10 Best Renters Insurance Companies in Arkansas of 2023

Read about the best renter's insurance company choices in Arkansas as reviewed by experts on coverage options, cost factors, and cost savings.
Little Rock, AR

Arkansas is a beautiful state with lakes, rivers, and streams that attract visitors and others who decide to stay and take up residence in places like Batesville or Lake Dardanelle. The downside may be the active weather patterns, storms, or flooding that can also impact Arkansas residents.

Renters insurance shoppers in Warren or Humphrey understand how damage to personal property can be devastating if you don’t have a way to recover the loss of items like your clothing, furniture, and even your electronics after a storm or fire. Arkansas is one of the top ten states in the country for weather-related storm or flood damage, so protecting your property is a solid plan. Renters insurance is not required by law in the state of Arkansas, but that doesn’t mean you should go without a renters policy.

It doesn’t really matter if you live in a Northern Arkansas town like Bentonville or a city like Jonesboro a renters insurance policy is a benefit in a catastrophic event.

For many, a loss of personal property in a fire, for example, is more than just a physical loss of property but an emotional event. So, even tenants living in the largest city of Little Rock purchase renters insurance to have peace of mind if a loss occurs, they have a way to recover from the loss.

According to PropertyNest research, the average basic renters insurance cost in Arkansas is $27.99 a month or $335.88 a year.

Compare Renters Insurance Rates in AR

Best Renters Insurance Companies in Arkansas

  • Allstate - Best for Mobile App Customer Service
  • Liberty Mutual - Best for Coverage Options
  • State Farm - Best for Overall Competitive Pricing
  • Progressive - Best Discounts for Organized Shoppers
  • Lemonade - Best Overall Digital Option
  • Toggle: Best Digital for Coverage Customization
  • Travelers: Best for Multiple Sales and Service Channels
  • USAA: Best for Military Families looking to include Flood Insurance
  • Farmers: Best for Non-Smokers
  • Nationwide: Cheapest for Basic Coverage

Allstate: Best for Mobile App Customer Service

Editors star rating review
5.0
Editor's Rating (5 Stars out of 5)

Coverages, discounts, claims service, and an agent that can help when the customer needs it most. That is what Allstate offers with both state-of-the-art technology and a local agent for tenants who buy renters insurance in Arkansas. Technology tools offer ease of access to policy information on the mobile app and makes customer service functions for consumers on the go easy and user-friendly. Customers in any part of the state of Arkansas can access policy information, pay a bill or report a claim on the Allstate app. If a tenant wants a local agent instead, they can have it.

A unique feature of the Allstate Digital Footprint section of the mobile app lets clients see the type of information companies may collect about them and how it is used. The website is loaded with educational tools, both written and video formats. These customer service options put Allstate at the top of our list for Best Overall Digital Customer Service.

Read a full Allstate renters insurance review.

Allstate Renters Insurance Discounts

  • Multi-Policy Discount: If you are open to buying both your renters and car insurance from Allstate you could pay as little as $4 per month on renters minimal coverage with the savings.
  • Easy Pay Plan: A discount for making your monthly renters' insurance payments electronically from your bank or a credit card. Discounts may vary depending on whether you use a bank or credit card.
  • 55 & Retired Discount: Consumers who are truly retired and not seeking any employment are eligible for up to 25% discount off their renters' premiums.

Allstate Renters Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Client customer service options are easy to navigate and user-friendly with a local agent anytime you need one.
  • Customer privacy and security options in the mobile app highlights a commitment to keeping client data safe.
  • Consumers in retirement are eligible to receive a special discount option.
  • Liability claims defense cost in addition to the coverage limit.
Cons
  • Prospective renters may find online purchasing does not meet expectations.
  • Coverage internal limits are low or restricted on certain types of property.
  • Allstate’s website is rather weak in optional coverage information and good descriptions on a renters policy.
How is Allstate Renters Insurance Rated?
J.D. Power (out of 1,000)837
A.M. Best - Financial Strength RatingA+
NAIC Complaint Index2.05
BBBA-

Liberty Mutual: Best for Coverage Options

Editors star rating review
4.5
Editor's Rating (4.5 Stars out of 5)

Coverage options allow a tenant to build the coverage protection they need and only pay for the coverage they choose. Liberty Mutual renters’ shoppers in cities like Texarkana may be inclined to seek out Liberty Mutual due to the coverage options available. For example, jewelry coverage can be purchased as a blanket coverage with a no deductible option or up-front appraisal, or choose insurance per piece of jewelry depending on the need.

