Metairie, LA Car Insurance

Even the most experienced drivers can be in accidents. That is why vehicle owners in Metairie need car insurance. A reliable auto insurance policy can shield you from significant financial losses whether you are in a severe multi-car collision on Interstate 10 or a minor fender-bender on Veterans Boulevard.

Buying the best and most affordable car insurance is easy when you work with an independent agent. These agents can help you obtain and compare customized car insurance quotes from some of the area's most highly rated providers. Find an independent insurance agent near you to learn more.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Metairie, LA?

The average cost of car insurance in Louisiana is much higher than the national average. Taking the time to shop around for the best rate can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Louisiana's average annual car insurance cost: $1,774

Car insurance costs can vary significantly from one driver to the next because they are based on several factors such as:

• The make, model, and year of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• Your age, gender, marital status, occupation, and driving record
• Information about the other licensed drivers in your household
• Whether you own or rent your home
• The amount of liability coverage you are purchasing
• The coverage options you want to include in your policy
• The size of your deductible

In most cases, you can earn rate reductions if you bundle your car insurance with other policies like home insurance or renters insurance. An independent insurance agent can help you be sure you are receiving any offered discounts for which you qualify.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Metairie, LA?

The best car insurance companies in Louisiana are the ones that consistently provide their policyholders with excellent coverage, responsive customer service, and competitive rates.

Local independent agents have teamed up with many of these top-rated insurance providers so they can offer you a selection of policies and quotes from companies you can trust.

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Is Car Insurance Required in Metairie, LA?

In Louisiana, all car insurance policies must include liability coverage. Car liability insurance is designed to cover other people's property damage and medical bills if you are at fault for an accident.

Louisiana mandates that your car insurance must provide, at a minimum, 15/30/25 liability coverage. This means that it needs to include at least:

• $15,000 worth of bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $30,000 worth of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $25,000 worth of property damage liability coverage per accident

If you are at fault for an accident that results in serious injuries to others, their medical costs can easily exceed what a minimum-coverage policy can pay for. If that happens, you will be responsible for making up the difference.

That is why many Metairie drivers choose to purchase car insurance with higher liability limits than the state requires. By also purchasing umbrella insurance, you can affordably boost your liability coverage even higher than the limits of your car insurance provider.

Additionally, if you are financing or leasing your vehicle, you may need to carry physical damage insurance. Though this coverage is not required by law, it is usually required by lenders and dealerships. Physical damage insurance includes:

• Collision coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.

If you own your vehicle outright, collision and comprehensive coverage are optional.

What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Metairie, LA?

In addition to the mandatory liability coverage mentioned above, your car insurance provider will offer various coverage options. These typically include:

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance: This can compensate you for your injuries and property damage if an uninsured driver is responsible for a collision with you.
• Medical payments insurance: This can help cover medical treatments for you, your family, and your passengers if you are injured in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Towing and roadside assistance insurance: This covers assistance costs if your car breaks down, such as if your engine overheats or you get a flat tire.
• Glass replacement insurance: This can cover the cost of replacing safety glass in your vehicle's windshield and windows if it is cracked or shattered. This insurance often comes without a deductible.
• Gap insurance: This is typically only needed during the first year or two of new-car ownership. It covers the gap between how much your car is worth and what you currently owe for it if it is totaled in a covered event.

It is a good idea to review the details and costs of each coverage option so you can easily determine which choices are a good value for you and your family.

What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Metairie, LA?

Driving without insurance is illegal in Louisiana. If caught, you can face:

• Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000
• The suspension of your license plate and driver's license for up to 180 days
• A reinstatement fee to get your driving privileges back:
  • $50 for a first offense
  • $150 for a second offense
  • $500 for a third or subsequent offense
• Possible vehicle impoundment, plus storage and wreckage fees
• Higher car insurance rates

Furthermore, Louisiana has a "No Pay, No Play" law. This law states that if you are in a collision caused by somebody else while you are driving an uninsured vehicle, neither the at-fault driver nor their insurance provider is responsible for covering:

• The first $15,000 of your medical costs
• The first $25,000 of your property damage costs

Despite these consequences, many drivers in this state are sitting behind the wheels of uninsured vehicles. The rate of uninsured drivers in Louisiana is consistent with the national average.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
• Percentage of Louisiana drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%

That is why uninsured motorist insurance can prove beneficial. This optional coverage was created to ensure that if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, you can receive the compensation you deserve quickly and without the need to take legal action against the at-fault driver.

How Can an Independent Agent in Metairie, LA Help You Find the Best Car Insurance?

When you are looking for the best auto insurance to meet your coverage and budgetary needs, a local independent agent can help. These agents work for you, not for a specific insurance company, so they are free to shop around to find the coverage you want at a price you can afford.

It doesn't cost anything to talk to one of these experienced insurance professionals. Contact an independent insurance agent near you to get more information and to start comparing customized car insurance quotes.