Are you planning a road trip in Arkansas and thinking of renting a car? If so, it’s important to know what rental car insurance is required by law in Arkansas. In this blog post, we’ll discuss Arkansas scenic destinations, the requirements for rental car insurance in Arkansas, as well as the various coverage options available to you.
Off the Beaten Track in Arkansas
As the caption goes, “We bring bad things to life”! Quite a claim, which we just happened upon while searching for attractions in Arkansas. The Gangster Museum of America in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas is a fascinating place to catch up on some gruesome facts that may interest you. Macabre, definitely but then again almost everybody loves something unusual because it appeals to the rebel within…
This southern road experience follows Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway, and takes in seven attractions around Arkansas. It is a one-way journey of approximately 300 miles, and it starts up north in Diamond City, Arkansas. It follows Scenic 7 as it winds its way south, taking in these attractions along the way:
- Diamond City, AR – This small city is our start point in Boone County, Arkansas. The vital industry here is tourism, which makes this a great start grid
- Harrison - Dubbed the "Best Small Town in America" with a downtown lake and a beautifully renovated town square complete with hanging flower baskets
- Mystic Cavern – This is a must-do underground adventure while in Harrison. Continuing south on Scenic 7, dwell a while in Jasper in the center of spectacular Buffalo National River - see map insert above
- Pedestal Rock Scenic Area is in Pelsor, AR. Detour off Scenic 7 and follow Route 16 east. Some dramatic scenery awaits the visitor
- Russellville is located in the verdant Arkansas River Valley at the crossroads of Interstate 40 and Scenic 7 Byway. Click here and find out more
- Hot Springs National Park - Hot Springs is the eleventh-largest city in the state of Arkansas. It nestles snuggly under the Ouachita Mountains in the US Interior Highlands. The main attractions are several fabulous, natural hot springs for which the city is named
- El Dorado is an entertainment hub and nationally recognized for its historic downtown shops. Arkansas ends here, at least for now!
Requirements for Rental Car Insurance in Arkansas
Before you start exploring Arkansas, you should ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage. Car insurance can be a confusing and overwhelming topic, especially when it comes to rental cars. You may not be sure if you need to buy rental car insurance in your driving state. So the first thing is to understand Arkansas’ state requirements for rental car insurance.
Arkansas is an at-fault state. If you get in an accident and are found to have caused it, you’ll be held responsible for the damages. State law requires car owners to have liability coverage to pay for any claims that arise from an accident.
What this means is that in Arkansas, rental car companies are required by law to provide liability insurance coverage to their customers. Liability insurance covers damages or injuries you may cause to other people or their property while driving the rental car. The minimum liability insurance coverage required by law in Arkansas are:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
It’s important to note that this minimum coverage may not be sufficient to cover all damages in the event of an accident. If you cause an accident and the damages exceed your liability coverage, you may be held personally responsible for the remaining costs.
Uninsured motorist coverage
Arkansas is one of the very few states that require its auto insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage (UMC) to their policyholders. This unique requirement ensures that drivers in Arkansas have access to protection and compensation in case they are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. UMC covers damages caused by a driver who doesn't have liability insurance, has insufficient liability coverage, or flees the scene of the accident.
The state mandates minimum UMC limits, which vary depending on the type of policy and the number of vehicles insured under it. However, drivers can choose to purchase higher limits if they want more comprehensive protection. The primary benefit of UMC is that it provides financial security for drivers who get into accidents with uninsured motorists. amages.
Coverage Options for Rental Car Insurance in Arkansas
While rental car companies are required to provide liability insurance, they may also offer additional coverage options to protect you and the rental car. For example, collision damage waiver (CDW) can protect you in case of an accident or theft of the rental vehicle. This type of coverage typically waives your responsibility for any costs associated with physical damage to the car, including repair expenses and loss-of-use fees charged by the rental company while repairs are being made.
Take note that CDW is not insurance but a waiver that transfers your financial obligations to the rental car company. Aside from CDW, you can also opt to avail of the following coverage options:
Primary Damage Cover
This type of coverage protects you from any damages that might occur to the rental car during your rental period. Without it, you could be responsible for paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair costs if something goes wrong.
It's important to note that not all primary damage covers are created equal. Some may offer more comprehensive protection than others, so it's essential to read the fine print carefully before making your decision. Additionally, some rental companies may require you to purchase their own insurance policy as a condition of renting from them.
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)
This coverage provides additional liability coverage above the minimum required by law in Arkansas. It covers expenses for damages and injuries that exceed the limits of your primary auto insurance policy.
In Arkansas, SLI can give you peace of mind when driving a rental car by providing extra protection against potential accidents. Without it, renters may be liable for paying any costs exceeding their primary insurance policy's limits, which can be financially devastating in case of a severe accident. However, with SLI coverage, you'll have added protection to cover additional costs up to the specified limit outlined in the policy.
It's important to note that while SLI does not replace your primary auto insurance policy, it supplements it.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
This coverage provides medical and accidental death benefits to you and your passengers in the event of an accident. The policy provides financial protection to policyholders in the event of an accident that results in bodily injury, disability, or death. In Arkansas, PAI has become increasingly popular as people recognize the importance of having comprehensive coverage for unexpected events.
Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) is an optional insurance policy that can be added to a rental car agreement. This coverage is designed to protect personal belongings that are left inside the rental vehicle in case of theft or damage. PEC covers personal items such as laptops, tablets, cameras, and other electronics.
While some credit cards offer similar protection for rental cars, PEC provides additional coverage and may be more comprehensive than what is offered by credit card companies.
In Arkansas, it's important to consider purchasing PEC if you plan on renting a car for an extended period or if you will be carrying expensive items with you during your travels.
Rest Assured as You Get Going
Rental car insurance is required by law in Arkansas, and rental car companies are required to provide liability insurance coverage to their customers. While the minimum liability coverage may be sufficient for some drivers, it’s important to consider additional coverage options to protect yourself and the rental car. By understanding the requirements and coverage options for rental car insurance in Arkansas, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a safe and stress-free road trip.
So before setting off on some spectacular scenic attractions, be safe and opt for the best rental car insurance Arkansas has to offer. If you’re still looking for the right rental car insurance provider, consider checking out our offers at Bonzah.com, your specialist car rental insurance provider. Our rental car insurance primary damage cover will reimburse you up to $35,000 in repairs, replacement of the rental car and any deductible at a fraction of the cost of major car rental companies.
Remember to book your car rental but more importantly, look carefully at your rental car insurance Arkansas options through Bonzah.com.
Image Information and acknowledgement: Author: Tosborn BY Public Domain (via Wikipedia)