The Liberty Mutual online platform makes it easy for customers to review coverages and make changes on their own when necessary. We choose Liberty Mutual for the best coverage options even for small towns like Jasper since you can choose to add or remove coverage options on your own or reach out to the company directly for help.

Read a full Liberty Mutual renters insurance review.

Liberty Mutual Renters Insurance Discounts

  • Early Shopper: The farther out you get a quote before you need coverage the better the discount will be up to approximately 30 days before purchase.
  • Preferred Payment: This discount rewards the renter with an automatic monthly bank draft.
  • Online purchase: Customers who complete the purchase of renters insurance online receive an additional discount.
  • Claims-free: A discount for renters who had not filed a claim in the recent past. Multi-Policy: Liberty Mutual offers a discount if you insure your car or other policies with their company.

Liberty Mutual Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Coverage options with Liberty Mutual are designed for flexibility and give consumers the ability to change coverages or increase limits as their lifestyle changes.
  • Clients can make their coverage changes online to their policy.
  • Liberty Mutual has a variety of coverage options, limits, and deductibles to design the policy that matches a prospective tenant’s renters policy needs.
  • Claims service is efficient and can be completed with an online process or mobile app.
Cons
  • Customers may find there is not a local agent in the area for service or claim help.
  • Personal liability protection defense costs are included in policy limits.
  • Coverage options or add-ons can reduce the competitive edge of this renters policy.

Progressive: Best Discounts for Organized Shoppers

Editors star rating review
4.0
Editor's Rating (4 Stars out of 5)

Choosing to quote renters insurance in advance or get a quote before moving into a new rental residence may give Arkansas residents in both Clinton or Batesville a substantial discount. Progressive discounts reward customers for being organized about their insurance portfolio in general.

Progressive looks to provide customer convenience options and offer discounts for online receipt of your policy information including your ID card via email. Most companies offer a discount for a monthly bank draft, but Progressive also offers a pay-in-full discount for those organized customers.

Read a full Progressive renters insurance.

Progressive Renters Insurance Discounts

  • Quote in Advance: Smart shoppers who quote their insurance at least 30 days before expiration or change date get the best rate with Progressive.
  • Pay in Full: If you can budget annually for renters insurance you’ll receive a discount.
  • Policy documents sent by email: Choose to have all your documents delivered by email for a discount.
  • Multi-Policy: Buy car insurance with Progressive and you’ll receive a substantial discount on renters insurance.
  • Secured or Gated Community: A security discount that reduces premiums as theft is less likely to occur in a gated community.
  • Single Deductible Benefit: If you have both your car and renters insurance with Progressive and have a claim, you will only pay one deductible for both policy claims.

Progressive Renters Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Customers will find buying renters insurance is easy with multiple options including an online process, a call center, or a local agent.
  • Online personal property calculators assist shoppers in determining the correct amount of coverage.
  • Additional endorsement coverage is available for bicycles, camera, projection equipment, and other specific property with some exclusions.
  • You can choose a low or no deductible choice when adding a coverage rider for specified property coverage.
Cons
  • Claims service may be restricted to an online process without access to a local agent.
  • Coverage restriction on the theft of certain personal property unless specifically endorsed.
  • A minimum level of property coverage is $15,000 and $500,000 is the upper limit for property coverage.
How is Progressive Renters Insurance Rated?
A.M. Best - Financial Strength RatingA+
NAIC Complaint Index1.66

State Farm: Best for Overall Competitive Pricing

Editors star rating review
4.5
Editor's Rating (4.5 Stars out of 5)

If a company does a lot of business, they must be doing something right. At PropertyNest, we find State Farm is a top insurance company and holds a firm market share in Arkansas, which all Arkansas residents can verify through the department of insurance. Shoppers in smaller rural communities like Eureka Springs find State Farm, a competitive insurance company for renters' policies with affordable coverage choices, limit options, and flexible endorsements to increase or restrict coverage for budget-conscious consumers.

Prospective renters who have a rare collection of items; or unique personal property like a vintage pair of sneakers still find State Farm affordable and competitive.

The competitive pricing edge is given to State Farm due to the flexible overall pricing their renters policy offers savings up to 17% on a renters and car insurance bundle.

Read a full State Farm renters insurance review.

State Farm Renters Insurance Discounts

  • Renters & Car Insurance Bundling: Combining car and renters insurance is common with most carriers, but the discounts can vary widely.
  • Home Alert Protection Discount: If you have a smoke detector for fire or burglar alarm that alerts you someone may be breaking into your residence, there is a premium discount for renters.
  • Deductible Choices: Deductibles may not be a true discount, however with State Farm, they can positively impact the premium by choosing a higher deductible.

