Since the Louisiana bayou and marshy lands of the Mississippi Delta, in addition to braving the elements in tornadoes and traffic on downtown streets, make Louisiana auto insurance absolutely essential. It is also important to know that Louisiana auto insurance is the most expensive nationally but it is an absolute must to carry insurance in Louisiana. Good news, Louisiana auto insurance rates did drop by 3.4% in 2007.  In 2006, Louisiana drivers paid on average $2833 in auto insurance and that amount did drop down to $2740 in 2007. Individual Louisiana auto insurance rates will be higher or lower depending up the each motorist’s personal situation.

Louisiana Auto Insurance Requirements

Louisiana law requires that motorists maintain at least minimum coverage for any damage or injury they have caused to another vehicle or person traveling in that vehicle. The minimum requirements are set at 10/20/10. The breakdown for this bodily injury liability and property damage coverage is as follows:

• Bodily Injury Liability – The amount that Louisiana car insurance companies are mandated by law to offer is very low, this amount is only $10,000 to offset any claims that the injured party in another vehicle can claim for the insured who is at fault.
• The amount of $20,000 is set aside for the medical expenses for more than one person who was injured in the other car.
• Property Damage Liability insurance – The at fault driver, will be insured for $10,000 for any damage to the other car, along with any public or private property damaged in the collision.

Louisiana State mandated coverage is very low and motorists in Louisiana should carry additional coverage to offset the rather large car accident claims.

Louisiana auto insurance should also include some type of Comprehensive and Collision protection so that the insured will have money available for damage to their own vehicle if they were found to have caused the accident.  Comprehensive and Collision protection will also safeguard against damage to the car as a result of contact with wildlife or a natural event such as a strong storm, or hurricane.

Since Louisiana auto insurance against bodily injury and property damage is so low, many motorists carry the bear minimum.  It is recommended that residents of Louisiana carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, which provides coverage to the insured if the driver at fault has little or no insurance.