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Last updated: February 10, 2026Best Auto Insurance in Louisiana of 2026
Nationwide, USAA, and Southern Farm Bureau are some of our top choices for Louisiana drivers.
Best for Customer Service
Editor's Rating:
4.8/5
4.8/5Full Coverage Averages Nationally
- Annual premium: $1,987
- Monthly premium: $166
Best for Military and Veterans
Editor's Rating:5/5
5/5Full Coverage Averages in Louisiana
- Annual premium: $2,725
- Monthly premium: $227
Best for Digital-First Coverage
Editor's Rating:4.2/5
4.2/5Full Coverage Averages in Louisiana
- Annual premium: $3,478
- Monthly premium: $290
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana drivers will find some of the best car insurance coverage from Nationwide, USAA, GEICO, Southern Farm Bureau, and Direct Auto, depending on their situation.
- Car insurance in Louisiana is relatively expensive at $3,651 per year for full coverage and $1,252 per year for minimum coverage. Both rates are far above the respective national averages.
- Our pricing data reflects average rates, which can be a helpful starting point when comparing insurers. However, keep in mind that you will likely be quoted different rates based on your driving record, age, and other factors.
Summary of the Best Auto Insurance in Louisiana
- Best for Customer Service: Nationwide
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
- Best for Digital-First Coverage: GEICO
- Best Cheap: Southern Farm Bureau
- Best for High-Risk Drivers: Direct Auto
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Louisiana
| Company | Full Coverage Monthly Avg. in LA | Minimum Coverage Monthly Avg. in LA | Southeast customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | Data not available | Data not available | Above average |
| USAA | $227 | $74 | Above average |
| GEICO | $290 | $73 | Above average |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $198 | $61 | Not rated |
| Direct Auto | Data not available | Data not available | Not rated |
| Louisiana | $304 | $104 | – |
Breaking Down the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Louisiana
1. Best for Customer Service - Nationwide
What We Like Most:
- High customer satisfaction ratings in Southeast region
- Strong digital tools
- Online quotes and purchasing
Why we chose it
Nationwide has a strong customer service record, ranking third overall in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study for the Southeast region, but first out of providers that are available in Louisiana. It also ranked fourth on J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Study and first on its Digital Experience Study for the service category.1 These ratings all indicate that customers are happy with various aspects of Nationwide’s customer service.
Nationwide also offers various coverages to choose from, including rental car reimbursement, gap coverage, and accident forgiveness. If you’re a homeowner, you can save by bundling your auto and home policies. You can also bundle auto with renters or boat insurance. Other discounts include good student, safe driver, and anti-theft discounts. It’s worth noting that Nationwide’s telematics programs, SmartRide and SmartMiles, are not available in Louisiana.
Who it’s best for
Customers who prioritize customer service, those who want various coverage options
2. Best for Military and Veterans - USAA
What We Like Most:
- Affordable rates for military-affiliated drivers
- Excellent customer support
- Military-specific resources
Why we chose it
Louisiana is home to over 15,000 active-duty military members and over 17,000 spouses and dependents, plus nearly 19,000 National Guard and reserve members and their 20,000 spouses and dependents.2 These individuals, as well as veterans and their families, are eligible for USAA, which is an excellent choice for auto insurance in Louisiana. In particular, it stands out for its competitive car insurance rates, exceptional customer service, and discounts.
USAA also has great roadside assistance, which covers towing to the nearest repair shop, fuel delivery, battery jump start, and more. USAA distinguishes itself in that even if you don’t hold coverage, you can call its roadside assistance services and pay a special negotiated rate, typically less than you would if you contacted the service provider directly. In addition to providing services domestically, you can call roadside assistance in Canada, Mexico (within 75 miles of the border), and U.S. territories.
Who it’s best for
Military members (including National Guard), veterans, and their families; customers who want to purchase roadside assistance; classic car owners
GOOD TO KNOW:
Louisiana requires all auto insurers in the state to provide a discount of 25 percent to active duty military members. Even if you decide not to go with USAA, you will be able to benefit from lower rates from your chosen insurer if you qualify, so keep this in mind.
USAA Louisiana Pricing
| USAA | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $227 | $74 |
| Annually | $2,725 | $883 |
| Difference from Louisiana average | -25% | -29% |
3. Best for Digital-First Coverage - GEICO
Why we chose it
GEICO is known for its digital-first approach to car insurance — it doesn’t have a wide network of agents, but its online tools are user-friendly and allow for quick and easy quotes and purchasing without having to speak with anyone. It also has a robust online platform and mobile app through which you can manage your policy.
