Cheap Auto Insurance in Fort Smith, AR
Are you looking for auto insurance in Fort Smith, AR? At CheapCarInsuranceinc.com, you can find the very best insurance rates where you live. To acquire free car insurance quotes from the top rated providers today, type your zip code into the quote box on this page.
Fort Smith was founded back in the early 1800’s as a buffer town to keep the peace between warring Native American tribes. Today, its old west history is a main point of attraction for prospective tourists and history buffs. From a modern perspective, Fort Smith is also a shipping hub connecting West to East as well as a center for US manufacturing.
- Fun fact: Did you know that Fort Smith is #1 on the list of “Top 50 cities with greatest precentage of females working in industry: Electrical equipment, appliances, and components (population 50,000+)”? Learn more about Fort Smith.
Coverage Requirements - Auto Insurance in Fort Smith Arkansas
In order to drive legally in Arkansas, you will need:
| Coverage | Requirements | Most Common |
| Liability Bodily Injury | 30,000/55,000 | 30,000/55,000 |
| Liability Property Damage | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| Bodily Injury - Motorist Uninsured | Not required | 30,000/55,000 |
| Not required Coverage | Medical Payments Coverage | 5,000 |
| Collision Coverage | Not required Coverage | 700 Insurance deductible |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Not required Insurance | 300 deductible |
While purchasing the bare minimum coverage might seem like an affordable option, remember that your provider will only pay out claims if, for whatever reason, the incident was deemed your fault (a.k.a. you are held “liable”). If someone hits you, vandalizes your car, or an act of nature causes severe damage, you will have to pay 100% of the repair/replacement costs.
Throughout Arkansas, the average monthly rate can be as high as $117 for most drivers. However, Fort Smith residents may be entitled to forking out as low as $34/mo* for their insurance policies. Just keep reading to learn more.
In Fort Smith, the top 3 most affordable policies are offered by Nationwide, Farmers, and Liberty Mutual right now. But that rate doesn’t reflect their customer service reputation, nor does it imply a smooth and simple claims processing service. Make sure you aren’t choosing your provider based on low rates alone – or you might end up regretting it.
Auto insurance companies contemplate different elements when figuring out insurance quotes, including driving violations, accident claims, Type of vehicle owned, years of driving experience, and the number of cars and drivers covered under your policy. Also keep in mind that Arkansas auto insurance premiums differ from provider to provider. To find out whether you’re still being charged the most favorable rate, compare cheap Fort Smith auto insurance quotes online.
Most Car Insurance Facts to know in Fort Smith AR
Insurance companies take multiple elements into account when designing an auto insurance policy. Regrettably, a great number of variables are confusing or impossible to change, such as your driving experience or where you live. Other variables your car insurance company may consider include:
- Your Zip Code
Your auto insurance rates may differ depending on where you call home. In general, highly populated cities have higher auto insurance rates because the extra amount of drivers on the road increases the likelihood of an accident! The population of Fort Smith is 87,650 and the median household income is $34,274.
- Automobile Accidents
The lower that the accident statistics are in your zip code, the less you will be forking out for Automobile insurance each month. In Fort Smith, the total number of Deadly accidents in 2013 was relatively low, especially with regard to Deadly DUI-related accidents.
- Car Thieving in Fort Smith
Auto theft is a major problem, especially in densely populated cities. If your location and/or vehicle model put you at a greater risk for theft, you may have trouble finding low-cost car insurance. The total number of stolen vehicles in Fort Smith was 199 back in 2013, which is a decline from recent years. However, if you have the extra money to spare and wish to protect yourself from theft, consider adding Comprehensive coverage to your auto policy.
- Your Credit Score
If you are worried about your credit score, take a close look at the chart below. The lower your credit score, the more it will adversely influence your monthly premiums. Drivers with excellent credit can enjoy exceptionally low rates, while poor credit motorists can end up forking out twice as much (or more).
- Your Age
Trying to insure a young, teenage driver? Well, it will likely be a confusing and expensive endeavor. This is because accident statistics are highest amongst young and inexperienced teenage drivers. However, good grades can qualify them for a “Good Student” discount, and driver’s ed courses can earn even further discounts.
- Your Driving Record
For drivers who have a few minor citations on their record, there are providers out there who might offer you an “Accident Forgiveness” discount, which is a great way to lower your monthly rate if a few speeding tickets are the only reason your premiums are so high.
- Your Vehicle
Luxury vehicles aren’t just more expensive to insure because of their base cost (which means repairs or replacements will be more expensive, too). But you’ll have to pay more for comprehensive coverage of luxury vehicles, as well. After all, most people wouldn’t risk carrying Liability coverage alone on an expensive, fancy car.
Minor Car Insurance elements in Fort Smith
Of course, there are other elements will contribute to your monthly rate as well:
- Your Marital Status
Want to know how married couples can save on automobile insurance? By bundling, that’s how. When you and your spouse bundle your policies together, you can get some significant savings. And if you have other forms of insurance – such as homeowners, or renters insurance – you can save even more by bundling those as well.
- Your Gender
All other elements being equal, it is becoming increasingly rare for insurance companies to charge drastically different rates based on gender alone. Some companies still charge a 2-3% premium difference, but whether that affects males or females depends entirely on the company. Many providers don’t charge a difference based on gender at all.
- Your Driving Distance to Work
The average drive to work will last most drivers less than 20 minutes in Fort Smith. The closer you live to the center of the city, the less likely you are to carpool to work. But for those who live farther away, carpool rates could reach as high as 13-23%.
Some drivers worry about how many miles they drive each year, or whether they’re commuting for work/school or for pleasure. But the truth is that these elements rarely influence your rate by more than a few percentage points. It’s whether or not you drive a business vehicle that makes a big difference – to the tune of 10-12% per month.
- Your Coverage and Deductibles
Would you like more than the bare minimum coverage on your vehicle, but don’t want to pay the full-coverage premiums? Talk to your provider about raising your deductible. Yes, in the short term it can increase your expenses should you need to file a claim. But you can save each month over the long term.
- Education in Fort Smith, AR
If you’re wondering whether your job or income have any influence over your premiums, the answer is: not much. But your education level does. The average driver in Fort Smith has at least a high school diploma or some equivalent thereof. A lesser number of motorists are still in the process of completing high school. For most, going back to school and improving upon their education could produce a significant reduction in their auto insurance rate.
Citizens of Fort Smith who desire a higher education can choose a variety of degrees, from an associates to a doctorate from a wide range of universities. The University of Arkansas has a campus in Fort Smith, as well as a business and industrial institute. John Brown University, a private university run by Christians for Christians, also has a campus located in Fort Smith.
Regrettably for most insurance companies, a simple internet search can reveal many of their trade secrets. But even with the proper information, it can still be confusing for you as an individual to figure out your risk profile and find low-cost insurance. Make sure you do your due diligence before you commit to your next car insurance policy.
How We Conducted Our Car Insurance Analysis
Sources:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
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