State Farm Renters Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Customer service surveys show State Farm as a top company overall for service.
  • Options to increase your prior liability limits or purchase high coverage limits including a $1 million liability option.
  • A solid mobile app for consumers in every line of insurance including renters.
Cons
  • Discounts are minimal which may impact the choices made in coverage or limits to remain competitive.
  • There is a minimum requirement for property coverage of $10,000.
  • There isn’t any option for completing a property inventory in the mobile app.
How is State Farm Renters Insurance Rated?
J.D. Power (out of 1,000)836
A.M. Best - Financial Strength RatingA++
BBBA+
NAIC Complaint Index1.77

Lemonade - Best Overall Digital Option

Editors star rating review
4.5
Editor's Rating (4.5 Stars out of 5)

Most companies today are still website, agent, and call center driven for quoting and purchasing renters insurance. Lemonade, an insurtech insurance company, is a direct online option for quoting, buying, and servicing a renters policy. Consumers give up agent and call center support for cheaper pricing and self-service policy maintenance.

Just download the app to a mobile device or go online to get a quote, and pricing starts at $5 per month in cities like Van Buren or Mountain Home.

Personal property coverage is important no matter where that property is at the time of a loss.

If you are traveling across England and your bike, backpack, and mobile device are stolen, Lemonade is an insurtech partner with worldwide coverage for personal property. .

Don’t worry though, your laptop, TV, and other important personal property are covered at your residence too.

Our team of experts recommend Lemonade for tech-savvy consumers who aren’t looking for local support and want control in managing their renters insurance policy.

Read a full Lemonade renters insurance review.

Lemonade Renters Insurance Discounts

  • Multiline: Buy a second policy.
  • Security: Smoke alarms and deadbolt locks.

Lemonade Renters Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Buy direct with a downloadable app for purchase and service. Pricing is cheap for budget-conscious consumers.
  • A giveback program supports charities by donating unused premiums.
  • An innovative company lowering renters premiums using technology to their advantage.
Cons
  • May not be portable if you leave Arkansas.
  • No local agent to assist if you have a claim or service issue.
  • Replacement cost for personal property is not standard.
How is Lemonade Renters Insurance Rated?
J.D. Power (out of 1,000)853
BBBB+
NAIC Complaint Index1.94

Toggle: Best Digital for Coverage Customization

Editors star rating review
4.0
Editor's Rating (4 Stars out of 5)

Toggle, opened their doors in 2018 as a fully digital insurance company backed by the financial strength of its parent company, Farmers Insurance Group, who has 90 years of experience writing insuance. The brand offers a basic, standard, and premium level coverage package that shoppers in Hot Springs or Conway can customize to fit a tenant’s lifestyle. However, consumers are likely to find the basic policy isn’t enough coverage and the next level of add-ons can quickly inflate the premium. This renters policy has low maximum coverage limits in each add-on, so shoppers who have a large amount of personal property may not find this policy a fit. Several add-on endorsements are unique to Toggle like the side hustle endorsement which offers additional property coverage for some business-related uses. We choose Toggle for customers who have very little unique or personal property in general, do not own pets, and who live a simple lifestyle.

Toggle Renters Insurance Discounts

  • Disappearing Deductible: Toggle isn’t known for discounts, but does automatically include a declining deductible for each year claim free as a customer up to a $50 cap.
  • Credit Lift: Toggle has a partnership with Credit Lift, which gives customer a discounted option to have their rental payments recorded by the credit bureaus to improve credit scores. Ultimately this could lower the renters premium as your credit is an underwriting factor.

Toggle Renters Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Backed by the financial strength of Farmers Insurance Group.
  • Unique customizable options for coverage add-ons.
  • The most basic renters policy coverage available digitally.
  • Affordable for minimal coverage and risk.
Cons
  • Customized coverage may reduce the competitive pricing on the policy.
  • Gaps in coverage may be created without including all the add-on coverage options.
  • Maximum coverage limits may not meet customer expectations for renters insurance.

Travelers: Best for Multiple Sales and Service Channels

Editors star rating review
4.0
Editor's Rating (4 Stars out of 5)

Travelers have been a staple in the insurance industry since 1853. They are a financially stable company that offers a renters policy. Travelers boasts ease of access to file a claim online or with an agent and has the excellence in technology tools consumers expect. Travelers has over 300 agency locations across Arkansas which makes it easy to find a local agent.

The website offers an online quote process so you can see your premium ahead of time, review coverage videos on YouTube, and secure coverage right away or save your quote for later.

After buying a renters insurance policy you can request a local agent in case you have a future claim and want someone local for support. Many companies offer mobile apps and online services, but Travelers leads our list for their ease of access and options for communication channels.

