Best & Cheapest Renters Insurance In Arkansas For 2025

Only 26.4% of all households in Arkansas are renters, but for those 26.4%, finding the best and cheapest renters insurance rates is important. Costs are affected by many things but the two biggest factors influencing costs in Arkansas have to do with risk of Hazards including wildfires, tornadoes, and floods as well as the level of coverage that you choose.

The average cost of renters insurance in Arkansas is approximately $336 per year, or about $28 per month. This makes it an affordable way to protect your personal belongings and liability.

Having had over 15 years of experience as a licensed property and casualty agent, I’ve helped many clients find the right renters insurance to suit their needs and budget. This deep industry knowledge allows me to provide insights that save you time and money while making sure you have the right coverage.

Cheapest Renters Insurance Companies In Arkansas

Travelers and State Farm are the cheapest renters insurance companies in Arkansas. Travelers costs an average of $14 per month, while State Farm costs around $16.

Best Renters Insurance Companies In Arkansas 2025

State Farm is the best renters insurance company in Arkansas, with average monthly premiums of $16.

Use the table below to view the best renters insurance companies in Arkansas, and their average rates.

How Much Is Renters Insurance In Arkansas?

The average cost of renters insurance in Arkansas is typically around $28 per month, or about $336 annually. However, the exact cost can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the location of the rental property, the value of your personal belongings, the coverage limits, and any additional coverage options you may choose.

Average Arkansas Renters Insurance Costs – By City

Where you live in Arkansas can have a significant impact on the cost of renters insurance.

Here’s a table showing the average cost of renters insurance in 10 major cities in Arkansas:

What Factors Affect The Price Of Renters Insurance In Arkansas?

Several factors influence the cost of renters insurance in Arkansas. Understanding these can help you manage your premium:

• Crime Rates: Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and West Memphis have some of the highest property crime rates in the state so renters here might have higher premiums.
• Flood Risk: There are many flood-prone regions near rivers and lakes, including big lake, Black River, and other low-lying areas which can raise premiums
• Tornado Risk: Areas in Craighead County, Saline County, and Pulaski County are at high risk of tornado damage and this can bring up premium prices.
• Value of Personal Belongings: The more valuable your possessions, the higher your coverage limits and premiums.
• Deductible: A higher deductible can lower your monthly premium but increase out-of-pocket costs.
• Claim History: A history of claims may increase your rates.
• Rental Property Type: Apartments may cost less to insure than houses.
• Safety Features: Smoke detectors, security systems, and deadbolts may lower premiums.

Is Renters Insurance Required In Arkansas?

In Arkansas, renters insurance is not legally required by the state, but many landlords or property management companies may require tenants to have a policy in place. While the law does not mandate renters insurance, landlords often include this requirement in the lease agreement as a way to protect both the tenant and the property owner.

For tenants, having renters insurance is a wise decision, even if it’s not required by law. It helps safeguard personal property, which may be costly to replace out-of-pocket. Furthermore, renters insurance may provide coverage for temporary living expenses if the rental unit becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.

While not mandatory, renters insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection. It’s important to review the lease agreement and check with the landlord to see if it’s a requirement, as failure to comply could result in penalties or lease termination.

Common Renters Insurance Claims In Arkansas

The most common renters insurance claims in Arkansas include damage from natural disasters, primarily tornadoes, severe storms, earthquakes, and floods. There are also claims of home fires, floods from broken pipes or appliance malfunctions, and in major cities, claims relating to vandalism or theft. While not as common, there are reports for damage from winter storms especially wind, hail, and flood damages.

Does Renters Insurance In Arkansas Cover Earthquakes?

According to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, the New Madrid seismic Zone puts renters at a high risk of earthquake damage. Unfortunately, earthquakes are considered ground movements and these are generally not covered by a standard renters insurance policy.

To protect against damage if you rent in this area, you can invest in a separate policy.

Does Renters Insurance In Arkansas Cover Fire?

Yes, renters insurance in Arkansas covers fire damage to personal property and the rental unit itself. Fire and lightning damage are among the most common renters insurance claims and the most costly.

If a fire destroys belongings or causes damage to the apartment or house you’re renting, your renters insurance policy will typically cover the cost of repairs or replacement. This includes damage from smoke, heat, and soot.

Renters insurance also provides liability coverage if the fire spreads and causes damage to neighboring units. It’s important to keep an updated inventory of belongings to ensure adequate coverage.

Does Renters Insurance In Arkansas Cover Tornadoes?

Along Interstate 30 and Highway 67/167, renters are at high risk of tornado strikes and subsequent damage. Yes, renters insurance generally covers tornado damage in Arkansas. Tornadoes are typically considered wind-related incidents, and most renters insurance policies include coverage for damage caused by windstorms. If a tornado damages personal property or the rental unit itself, renters insurance will typically cover repair or replacement costs.

However, it’s important to review your policy to ensure that the specific coverage for wind and tornado damage is included. Additional coverage may be needed for high-value items, depending on the policy.

Does Renters Insurance In Arkansas Cover Flooding?

There are many flood-prone areas designated throughout Arkansas. Renters insurance in Arkansas does not cover flooding caused by heavy rains, storm surges, or rising water. Flooding is considered a separate peril, and standard renters policies exclude this type of damage. To protect against flooding, renters in Arkansas must purchase separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.

Flood insurance will cover damage to personal property and the structure of the rental unit caused by rising water, ensuring comprehensive coverage in flood-prone areas.

Does Renters Insurance In Arkansas Cover Wind Damage?

Yes, renters insurance in Arkansas generally covers wind damage caused by events such as windstorms, tornadoes, and hail. Wind-related damage to personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, is usually covered under a standard renters policy.

It’s important to review your policy to confirm that wind damage is included and to consider additional coverage if necessary for extreme weather events.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover In Arkansas?

Renters insurance provides essential protection for your belongings and liability, offering financial security in the event of unexpected incidents. Understanding what is covered under a renters insurance policy helps you make informed decisions about your coverage needs. Below, we break down the key components of renters insurance coverage.

Personal Property Coverage

Renters insurance typically covers personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances, in the event of theft, fire, vandalism, or other covered disasters. It helps you replace or repair your possessions up to the policy’s coverage limit.

Liability Coverage

Liability protection is an essential part of renters insurance. It covers legal expenses and medical costs if someone is injured while on your property. For example, if a guest slips and falls in your home, liability coverage can help pay for their medical bills and any legal fees if you are sued.

Additional Living Expenses

If your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered incident, such as a fire or storm, renters insurance can cover additional living expenses. This includes the cost of temporary housing, meals, and other expenses while your home is being repaired or replaced.

Flood Insurance

Even though Arkansas is not located near the coast, heavy rainfall events and floods from rivers are common. If you rent along a major river, or you are in a low-lying area, it might be worth investing in additional flood insurance.

Medical Payments To Others

This coverage provides small, no-fault medical payments if someone is injured on your property, regardless of who is at fault. It helps cover minor medical expenses without the need for a lawsuit or liability claim.

Loss Of Use Coverage

If you cannot use your rental due to a covered event, loss of use coverage can help with extra costs such as hotel stays and transportation.

Earthquake Coverage

Renters in Arkansas can purchase separate earthquake coverage sold as an endorsement or separate policy. In some cases these separate policies are called a “Difference in Conditions” policy, and they can also extend to other ground movements including landslides associated with floods.

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