Established on March 7, 1917, through Act 190 of the Arkansas General Assembly, the Arkansas Insurance Department succeeded the former “Insurance Bureau,” which had operated within the office of the Auditor of State since 1873.
The Department is led by an Insurance Commissioner, appointed by the Governor with confirmation from the Senate. The Commissioner is responsible for enforcing the Arkansas Insurance Code and carrying out all duties assigned under that code.
Under Ark. Code Ann. § 23-61-101(c), the Department’s purpose is to serve and protect the public interest by ensuring fair enforcement of the state’s insurance laws and regulations. Its primary mission is consumer protection—achieved through oversight of insurer solvency, regulation of market conduct, and the prevention and prosecution of fraud.
Today, the Department accomplishes this mission through a team of 144 employees across 12 divisions, operating with an annual budget of approximately $11.7 million to advocate for consumers and regulate an insurance market that writes $23.7 billion* in premiums. Every division works collectively to ensure the Department’s mission is upheld. Our highly skilled and dedicated staff remain committed to serving the people of Arkansas each day.
*As of December 31, 2024