Louisiana Auto Insurance

"Being insured is the law in Louisiana"

Consumers have questions and so did we...

• What are the types of insurance coverage and what are the amounts required for the state of Louisiana.

• What does the law say pertaining to minimum insurance coverage in Louisiana?

Louisiana has strict mandatory policies about vehicle registration, insurance coverage minimums, and financial responsibilities pertaining to every vehicle owned, operated, or parked on its roadways. In Louisiana, you can obtain your learner’s permit at fifteen and your restricted license at sixteen, with a full license at seventeen.

To adhere to Louisiana's auto insurance rules, you must...

In Louisiana, you must maintain a current insurance policy with a registered insurance company or broker carrying the minimum insurance requirements or greater. There are many different types of insurance, at competitive rates, so shop around for the best price. Be aware that once insured, if you miss a payment on your policy, your insurance could be cancelled, without notice.

1. Louisiana requires each driver to carry third party liability insurance, also called PLPD, accidental benefits coverage, and uninsured and unidentified driver’s coverage, which insures you, in case you injure someone, cause a death, or damage someone’s property in a motor vehicle accident.

In Louisiana, you must have third party liability insurance for bodily injury with each person allowed $10,000.00, up to maximum of $20,000.00, as well as an additional $10,000.00 for property damages. If there are more than two people injured, whoever files first gets the settlement.

2. In Louisiana, you must carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance, which has not expired, in your motor vehicle. If you driver’s license has been suspended, or your insurance has expired, your vehicle could be towed to the compound by the police. You driver’s license can also be suspended if you owe back child support.

Important facts about auto coverage in Louisiana:

• Your driver’s license can be suspended, if you are caught driving without adequate insurance, with too many fines, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or refusing to take a blood-alcohol test, and leaving the scene of an accident or failing to file an accident report. Seat belts are mandatory in Louisiana.
• You are required to change your driver’s license, if you move, within seven days.
• Your insurance agent has access to your driving record to check for fines, suspensions, and accidents that can cause your policy to increase or be cancelled.
• If you are in an accident, and do not have the minimum insurance, you are financially responsible for all injury and damage settlements awarded by the courts.

Comprehensive or collision insurance does NOT meet minimum requirements.

Used Cars in Louisiana

Auto Insurance FAQ

Question: What is the cheapest auto insurance you have found for Louisiana?
We by far are one of the highest rated states in the US. I am looking for ways to save money and I am sure this is a good way. What company works for you?

Answer: You may want to try a website that compares multiple companies at once to get you the best price. I am paying less than ½ after I did. Go to: http://www.insureme.com/landing.aspx?Refby=616165&Type=auto Take care, Casey

Question: Can you buy auto insurance coverage on a month-to-month basis in Louisiana?
(To clarify, if you only needed coverage for April, but not for the five months afterwards.)

Answer: You can only buy 6 month or 12 month policies. However, you can cancel the policy, but they usually require 2 months premiums for down-payment.

Question: what is the penalty for an auto insurance lapse for 2 months in louisiana?
WAS NO ARRESTED NOR STOPPED. INSURANCE IS NOW REINSTATED (PREMIUMS CURRENT) BUT INSURANCE COMPANY FAILED TO REINSTATE BACK IN APRIL BUT I WAS NOTIFIED THAT I COULD HAVE IT REINSTATED TO AVOID DMV FINES. THE $200.00 PLUS INSURANCE PREMIUMS MAY BE MORE THAN THE DMV FINES. IS IT?

Answer: $25 fine, up to $500 fine, confiscation of plates (optional for first offence), vehicle impoundment. It's driving without insurance, even if the policy has lapsed for only a minute.

Question: Looking into farm bureau insurance in louisiana need help?
Farm Bureau is the cheapest insurance I can afford here but do I have to be a member to get auto insurance through them? I am only 19 will they insure someone my age?

