Louisiana ranks among the most expensive states for auto insurance, with full coverage averaging roughly $4,131 a year — about 53% over the national average. The state follows an at-fault model with a 15/30/25 liability minimum. Here's the coverage you must carry, what Louisianans pay, and how to find a cheaper rate.
Louisiana uses an at-fault (tort) framework and ranks among the priciest states, averaging roughly $4,131 a year for full coverage. The reasons are well documented: heavy litigation, a busy court system, severe-weather and flood exposure, and a large uninsured-driver population. The legal minimum is a low 15/30/25, and credit history is a permitted rating factor.
The coverages below are the minimum a driver must legally carry in Louisiana. Source: Bankrate minimum-coverage requirements and state insurance department filings.
| Coverage | Minimum limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $15k / $30k | Per injured person / per crash — a low floor |
| Property damage liability | $25k | Mandatory |
| Uninsured motorist | Optional | Offered; can be waived in writing |
| Personal injury protection | Not required | Louisiana follows an at-fault model |
Independent market estimates based on Bankrate's 2026 rate data and NAIC filings, shown against the U.S. average. Actual rates vary by ZIP, carrier, and individual profile.
| Coverage level | Est. annual premium | vs. U.S. avg. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $4,131/yr | 53% above U.S. | The 2nd-highest nationwide |
| Minimum coverage | $1,087/yr | 29% above U.S. | Liability only at 15/30/25 |
Estimates apply national rate-increase multipliers to Louisiana's full-coverage average. Approximate (“~”) figures multiply the state average by a national factor and will vary by carrier.
| Driver profile | Est. annual premium | vs. state avg. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record, 30–45 | ~$4,131/yr | Baseline | Statewide full-coverage average |
| One at-fault accident | ~$5,907/yr | +43% | 4,131 × 1.43 per Bankrate |
| Speeding ticket | ~$5,122/yr | +24% | 4,131 × 1.24 per Bankrate |
| DUI on record | ~$7,766/yr | +88% | 4,131 × 1.88 per Bankrate |
| Young driver (18–24) | ~$8,262/yr | ≈2× | About double per Bankrate |
| Poor credit score | ~$7,023/yr | +70% | 4,131 × 1.70 per Bankrate |
ⓘ Source: Bankrate 2026 rate data and NAIC filings. Figures are independent estimates, not quotes. Verify pricing with a licensed agent or carrier.
Louisiana's premiums stem less from individual risk than from systemic costs — litigation and catastrophe exposure that touch every driver. The 15/30/25 minimum is among the lowest bodily-injury floors in the country, so a single serious crash can blow past it fast, making higher limits worthwhile. Because the carrier-to-carrier price spread in Louisiana is among the widest anywhere, comparison shopping is the single most effective way to pull a premium down.
Louisiana is one of the costliest states for auto insurance, with a low legal minimum that leaves real gaps. Most drivers should buy higher limits and full coverage — and given the wide price spread, weighing several carriers is essential.
Disclaimer: RateWire is an independent lead generation and comparison service. Rate figures for Louisiana are independent market estimates compiled from publicly available Bankrate, NAIC, and state regulatory data — not quotes. Coverage requirements summarized here are for general information only and may change; always confirm current minimums with the Louisiana insurance department. By submitting your ZIP code, you may be connected with licensed insurance agents or carriers who will provide actual quotes based on your individual profile. Always verify coverage terms and pricing directly with a licensed agent before purchasing.