The Complete Guide to Louisiana Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Pelican State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things LA car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Louisiana?
Car insurance in Louisiana averages $237/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $523 |
| Baton Rouge | $400 |
| Shreveport | $307 |
| Metairie | $404 |
| Lafayette | $346 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so high in Louisiana?
Louisiana drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
While only 11.7% of drivers in Louisiana are uninsured (vs. 13% nationally), other factors like repair costs and claim frequency drive premiums higher.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 8,529 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in LA, down 51% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
LA has a relatively moderate FEMA disaster rating of 82, with the highest risks of hurricane and inland flooding, driving up comprehensive coverage costs.
What car insurance do I need in Louisiana?
All Louisiana drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Louisiana drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $15,000 (per person) $30,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Louisiana?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Louisiana drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Louisiana?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from swamp running
How much car insurance do I need in Louisiana?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Louisiana labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bossier City | $95 | $122 | $165 | $95 |
| Shreveport | $95 | $122 | $165 | $95 |
| New Orleans | $84 | $127 | $137 | $84 |
| Gretna | $84 | $127 | $137 | $84 |
| Covington | $84 | $127 | $137 | $84 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Louisiana?
Louisiana takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
No upfront fines, but reinstatement fees climb: $110 first time, $260 second, $510 for third offense.
Suspension
Registration suspended until you can prove insurance coverage.
Jail time
Louisiana uses administrative penalties instead of jail time for insurance violations.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Louisiana?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Louisiana?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Louisiana car insurance FAQs
Is Louisiana a no-fault state?
No, Louisiana isn’t a no-fault state. Louisiana follows at-fault insurance, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. If you’re injured, you can file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance or pursue a lawsuit. PIP coverage isn’t required.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Louisiana?
Yes, Louisiana requires proof of auto insurance to register a vehicle. You must meet minimum liability coverage requirements. Insurance is electronically verified during registration — a lapse in coverage can result in fines or registration suspension.
What are the top risks for driving in Louisiana?
Louisiana struggles with high rates of impaired driving and speeding, combined with deteriorating road infrastructure including numerous potholes. Heavy rainfall and flooding can make roads completely impassable, while urban traffic congestion leads to frequent minor accidents.
How long do I have to report an accident in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires accidents involving injury, death, or apparent property damage to be reported immediately to law enforcement. Police typically handle the official report. You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Not reporting a qualifying accident may lead to legal consequences.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, be ready for roads with nasty potholes and rough pavement. Slow down during heavy rain or flooding, and never try to drive through standing water. Watch for drunk drivers, especially at night. Give yourself extra space in city traffic.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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