Cheap Car Insurance in Batesville, AR

What Does it Mean if Arkansas is an At-Fault State?

Arkansas is an at-fault state, which means the party determined to be at fault for an accident is responsible for paying its damages through their insurance company or out of pocket. If an at-fault driver is not insured or inadequately insured, the injured parties may file a lawsuit to recover the damages.

Exact procedures for determining fault vary amongst at-fault states. For example, a “modified comparative negligence system ” is applied in Arkansas, meaning injured parties can receive payouts if their “percentage of fault” is less than 50%.

To determine who is at fault in Arkansas, the following factors are considered:

• Negligence: Actions and behavior of both parties before, during, and after the accident.
• Evidence: Witness statements, police reports, and other forms of evidence are all fair game and help to put the puzzle pieces together to determine who is at fault.
• Comparative Negligence: in this scenario, each party under Arkansas law is assigned a percentage of fault, with the compensation/payouts based on the percentage of fault.

Here are the liability-only requirements all Arkansas drivers must adhere to:

• Bodily Injury or Death Coverage for One Person: $25,000
• Bodily Injury or Death Coverage for Multiple People: $50,000
• Property Damage Per Accident: $25,000

Also referred to as 25/50/25 coverage, these are only the minimums. Full coverage offers substantially greater protections with additional first-party benefits protecting you and your vehicle in the event of an accident.

For example, two aspects of full coverage are comprehensive and collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by non-collision-related events, such as falling tree limbs, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. Collision coverage pays for collision-related damages due to vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-object, and rollover collisions.

Driving without insurance in Batesville is a bad idea, carrying the following penalties:

• $50 to $250 fine for first-time offenders (unless proof of insurance is provided within 30 days)
• Mandatory $250 to $500 fine for second-time offenders
• Mandatory $500 to $1,000 fine for third and subsequent offenders
• $100 reinstatement fee
• Up to one year in jail (depending on the severity of the offense)

In addition, expect to file an SR-22, a certificate of financial responsibility that lets Arkansas law enforcement know you’re carrying the minimum required liability.

Remember that liability requirements for Arkansas drivers are $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and 25,000 in property damage liability per car accident.

There are many factors auto insurance companies use to determine your premiums. Common factors include:

• Age and gender
• Driving record
• Vehicle make and model
• Zip code of residence
• Credit history
• Coverage levels
• Amount of deductible

Every insurance company weighs these factors differently. For example, one may place a heavier emphasis on your age and gender than a competing provider. Additionally, some states restrict the use of certain factors to determine rates (e.g., credit score).

When driving in Arkansas, be aware of the following to help avoid any chances of an at-fault accident:

• Hands-Free Law. Under Arkansas law, it is illegal to use a smartphone while driving. Texting, viewing photos, or uploading your latest pic onto Instagram is forbidden. If you really need to use your phone, pull over or use Bluetooth or other hands-free devices instead of lifting your phone while driving.
• Wear Your Seat Belt. In Arkansas, seat belts are required at all times for all passengers. Expect fines and penalties if pulled over at a traffic stop without your seat belt.
• Adhere to Speed Limits. Be sure to know all the speed limits on all of Arkansas’s roads. Expect the maximum speed limit on rural interstates to be at most 70 miles per hour versus 65 miles per hour for urban interstates. Be aware of posted signs at all times.

By following all of the above traffic laws and regulations, you increase the safety of yourself and others and minimize your chances of being dinged in an at-fault accident.