How Much Is Louisiana Car Insurance?

Affordable Car Insurance in Louisiana

There’s so much to love about life in Louisiana… The history, the melting-pot multiculturalism, the Southern beauty, the wildlife, New Orleans, the music, the food—yes, the food! The Bayou State is of course rich in unique Creole and Cajun culture. And, for a little bit of trivia, it’s the least populous state with more than one professional sports team franchise (the New Orleans Pelicans and Saints).

One downside, however, is high car insurance costs. Louisiana consistently ranks within the top 5 to 7 states with the most expensive average premiums. Louisiana’s the only state in the Southeastern U.S. that ever tops it. This is partly because of Louisiana’s infamously litigious environment; residents file more personal injury lawsuits than those in most other states. Widespread poor road conditions are another significant factor.

But don’t despair! There are many ways to lower your auto insurance rates. We cover a number of them over the course of this page. Most important, though, is to be a diligent comparison shopper when you purchase a new policy. Our carrier-neutral information makes it so easy to do. We quickly and securely help you narrow down options to the best coverage for your needs at the lowest possible price.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Louisiana

Liability coverage is required by law on every registered vehicle in Louisiana. The minimum coverage requirements are $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 bodily injury to more than one person in a single accident, and $25,000 property damage to someone else’s vehicle or other property per accident. You’ll also be automatically given uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with any policy unless you refuse it in writing

Louisiana is an at-fault state. That means fault will be assigned in an accident, and those affected will either file a claim through their own carrier, file a claim through the other party’s carrier, or file a personal injury lawsuit.

$15,000

Bodily injury coverage per person

Maximum payment for serious or permanent injury or death to a single person

$30,000

Bodily injury coverage per accident

Maximum payment for serious or permanent injury or death to multiple people

$25,000

Property damage per accident

Maximum payment for all damaged property in an accident caused by you

As mentioned earlier, auto insurance isn’t just an expense; it’s actually an investment in your financial health. Accidents are, unfortunately, a fact of life for most people at some point. The resulting costs can be exorbitant. And it’s important to realize that the legal minimum coverage doesn’t provide you and your vehicle with protections in a wide variety of circumstances. Adding on optional coverages may up your monthly payments a little, but they can spare you major financial responsibility down the line.

Optional Coverage in Louisiana

• Collision
• Comprehensive
• Medical Payments
• Gap Coverage
• New Car Replacement
• Accident Forgiveness
• Towing and Labor
• Custom Equipment
• Loss of Use
• Travel Expenses
• Rental Car

If peace of mind is something you’re after, optional coverages like these can really help. They prevent you from ending up liable for all sorts of out-of-pocket expenses in all sorts of circumstances you might encounter during the course of your travels.

Louisiana Car Safety

Car insurance coverage is a must. When you don’t need your insurance, it can seem like a drag paying for it every month. But should the worst happen and you end up in an accident, you’ll be grateful for your coverage. Without it, the expenses you incur easily reach thousands of dollars or more. Let it bring you peace of mind and consider it an investment in your future financial well-being.

Traffic accident deaths have been on the rise in recent years in Louisiana. It typically has one of the top 12 highest annual fatality rates per capita in the country. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a huge problem in the state, which has a DUI-related death rate nearly 40% higher than the national average, according to the CDC. As mentioned above, the state is also known for its poor road conditions.

Car Safety for Louisiana Kids

Louisiana has thorough guidelines pertaining to how you secure child passengers in a vehicle. Some are law, while others are just strong recommendations.

It’s legally mandated that any baby under the age of 1 or weighing less than 20 pounds be secured in an appropriately rated rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. It’s recommended that children continue to be secured this way until the age of 2, provided they don’t surpass the seat manufacturer’s stated size limit.

Louisiana law states that children over the age of 1 and 20 pounds who are no longer in a rear-facing car seat be secured in an appropriately rated forward-facing car seat until the age of 4 or surpassing 40 pounds.

Kids who are 4 to 6 years old and who weigh 40 to 60 pounds must be in an appropriately rated belt-positioning backless or high-backed booster seat. Beyond that, it’s recommended that you wait until a child also reaches 4 feet 9 inches tall before discontinuing use of the booster seat, as this is the height at which people can be properly secured by standard vehicle restraint systems.

Remember to always check the weight and height limits of your car and booster seats. Follow all manufacturer specifications and instructions for safe use.

Under Louisiana State law, “It is unlawful for any driver or operator to leave a child or children under the age of six years unattended and unsupervised in a motor vehicle.” Doing so can result in a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 6 months in jail.

The reason for the law is simple: Young kids aren’t safe when left alone in a vehicle. They can get hurt; be kidnapped, harassed, or targeted for assault; or experience overheating, brain damage, and death if the interior gets too hot. This can happen easily in Louisiana’s hot climate, but it’s also a risk even on mild days if the car, truck, or SUV is in the sun.

Slightly older children than specified by the law shouldn’t be left unsupervised in a vehicle, either. Also, pets left in a vehicle are in the same potentially life-threatening danger due to hot temperatures. Leaving the windows open a little doesn’t help, by the way, and temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly soar well above the temperature outside.

755

Number of traffic crash fatalities in 2016

88

Number of motorcyclist fatalities in 2016

284

Number of deaths in accidents caused by DUI in 2016

Driving Green in Louisiana

As a land of bayous, coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, majestic ancient trees, teeming wildlife, and other natural beauty, Louisiana and its residents understand the importance of protecting the environment. Green-minded motorists in the state have a variety of ways to save some money. Below are just three examples.