Read a full Travelers renters insurance review.

Travelers Renters Insurance Discounts

  • Multi-policy: Purchase a second policy like auto insurance and the renters premium can be reduced.
  • Protective Devices: Smoke detectors and other theft-related security devices might land you an additional discount.
  • Loss-Free: If you have not submitted any past claims for a specified time, you can receive a discount for being claims-free.
  • Deductible Choice: Choosing a higher deductible isn’t a discount, however with Travelers, it can positively impact your premium.

Travelers Renters Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros
  • One of the Top 10 largest insurance carriers selling renters insurance policies.
  • Multiple customer service options including agent, online or call center support 24/7.
  • Educational tools including home inventory software to help value your personal property.
Cons
  • Coverage may not meet expectations for items like laptops, mobile devices, or jewelry.
  • The minimum for personal property coverage may be higher than other companies offer for basic coverage.
  • A “green” building environmental status does not mean a discount for a renters policy.
How is Travelers Renters Insurance Rated?
J.D. Power (out of 1,000)801
A.M. Best - Financial Strength RatingA++
BBBA
NAIC Complaint Index3.88

USAA: Best for Military Families looking to include Flood Insurance

Editors star rating review
5.0
Editor's Rating (5 Stars out of 5)

Flood insurance is an optional coverage for most insurance companies. However, USAA does provide some flood coverage in a renters policy automatically. That’s because Arkansas is one of the top 10 states for flooding events on average. They also have three active military bases. Active duty, retired military and their families spread out across the state gain an additional coverage benefit with USAA. The insurer honors and supports Arkansas’s military presence by offering specific coverages to military families that aren’t highlighted or offered by other insurance companies.

Renters insurance is available to tenants across Arkansas who are related to any branch of the military. USAA has affordable renters insurance. We choose USAA as the standard coverages for water damage like flood are included along with several optional coverages including one for electronics that has its own deductible.

Read a full USAA renters insurance review.

USAA Renters Insurance Discounts

  • Bundle Savings: Combine auto and home insurance for up to 10% savings.
  • Protective Device: Monitored home security systems can reduce premium up to 5%.
  • Claim-Free: Up to 20% savings with a 3 years with claim-free history.
  • Living on Base: Tenants who live in the barracks or base housing save up to 28%.
  • Service Academy: Cadets, midshipmen, and candidates save up to 45% residing at one of the US Military Service Academies.

USAA Renters Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Flood, earthquakes, and tidal wave coverages are standard in a renters policy.
  • Coverage for frozen pipes is included in the base policy.
  • Financial Strength and nationwide presence for families relocating.
  • No deductible for military equipment or uniforms covered in a loss.
Cons
  • A connection to the military community to be eligible for coverage.
  • A local agent may not be available.
  • Replacement cost for personal property is an additional premium.
How is USAA Renters Insurance Rated?
J.D. Power (out of 1,000)886
A.M. Best - Financial Strength RatingA++
BBBA+
NAIC Complaint Index0.88

Farmers: Best for Non-Smokers

Editors star rating review
4.0
Editor's Rating (4 Stars out of 5)

Every insurance company has discounts and unique features that draw consumers to their product. Farmers Insurance offers a non-smoking discount for renters who purchase a renters insurance policy. But, service and affordability are not far behind the discounts so tenants in Siloam Springs or Rogers benefit, even if they are a smoker. In addition to the discount, there are plenty of coverage options to choose from in the Farmers Insurance renters policy.

Consumers can purchase a policy online, receive their documents via email, and request a local agent for ongoing service and claims support.

Read a full Farmers renters insurance review.

Farmers Insurance Renters Discounts

  • Non-Smoker: Consumers that have not smoked for 2 consecutive years receive a special discount for a smoke-free home.
  • Security System or Fire Alarm: An approved electronic security system or fire alarm offers additional discounts.
  • Multiple policies: Discounts for adding your car insurance or any other Farmers' insurance policy.

Farmers Renters Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Special discount for tenants who are non-smokers for 2 years.
  • Multiple customer service options including a local agent.
  • Financial stability and claims service above average.
  • Pricing is affordable and consumers can purchase a basic policy online.
Cons
  • Lack of discounts available.
  • Adding optional coverages may reduce competitive pricing.
  • Website lacking in educational features for tenant policies.
How is Farmers Renters Insurance Rated?
J.D. Power (out of 1,000)831
A.M. Best - Financial Strength RatingA
BBBA-
NAIC Complaint Index0.56

Nationwide: Cheapest for Basic Coverage

Editors star rating review
4.0
Editor's Rating (4 Stars out of 5)

Tenants who are first-time purchasers of renters insurance, own limited personal property or have a small risk for liability should consider Nationwide. Target markets for Nationwide are consumers with minimal coverage needs and the growing senior market who are moving to retirement and downsizing personal property. Multi-policy discounts at Nationwide can make the cost of renters insurance as low as $20 per month if you bundle the auto. Multi-policy discounts can play a factor as one of the top-priced discounts for Nationwide. We choose Nationwide for tenants who may lead a simple life and are looking for just the basics.