Answer: Try this website for Farm Bureau in Louisiana. Find an agent in your area to give you a quote for a policy http://www.lafbins.com/

Question: Does anyone have any experience with Insurance Unlimited in Louisiana?
They offer really good prices on auto and homeowner's insurance, it is so low that I wonder where's the catch, they say they write so many policies so they can offer low prices. I will appretiate any reviews. Thanks

Answer: Insurance Unlimited is an AGENCY, not a COMPANY. You aren't buying their policy, you're buying someone else's - they are the middleman, the agent. The "catch" is probably minimum limits on auto, and/or really high deductibles. If you get a quote from them, ask them who the carrier is, and WHAT they are rated. Likely you're getting a Progressive quote, or Infinity, or some such. To quote someone who never existed, "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch."

Question: Does my auto insurance company have a legal obligation to defend me in court if the other company won't pay?
I got in an accident in Louisiana, the state in which I reside, but the car I was driving is still technically insured in California. I don't know if the answer to this question has anything to do with the state. My insurance company determined that the accident was 100% not my fault, but the other company is giving me a hard time and I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to take them to court. In Louisiana, taking the insurance company along with the accident-causer to court is legal. I just want to know if my own insurance company has the obligation to help me out in court or if I have to go at it alone.

Answer: You will need to file suit against the other driver/owner, not the insurance company unless they have acted in bad faith. The other person's insurance company will defend their insured. Your insurance company will not assist/defend you in your lawsuit against the other party. The are only obligated to defend and indemnify if suit is file against you. If you have collision coverage, you should simply file a claim against your own policy. Your insurance company will pay you less your deductible(if it applies), and then subrogate to recover what the paid out and your deductible.

Question: Transfer auto title from my brother in NC to LA?
I have a brother who left his car with me after being stationed in the Germany for 3 years. He no longer wants his car and wants to donate it to me. How would we transfer ownership and title being that he is now in Germany? The car was originally registered in North Carolina and is now in Louisiana. Insurance and inpection have since expired.

Answer: Assuming your brother is the title holder, and the vehicle is free and clear of any liens because of financing, he would sign the title as the seller, have it notarized, and ideally also make out a bill of sale that he is transferring his interest in the vehicle to you at no charge. Many states don't charge for transfers between family members. You would take those documents to the DMV, where you would get a title issued in your name, and information as to how to get tags on it and get it back on the road. Do not drive it until you have insurance in place of course.

Question: what to expect from auto-accident settlement?
Was rear-ended by lady in Louisiana involving 4 cars.No serious injuries, except me for whiplash and lower back. Seeing chiropractor for eight weeks. Expect med bills to be about $2000.00, car repair $1000.00 and lost 2 killer future jobs because of this, now unemployed and broke.Defendants insurance is Allstate. Any idea what to expect for settlement? I was on my way back from being hired by GE in HOUSTON, but had to turn it down because of injuries.

Answer: For auto insurance the easiest way to get a low quote is do a policy comparison. Be sure to choose the same coverage amounts, you can get an accurate quote to compare against others. Use the same zip code, auto make and model, mileage and driving history to make sure you get accurate comparison. To get mulitple auto quotes, go to http://www.simpleautoquotes.com/Auto-Insurance.html and you can compare the major auto insurance companies.

Question: I am 19yrs old, and will be getting a car around February or March of 2008, can I get it in my name?
Basically, I am a 19yr old male in Louisiana, and will be getting a vehicle around Feruary or March of 2008. So can I get my auto insurance in my name? can I pay for 3 months worth of my insurance up front once I get my vehicle? Also at the dealership when I sign for he vehicle can I get everything in my name such as registration, title, tax, license, etc...... I don't want to put it in anyone elses name just for cheaper insurance, as I'll just pay my auto insurance myself. Also about how much do you think my auto insurance will be? Thanks

Answer: Yes, you can. Expect your insurance costs to be very high.

Get Insurance for another state/province