Do You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Arkansas?
About 1 in 6 Arkansas drivers has no insurance — and many who do carry only the state minimum. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is what protects you when the other driver can’t.
Arkansas doesn’t legally require you to carry uninsured motorist coverage, but insurers must offer it and you have to reject it in writing to go without it. Given that roughly 1 in 6 Arkansas drivers is uninsured — and many more carry only minimum limits — most drivers should keep uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, ideally matched to their liability limits. It’s usually one of the least expensive but most valuable parts of an auto policy.
What uninsured motorist coverage actually does
Your liability coverage pays for the other person’s injuries and property when you cause a crash. But what happens when someone hits you and they have no insurance — or not enough? That’s the gap uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage fills. It steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver’s missing coverage and pays for your injuries (and sometimes your vehicle) so you’re not left holding the bill.
There are three pieces worth knowing:
UMBIUninsured Motorist Bodily Injury
Pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and related costs when an at-fault driver has no liability insurance at all — including hit-and-run drivers in many cases.
UIMUnderinsured Motorist
Kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are too low to cover your injuries. Since Arkansas’s minimum is just $25,000 per person, this gap is common after any serious crash.
UMPDUninsured Motorist Property Damage
Helps pay to repair your vehicle when an uninsured driver damages it. This is separate from collision coverage and often carries its own deductible — worth reviewing so you know which one applies.
Why this matters so much in Arkansas
Roughly 1 in 6 Arkansas drivers is uninsured. That’s a meaningful chance the next driver who hits you can’t pay for the damage they cause. Without uninsured motorist coverage, your own medical bills could become your problem — even though the crash wasn’t your fault.
Arkansas is an at-fault (tort) state with a 25/50/25 minimum. Plenty of drivers carry only that legal minimum — $25,000 in bodily injury per person. A single ambulance ride, ER visit, and follow-up care can blow past $25,000 quickly, which is exactly when underinsured motorist coverage protects you. More on Arkansas minimum coverage.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Arkansas?
Not exactly — but it’s not fully optional either. Under Arkansas Code § 23-89-403, insurance companies must include uninsured motorist coverage on your policy unless you reject it in writing. Arkansas law similarly requires carriers to offer underinsured motorist coverage. In practice, that means you already have it unless you (or a previous agent) specifically signed it away to shave a few dollars off the premium.
This is worth checking on your declarations page right now. Many drivers who “just wanted the cheapest policy” don’t realize UM/UIM was removed until they’re in a crash and discover it’s gone.
Real situations where it saves you
Someone sideswipes you and drives off. There’s no at-fault driver to bill. Uninsured motorist coverage can pay for your injuries so the cost doesn’t fall on you.
You’re hit by one of Arkansas’s uninsured drivers. They have nothing to collect from. Your UMBI coverage steps in where their liability coverage should have been.
The other driver carries only 25/50/25, but your injuries cost far more. Underinsured motorist coverage covers the difference between their limit and your actual losses. Here’s what happens when a claim exceeds the limits.
How much uninsured motorist coverage should you carry?
A common approach is to match your uninsured/underinsured limits to your liability limits. If you carry 100/300 in liability, carrying 100/300 in UM/UIM keeps your protection consistent whether you cause a crash or someone causes one on you. Buying strong liability limits but skipping UM/UIM leaves your own family less protected than strangers on the road.
| Coverage | Who it protects | When it pays |
|---|---|---|
| Liability (BI/PD) | The other party | You cause the crash |
| Uninsured Motorist (UMBI) | You & your passengers | At-fault driver has no insurance |
| Underinsured Motorist (UIM) | You & your passengers | At-fault driver’s limits are too low |
| UM Property Damage | Your vehicle | Uninsured driver damages your car |
Does it cost a lot?
Compared to the protection it provides, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is typically one of the more affordable line items on an auto policy — often a small fraction of what you already pay for liability. For most Northwest Arkansas drivers, the peace of mind far outweighs the modest premium. Your exact cost depends on your limits, drivers, vehicles, and carrier. See how your rate is calculated.
Typical range for full-coverage auto through Cribb’s independent carrier market. Adding or right-sizing UM/UIM within a policy usually adds only a modest amount. Individual premiums vary by driver, vehicle, limits, deductible, credit-based insurance score, and location.
How to check — and fix — your coverage
- Pull out your declarations page and look for “UM,” “UMBI,” “UIM,” or “uninsured/underinsured motorist.”
- Compare those limits to your liability limits — if UM/UIM is missing or much lower, that’s a gap.
- Ask whether uninsured motorist property damage is included and what deductible applies.
- If you’re not sure, have it reviewed before you renew, not after a crash.
As an independent agency comparing 40+ carriers, Cribb Insurance Group can check whether your uninsured motorist limits actually match your risk — and find the company that prices strong protection competitively. You can start a personal quote, run a commercial quote for business vehicles, or upload your current policy to Coverage Compare for a plain-English review.
Frequently asked questions
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Arkansas?
What’s the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Does uninsured motorist coverage pay for a hit-and-run in Arkansas?
How much uninsured motorist coverage do I need?
Is uninsured motorist coverage the same as collision?
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This article is general information about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in Arkansas, not legal, financial, or coverage advice. Insurance laws, policy terms, and pricing vary by carrier and by individual circumstance, and are subject to change. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions, and underwriting. Statutory references are provided for general context and may be updated; confirm current requirements for your situation. For guidance on your specific policy, contact a licensed Cribb Insurance Group advisor.