Louisiana Auto Insurance Car Insurance Comparison

Known as "The Pelican State," Louisana truly needs a pelican's beak to contain all its fun. The state is most well known for its jazz music, Creole cuisine, and annual Mardi Gras festival.

Requirement : Yes

Car insurance is required in Louisiana . Drivers must have a minimum of liability coverage. Louisiana is a No Pay/No Play state, uninsured drivers are barred from making insurance claims regardless of fault. Under the No-Pay No-Play law, an uninsured party is banned from collecting:

• The first $25,000 of a property damage claim.
• The first $15,000 of a bodily injury claim.

Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements:

A minimum liability insurance policy is required:

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

Other Car Insurance Coverage Options:

Liability and coverage is the only requirement for Louisiana motorist to have, there are several other types of coverage available to drivers:

• Collision – Covers damages to your vehicle due to an accident.
• Comprehensive – Covers damages due to your non-accident related damages to your car, such as inclement weather.
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage – Covers you in case you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured party, or they don’t have adequate coverage.
• Medical Payments – Helps cover your medical or funeral costs due to an accident.
• Rental reimbursement – Reimburses you if you have to rent a car after an accident.
• Roadside assistance/towing coverage – Typically adds coverage for towing, tire changes, lockout services, and more.

• Note: Comprehensive and or collision coverage is optional, unless the vehicle is being financed or leased, the lending/leasing agency may require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage.

Other Forms of Financial Responsibility:

Other legal ways around buying car insurance include:

• $55,000 cash or securities deposit with the state comptroller.
   

Proof of Insurance: Yes

You must carry proof of insurance and registration with your vehicle at all times, you must also have proof of insurance in order to renew your registration. The insurance company (provider) will give you an insurance card as proof of insurance.

• Valid proof of insurance includes:
• An insurance card (or copy).
• Mobile image of insurance card.
• Declaration page of insurance policy.
• The Insurance policy.
• Certification of financial responsibility.

The card will include:

• Vehicle’s information:
• Make
• Model
• Year
• Safety Rating
• Value
• Your policy name & name of any other drivers insured under the policy.
• The policy term’s expiration date.
• A new policy card will be provided every time you renew your car insurance policy.

Insurance Violations:

Violations, Fines & Penalties:

• Should you be found operating a vehicle without the mandatory minimum insurance coverage, you face:
• Removal of license plate.
• Replaced with temporary vehicle use authorization plates
• Impounding of vehicle

SR22:

A SR22 may be required after a suspension in order to get your driver’s license reinstated. An SR22 certificate only certifies proof of insurance of minimum requirements, it is not insurance.

Reasons for required SR-22:

• Insurance violations

Your insurance company may charge you for the SR-22 certification for the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). SR-22 lapses are subject to a $60 fee to the OMV.

Credit Scores & Determining Your Insurance Premium :

All Louisiana drivers are required to have car insurance, however, insurance providers are reserved the right to deny coverage to high-risk drivers. High-risk drivers who are unable to find coverage may be eligible to apply for car insurance through the Louisiana Automobile Insurance Plan.

Other factors that may be used to determine your premiums include:

• Age
• Driving history
• Make, model of car
• Neighborhood or city of residence
• Deductible

Discounts : Yes

Discounts available in Louisiana:

• Defensive driver discount
• Good student discount
• Safety equipment discount
• Multi-vehicle discount

Cellphone Use:

Drivers with “learners” or “intermediate” licenses are banned from all cellphone usage. All drivers are banned from texting while driving. Cell phone and texting violations are considered primary offenses. Violators face a $175 fine plus court costs.