Car Insurance in Bentonville, Arkansas

Arkansas State Police records show that US Highway 62, which runs through Bentonville, is one of the most dangerous roads in the state. When you have a good car insurance policy, you do not need to worry that a major collision on the highway or a fender bender in a parking lot will cost you a lot of money.

Local independent agents can answer your coverage-related questions. These agents can also help you find the coverage you want at the most competitive price. If you’re ready to start comparing a selection of customized car insurance quotes, find an independent insurance agent near you to get started. 

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Bentonville, AR?

On average, car insurance rates in Arkansas are lower than the national average rate. In Bentonville, rates tend to be even lower. This is good news for area drivers looking for an affordable policy.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Arkansas average annual car insurance cost: $1,239
• Bentonville average annual car insurance cost: $1,162

Car insurance costs can vary significantly from one driver to the next because insurance companies calculate rates on a case-by-case basis. Factors that can influence your rates include:

• The year, make, model, and trim of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• Your age, occupation, driving history, and credit score
• Details about the other licensed drivers in your household
• The amount of liability insurance you are buying
• Which, if any, coverage options you are including in your policy
• The size of your deductible

You can often earn significant policy discounts if you purchase your car insurance from the same insurance company that provides some of your other coverage like your home insurance or renters insurance. We call this bundling.

You may also qualify for other potential car insurance discounts if you are a military veteran, a safe driver, or the parent of a teen driver with good grades.

No two car insurance companies calculate rates and discounts in the same way. That is why it pays to compare rates from a few competing providers before selecting a policy. Independent insurance agents make comparison shopping easy.

Is Car Insurance Required in Bentonville, AR?

As a vehicle owner in Bentonville, you must have a car insurance policy that includes liability insurance at levels that meet or exceed Arkansas’ minimum coverage requirements.

Liability car insurance can cover other people’s injuries and property damage if you are at fault for an accident. You must have at least:

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

Some vehicle owners also need to carry what is known as physical damage coverage. Physical damage coverage is not required by law, but it is usually required by lenders if you are financing your car and by dealerships if you are leasing it. It includes:

• Collision insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.

Once you own your vehicle outright, physical damage insurance is optional.

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What Else Does Bentonville, AR Car Insurance Cover?

Insurance companies typically offer a few different coverage options that you may want to consider adding to your car insurance policy. These may include:

• Uninsured motorist insurance: This covers medical treatments for you and your passengers if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
• Medical payments: This covers some of the cost of medical treatments if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. It is usually ideal for covering things your health insurance may not, like ambulance services and copays.
• Towing and roadside assistance: This covers you if your vehicle becomes disabled while you are out on the road, such as if you get a flat tire or run out of gas, and you need assistance or a tow truck.
• Gap insurance: This is usually only a good idea in the first year or two of new car ownership when vehicles depreciate fastest. It can bridge the gap between what you still owe and what your vehicle is worth if it is totaled in a covered event.
• Rental reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of renting a car while your vehicle is being repaired following a covered event.

Be sure to review the details and costs of all offered coverage options so you can best decide which choices are a good value for you and your family.

What Is the Penalty for Driving without Car Insurance in Bentonville, AR?

Driving without insurance in Arkansas is illegal. If caught, uninsured drivers can face penalties of increasing severity according to their history of driving uninsured. These include:

• First offense: You can face fines up to $250. If you obtain insurance within ten days, your fine will be waived. Otherwise, you will owe the fine, your vehicle registration will be suspended until you get coverage, and you will need to pay a fee to get it reinstated.
• Second offense: You can face fines up to $500. If you do not obtain coverage within ten days, your vehicle registration and driver’s license will be suspended. Once you have proof of insurance, you will need to pay fees to get your vehicle registration and driver’s license reinstated.
• Third or subsequent offense: As a habitual offender, you will be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. Penalties can include a fine of $500 to $1,000,  one year of incarceration, and the suspension of your vehicle registration and driving privileges.

If you cause an accident while driving uninsured, you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in fines up to $2,500 and incarceration for one year. You will also be on the hook for covering and property damage and injuries your accident may have caused to others.

Despite this, many drivers in this state are operating uninsured vehicles.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
• Percentage of Arkansas drivers who are uninsured: 16.6%

If your car insurance policy includes uninsured motorist insurance, you can rest assured that if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, your insurance company will cover your medical costs. This saves you from the need to go through lengthy legal channels to collect the money you are owed.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Bentonville, AR?

The auto theft rate in Arkansas is similar to the national rates. However, in Bentonville, the rate is much lower. This does not mean the risk does not exist. Residents of this city report around 30 auto thefts a year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• Arkansas auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.36
• Bentonville auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.58

If your car is stolen, you will only receive compensation if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. This “other-than-collision” insurance covers a wide range of non-collision loss and damage.

If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, chances are good you have this coverage already. If not, you may want to ask how much it would cost for you to add comprehensive coverage to your Bentonville car insurance policy.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Bentonville, AR?

Qualities that make an insurance company stand out above the rest include responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and affordable rates.

Independent insurance agents have teamed up with some of the best car insurance companies in Arkansas. This lets you be certain that any policies your agent recommends to you are offered by companies you can count on if you ever need to file a claim.

How Can an Independent Agent Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance Policy in Bentonville, AR?

Independent agents take the guesswork out of finding the best auto insurance policy. These agents can explain your various coverage options, answer your insurance-related questions, and help you compare customized car insurance quotes from a selection of competing providers.

It doesn’t cost anything to work with one of these experienced insurance professionals. Find an independent insurance agent near you to learn more.