Best homeowners insurance in Arkansas (2024)

We looked at average costs, customer service ratings, and policy options from multiple top insurers to find the best and cheapest home insurance companies in Arkansas.

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By

Rachael BrennanSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertRachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Edited by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.

Updated|4 min read

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When it comes to severe weather and natural disasters, Arkansas isn’t the most dangerous state in the country. But it's also susceptible to the elements in all four seasons, including severe tornadoes and wildfires once spring and summer roll around, making homeowners insurance both necessary and costly. 

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Arkansas is $2,838 per year or $237 a month. This is around 62% higher than the national average of $1,754. Homeowners should not be deterred, however. There are many ways to save on home insurance to get the policy you need at an affordable price.

Compare home insurance rates in Arkansas

We don't sell your information to third parties.

Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in Arkansas

Policygenius found the best homeowners insurance companies in Arkansas by analyzing quotes across every ZIP code in the state. We also looked at J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores and compared that with the coverage needs of Arkansas residents to find the best homeowners insurance in the state.

Company

Average monthly cost

Policygenius rating

Auto-Owners Insurance

$334

5.0 out of 5

State Farm

$241

4.8 out of 5

Farmers

$191

4.5 out of 5

Allstate

$234

4.4 out of 5

Travelers

$599

4.4 out of 5

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:

  • Dwelling: $300,000

  • Other structures: $30,000

  • Personal property: $150,000

  • Loss of use: $60,000

  • Liability: $300,000

  • Medical: $1,000

All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Auto-Owners Insurance

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange star

5.0

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers flood insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

Auto-Owners Insurance is our highest-rated homeowners insurance company in Arkansas thanks to its mix of extensive policy and coverage options, high marks for financial strength and customer experience ratings.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Offers a slew of extra coverage add-ons

  • Lots of discounts available

  • Flood insurance available through the NFIP

Cons

  • Not able to get quotes or file claims online

More detailschevron icon

Why Auto-Owners Insurance is our pick for best overall company

Auto-Owners Insurance is our pick for the best overall home insurance company in Arkansas. The company scored at least a 4 out of 5 for customer experience, coverage options, and financial strength, which earned it a perfect 5 out of 5 Policygenius rating.

With endorsements like guaranteed replacement cost, water backup protection, inland flood coverage, and a comprehensive Homeowners Plus endorsement package, Auto-Owners offers excellent value for the coverage you're getting.

Finally, while Auto-Owners offers cheap homeowners insurance, the company also offers a range of discounts that can help lower your insurance rates even more.

How do Auto-Owners Insurance home insurance rates compare to the Arkansas average?

The average cost of Auto-Owners home insurance in Arkansas is $4,010 per year, according to sample quotes provided to us by Quadrant Information Services. This makes Auto-Owners Insurance about 41% more expensive than the statewide average. 

How to get a quote

By calling an Auto-Owners Insurance agent.

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2024 Policygenius award winner

State Farm

State Farm logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.8

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers flood insurance

Offers earthquake insurance

Wind/hail deductible

Offers wildfire insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

State Farm is one of the best home insurance companies in Arkansas thanks to its large selection of policy options, high customer service marks, and industry-best financial stability ratings.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Top-tier coverage add-ons, including extended replacement cost coverage

  • High customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings

Cons

  • No discounts for first-time homebuyers

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose State Farm

State Farm is one of the best home insurance companies in Arkansas, especially if you want to add coverage to a basic policy. State Farm lets homeowners get extended replacement cost coverage for their homes, replacement cost coverage for their personal property, water backup protection, and more.

State Farm's customer service is highly rated, too. The company has received high ratings from policyholders, according to J.D. Power’s 2022 customer satisfaction, claims, and digital experience surveys. It has also received the highest rating possible from A.M. Best for financial strength and stability.

How do State Farm home insurance rates compare to the Arkansas average?

