Here's what you need to know when driving in Louisiana
Across the Pelican State, there are 128,532 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you prepped, then you take the wheel.
Cheap car insurance in Louisiana
What's the cheapest car insurance in Louisiana?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern Farm Bureau | $1,636 |
| 2 | USAA | $1,856 |
| 3 | MetLife | $1,873 |
| 4 | State Farm | $2,163 |
| 5 | Cal Casualty | $2,292 |
| 6 | Progressive | $2,336 |
| 7 | GEICO | $2,931 |
| 8 | Safe Auto | $2,972 |
| 9 | Allstate | $3,415 |
| 10 | Metropolitan | $3,692 |
| 11 | Encompass | $3,995 |
Compare rates and save!
Cheap Insurance for Good Drivers in Louisiana
Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. Louisiana drivers without a recent at-fault accident typically save 31% on their car insurance premiums, which approaches the national average of 32%. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $441 | 17.10% |
| No Accidents | $973 | 31.24% |
| Good Credit | $1,739 | 44.83% |
Cheap Insurance for Young Drivers in Louisiana
Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 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. Louisiana is an extraordinarily expensive state in which to insure a teen driver: the average teen will pay $10,107 per year in Louisiana, compared to just $4,900 annually across the US. Teens are approximately four times more expensive to insure than the average Louisiana driver.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $12,433 | $11,617 |
| 17 | $11,979 | $9,723 |
| 18 | $11,364 | $8,350 |
| 19 | $10,217 | $5,181 |
Cheap Car Insurance for Bad Drivers in Louisiana
If you have a clean driving record — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably pay less for car insurance. Conversely, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 33% after a DUI, 31% after an at-fault accident, and 17% after a speeding ticket in Louisiana. The post-citation penalties assessed by car insurance companies in Louisiana roughly align with national averages. If you have a clean driving history, be sure to inquire about your insurance company's safe driver discount.
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $3,113 | 31.24% |
| DUI | $3,242 | 33.99% |
| Speeding Violation | $2,582 | 17.10% |
| Bad Credit | $3,880 | 44.83% |
What are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Louisiana?
Every car insurance company emphasizes its low costs. But as with any service, the cheapest car insurance option isn't always the best option. Considering the financial stakes, it's worth doing the research to purchase an auto insurance policy that protects your vehicle completely after an accident. Hunt for the best value, instead of settling for the cheapest auto insurance in Louisiana.
Review local and national auto insurance companies' financial strength and claims satisfaction levels to better understand the level of service you'll receive. Claims satisfaction — measured by J.D. Power — is rated on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and running from "Poor" to "Superior" — assesses an insurer's financial stability and ability to meet its policy and contractual obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| Cal Casualty | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Encompass | Not Rated | Superior |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| Safeway | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Southern Farm Bureau | Not Rated | Superior |
| State Farm | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
Find an affordable policy today!
What is the Best Auto Insurance Coverage in Louisiana?
The minimum insurance requirement in Louisiana is $15,000 Bodily Injury per person, $30,000 Bodily Injury per accident, and $25,000 Property Damage per accident.
For the minimum allowed coverage in Louisiana, prepare to pay an average of $1,339 per year. These rates are more expensive than the nationwide average by 104%. If you want more comprehensive coverage, you can select a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against costs incurred by car-versus-car collisions, auto theft, or weather conditions. Better auto insurance coverage comes with a cost: in Louisiana, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $2,059, 54% more than liability-only coverage. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 66% more than you would for liability-only coverage.
Compare average rates for liability-only versus comprehensive coverage tiers below.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| Louisiana | $1,338.74 | $2,058.85 | $2,228.43 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Car insurance laws
State minimum insurance requirements in Louisiana
In Louisiana, drivers are required to maintain the below liability coverage levels:
- Bodily Injury: $15,000 per person
- Bodily Injury: $30,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $25,000 per accident
Optional coverage in Louisiana (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Additional Personal Injury Protection (APIP)
- Passenger Personal Injury Protection
- Medical Payments
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
Louisiana auto insurance FAQs
Why is car insurance so expensive in Louisiana?
One of the reasons car insurance is expensive in Louisiana is the state's location. Because of Louisiana's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its history of major floods, car insurance companies see the area as "high-risk" and charge more than the national average for car insurance.
How long you can go without car insurance in Louisiana?
This is a difficult question to answer. If you have an established car insurance policy and have recently purchased a new vehicle, coverage may transfer to the new vehicle for a short period of time — typically two to four weeks. However, if you do not have an established policy and you're driving uninsured, you can be ticketed at any time. Even if you've been insured for one day, the penalty is the same if you've been driving uninsured for years.
