At an average of $140 per month, car insurance in Benton isn’t just a bill — it can be a significant slice of your budget. The cost is more than the national average of $144 per month.
But these high rates aren’t exclusive to Benton and are due, in part, to Arkansas’ alarmingly high traffic fatality rate, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).1 This, combined with frequent weather-related claims, bumps rates above the norm.
Fortunately, you can save money on your monthly car insurance premiums in Benton by comparing quotes from several companies.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Benton
Insurify data points to three insurers as the most budget-friendly options in Benton. Remember that the right coverage for you may differ from these insurers. But as you begin your search, keep these companies in mind.
Best insurer for low rates: State Farm
Best insurer for military members: USAA
Best insurer for families: GEICO
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Benton
Insurers consider your driving history, vehicle type, gender, marital status, and even your credit history when quoting your coverage. Some of these factors are outside of your control, but you can lower your car insurance rates by following these tips:
Don’t just take the first quote you receive. Shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best rate for you.
Boost your deductible. Policy changes to increase your deductible can lower your premiums, but be sure your deductible is an amount you can comfortably pay in case you need to file a claim.
Personalize your policy. Only buy coverage that fits your specific needs rather than paying for a “one-size-fits-all” policy.
Ask for discounts. Explore all available discounts from your insurer. For instance, Arkansas requires discounts to be available for college graduates, people older than 55, and people who take defensive driver courses.
Stay safe behind the wheel. A clean driving record can lead to lower rates, protecting you on the road and protecting your finances.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Benton: State Farm
Liability-only car insurance is the most basic form of auto coverage. It protects other drivers and their property if you’re at fault in an accident, paying for the cost of injuries or damages you cause. It’s important to note that liability-only insurance doesn’t cover damage to your own car or medical expenses if you’re hurt. It also doesn’t cover the costs associated with theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
With an average cost of $103 per month, liability coverage is a cost-effective option for Benton drivers, and the table below shows Benton’s cheapest options for liability insurance.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Benton: State Farm
Full coverage bridges the gap where liability coverage stops short. A full-coverage policy includes collision and comprehensive insurance, protecting your vehicle from collisions with other cars, vandalism, theft, natural disasters, and more.
This type of coverage is especially beneficial for drivers with newer or higher-value cars, people with outstanding auto loans, or anyone looking for extra peace of mind on the road.
With an average premium of $177, full coverage is pricier than liability. But rates can vary by insurance agency, as you’ll see in the table below.
Car insurance requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas laws have a few specific rules you should know about. First, if you’re in a car accident, you have a three-year window to file a lawsuit for any injuries you might have from it.7 The state also has a “modified comparative fault” rule. This means you can get financial recovery in a lawsuit if you’re less at fault than the other driver.
To drive legally, you must carry a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage. Arkansas requires a 25/50/25 policy for bodily injury and property damage liability, as outlined in the table below:8
While basic insurance covers the essentials, several coverage options are available that offer additional layers of protection. Here are some you might consider:
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
If you have an incident on your record, such as an at-fault accident, speeding ticket, driving under the influence citation, or another moving violation, finding cheap car insurance can be more difficult.
Auto insurance companies use your driving history to gauge how likely you are to file a claim in the future, and incidents generally suggest a higher probability of your filing future claims. But it’s possible to find reasonable rates, even with a blemished driving record.
The table below illustrates how different driving incidents can affect the rates you pay in Benton.
Average cost of car insurance by age
Car insurance costs can vary widely by age. For instance, teen drivers pay steeper premiums due to their lack of driving experience and higher risk of accidents. As drivers mature, rates tend to decrease.
A significant drop happens around age 35, but rates typically climb again for drivers age 70 and older. Senior drivers have a higher crash death rate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).9
To get an idea of how car insurance costs can change as you age, consider the data below.
Benton car insurance quotes by credit tier
Your credit history can influence how much you pay for auto insurance. Insurers are allowed to consider your credit history when deciding to issue or renew a policy, as well as how much to charge. The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act even lets insurers review your credit history without your permission.
Companies link credit scores to the likelihood of filing claims. As a result, higher credit scores can lead to lower premiums, while poor credit scores can hike up your car insurance bill. The table below shows what you might pay based on your credit tier in Benton.