The average cost of home insurance from State Farm in Arkansas is $2,890 per year, which is 2% more expensive than the statewide average.

How to get a quote

Online through State Farm or by contacting your local State Farm agent.

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Farmers

Farmers Insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Offers extended replacement cost

Bundle home & auto

Smart home discounts

Why we chose itchevron icon

Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in Arkansas. The company has a range of coverage add-ons, discounts, and high claims satisfaction scores — and rates are lower than the average in Arkansas.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Optional extended or guaranteed replacement cost dwelling coverage

  • Receives few complaints from policyholders

  • Lower rates than the state average in Oklahoma

Cons

  • Below-average scores on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Farmers

Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in Arkansas. You can customize your Farmers home insurance with coverage options like guaranteed or extended replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, and a personal articles floater.

Farmers also earned a high score in J.D. Power’s 2022 claims satisfaction study (though it was below-average on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys). Plus, Farmers receives fewer complaints than average, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

How do Farmers home insurance rates compare to the average in Arkansas?

The average cost of Farmers home insurance in Arkansas is $2,293 per year, which is 19% cheaper than the average cost of home insurance in the state.

How to get a quote

Online through Farmers

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

Allstate

Allstate logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Smart home discounts

Why we chose itchevron icon

Allstate is one of the best homeowners insurance companies in Arkansas for people looking for more affordable premiums. Besides affordability, Allstate also offers a few perks to lower your deductible each year you go without filing a claim.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Rates are much cheaper than average in Oklahoma

  • Extensive list of discounts and policy features to lower your bill and deductible costs

  • Offers HostAdvantage — an excellent short-term rental coverage add-on that can be seamlessly added to any policy.

Cons

  • Beginning to pull back coverage in high-risk areas

  • Customer experience scores with J.D. Power are below the segment average

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Allstate

Besides Allstate's lower-than-average premiums, its high customer satisfaction ratings and excellent coverage options make it a top choice for homeowners in Arkansas. We also like that Allstate has discounts for setting up automatic payments, bundling policies, and signing up for coverage before your current policy expires — all easy for many people to qualify for.

It also stands out thanks to its diminishing deductible program each year you go without filing a claim. Your rates also won't go up if you only file one claim within a five-year period.

How do Allstate home insurance rates compare to the Arkansas average?

The average cost of an Allstate home insurance policy in Arkansas is $2,808 per year, which is 1% cheaper than the state average.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Allstate, or by contacting a local Allstate agent.

Travelers

Travelers home insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.4

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

New homebuyer discount

Mobile app

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers flood insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

Travelers offers some of the best homeowners insurance in Arkansas despite higher-than-average rates thanks to industry-best financial ratings and flexible policy options for most home types.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Green home coverage and discounts

  • Offers short-term rental coverage for Airbnb hosts

  • Doesn’t require prior insurance on the home

Cons

  • Subpar customer service ratings with J.D. Power

  • Underwhelming number of available discounts

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Travelers

Travelers is a reputable home insurance provider that offers comprehensive policy options. One of Travelers's benefits is its willingness to cover risks that other insurance companies won't. These risks include no prior insurance coverage, coverage for short term rentals, and liability protection for trampoline injuries if its fitted with protective netting.

How do Travelers home insurance rates compare to the Arkansas state average?

The average cost of Travelers home insurance in Arkansas is $7,190 per year, which is significantly pricier than the state average annual premium of $2,838.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Travelers

Compare home insurance rates in Arkansas

We don't sell your information to third parties.

How much is homeowners insurance in Arkansas?

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Arkansas is $2,838 per year, or $237 a month, for an insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This means insurance in Arkansas is more expensive than the national average cost of $1,754 per year.

Arkansas homeowners insurance rates by city

Home insurance costs in Arkansas can vary widely depending on where you live. For example, home insurance in Springdale costs $2,487 per year, while in Sherwood the average cost of coverage is just $3,006 per year.

