Louisiana Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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Louisiana's minimum car insurance requirements include bodily injury liability of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, along with property damage liability of $25,000, ensuring drivers can cover costs associated with at-fault accidents. As an at-fault state, drivers in Louisiana are held financially responsible for damages they cause in an accident. Residents must carry at least the minimum coverage auto insurance to stay legal on the road.

The monthly cost for state minimum car insurance in Louisiana averages around $56, catering to those seeking the cheapest car insurance in Louisiana. Also consider the balance between affordability and adequate protection when you explore options beyond the minimum car insurance requirements for comprehensive financial security on the road.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Louisiana department of insurance to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Louisiana drivers.

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These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Louisiana as of June 2024.

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Louisiana Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Louisiana, to legally drive a vehicle, drivers must have the following minimum amounts of car insurance coverage:

  • $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
  • $30,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.

The premiums for your car insurance in Louisiana can be influenced by the state's adherence to the fault system. In a fault state, the driver who caused the accident is typically responsible for covering the damages. The insurance of the party at fault is expected to pay for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other associated costs.

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ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE REQUIRED IN LOUISIANA?

Louisiana does not require drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance as part of its state minimum coverage mandates. But if you finance or lease a vehicle, the lender or leasing company will typically require both collision and comprehensive insurance to protect its investment in the case of damage or loss. This ensures that the vehicle is covered for a wide range of incidents beyond the state-required liability coverage.

Therefore, in Louisiana, if you own your car outright, the choice to add collision or comprehensive coverage is yours, but it is necessary if you have a car loan or lease.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident

Damages to your car

Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy

Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

The table reflects Louisiana's minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Remember, your individual policy's terms and conditions will determine the exact coverage details.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Louisiana

When determining the cost of minimum coverage car insurance rates, age is frequently the most significant factor. In Louisiana, drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest premiums, largely because this group is statistically more likely to be involved in accidents and file claims.

The table displays the average cost for minimum coverage car insurance in Louisiana, segmented by age group.

22-29Annual Premium$817Monthly Premium$68
30-59Annual Premium$675Monthly Premium$56
60 +Annual Premium$777Monthly Premium$65

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Louisiana

Louisiana residents seeking minimum coverage auto insurance will find the most affordable options with:

  • Louisiana Farm Bureau: $478; $40 per month
  • Progressive: $546 per year; $46 per month

Although these rates offer savings, you should also find coverage that fully meets your individual needs. The best car insurance in Louisiana may surface options that could be right for you.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Louisiana Farm BureauAnnual Premium$478Monthly Premium$40
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$546Monthly Premium$46
GEICOAnnual Premium$586Monthly Premium$49
State FarmAnnual Premium$745Monthly Premium$62
AAAAnnual Premium$842Monthly Premium$70
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,348Monthly Premium$112

Optional Add-On Coverages in Louisiana

In Louisiana, optional add-on coverages include collision, comprehensive, medical payments, uninsured motorist and towing and labor coverage. Though not required by law, these can safeguard your finances after an accident or unforeseen event. Deciding how much car insurance you need depends on your personal circumstances, but these protections offer peace of mind on the road.

Add-On Coverage
What It Covers
What It Doesn't Cover

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.

Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault.

Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.

Roadside Assistance

Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.

Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.

Gap Insurance

Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.

Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.

Rental Car Reimbursement

The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.

Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the cost of a ticket for driving without insurance can vary significantly, especially if you have a past offense. Penalties can range from fines to more severe consequences for repeated violations. If it's your first time getting caught, the repercussions may be lighter, but the financial impact can still be significant. For those with prior offenses, the penalties often increase, reflecting the higher risk and disregard for the law.

Additional potential penalties for driving without minimum coverage in Louisiana may include:

  • Vehicle impoundment – Your vehicle may be held somewhere, adding extra fees to retrieve it.
  • Suspension of vehicle registration – The state may suspend your car's registration.
  • License suspension – Your driving privileges may be taken away for a period.
  • Mandatory SR-22 documentation – You could be mandated to carry this certificate as proof of future financial responsibility.

Adhere to insurance regulations in Louisiana. Not only does compliance avoid legal penalties but it also ensures that you're financially protected in the event of an accident. Carry at least the state minimum coverage to safeguard against unexpected costs and legal trouble.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

If your car insurance policy is canceled in Louisiana, immediately contact an insurance agent to obtain a new policy; driving without insurance is illegal. After a policy cancellation, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) may be notified, potentially resulting in fines or registration suspension. To avoid penalties or even losing your driving privileges, it's essential to have continuous coverage.

There are options for Louisiana drivers struggling to get insured. The Louisiana Automobile Insurance Plan (LAIP), an avenue for high-risk drivers to obtain insurance, can ensure that you carry at least the state minimum coverage. This state-backed program allows everyone to maintain the necessary insurance legally required to drive.

For detailed coverage options, consider reaching out to Louisiana's department of insurance or visiting its website for guidance. Remember, driving without at least minimum coverage is a risk that can have serious legal and financial consequences.

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WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Louisiana may have been canceled for a few reasons:

  • Non-Payment: If you miss paying your insurance premiums, the company can cancel your coverage.

  • Fraud: Lying on your insurance application or making a false claim can lead to cancellation.

  • License Issues: Having your driver's license suspended or revoked means you no longer meet the requirements for insurance.

  • Too Many Claims: Filing too many claims in a short period can signal high risk to insurers, which may cause them to drop your policy.

  • State Minimum Changes: If Louisiana changes its state minimum coverage requirements and you don't update your policy, it could be canceled.

FAQ: Louisiana Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Here, we provide clear answers to your questions about Louisiana's minimum car insurance requirements.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Louisiana?
Why does Louisiana require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?
Do you need comprehensive insurance in Louisiana?
What happens if you drive uninsured in Louisiana?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.