Read a Nationwide renters insurance review.

Nationwide Renters Insurance Discounts

  • Multi-policy: Choose to buy your car or umbrella insurance or any other second line of insurance with Nationwide and likely secure a discount on renters.
  • Protective Devices: Most commonly offered are discounts for a smoke detector, and fire or burglar alarms.
  • Claims-Free: Each year you have not submitted any claims helps to reduce your annual renters premium.
  • Online automatic payment and paperless documents: Discounts that add up.

Nationwide Renters Insurance Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Offers a cheap basic renters insurance policy.
  • Coverage is available in all 50 states.
  • Options for customer service include online, call center and local agent.
Cons
  • Security related discounts not available.
  • Personal property like laptops or mobile devices require additional coverage.
  • Local agent availability is minimal with less than 2 dozen local agencies across the state.
How is Nationwide Renters Insurance Rated?
J.D. Power (out of 1,000)859
A.M. Best - Financial Strength RatingA+
BBBA+
NAIC Complaint Index0.04 (Very Low)

What are the Key Coverages for Renters Insurance?

Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost (RC)

Most basic policies include actual cash value as the determination for payment of damaged personal belongings in a loss. Always make sure you request the replacement cost option for your personal property. Replacement cost means that if your 10-year-old couch is damaged in a fire, the insurance company will pay the cost to replace it with a new one, not a comparable 10-year-old one. You may pay a few dollars more over the year for this coverage, but it is well worth the extra premium.

Personal Property

Personal property is defined by insurance as clothing, furniture, kitchen items, and other personal belongings, like a bike, laptop, and jewelry. Be diligent in asking questions if you have high-end valuables or unique items as renters insurance may not provide adequate coverage in a basic insurance policy. Check to be sure you are getting replacement costs for these items.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage protects you against another person who sues you for bodily injury or property damage that they believe you or your family caused. There are a variety of limits available and we recommend choosing a high limit as the cost is relatively inexpensive to purchase more than the minimum of $100,000 usually offered.

Medical Expenses

This expense category is meant to help if someone has an accident on your property and wants you to pay the hospital or bodily injury damages. You don’t have to be found at fault in court to have this coverage paid to someone else for the accident.

Additional Living Expenses (Loss of Use)

This coverage is certainly beneficial as it provides additional expenses you incur when your home is uninhabitable for a period of time due to a covered loss and you and your family must live somewhere else while the repairs are made.

Conclusion

The PropertyNest team encourages all tenants to purchase renters insurance and protect their personal property belongings. It doesn’t matter if it’s a catastrophic event or an accidental event. Policyholders can have peace of mind there is an insurance company with integrity to navigate the loss and help you recover.

Consider getting several renters insurance quotes to compare pricing and coverage options and remember if you live in an area prone to flood, consider asking your insurance professional about flood insurance, too.

How We Selected the Best Renters Insurance in Arkansas

Experts in the insurance field spend hours reviewing companies in Arkansas to find the top companies for renters insurance. We review websites and talk to other professionals and customers when gathering details for you. We include factors like pricing, coverage options, discounts available, and the customer service experience before we choose our best insurance companies for renters.

Pricing

Arkansas renters insurance premiums are very close to the national average when comparing against the minimum property and liability limits. Our choices for top companies offer affordable rates in all areas including big cities like Little Rock or smaller communities like Tontitown, one of the fastest growing towns in Arkansas.

Coverage options

Options to increase coverage are key to tenants in largely populated areas like Fayetteville and residents in small communities like Charleston, so we chose companies with the broadest and most affordable coverage options available.

Discounts

Not all discounts are created equal, so we choose companies that offer a large variety of discounts at all policy levels.

Customer Service Support

Technology, insurance agents, agencies and company personnel support are necessary to provide service for a renters policy. We focused on companies that highlight all factors of excellent service and the option for multi-channel communication options.

Laurie VanderWal
About the author

Laurie VanderWal is a licensed insurance professional with 35+ years of experience. She is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in property/casualty and cyber insurance. She has written a nationally accredited education course portfolio for insurance professionals and businesses on ethics, leadership, and the rapidly changing technology culture. Laurie VanderWal graduated from Bellevue University with a master's degree in Management.