Does a DWI raise car insurance rates in Arkansas?

Arkansas car insurance averages $1,957 with a clean driving record. However, average car insurance rates after a DWI increase to $3,420, which is $1,463 more.

Car insurance companies charge much higher rates if you are proven to be a risky driver. If you have multiple DWIs, average rates dramatically increase to $4,962.

How much does a DWI raise your insurance in Arkansas?

The cheapest insurer after a DWI is State Farm, with average premiums of $2,194. The next most affordable option is Travelers, where rates are $1 higher than those of State Farm. Progressive offers the third-lowest car insurance rates for drivers with a DWI.

Not only is driving under the influence dangerous, but it's also expensive. You'll face hefty fines and increased car insurance rates for years. However, every company weighs a DWI differently and offers different rates, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential.

This table shows average car insurance rates after a DWI in Arkansas.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordsAnnual premium after a DUIAnnual premium after multiple DUIs
State Farm$2,060$2,194$2,194
Travelers$1,442$2,195$3,071
Progressive$2,431$2,685$3,890
GEICO$1,794$3,264$4,122
Nationwide$1,503$3,333$4,684
Allstate$2,729$3,588$4,885
Farmers$2,248$5,062$7,566
USAA$1,090$2,113$2,345

PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in Arkansas?

If you're convicted of a DUI in Arkansas, consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, car insurance rates will increase, and the DWI will stay on your record for five years.

If someone gets a DWI in your car, does it go on your insurance?

In most cases, insurance applies to the car rather than the driver, so your car insurance rates won't rise because the DWI will not appear on your driving record.

However, your premiums may increase if your vehicle is involved in a crash resulting from a DWI. Your car may also be held as a crime scene after the incident, which means you won't be able to access it until the police have cleared it.

How long does a DWI affect your insurance in Arkansas?

Even though a DWI may remain on your driving record for life, it won't affect your insurance rates forever. In Arkansas, a DWI impacts car insurance and stays on your record for five years. Your premiums should begin to decrease after a few years of keeping a clean driving record without further violations.

PEOPLE ASK:

Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DUI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DUI, especially if you have multiple convictions. However, if you already have car insurance, your insurer will likely continue your coverage. Since insurance rates will increase after a DUI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates.

How much does a DWI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers typically pay higher car insurance rates than older, more seasoned drivers because they have less driving experience. While a DWI increases costs for everyone, a teen's premiums climb even more after a conviction. The average car insurance rate for a teen with a DWI is $4,956.

Below are the cheapest insurers after a DWI for each age group:

  • For teens: Travelers has the most affordable rate at $4,956.
  • For young adults: Travelers offers the lowest-priced coverage for young adults at $2,425.
  • For adults: State Farm provides the best rate, averaging $2,194.
  • For seniors: State Farm delivers the cheapest average rate at $1,965.

This table illustrates how a DWI affects car insurance rates across different age groups.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Travelers$3,408$4,956$1,54845%
State Farm$5,408$5,817$4098%
Nationwide$5,294$6,841$1,54729%
GEICO$5,149$9,100$3,95177%
Progressive$11,262$11,291$290%
Allstate$10,693$15,204$4,51142%
Farmers$8,986$17,978$8,992100%
Travelers$3,408$4,956$1,54845%
State Farm$5,408$5,817$4098%
Nationwide$5,294$6,841$1,54729%
GEICO$5,149$9,100$3,95177%
Progressive$11,262$11,291$290%
Allstate$10,693$15,204$4,51142%
Farmers$8,986$17,978$8,992100%
USAA$3,064$4,824$1,76057%
USAA$3,064$4,824$1,76057%

How much does a DWI raise your insurance in your city?

The most affordable city in Arkansas for car insurance after a DWI is Elkins, while the most expensive is Little Rock, with an average premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. of $3,628. Where you live affects your insurance costs even without a DWI. Drivers in areas with higher traffic or higher rates of vehicle theft pay more because their cars face a greater risk. A DWI then pushes those already high rates even higher.

This table lists the average car insurance rates after a DWI by city. Compare prices in major cities and rural areas to understand how your location influences your rates.

CityAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
El Dorado$2,107$3,613$1,50671%
Elkins$1,797$3,143$1,34675%
Fayetteville$1,875$3,316$1,44177%
Hope$2,061$3,578$1,51774%
Hot Springs$1,949$3,388$1,43974%
Jacksonville$1,890$3,332$1,44276%
Little Rock$2,064$3,628$1,56476%
Newport$1,927$3,364$1,43775%
Sherwood$1,911$3,347$1,43675%
West Memphis$1,963$3,452$1,48976%
El Dorado$2,107$3,613$1,50671%
Elkins$1,797$3,143$1,34675%
Fayetteville$1,875$3,316$1,44177%
Hope$2,061$3,578$1,51774%
Hot Springs$1,949$3,388$1,43974%
Jacksonville$1,890$3,332$1,44276%
Little Rock$2,064$3,628$1,56476%
Newport$1,927$3,364$1,43775%
Sherwood$1,911$3,347$1,43675%
West Memphis$1,963$3,452$1,48976%

How to get car insurance after a DWI in Arkansas

Insurers will consider you a high-risk driver after a DWI, but you can still get car insurance. Finding the right coverage after a DWI conviction may take some extra effort.

If you already have car insurance and receive a DWI, your insurer will likely keep your policy active. However, your premiums will rise when it's time to renew.

If you need car insurance after a DWI or want to find the lowest rates, shop around for coverage. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the most affordable policy in Arkansas since each insurer offers different rates after a DWI.

Arkansas DWI insurance requirements and penalties

A DWI in Arkansas means you must meet specific high-risk driver requirements. In Arkansas, this includes obtaining an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form your insurer submits to the state to verify that you carry at least the minimum car insurance required by law. While the SR-22 itself doesn't increase your rates, the offense that led to it does.

A DWI can lead to fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment and even jail time. Multiple offenses carry even harsher penalties. You may also have to pay attorney fees, towing charges and impound costs.

The table below highlights Arkansas DWI laws and the penalties for both first-time and repeat offenses.

Increased penalty for high BACAdministrative license suspension after a first offenseLimited driving privileges during suspensionIgnition interlocksOpen container lawsRepeat offender laws
None6 monthsYesMandatory for all convictionsYesYes
None6 monthsYesMandatory for all convictionsYesYes

*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a DWI does your insurance go down?

A DWI affects car insurance rates for at least three years, but the actual time varies. In some states like California, a DWI can affect rates for 10 years.

Arkansas drivers can expect to pay higher car insurance rates after a DWI and expect it to stay on their record for five years.

Tips to save money after a DWI

A DWI can cost you thousands in fines, fees, and higher car insurance premiums. Fortunately, you can still take steps to reduce your rates after a DWI.

Ways Arkansas drivers can reduce car insurance costs after a DWI include:

We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Additional rate data is drawn based on:

  • One and two DWI convictions
  • Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

Arkansas DWI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a DWI?

DWIs can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years, depending on your state. Typically, a DWI stops affecting car insurance rates in three to five years.

Will my insurance drop me after a DWI in Arkansas?

Most insurers won't drop you after one DWI, but rates will increase significantly. However, multiple DWIs may cause your insurer to refuse coverage. The more risk you pose, the more challenging it is to get car insurance.

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