When should you add children to car insurance in Louisiana?
If your children are licensed and will be driving your vehicle, you should add them to your insurance policy.
How much does car insurance cost in Louisiana cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Ruston, Louisiana, and the most expensive in New Orleans, Louisiana.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Orleans | $3,735 |
| 2 | Harvey | $3,323 |
| 3 | Kenner | $2,967 |
| 4 | Metairie | $2,907 |
| 5 | Baton Rouge | $2,855 |
| 6 | Prairieville | $2,749 |
| 7 | Central | $2,743 |
| 8 | Alexandria | $2,542 |
| 9 | Slidell | $2,515 |
| 10 | Hammond | $2,454 |
| 11 | Monroe | $2,426 |
| 12 | Lafayette | $2,400 |
| 13 | Lake Charles | $2,325 |
| 14 | New Iberia | $2,227 |
| 15 | Shreveport | $2,194 |
| 16 | Sulphur | $2,150 |
| 17 | Houma | $2,146 |
| 18 | Bayou Cane | $2,111 |
| 19 | Bossier City | $2,034 |
| 20 | Natchitoches | $1,987 |
| 21 | Ruston | $1,937 |
Recent Louisiana Car Insurance Questions and Answers
Can I buy an insurance policy on a car I own and exclude myself as a driver?
Both you and your driver need to be listed on your insurance policy in this case. Since you own the vehicle, you should be listed as an additional interest since you have a financial stake in the car. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
I was rear-ended, but I'm an excluded driver. Will the damages still be covered?
Typically, when you are hit from behind the other driver is at fault. In this case, their insurance company would be responsible for the damages.
My insurance company held me 10% responsible for not taking "evasive action." Will the 10% charge likely cause a higher rate elsewhere?
Anytime you are found liable in an accident it will impact rates. In this case, you were only found 10% liable, so it will not impact your rates as much as if you were 100% liable.
Can my ex-husband insure my car in his name or on his policy?
As long as your husband is going to drive the vehicle and park it as his residence, he can insure your car under his name and policy. Because you own it, you would need to be listed as an additional interest in the policy.
Driving laws in Louisiana
Louisiana Texting and Driving Laws
- Ban on hand-held cell phones for Learner or Intermediate License (regardless of age)
- Ban on all cell phones for school bus drivers, 1st year of License, and drivers <18 years old
- Ban on text messaging for all drivers
Louisiana DUI Laws
The lookback period in Louisiana is 10 years. Repeated DWI offenses within this time period will result in harsher penalties and fines. First and second offenses are deemed misdemeanors. Subsequent offenses will be considered felonies.
Drivers whose BAC is 0.20% or higher are subject to enhanced fines and penalties as well.
A DWI leading to the death of another can result in the offender spending up to 30 years in prison, in addition to enhanced fines and penalties.
First-time DWI offenses in Louisiana lead to:
- Up to six months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines, plus court costs
- License suspension for one year
How do tickets impact auto insurance rates in Louisiana?
When you receive a ticket your auto insurance rates will probably rise. By how much depends on the specific citation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
See below car insurance costs in Louisiana after a few common violations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $3,505 | 50% | $1,166 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $3,421 | 46% | $1,082 |
| DUI | $3,421 | 46% | $1,082 |
| Racing | $3,505 | 50% | $1,166 |
| Reckless Driving | $3,505 | 50% | $1,166 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $3,518 | 50% | $1,179 |
| At-Fault Accident | $3,330 | 42% | $991 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $3,145 | 34% | $807 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $3,137 | 34% | $799 |
| Passing a School Bus | $2,849 | 22% | $511 |
| Improper Passing | $2,849 | 22% | $511 |
| Following Too Closely | $2,849 | 22% | $511 |
| Speeding | $2,855 | 22% | $517 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $2,849 | 22% | $511 |
| Illegal Turn | $2,849 | 22% | $511 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $2,806 | 20% | $468 |
| Failure to Yield | $2,849 | 22% | $511 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $2,815 | 20% | $477 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $2,815 | 20% | $477 |
| Distracted Driving | $2,685 | 15% | $347 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $2,507 | 7% | $169 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $2,507 | 7% | $169 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $2,364 | 1% | $25 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $2,507 | 7% | $169 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $2,469 | 6% | $130 |
| Driving Without Lights | $2,507 | 7% | $169 |
Louisiana Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the Louisiana area, while also getting an insider view of the Pelican State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.