Essential
Why Car Insurance is Important in Louisiana
Car insurance is essential in Louisiana not only because it is required by law but also to provide critical financial protection in case of an accident. Louisiana's diverse environment and road conditions present specific challenges, including:
- Severe Weather Threats: Louisiana experiences hurricanes, heavy rains, and flooding, which can cause significant vehicle damage and increase the risk of accidents.
- High Accident Rates: Statistics show Louisiana has some of the highest accident rates in the nation, often due to traffic congestion and road conditions.
- Rural and Urban Driving Risks: From crowded urban roadways in cities like New Orleans to rural highways surrounded by waterways, drivers face a range of hazards.
- Car Theft and Vandalism: Metro areas with higher crime rates, such as New Orleans, often see elevated risks of car theft and vandalism, posing additional concerns for vehicle owners.
Coverage
What Does Car Insurance Cover in Louisiana?
Louisiana is an “at-fault” state which means that the driver responsible for an accident is also responsible for covering the resulting damages. When it comes to auto insurance, the minimum required coverage will vary from state to state. For Louisiana, that minimum coverage includes:
- Bodily Injury Liability: Coverage for others’ medical costs when you’re at fault. Minimum limits are $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: Coverage for others’ vehicles or property when you’re at fault. Minimum requirement of $25,000 per accident.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Only bodily injury is required in Louisiana. This helps pay for medical costs if you’re not at fault and the other party is either underinsured or doesn’t have enough insurance. Minimum limits reflect standard bodily injury liability.
- Added to standard policies. If you want to remove it from your policy or adjust your limits, it must be done in writing with your agent.
- Economic Only variation: Covers any economic losses such as medical expenses, funeral expenses, and lost wages, but will not give any coverage for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, etc.
While these minimums may meet legal standards, they cover the costs for the other party if you’re at fault. This coverage won’t cover the costs for your vehicle, or when severe weather or unexpected events happen.
Options
Additional Coverage Options for Louisiana Car Owners
To ensure greater peace of mind and better protection, consider adding to your policy with the following coverage:
- Collision Coverage: Helps pay for damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident based on your deductible.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for non-collision damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident based on your deductible.
- Underinsured Motorist Property Damage and Collision: Optional coverage that covers your vehicle if you get in an accident where you are not at fault and the at fault party does not have sufficient insurance to fix the vehicle.
- Note: you cannot have this and collision coverage on the same policy.
- Roadside Assistance: Helps pay for the cost of towing your vehicle if it cannot be driven due to an accident or breakdown.
- Rental Car Reimbursement: Helps pay for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.
- Medical Payments (MedPay): Helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.
- Rideshare Insurance: Offers additional protection for drivers working with rideshare companies, which is especially important in popular tourist cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge where ridesharing services are frequently used.
These are just some of the many additional coverage options for your vehicle. However, if your needs or situation are more specific, such as usage-based coverage for those who don’t drive often, be sure to bring that up when speaking with a Goosehead agent. We specialize in building customized coverage for our clients.
Whether you’re navigating the vibrant streets of New Orleans, commuting through Baton Rouge, or taking a weekend drive along Louisiana’s scenic routes, Goosehead Insurance is here to provide car insurance Louisiana drivers can rely on.
Contact us today for a personalized, no-obligation car insurance quote and take the first step toward securing peace of mind wherever the road takes you.
Cost
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Louisiana?
The cost of car insurance Louisiana drivers pay is influenced by a variety of factors, such as:
- Driving Record: A clean record often leads to lower rates, while accidents or violations can increase premiums.
- Vehicle Type: Newer cars or luxury vehicles typically cost more to insure due to higher repair or replacement costs.
- Location Within the State: Urban areas like New Orleans and Baton Rouge generally see higher premiums, whereas rural drivers might pay slightly less.
- Driver Demographics: Young or inexperienced drivers may face higher rates, whereas older drivers with safe driving habits often qualify for discounts.
Louisiana car insurance policy costs vary depending on the level of coverage in addition to the factors listed above. If your policy covers the state minimum, that typically costs an average of $1,000 annually. Policies that have more coverage cost Louisiana drivers an average of $4,000 annually.
Save
How to Save on Auto Insurance in Louisiana
At Goosehead Insurance, we aim to help Louisiana drivers save money on their auto insurance while maintaining essential coverage. Here are a few tips to lower your premiums:
- Bundle Policies: Combine auto insurance with home or renter’s insurance for valuable multi-policy discounts.
- Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Staying accident-free ensures you qualify for better rates over time.
- Seek Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for installing anti-theft devices or completing defensive driving courses.
- Regularly Review Your Policy: Our agents will evaluate your coverage to eliminate unnecessary costs.
Choose Goosehead
Why Choose Goosehead Insurance for Your Car Insurance in Louisiana?
Goosehead Insurance makes shopping for car insurance Louisiana drivers can rely on easy and stress-free. Here’s why we’re trusted by drivers across the state:
- Access to Leading Providers: We work with a vast network of insurers to find the right coverage at the best rates.
- Customizable Coverage: Our agents ensure your policy reflects your unique needs, whether you’re driving in urban areas or rural landscapes.
- Local Knowledge: We understand the specific challenges faced by Louisiana drivers, from hurricane risks to urban traffic congestion.
- Dedicated Support: Our team is available to assist throughout the process, from selecting coverage to filing claims.