Here’s a look at the average cost of home insurance in the 20 largest cities in Arkansas.

City

Average monthly cost

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

Little Rock

$237

$2,843

0%

Fayetteville

$209

$2,513

-11%

Fort Smith

$230

$2,761

-3%

Springdale

$207

$2,487

-12%

Jonesboro

$249

$2,983

5%

Rogers

$207

$2,485

-12%

Conway

$230

$2,754

-3%

North Little Rock

$236

$2,829

0%

Bentonville

$210

$2,519

-11%

Pine Bluff

$255

$3,059

8%

Hot Springs

$239

$2,869

1%

Benton

$228

$2,738

-4%

Sherwood

$251

$3,006

6%

Bella Vista

$204

$2,447

-14%

Paragould

$235

$2,823

-1%

Texarkana

$242

$2,906

2%

Russellville

$224

$2,693

-5%

Jacksonville

$227

$2,727

-4%

Cabot

$221

$2,648

-7%

West Memphis

$250

$3,003

6%

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Arkansas homeowners insurance rates by coverage amount

The table below highlights the average annual premium in Arkansas for five different levels of dwelling coverage, which is the part of your policy that covers structural damage to your home.

Generally speaking, more dwelling coverage means higher homeowners insurance rates, as shown in the table below.

Dwelling coverage limit

Average annual cost

$100,000

$1,385

$200,000

$2,112

$300,000

$2,838

$400,000

$3,594

$500,000

$4,439

Compare home insurance rates in Arkansas

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Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Arkansas

Looking at average home insurance costs for the 15 most popular insurers in Arkansas, we found that the cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Arkansas are State Auto, Farmers, and Latter & Blum Insurance.

Company

Average annual cost

State Auto

$1,616

Farmers

$2,293

Latter & Blum Insurance

$2,425

USAA

$2,514

Shelter Insurance

$2,515

Farm Bureau Insurance

$2,701

Allstate

$2,808

State Farm

$2,890

Foremost

$3,593

Nationwide

$3,748

Auto-Owners Insurance

$4,010

Travelers

$7,190

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Cheapest Arkansas homeowners insurance if you have poor credit

If you have a poor credit score, your homeowners insurance rates will be higher. Insurance companies charge higher premiums to homeowners with lower credit scores because they believe these policyholders are more likely to make future claims.

Company

Average annual cost

Latter & Blum Insurance

$2,812

Shelter Insurance

$3,257

Farm Bureau Insurance

$3,453

Allstate

$4,372

Farmers

$4,388

USAA

$4,798

State Farm

$4,967

Nationwide

$5,122

State Auto

$5,879

Auto-Owners Insurance

$6,587

Foremost

$6,960

Travelers

$24,554

Collapse table

Cheapest Arkansas homeowners insurance if you have an older home

Older and historic homes are usually more expensive to insure than newer homes. Insurers consider them a higher risk because they can be fragile, their construction materials may be obsolete, and certain structural components like the roof or plumbing may not be in good shape or up to current-day code.

Here are the cheapest home insurance options in Arkansas for a 50-year-old home.

Company

Average annual cost

State Auto

$1,682

Farmers

$2,521

Latter & Blum Insurance

$2,561

USAA

$2,601

Shelter Insurance

$2,604

Allstate

$2,813

Farm Bureau Insurance

$2,875

State Farm

$2,883

Foremost

$3,281

Auto-Owners Insurance

$3,913

Nationwide

$4,310

Travelers

$9,294

Collapse table

Cheapest Arkansas homeowners insurance if you have a history of claims

One of the biggest factors that plays a role in your home insurance premium is your claims history. You'll typically pay more for home insurance if you have multiple claims on your record, since insurers perceive you as posing a greater risk of filing more claims later on.

Here are the cheapest home insurance companies in Arkansas for a homeowner with three claims within a five-year period.

