Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Louisiana (2023)

If you’ve committed a serious driving violation, the state of Louisiana may require you to file an SR-22 to show proof of insurance coverage.

Angela Brown
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Angela Brown
Angela Brown is a freelance writer with 17 years of professional writing and editing experience. She specializes in finance, real estate, and insurance content. Angela uses her experience to create easy-to-understand content that helps consumers understand tough topics better. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and planning vacations.
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Ashley Cox
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Ashley Cox
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Ashley is an experienced personal finance editor who has edited a variety of digital content over the years, including credit cards, insurance, mortgages, personal loans, student loans, and more. She is passionate about helping people learn more about personal finance so that they can empower themselves and achieve their financial goals.Ashley began her career as a journalist, working as a reporter and editor for print and broadcast news outlets. She also has a background in corporate retail communications, where she focused on web content and marketing communications development. Before joining Insurify, Ashley worked as a senior editor at Credible and a copy editor at Credit Karma.When she’s not editing, Ashley volunteers with the local Humane Society, takes trapeze classes (where she daydreams about running away and joining the circus), and hikes the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.Ashley earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Samford University.
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Updated April 19, 2023

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Table of contents

Table of contents

In most states, if you have certain driving violations you must file an SR-22 form, which shows that you meet the minimum coverage requirements to drive in your state.

If you need an SR-22 in Louisiana, here’s what you should know about the process, how long you’re required to keep an SR-22, and the consequences if you don’t have the proper documentation on file.

Quick Facts

  • States often mandate drivers to file an SR-22 with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles after they’ve committed a serious driving offense.

  • Not all insurance companies offer SR-22s. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to find a different insurer.

  • The incident that caused you to need an SR-22 will probably increase your car insurance rates.

What is SR-22 insurance in Louisiana, and when do you need it?

An SR-22 isn’t a separate insurance policy. It’s a certificate your insurance company files with the state to prove you carry the minimum amount of coverage required by Louisiana. If you don’t own a car, you must purchase a nonowner policy and get an SR-22 to prevent your license from lapsing.

The state of Louisiana requires drivers convicted of certain driving violations to obtain an SR-22 form. The following offenses typically lead to a court-ordered SR-22 requirement:[1]

  • Resisting arrest

  • Refusal to cooperate 

  • DWI

  • Underage DUI

  • Driving (speeding) violations that result in a license suspension

You must maintain the minimum state coverage with an SR-22. The minimum automobile insurance requirements in Louisiana are:[2]

  • $15,000 for bodily injury for a single person

  • $30,000 for bodily injury for more than one person in a single accident

  • $25,000 for damage to another person’s vehicle or property

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How can you get SR-22 insurance in Louisiana?

The court will notify you if you’re required to have SR-22 insurance. Drivers required to have an SR-22 will need to pay a fee to their insurance company, which will file the proper paperwork with the state. You may need to shop around for a policy that fits your needs, as some insurers don’t offer SR-22s.

“Not all auto insurance providers are required to offer an SR-22 or FR-44, but many do to better serve their customers,” says Amanda Moss, a licensed auto insurance agent with A Plus Insurance. “Since each state has its own laws regarding car insurance, the requirements for insurance providers on whether or not they need to offer a financial responsibility form will be based solely on [individual state laws].”

Moss recommends asking companies you’re interested in purchasing insurance from if they offer SR-22 forms.

How long is SR-22 insurance required in Louisiana? 

Drivers in Louisiana must maintain their SR-22 continuously for at least three years from the date of their conviction.

If you allow your SR-22 to lapse, your required coverage time may reset. Additionally, you could face fines or have your driver’s license revoked. Time requirements may vary based on your compliance and the severity of your violations.

How much is SR-22 insurance in Louisiana?

The cost of insurance varies based on several factors, including the type of coverage, company, where you live, and driving history. Insurance companies in Louisiana may also use your credit score to determine rates. You should expect to pay between $25 and $50 for your insurance company to file the necessary SR-22 paperwork with the state.

In addition to the filing fee, you’ll need to pay a fee to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The fee ranges from $60 for an underage DUI to $300 for a third offense of DWI.[3]

Important Information

Depending on the severity of the conviction, the state may also require additional measures like an ignition interlock. Further violations could result in a hardship license, limiting the driving capabilities of work-related and essential activities.

Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Louisiana

Insurance costs will be higher for drivers with an SR-22 because insurance companies consider your driving record when determining your rate. Drivers with an SR-22 requirement are considered higher-risk drivers.

It’s important to shop around and get quotes from multiple insurance companies — especially if you have an SR-22 requirement. For example, Louisiana drivers with SR-22s pay $338 less per month with The General than drivers insured with Bristol West.

Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Quote
The General$240
Direct Auto$281
Bristol West$578
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest insurance companies in Louisiana with SR-22 by city

Insurance rates vary from state to state, but they can also vary widely across ZIP codes in the same city. Urban neighborhoods are likely to have higher rates since they’re more populated and the risk of accidents is elevated.

Even in the same city, rates can vary dramatically. For example, New Orleans drivers insured with Bristol West pay 137% more for a policy than New Orleans drivers insured with Direct Auto.

CityInsurance CompanyAverage Monthly Quote
New OrleansDirect Auto$276
New OrleansBristol West$655
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Louisiana

When you’re legally required to have an SR-22, your insurance rates will be higher, since this document flags you as a high-risk driver. Once the allotted time you’re required to carry an SR-22 lapses, the SR-22 requirement falls off your driving record. While your rates may remain slightly higher with a spotty driving record, you’ll have more options and better rates once you’re no longer required to have an SR-22 on file with the state.

Unlike other states, Louisiana doesn’t use the point system for its driving records. Since the state doesn’t use a point system, your options for improving your driving record are more limited.

But you still have ways to improve your driving record, which could help you save money on your car insurance:

  • Check your driving record. You can purchase a copy of your driving record from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles for $18. You can print the file from your home computer. Review your driving record for any errors or old violations that should be gone. If you find errors, you can contact the OMV to fix any mistakes.[4]

  • Avoid future violations and continue to drive safely. Most minor driving violations, such as speeding or failure to yield, will fall off your record within three to five years. Practice safe driving habits and avoid future violations to clear up your driving record faster.

  • Compare rates from multiple insurers. While you’ll pay more for an SR-22 insurance policy than one without, you can still save money by shopping your rates with multiple companies. Not all insurers work with drivers who need SR-22, so your options may be slightly limited.

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Louisiana SR-22 insurance FAQs

If you’re required to have SR-22 insurance in the Pelican State, you may have additional questions about the process. Here’s some additional information that can help.

  • How long do you have to hold an SR-22 in Louisiana?

    Louisiana requires drivers to have an SR-22 for at least three years. Your time required could change depending on the severity of your violations, whether you maintain coverage consecutively, and whether or not you have additional traffic violations on your record.

  • How do you get rid of an SR-22 in Louisiana?

    You can only eliminate an SR-22 from your driving record and your insurance policy once you’ve completed the allotted time required by the courts. The court may send you a letter notifying you that your SR-22 period has expired; otherwise, keep track of your expiration date and contact the Office of Motor Vehicles and your insurer once you can remove the SR-22.

  • What happens to your SR-22 in Louisiana if you move?

    If you move before your SR-22 expires, you’ll need to file your SR-22 with your new state. You must abide by any rules and regulations in your new state. You’re required to renew your SR-22 each year. You should renew the SR-22 around 30 days before expiration to avoid delinquency. You should file your SR-22 with your new state as soon as you’ve established an address in your new state.

  • Do you need an SR-22 in Louisiana if you don’t have a car?

    Yes. If you want to retain driving privileges, you must have an SR-22 on record with the state. You can apply for a nonowner policy, which will be less expensive than a policy that covers a vehicle. You should maintain the SR-22 for three consecutive years, even if you don’t own a car in that time, to avoid license suspension.

Sources

  1. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. "Hardship License Requirements." Accessed April 18, 2023
  2. Louisiana Department of Insurance. "Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance." Accessed April 18, 2023
  3. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. "Suspensions." Accessed April 18, 2023
  4. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. "Louisiana Official Driving Record." Accessed April 18, 2023
Angela Brown
Angela Brown

Angela Brown is a freelance writer with 17 years of professional writing and editing experience.
She specializes in finance, real estate, and insurance content. Angela uses her experience to
create easy-to-understand content that helps consumers understand tough topics better. When
she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and planning vacations.

Learn More
Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley CoxManaging Editor
Headshot of Managing Editor Ashley Cox
Ashley Cox
Managing Editor
Ashley is an experienced personal finance editor who has edited a variety of digital content over the years, including credit cards, insurance, mortgages, personal loans, student loans, and more. She is passionate about helping people learn more about personal finance so that they can empower themselves and achieve their financial goals.Ashley began her career as a journalist, working as a reporter and editor for print and broadcast news outlets. She also has a background in corporate retail communications, where she focused on web content and marketing communications development. Before joining Insurify, Ashley worked as a senior editor at Credible and a copy editor at Credit Karma.When she’s not editing, Ashley volunteers with the local Humane Society, takes trapeze classes (where she daydreams about running away and joining the circus), and hikes the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.Ashley earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Samford University.
Learn more
Amber Benka
Reviewed byAmber BenkaLicensed Insurance Agent
Icon of a woman
Amber Benka
Licensed Insurance Agent
Amber Benka is a licensed insurance agent specializing in auto, home, commercial, life, and health insurance.
Learn more

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