GEICO has some of the cheapest average rates for Louisiana drivers, coming only second to Southern Farm Bureau for minimum coverage rates and ranking third for full coverage (after Southern Farm Bureau and USAA). It also has an extensive list of discounts, including its DriveEasy telematics program, which provides a discount for safe driving. In addition, GEICO offers a 15 percent discount to military members and a 12 percent discount to federal employees.
Who it’s best for
Drivers who prefer to purchase a policy online, those looking for cheap rates, federal employees or members of the military
GEICO Louisiana Pricing
| GEICO | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $290 | $73 |
| Annually | $3,478 | $874 |
| Difference from Louisiana average | -5% | -30% |
4. Best Cheap - Southern Farm Bureau
What We Like Most:
- Personalized customer service via local agents
- Cheap rates for most drivers
- Access to discounts and perks through Farm Bureau membership
Why we chose it
Southern Farm Bureau is one of the insurance companies affiliated with the American Farm Bureau Federation. In general, Farm Bureau companies are known for offering affordable rates and specialized service to policyholders in their respective states. In order to purchase an insurance policy from Southern Farm Bureau, you must be a Farm Bureau member, which comes with an annual fee.
Southern Farm Bureau consistently offers some of the cheapest auto insurance rates in Louisiana. It also offers policyholders the option to participate in the Farm Bureau telematics program, called DriveDown. This works a bit differently than most other popular telematics programs, as it doesn’t provide a discount on your insurance premium but rather allows drivers to save on their deductible if they drive safely.
Who it’s best for
Customers looking for the cheapest rates, people who like to work with local agents, those who work in agriculture (though this is not a requirement)
Southern Farm Bureau Louisiana Pricing
| Southern Farm Bureau | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $198 | $61 |
| Annually | $2,372 | $735 |
| Difference from Louisiana average | -35% | -41% |
5. Best for High-Risk Drivers - Direct Auto
What We Like Most:
- Affordable premiums for drivers with violations
- Offers coverage to high-risk drivers who may struggle to find coverage
- Flexible payment options
Why we chose it
On average, Louisiana drivers are more likely to fall into certain high-risk categories than drivers in other states. There are 16 percent more deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in Louisiana than in the U.S. as a whole,3 and Louisiana has the second-lowest average credit score at 690 (Mississippi is first at 680) — the national average is 715.4
Direct Auto specializes in high-risk policies and can help you get an affordable policy with flexible payment options if you have an SR-22 or fall into a high-risk category for another reason. High-risk insurance often costs more than standard insurance — for example, after a DUI conviction, insurance premiums in Louisiana increase by 55 percent on average — but Direct Auto offers a range of discount options that can help you keep insurance costs affordable.
FYI:
The high-risk designation doesn’t necessarily imply poor driving; age, credit score, and location can also affect the risk level an insurer assigns.
You can purchase Direct Auto policies online/by phone — and for those who prefer, there are 32 brick and mortar locations across the state of Louisiana, including four in Baton Rouge.
Who it’s best for
Drivers with multiple at-fault accidents, DUIs, or other high-risk histories; Louisianians who want flexible payment options; business owners who need commercial auto insurance
Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – Southeast5 | CRASH Network Report Card6 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction7 | NAIC Complaint Index8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | 691 | C | 729 | 2.78 |
| USAA | 749 | C- | 741 | 2.74 |
| State Farm | 677 | D+ | 716 | 2.15 |
| GEICO | 670 | C- | 697 | 1.95 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | Not rated | B+ | Not rated | 0.38 |
| Direct Auto | Not rated | D | Not rated | 0.73 |
| Average | 667 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 700 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customers | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Consumer complaints relative to market share. The lower the score, the better |
Average Cost of Auto Insurance in Louisiana
Full Coverage Rates in Louisiana
Drivers in Louisiana can expect to pay for auto insurance than the national average. The cost of full coverage in the state is around $3,651 annually, which is 55 percent higher than the average across the U.S.
