AFCPE Accredited Financial Counselor
6 years experience in the personal financial industry
Theresa is a writer and former financial advisor with experience helping clients solve money challenges. She uses her expertise to clarify complex personal finance concepts.
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7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Updated November 21, 2024
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Table of contents
Fort Smith is located in northwest Arkansas along the Arkansas River. The average monthly cost of car insurance in Fort Smith is $171 — slightly lower than the statewide average of $191 per month and similar to the national monthly average of $154. The lower average rates in Fort Smith may be due in part to the city’s low population density.
Here’s what you need to know about comparing quotes and finding cheap car insurance in Fort Smith.
State Farm, USAA, and GEICO have the cheapest car insurance in Fort Smith.
Liability insurance in Fort Smith costs an average of $118 per month, and full coverage costs $224 per month.
Fort Smith drivers pay a yearly average of $2,690 for full-coverage policies.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Fort Smith
People looking to get on the road in Fort Smith will need car insurance to operate a motor vehicle legally. Car insurance rates in Fort Smith depend on various factors, including your ZIP code, driving history, vehicle year, make, and model type.
Start your search with these top insurers below. Rates shown in the table are for the state of Arkansas.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Best For ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
State Farm | 9.3 | $61 | $30 | Full coverage |
USAA | 9.4 | $75 | $36 | Military members and their families |
GEICO | 9.0 | $93 | $45 | Discounts |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for full coverage: State Farm
User Reviews | 4.2 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $27/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $56/mo |
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Charles
November 19, 2024
New Car Price
Ronald
November 19, 2024
State Farm Experience: 35 Years+
David
November 19, 2024
Too expensive
State Farm offers affordable auto insurance to customers nationwide and has a network of 19,000 insurance agents. State Farm offers a wide range of insurance products, including collision, comprehensive, liability, and rental car reimbursement coverage.
A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Offers rideshare insurance
Discounts and insurance options vary by state
No gap insurance
Best insurer for military members and their families: USAA
User Reviews | 4.9 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.4 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $32/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $67/mo |
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
Gloria
November 15, 2024
Not Good for Claims
Martin
November 11, 2024
Price Shopping
Rena Sabine
November 8, 2024
Disappointing and inflexible service
USAA offers auto insurance and various other financial products, such as life insurance, homeowners insurance, and renters insurance, to military members, veterans, and their families. Fort Smith is home to more than 5,000 veterans, and they might benefit from USAA auto insurance coverage.
Deployment discount
Offers banking and retirement products
Only available for military members and their families
Requires membership
Best insurer for discounts: GEICO
User Reviews | 4.0 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.0 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $40/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $83/mo |
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
George
November 19, 2024
Service
James
November 19, 2024
Unsatisfactory Experience with Geico
Edward
November 18, 2024
Experience with Geico
GEICO was established in 1936 and is one of the largest insurance companies in the United States. GEICO offers a wide range of discounts to help drivers save money on their auto insurance bill, such as vehicle equipment and customer loyalty discounts.
Discounts for good drivers
A++ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Central region
Doesn’t offer gap insurance
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Fort Smith
Here are some tips to help you find affordable coverage in Fort Smith:[1]
Choose a higher deductible. Selecting a higher deductible usually results in cheaper monthly premiums. But you’ll have higher out-of-pocket costs if you need to file a claim.
See what discounts you qualify for. Ask your insurance agent about the discounts available from different insurance companies. Common discounts include multi-policy, safe driver, and customer loyalty discounts.
Shop around. It’s a good idea to compare prices and coverage options from at least three different car insurance companies to find the right coverage for your specific needs.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Fort Smith: State Farm
Drivers looking for minimum coverage and low rates may want to consider liability-only car insurance. Liability insurance is a requirement in every state except New Hampshire. It covers the medical bills and property damage of the other driver in an accident you cause. But liability insurance doesn’t cover your own injuries or damages.
Liability insurance in Fort Smith costs an average of $118 per month. Here are some of the lowest rates for liability-only car insurance in Fort Smith.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
State Farm | $27 |
USAA | $32 |
GEICO | $40 |
Auto-Owners | $46 |
Allstate | $59 |
Shelter | $59 |
Farmers | $60 |
Nationwide | $60 |
Root | $63 |
Progressive | $64 |
Travelers | $64 |
Safeco | $65 |
National General | $84 |
GAINSCO | $88 |
Dairyland | $89 |
Liberty Mutual | $113 |
The General | $117 |
Bristol West | $130 |
Direct Auto | $166 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Fort Smith: State Farm
Full-coverage car insurance provides broader protection than liability-only coverage. Unlike liability insurance, full coverage pays for damages to your vehicle and typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Drivers may want to consider full coverage if they drive an expensive vehicle or simply want greater peace of mind on the road.
Full coverage is typically pricier than liability insurance since it offers more protection. But it’s still possible to find affordable policies. Fort Smith drivers pay a monthly average of $224 for full-coverage insurance.