Tax Incentives for Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs)

Louisiana drivers with an alternative fuel vehicle are frequently eligible for significant tax breaks. This can include an income tax credit of up to 50% of what you spend on alternative fueling equipment over the course of the year, or 7.2% of your AFV purchase price (up to $1,500). Also, the IRS offers tax incentives to owners of AFVs, so don’t forget to look into federal credits in addition to any state ones you qualify for.

Green Vehicle Emissions Test Exemptions

If you live in the Louisiana parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, or West Baton Rouge, you’re required to undergo emissions testing when you register your vehicle or renew its registration. However, if you’ve gone green and don’t drive a gasoline-powered vehicle, you’re off the hook for spending the time and money to get this done.

Car Insurance Discounts for Eco-Friendly Drivers

Auto insurance companies in Louisiana often offer discounts on your coverage if you make certain sustainable choices regarding what or how much you drive. If you have a hybrid, alternative fuel, or economy-size vehicle, inquire whether it’s eligible for a lower premium. Also, ask about any low-mileage incentives that might be available to you.

Is my credit score a factor when obtaining car insurance in Louisiana?

Yes, it is. Auto insurance carriers believe that the higher your credit score, the lower your risk of filing a claim. So, a customer’s credit score is a key factor in determining your quote. A higher score works in your favor, while a lower score tends to raise your rate.

Does Louisiana offer a good-driver discount?

Lots of carriers in Louisiana extend car insurance discounts to people who go a particular length of time without getting in an accident, being ticketed for a moving violation, and/or filing a claim. Ask your provider what they offer in this respect. You can also ask if they have other discounts, like:

• Accident-Free
• Claims-Free
• Teen Driver
• Multi-Car
• Distant Student
• Alternative Fuel
• Homeowner
• Defensive Driver
• Good Student
• Anti-Lock Brake
• Anti-Theft Device
• Multiple Line
• Passive Restraint
• Vehicle Safety

Does Louisiana allow the use of digital insurance cards?

Louisiana does let you prove you have liability coverage by showing an official digital insurance card issued by your carrier. It’s a modern, convenient alternative to having to find your printed card in the glove compartment. However, it’s still a good idea to have one in there, just in case your phone’s dead when you get pulled over.

What happens if my coverage lapses?

Knowingly operating a motor vehicle without insurance in Louisiana can come with steep penalties, including fines of $500 to $1,000, a suspended license, and a temporarily revoked registration. Consequences are generally harshest if you’re in an accident without coverage or lie about having coverage. While they aren’t always as harsh for briefly lapsed coverage, you’re still likely to face fines and lose your driving privileges until you show proof of coverage.

What are Louisiana's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) percentage limits under the state's driving under the influence (DUI) laws?

It’s against the law to drive in Louisiana at the following BAC percentages:

.08%+ at 21 years old or older
.04%+ for commercial vehicle drivers
.02%+ at under 21 years old

Louisiana’s driving while intoxicated (DWI) laws don’t just apply to driving under the influence of alcohol; you can also be convicted for driving under the influence of any narcotics or central nervous system stimulants. Also, if you register a BAC of 0.15% or higher, you’ll face harsher penalties.

What are the chemical test refusal penalties in Louisiana?

Under the state’s “implied consent” law, if you’re arrested for driving under the influence in Louisiana, you don’t have the right to refuse a breath, urine, or blood test at the request of a law enforcement officer. Doing so will result in having your license automatically revoked for 180 days if it’s your first refusal, or 545 days for subsequent refusals; you may apply for a hardship license after 3 months if—and only if—it’s your first refusal.

What are the consequences of being convicted of a DUI?

Your first DWI conviction in Louisiana comes with a 1-year license suspension and your second with a 2-year license suspension; these periods are doubled if your BAC is at least 0.15%.

A first offense also carries a 10-day to 6-month sentence in a parish jail. You may, however, be able to have some or all of the sentence excluded in exchange for completing a drug and alcohol treatment program and a driver improvement course, and for performing community service. The second offense carries a 30-day to 6-month sentence, with a 2-day mandatory minimum that can’t be suspended in the previously named ways.

You’ll also face fines and administrative fees, and possibly other penalties. Third and subsequent offenses become felony crimes and result in much more significant punishment.

Does Louisiana offer driver improvement courses to reduce my insurance premium?

Completing a state-approved defensive driving course qualifies you for a car insurance discount from many carriers in Louisiana. Ask your representative, and if this discount is available to you, find an officially approved program through your local DMV.

Is there any way I can reduce the cost of my Louisiana car insurance?

Louisiana may have some of the highest average auto insurance rates in the nation, but smart consumers can find plenty of ways to bring down their costs. We’ve gone over a number of potential discounts on this page, and also pointed out that raising your credit score works in your favor. Also, make a trade-off for a lower premium by taking a higher deductible. Paying upfront rather than month by month also usually gets you a lower quote. The most critical part of lowering your insurance, however, is to comparison shop for the lowest rate.

What is uninsured motorist coverage and is it required in Louisiana?

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Louisiana. However, consumers are automatically provided with this coverage in any policy unless they waive it in writing. This is a highly recommended type of coverage; if you get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you’ll be stuck with the resulting expenses if you don’t carry it. It’s estimated that nearly 1 in 7 drivers in Louisiana are uninsured.