Finding cheap Louisiana auto insurance isn’t always as simple as getting a quote and signing up. Rates for a single policy can fluctuate significantly from one insurer to the next, so finding the best price means having patience and comparing as many estimates as possible.
NerdWallet has done the heavy lifting for you. We compared rates from the six largest insurers in the state and found the three cheapest options for the following types of drivers:
- Good drivers
- Young drivers
- Families with a teen driver
- Drivers with poor credit
- Drivers with one at-fault accident
- Retired drivers
Cheapest for good drivers
For drivers with no at-fault accidents, DUIs or moving violations; range of average prices: $2,201 to $5,212
price
- $2,201/year
price
- 2,501/year
price
- $2,814/year
The Pelican State has a reputation for frequent personal injury claims, which is a big reason why Louisiana auto insurance rates are some of the highest in the country. The average for good drivers among the three cheapest companies was $2,505 a year — a sum most consumers would hesitate to describe as remotely “cheap.” To help soften the financial blow, incident-free motorists should look to score as many discounts as they can. State Farm in particular, on top of returning the lowest average premium in our test, offers several distinct discounts for going accident-free or improving defensive driving skills.
Cheapest for young drivers
For drivers in their early 20s; range of average prices: $1,198 to $3,219
price
- $1,198/year
price
- $1,238/year
price
- $1,254/year
Drivers in their early 20s typically have slimmer coverage needs than older motorists, who often have families, nicer cars and pricey assets to protect. As a result, young drivers can find relatively affordable Louisiana auto insurance. All three of the cheapest companies above had very similar premiums in our study — only about $5 a month difference between low to high.
Cheapest for families with a teen driver
For middle-aged couples with one teen driver; range of average prices: $2,534 to $25,153
price
- 2,534/year
price
- $5,347/year
price
- $7,710/year
Because of their inexperience behind the wheel and high accident risk, teens almost always drive up their parents’ car insurance rates. That said, policyholders can limit the financial hit by shopping around. This category had by far the largest range of prices of any we sampled. Nearly $23,000 separated the cheapest from the priciest average quotes. Even going from the cheapest to the second-cheapest option resulted in almost a $3,000 increase — proof of just how important it is to compare a variety of estimates before pulling the trigger.
Cheapest for drivers with poor credit
For drivers placed in the lowest credit tier as determined by the industry; range of average prices: $2,737 to $4,889
price
- $2,737/year
price
- 3,151/year
price
- $3,409/year
Surprising as it may be, your credit rating can have a lot to do with how much you pay for Louisiana auto insurance. Many companies see a close link between credit and the likelihood of future claims, and may charge more from drivers with poor credit. Our research found the cheapest average quote, $2,737 from Geico, was roughly $500 a year more than the lowest price for good drivers with no credit issues.
Cheapest for drivers with one at-fault accident
Range of average prices: $2,578 to $7,635
price
- $2,578/year
price
- 2,689/year
price
- $4,647/year
An at-fault accident means your insurer will have to pay for others’ damages, and they may hike up your rates as a result. State Farm, the cheapest option we found, had sample rates more than $300 a year higher than its quote for accident-free motorists. Allstate, although significantly more expensive than the other two companies listed above, offers an accident forgiveness feature that could prevent rates from going up after a customer’s first at-fault mishap, which could help make up for the added premium.
Cheapest for retired drivers
For drivers in their mid- to late 60s who no longer use their car for commuting; range of average prices: $1,827 to $5,393
price
- $1,827/year
price
- 2,014/year
price
- $2,813/year
Older drivers in Louisiana could get rewarded for using the car less than their younger, commuting counterparts. In fact, the three lowest average quotes for retired motorists were all lower than the three cheapest estimates for good drivers half their age. Retirees can also look for common discounts aimed at mature drivers — like those for completing a road safety class or simply reaching a certain age.
Minimum Louisiana auto insurance requirements
Louisiana drivers are required to carry liability insurance, which kicks in after at-fault accidents to help cover others’ injury treatment and property damage.
The minimum limits are:
- $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
While this will be enough to drive legally, experts recommend getting more than the bare minimum to avoid paying out of pocket for costly damages. You may also want added protection from common optional add-ons like collision, comprehensive and uninsured motorist coverage.
Check out NerdWallet’s guide to understanding state car insurance requirements for more information on what the limits of your liability coverage mean and what coverages make sense for your policy.
Alternative car insurance in Louisiana
Drivers who are denied Louisiana auto insurance on the open market, due to a checkered driving record or other factors, may qualify for coverage through the Louisiana Automobile Insurance Plan.
NerdWallet is also here to help bayou-based drivers streamline their shopping and get auto coverage at the most competitive price. Try our anonymous car insurance comparison tool to view estimates from top companies and possibly trim hundreds off your premium.
METHODOLOGY
For most categories, NerdWallet averaged rates from the largest insurers for 30-year-old men and women in 10 ZIP codes and with 100/300/50 liability insurance limits and 100/300 uninsured motorist coverage limits. We used a 2012 Toyota Camry in all cases.
To test rates for families with teen drivers, we requested quotes for a 46-year-old female and 47-year-old male with a 16-year-old son. Our sample retired driver was 67 and drove 50% fewer annual miles than other groups. Our sample young driver was 22 and carried the minimum required coverage. These are sample rates — your own rates will differ.
Alex Glenn is a staff writer for NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: aglenn@nerdwallet.com.
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