Car Insurance in Louisiana

Here's what you need to know when driving in Louisiana

The average car insurance rate in Louisiana is $3,265 per year — 114% more than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Louisiana car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Louisiana based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive custom auto insurance quotes from top companies.

The best car insurance companies in Louisiana

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Louisiana.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Louisiana

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

Louisiana auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Louisiana. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Louisiana, expect to pay an average of $795 annually. This expenditure is more expensive than the nationwide average by 47%.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Louisiana, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

• Bodily Injury: $15,000 per person
• Bodily Injury: $30,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 per accident

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Louisiana, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $2,215, 179% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 315% more than you would for basic coverage.

Louisiana car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Louisiana.

Cheap auto insurance in Louisiana for minimum coverage

Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In Louisiana, the average cost for minimum coverage is $66 per month, or $795 yearly — a savings of $2,500 compared to full coverage.

Cheap auto insurance in Louisiana with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Louisiana drivers with poor credit pay 55% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Louisiana

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Louisiana, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $10,510 per year — that's $5,714 more than the nationwide average and over three times as much as a typical Louisiana driver.

Louisiana auto insurance rate by violation

In Louisiana, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. How much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. See below average auto insurance rates in Louisiana after a few common citations.

Louisiana DUI laws

In Louisiana, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $360. That’s 51% less than the national average rate hike after a DUI. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Louisiana

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Louisiana, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Louisiana, Southern Farm Bureau, advertises annual rates 35% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Louisiana is USAA, while the priciest firm is Safe Auto, with prices 56% above average.

There is no car insurer in particular that offers cheap DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Louisiana SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Louisiana to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Louisiana might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

How to acquire an SR-22 in Louisiana

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company and ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Shreveport, Louisiana, and the most expensive in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Louisiana's biggest cities.

Car insurance price trends in Louisiana

In Louisiana, average annual auto insurance costs increased dramatically in the past year, going up $961. A typical Louisiana driver pays an average of $3,265 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Louisiana leans toward significantly higher car insurance costs than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2015 to 2016, while the highest surge took place from 2017 to 2018. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021. In recent years, premiums in Louisiana have consistently increased.

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

Louisiana car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Louisiana auto insurance.