Homeowners Insurance in Arkansas
Arkansas is a diamond in the rough. Literally. While many underestimate The Natural State, the biggest and the most perfect diamonds ever found in the U.S. were discovered within its state lines. Surprised? Don’t be.
Beneath Arkansas’ tough exterior there is plenty of beauty to be found, from Hot Springs National Park to the Buffalo National River. Perhaps that’s why it’s one of the happiest states in the nation.
If you’ve recently taken residence in the state or are just looking to switch up your home protection to something more modern, Hippo’s got your back with our guide to homeowners insurance in Arkansas.
How much is homeowners insurance in Arkansas?
Homeowners insurance in Arkansas costs an average of $1,543 a year — or about the cost of 514 gallons of milk...if you needed that much milk, that is. (No judgment here! You can never have too much of the official state beverage) Though if you recently moo-ved from another state, you may be surprised to learn you’ll be paying more for your premiums. Arkansas home insurance runs about $350 more than the national average.
What influences my home insurance rate?
So why is home insurance in the Natural State higher than the country-wide average? That’s due to the increased risk of extreme weather in the area, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and even flooding. Though if you read that list and your heart started to race, don’t fret. Arkansas clocked in at the 19th most disaster-prone state (according to MoneyWise’s analysis of FEMA data) in the nation, meaning there are plenty of other states where homes are at a higher risk for damage.
Arkansas Home Insurance Premiums
What does homeowners insurance in Arkansas cover?
Arkansas may be home to laws preventing some of the most unique transgressions, but when it comes to home insurance in Arkansas, things are pretty standard. When buying a policy, you can expect to have your dwelling, personal property, additional structures and personal liability protected from a variety of perils. But if you decide to keep an alligator in your bathtub or your dog barks late into the night, you’re on your own, as both mean you’re breaking Arkansas law.
With an average of 217 sunny days a year, Arkansas is a pretty comfortable place to live. But it’s not without dangers. To make sure you’re prepared, Arkansas homeowners should consider adding windstorm protection, hurricane insurance and even water backup coverage to their policies.
Arkansas Insurance Coverage Options
Traditional coverage
Physical Structure
Living Expenses
Liability Protection
Additional Structures
Personal Possessions
Supplemental coverage
Fire
Earthquake
Flood
Tips to lower your home insurance premium
When trying to lower your home insurance premium, there are several options you can try out. First, consider changing home insurance providers every few years to get the best rate. Even if you don’t always make a switch, it's a great idea to know what the newest companies are offering so you don’t get stuck paying more than you have to for proper home protection.
You can also update your home with smart home devices and newer energy-efficient systems to get discounts as well. Some providers (like us) will even provide a smart home kit free of charge with each purchased policy.
So as you can see, there are plenty of ways to save as an Arkansas homeowner. Just don’t pronounce Arkansas wrong, or you might be fined.
Arkansas home insurance resources
A state with seven national parks, over 2.9 million acres of national forests and 52 state parks clearly has plenty of national resources. Arkansas follows a similar fashion when it comes to its home insurance resources. The Arkansas Insurance Department offers assistance and information to homeowners looking to learn more and purchase protection. But their resources don’t stop there.
The National Flood Insurance Program
One of the most recent historic floods in Arkansas happened in 2019, when the Arkansas River rose to over 40 feet. While record-setting floods aren’t a yearly occurrence in The Natural State, it happens enough that getting flood insurance is a must. To get protection, you’ll need to go through the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program, which provides financial assistance for flood water damage to your home or belongings.
Whether you just moved to Little Rock to be closer to the World Cheese Dip Championship or you’ve never left Mountain View because of your love of folk music (which is the folk capital of America), you’ll need home insurance. Luckily, we are here to help both new and native Arkansawyers get the home protection they deserve.