Here are some of the cheapest rates for full coverage in Fort Smith:
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
State Farm | $56 |
USAA | $67 |
GEICO | $83 |
Auto-Owners | $94 |
Root | $108 |
Safeco | $120 |
Shelter | $123 |
Allstate | $124 |
Farmers | $124 |
Nationwide | $124 |
Travelers | $132 |
Progressive | $133 |
National General | $151 |
GAINSCO | $196 |
Dairyland | $220 |
Liberty Mutual | $241 |
The General | $248 |
Bristol West | $332 |
Direct Auto | $368 |
Cheapest recent rates near Fort Smith, Arkansas
Drivers in and around Fort Smith, Arkansas have found policies from GEICO, Direct Auto, National General, and more, through Insurify in the last few days.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Fort Smith, Arkansas within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 21, 2024
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Fort Smith, Arkansas within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 21, 2024
Car insurance requirements in Arkansas
Like most states, Arkansas follows a traditional fault-based system, meaning the person who causes a car accident is finally responsible for the resulting losses.
Here are the minimum car insurance requirements in Arkansas:[2]
Coverage ▲▼ | Minimum Requirements ▲▼ |
---|---|
Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
Property damage liability | $25,000 |
If you want to boost your protection above the minimum coverage requirements, consider adding optional coverage types to your policy, such as:
Roadside assistance coverage
Roadside assistance provides lock-out assistance, tire changes, tows, and more.
Gap coverage
Gap insurance helps cover the difference between what you owe on your car loan and the value of the car if you total it.
Rental car reimbursement coverage
If you need a rental car because your car is in the shop, this coverage pays for the cost of a rental car up to the policy limits.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
If you have an incident on your record — such as an at-fault accident, speeding ticket, or DUI — it can be more challenging to find cheap car insurance.[3] Insurers view drivers with these incidents as higher-risk and increase their rates to make up for this added risk. Generally, having multiple incidents on your record will result in a more drastic rate increase than having one incident.
Here are some of the average liability rates drivers with incidents pay in Fort Smith.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Speeding Ticket ▲▼ | With At-Fault Accident ▲▼ | With DUI ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
State Farm | $27 | $35 | $37 | $45 |
USAA | $32 | $42 | $45 | $54 |
GEICO | $40 | $53 | $56 | $67 |
Auto-Owners | $46 | $62 | $64 | $77 |
Allstate | $59 | $78 | $82 | $99 |
Shelter | $59 | $81 | $86 | $99 |
Farmers | $60 | $79 | $83 | $101 |
Nationwide | $60 | $80 | $84 | $101 |
Root | $63 | $89 | $94 | $95 |
Progressive | $64 | $84 | $90 | $108 |
Travelers | $64 | $85 | $90 | $108 |
Safeco | $65 | $87 | $90 | $102 |
National General | $84 | $112 | $117 | $141 |
GAINSCO | $88 | $125 | $118 | $148 |
Dairyland | $89 | $118 | $123 | $150 |
Liberty Mutual | $113 | $161 | $167 | $190 |
The General | $117 | $158 | $166 | $197 |
Bristol West | $130 | $173 | $181 | $219 |
Direct Auto | $166 | $220 | $236 | $279 |
Average cost of car insurance by age
Age is a major factor that affects the cost of car insurance. Rates tend to level out around age 35 but increase again around 70. The risk of being injured in a car accident increases as people age, which may explain the higher rates for older drivers. Teen drivers have the highest rates out of all age groups due to inexperience and higher accident rates.[4]
Here are the average rates for drivers of different ages in Fort Smith.
Age ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Teens | $416 |
20s | $277 |
30s | $203 |
40s | $180 |
50s | $157 |
60s | $145 |
70s | $162 |
Fort Smith car insurance quotes by credit tier
The state of Arkansas allows car insurance companies to consider a driver’s credit history when setting car insurance rates. Drivers with bad credit may receive higher rates because insurers perceive them as a higher risk than drivers with good credit.
Here are the average monthly rates in Arkansas for drivers with different credit tiers:
Rates by Credit Tier
Fort Smith car insurance FAQs
If you’re shopping for car insurance in Fort Smith, this additional information may help as you research your coverage options.
How much is car insurance in Fort Smith?
Car insurance in Fort Smith costs an average of $118 per month for liability coverage and $224 per month for full coverage, according to Insurify data.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Fort Smith?
State Farm has the cheapest car insurance in Fort Smith, with monthly liability rates as low as $27. USAA and GEICO also offer affordable coverage, with respective monthly liability rates of $32 and $40.
But the cheapest insurer for you will depend on many factors, such as your age, ZIP code, vehicle, and coverage levels.
What are the best car insurance companies in Fort Smith?
With a high Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 9.3 out of 5, an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best, and above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores, State Farm is the best car insurance company in Fort Smith.
Other top insurers to consider include GEICO and USAA.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in Arkansas
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
- Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. "Safety Responsibility."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Teen Driver Safety."
Theresa Stevens is a personal finance writer based in Boston, Massachusetts. Her work has been featured in Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, and more. As a former financial advisor, she has first-hand experience helping people solve their money challenges. When she's not writing, you'll find her trying out new karaoke spots or planning her next trip abroad.
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Featured in