The average car insurance rate in Lafayette is $2,691 per year, even higher than the Louisiana average of $2,531. Unfortunately, drivers in Louisiana pay some of the highest rates in the nation, and nearly $900 more per year than the national average of $1,638. These high rates are partially due to the auto litigation laws in the state, which put more risk on the insurance companies. Luckily, several major insurers offer average rates in Lafayette that are significantly below the state’s average.
If you live in Louisiana, it’s essential that you shop around for car insurance to ensure you aren’t overpaying. Policygenius can help you get quotes from the state’s top insurance companies so you can find the best policy at the best rate.
Key takeaways
USAA has the cheapest average insurance rates in Louisiana
USAA and Safeway Insurance offer the lowest average rates for drivers with bad credit
Louisiana drivers are required to have bodily injury liability coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident and property damage liability coverage of $25,000
Cheapest car insurance companies in Lafayette, LA
When you sign up for car insurance, your insurance company will use a variety of factors to determine your rates. Some of the key factors they look at include your location, driving history, age, and credit score. And while all insurers use the same information, they each have their own system for setting rates. As a result, one driver could get considerably different rates from different insurance companies. As you can see below, USAA offers the lowest overall rates in Lafayette, but the cheapest provider for your situation may be different.
Company | Average cost | JD Power Rating |
|---|
USAA | $1,557 | 890 |
State Farm | $1,682 | 882 |
Farm Bureau | $2,507 | -- |
GEICO | $2,558 | 874 |
Progressive | $2,627 | 861 |
Cheapest car insurance rates by ZIP code in Lafayette, LA
Your location is one of the most important factors that insurers consider when setting your car insurance rates. But it’s not just your state and city that companies look at — your ZIP code also plays a role. Certain ZIP codes throughout Lafayette may have a higher crime rate, more accidents, or a higher rate of uninsured drivers. As a result, drivers in those neighborhoods are likely to pay higher insurance rates. Meanwhile, drivers in ZIP codes with fewer accidents or fewer uninsured drivers may pay lower rates.
ZIP code | Average cost |
|---|
70508 | $2,660 |
70507 | $2,660 |
70506 | $2,670 |
70503 | $2,671 |
70504 | $2,683 |
70501 | $2,801 |
Choosing the right car insurance company in Lafayette, LA
Louisiana drivers pay some of the nation’s higher insurance rates, meaning it’s important to shop around for the best deal. And don’t forget to consider any discounts that may lower your annual premiums. For example, some insurance companies may offer discounts for people who don’t drive a lot or who use telematics. The insurance experts at Policygenius can answer all of your insurance questions and help you get quotes from the top insurance companies in Lafayette.
Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Lafayette, LA
If you have any violations on your driving record, then you’re likely to pay higher insurance rates. In general, anyone who has committed an offense like speeding, causing an accident, or driving under the influence is considered a higher-risk driver and can expect to pay higher insurance rates. And these violations stay on your record and affect your insurance rates for several years.
Just how much your rate increases after such an offense depends on what type of violation it was and the insurance company. As you can see below, certain insurers increase your rates more after a violation than others.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Lafayette, LA
You might be surprised to learn that your credit score can affect your insurance rates in certain states, including Louisiana. Studies have found that drivers with bad credit are more likely to file an insurance claim. As a result, those drivers tend to pay higher insurance rates. Meanwhile, drivers with good credit are often rewarded with lower insurance rates. As you can see below, USAA has the best insurance rates for drivers with bad credit, followed by Safeway Insurance.
Company | Rates for drivers with bad credit |
|---|
USAA | $2,582 |
Safeway Insurance | $2,996 |
GEICO | $3,850 |
Farm Bureau | $4,229 |
Progressive | $4,705 |
Buying car insurance in Lafayette, LA
Like most states, Louisiana requires that all drivers purchase liability insurance coverage. Louisiana is an at-fault insurance state, meaning the driver at fault for an accident is financially responsible for all damages to people and property. If you cause an accident, your insurance coverage is designed to cover your liabilities. As a result, the state requires that all drivers carry the following liability insurance:
Bodily injury liability coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
Property damage liability coverage of $25,000
If you fail to carry the required liability insurance, you could be subject to fines ranging from $500 to $1,000. You could also have your driver’s license suspended, your vehicle impounded, or your registration revoked. You can also have your license suspended and registration revoked for 180 days if you’re involved in an accident without insurance, or 12 to 18 months if you’re caught falsely claiming to have insurance.
It’s also important to note that Louisiana is a “No Pay, No Play” state, meaning that if you don’t have car insurance and are involved in an accident where someone else is at fault, you can’t collect the first $25,000 in property damages and first $15,000 in personal injury costs from the at-fault driver.
How to get cheap car insurance in Lafayette, LA
Louisiana drivers pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the country but there are a few strategies you can use to save money on car insurance:
Shop around. Car insurance rates can vary widely from one company to the next. Because of that, it’s important to shop around. Policygenius can help you get quotes from many providers and find the right policy for your needs and budget.
Raise your deductible. Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Your insurance premiums will generally decrease as you increase your deductible.
Take advantage of discounts. Most insurance companies offer discounts to help their customers save. Discounts are often available for driving without an accident, bundling your policies, having a teen driver with good grades, and more.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car insurance cost in Lafayette?
Lafayette drivers pay an average car insurance rate of $2,691, which is higher than the Louisiana state average of $2,531 per year.
Who has the cheapest insurance in Lafayette?
USAA has the cheapest car insurance in Louisiana. However, USAA has strict eligibility requirements. State Farm is the cheapest insurer available to everyone, though your rates may vary from one company to the next.
Why is car insurance in Louisiana so expensive?
Louisiana is a direct action state, meaning that drivers can name an insurance company as a party in a personal injury lawsuit. This law creates greater risk and costs for the insurers, which they pass along to drivers in the form of higher insurance rates.
How much is car insurance per month in Louisiana?
Drivers in Louisiana pay an average of $2,531 per year for car insurance, which breaks down to $211 per month. Drivers in Lafayette pay an average of $224 per month, which is $13 more than the state average.
Methodology
Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:
Bodily injury liability: 50/100
Property damage liability: $50,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100
Comprehensive: $500 deductible
Collision: $500 deductible
In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.
Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.
Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