Company

Average annual cost

Farm Bureau Insurance

$2,747

State Farm

$2,883

Latter & Blum Insurance

$3,170

State Auto

$3,240

Farmers

$3,591

USAA

$3,808

Auto-Owners Insurance

$4,010

Allstate

$4,945

Shelter Insurance

$5,057

Nationwide

$6,186

Foremost

$8,457

Travelers

$11,447

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Coverage options in Arkansas

When buying homeowners insurance in Arkansas, you should be aware of what your policy does and doesn’t cover. There are a few additional types of insurance you may need to consider getting to protect against the state’s flooding, wildfires, and tornadoes.

Flood insurance

Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so Arkansas residents in at-risk areas should consider flood insurance on top of their regular insurance policy.

In addition to comparing home insurance quotes, homeowners in Arkansas can also compare private flood insurance rates with Policygenius, or choose a policy through a government entity like the National Flood Insurance Program.

Tornado insurance

Although homeowners insurance usually covers wind and tornado damage, be sure you have enough insurance to rebuild your home if it's destroyed in a tornado by adding replacement cost coverage to your policy.

It's possible that a company won't cover wind damage or may charge a separate deductible after a tornado damages your home. In this case, you could get a separate windstorm policy — or find another company that does cover wind damage.

Wildfire insurance

It's important for homeowners in Arkansas to be prepared for stronger and more frequent wildfires. While most home insurance policies cover fire damage, consider adding replacement cost coverage to be sure you can fully rebuild your home after a fire.

You may have a hard time getting coverage if you live somewhere that's prone to wildfires. If this is the case, you could get coverage from a surplus lines carrier or take steps to lower your fire risk:

  • Creating a defensible space around your home by removing flammable vegetation

  • Tree pruning

  • Raking or removing any dead leaves or brush from your roof, gutter, or yard

  • Installing a fire-resistant “Class A” roof

  • Installing dual- or triple-paned windows

How to buy homeowners insurance in Arkansas

If you live in Arkansas, your homeowners insurance should have enough dwelling coverage to pay to rebuild your home in case it’s destroyed in a fire or tornado; as well as any additional coverage options that keep your home well protected. 

Here are some steps to take when looking for your ideal policy:

How to buy homeowners insurance in Arkansas

  1. Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. A Policygenius agent can not only answer your homeowners insurance questions, but also help you determine your coverage limits, discuss your policy options, and compare rates — all at no cost to you.

  2. Consider purchasing flood insurance. Damage from a flood can be costly, but unfortunately it’s not covered under your homeowners insurance policy. Additional flood insurance can save you from paying for expensive repairs or rebuilds out of pocket.

  3. Figure out how much you can afford to pay for your deductible. If you are likely to file a claim — or even multiple claims — throughout the year, be careful not to choose too high of a deductible. 

  4. Compare quotes from a Policygenius agent. Shopping around and comparing quotes is the best way to find the right coverage at the lowest rates.

  5. Choose your policy, sign, and pay your first premium. After you’ve picked out a home insurance policy, a Policygenius agent can help prepare the paperwork so all you need to do is make your first payment. 

Compare home insurance rates in Arkansas

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Frequently asked questions

What is the average cost of homeowners insurance in Arkansas?

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Arkansas is $3,391 per year or $283 a month.

Do older homes cost more to insure?

Older homes tend to be more expensive to insure because they are more likely to need expensive repairs. Older homes may also need to be brought up to modern standards during repairs, or may require materials that are outdated, which also drive up the cost of insurance.

Do I really need homeowners insurance?

While homeowners insurance is not legally required in Arkansas, it’s a relatively small price to pay when compared to the potentially thousands of dollars you may need to spend if a tornado or wildfire damages your house. Homeowners insurance not only protects you from natural disasters, but also from theft and vandalism as well as expensive liability lawsuits. Most mortgage lenders will also require you to have homeowners insurance as a stipulation of your loan agreement.

Author

Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Editor

Pat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.

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