| Category | Full coverage average (annual) | Full coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana average | $3,651 | $304 |
| National average | $2,356 | $196 |
Minimum Coverage
Minimum coverage insurance in Louisiana is similarly expensive at $1,252 per year on average — 73 percent more expensive than the national average. That said, the rate you pay could be higher or lower depending on many factors, including your location, age, driving record, vehicle type, and more.
| Category | Minimum coverage average (annual) | Minimum coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana average | $1,252 | $104 |
| National average | $722 | $60 |
Cost of Auto Insurance in Louisiana by City
The cost of car insurance varies not only by state, but also by region within a state. In Louisiana, for example, we found that New Orleans is the most expensive city for car insurance, with an average annual premium of $5,727. That’s 57 percent more expensive than the state average. Meanwhile, Shreveport has more affordable rates at $3,384 per year on average, which is below the state average.
| City | Average Annual Premium | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | $5,727 | $477 |
| Metairie | $4,416 | $368 |
| Baton Rouge | $4,329 | $361 |
| Lafayette | $4,016 | $335 |
| Shreveport | $3,384 | $282 |
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Louisiana?
In 2024, there were 706 fatal crashes in Louisiana and 37,394 accidents that involved injuries, according to state data.9 There were also over 100,000 crashes that involved property damage only. Most fatal crashes occurred in October, followed by December. In terms of days of the week, the most common days were Friday and Tuesday.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Louisiana
Louisiana residents must carry at least the following minimum coverage limits to legally drive in the state:
- Bodily injury liability: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Although carrying the minimum required insurance is legally sufficient, it may not provide comprehensive protection. In the event of a serious at-fault accident, inadequate coverage limits could leave you financially responsible for substantial expenses. When possible, it’s wise to opt for higher limits — such as 100/300/100 — along with full coverage.
Methodology
At AutoInsurance.com, we evaluate auto insurance providers in Louisiana based on four key factors:
- Price (40%): We analyze average premiums for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with good credit, as well as various driver profiles, including those with DUIs, accidents, or low credit. We also consider available discounts. Full coverage averages use the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims Handling (25%): A good claims handling process from an auto insurer is prompt, transparent, and efficient, with clear communication throughout, fair evaluation of damages, and timely payment or resolution. We assess claims practices through sources like the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Report.
- Customer Experience (25%): We evaluate the ease of the customer journey, from getting a quote and purchasing a policy to making changes or accessing documents. We consider the availability and quality of both online and agent interactions, as well as the functionality of the company’s website and mobile app. Our sources include J.D. Power studies, the NAIC complaint index, and app store reviews.
- Coverage Options (10%): We review each company’s coverage offerings and value providers with options beyond the state-required minimums, like accident forgiveness, gap coverage, rideshare coverage, and more.
Learn more about our ratings and methodology sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
You cannot go to jail for not having insurance in Louisiana because it’s considered an infraction rather than a misdemeanor. However, driving without insurance incurs significant fees. The fine is $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second, and $500 for the third. It can also increase your insurance premiums.
Unfortunately, some insurers are no longer doing business in Louisiana, in part due to substantial losses from weather events like Hurricane Ida. United Property and Casualty Insurance Company, a homeowner insurance company based in Florida, stopped renewing its home insurance policies in 2023. Farmers Insurance also pulled out of the homeowners market. In the past, Allstate dropped wind and hail coverage for certain policyholders in the state.
There is no grace period for insurance in Louisiana — if you are registering and driving a car, you are legally required to insure it immediately. If an officer catches you driving without insurance, you have three days to provide proof, or you will have to pay a fine.
You can only self-insure in Louisiana if you own a fleet of at least 26 vehicles in your name. You must also own property in Louisiana, have total assets worth at least $100,000 (after deducting mortgages and other payments chargeable to the property), and have no canceled self-insurance certificates from the past five years.
Sources
Auto Insurer Websites and Apps Become Battleground for New Customers as Policy Shopping Activity Skyrockets, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2025, May 14).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-insurance-digital-experience-studyLouisiana. Military State Policy Source. (2026).
https://statepolicy.militaryonesource.mil/state/LAFatality Facts 2023: State by State. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (2025, July).
https://www.iihs.org/research-areas/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-stateExperian 2024 Consumer Credit Review. Experian. (2025, Jan 30).
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/consumer-credit-review/It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2025, June 10).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-studyTop Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2026. Crash Network. (2026).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2025, Oct 28).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyConsumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2026).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htmCenter for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety. LSU. (2026).
https://carts.lsu.edu/home
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