opt-in for full-glass coverage
Want Help Finding the Right Coverage?
Compare quotes, get expert advice, and avoid these common pitfalls with G&G Independent Insurance. Call us for friendly assistance or start your quote here and drive safely with the right protection!
