Car insurance rates continue to climb steadily across the U.S. In Louisiana, drivers’ average rates climbed by more than 25% from 2022 to 2023. This year alone, they’ve seen a 7% to 11% year-over-year increase.
On average, Louisiana drivers pay an annual premium of [annual rate] or [monthly rate] per month, making it the state with the highest car insurance premiums in the nation.
But rising costs don’t stop there. Living expenses, car repairs and general services continue to rise, making it easier for drivers to consider dropping their coverage for short-term savings. Learn more about the consequences of driving without insurance in Louisiana, including the penalties and fines you may face.
Is it illegal to not have car insurance in Louisiana?
Driving without car insurance in Louisiana is illegal. Under Louisiana law, you must at a minimum carry liability coverage, which provides property damages or personal injury for the other driver should you be involved in an accident.
In Louisiana, you must have the following minimum coverage amounts:
- $15,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
You must also carry a paper copy of your car’s policy, as state law requires. Louisiana is also an at-fault state, so if you cause an accident, you’re responsible for covering damages and injuries out of pocket.
What happens if you drive without car insurance in Louisiana?
Deciding to drive without car insurance in Louisiana is a risk. Not only do you have to avoid accidents and moving violations, like speeding or driving through a red light, but you also have to be diligent to ensure you’re not involved in an accident.
If you’re pulled over while driving without car insurance in Louisiana, you’ll face significant penalties, which can be more extensive if you’re involved in an accident without insurance. According to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), driving without insurance in Louisiana could lead to:
- Fines and fees starting at $500
- Suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration
- Vehicle impoundment
- SR-22 filing, stating you’re a risky driver
While short-term budget planning may lead you to think cutting your insurance bill can save you money, in the long run, you’ll end up paying much more if you’re pulled over without insurance in Louisiana.
How much do rates increase after driving without insurance in Louisiana?
Driving without insurance in Louisiana can put you, others and your property at risk and categorize you as a risky driver. Since car insurance is a business built on assessing risk, the riskier you are, the more you will pay in premiums.
On average, Louisiana drivers who drive without insurance could face a 25% rate increase if they are pulled over without proof of coverage. Drivers could see as high as a 41% increase from Progressive, a $1,260 annual increase, or as low as Safeway Insurance’s 2% or $52 annual increase. See how other carriers’ rates rank in the state for drivers who drive without insurance in Louisiana.
| Company | Average rates | Rates after driving without insurance | $ increase | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Insurance | $3,191 | $3,244 | $52 | 2% |
| State Farm | $3,570 | $3,794 | $224 | 6% |
| Farmers | $3,002 | $3,980 | $978 | 33% |
| Geico | $2,983 | $4,152 | $1,169 | 39% |
| Progressive | $3,065 | $4,325 | $1,260 | 41% |
| USAA* | $1,973 | $2,533 | $560 | 28% |
*USAA is only available for military community members and their families.
What happens if you get pulled over without insurance in Louisiana?
You know the drill: you see the flashing lights in your review mirror and when you roll down your window, you’re immediately asked for your driver’s license and registration. In Louisiana, you will be asked to provide a paper copy of your insurance coverage, too. Failing to provide it means you may:
- Receive a ticket and a fine of up to $500
- Have your license suspended and pay a reinstatement fee
- Have your vehicle impounded
You can appeal your ticket in court by proving that you were insured when pulled over. However, suppose you’re driving without insurance in Louisiana and you’ve been ticketed. In that case, you will face the consequences, including a hit to your driving history and increased car insurance premiums.
Penalties for driving without insurance in Louisiana
First offense:
Driving without insurance in Louisiana will carry fines, suspension and potentially other significant consequences. A first offense carries financial impact and burden; subsequent offenses can have some longer-lasting impacts. The following are the first offense penalties for driving without insurance in Louisiana:
- $500 fine
- Vehicle impoundment and storage fees
- Suspension of license and registration suspension (until proof of insurance is provided)
- $100 to $300 reinstatement fee.
If you’re involved in an accident without insurance, you’ll be financially responsible for all damages and medical costs, according to the state’s “No Pay, No Play” law. Under the law, uninsured drivers cannot recover the first $15,000 in injury or $25,000 in property damage, even if another driver is at fault.
Second offense:
Driving without insurance in Louisiana after the first offense can carry steep and long-lasting penalties. You can anticipate being fined and paying fees, but you may also face extensive suspensions. When you receive a second offense for driving without insurance, your penalties include:
- Up to $1,000 fine
- 180-day license suspension
- Three-year filing of an SR-22 form as a risky driver
- $500 reinstatement fee
First or second offenses for driving without car insurance in Louisiana also result in increased car insurance premiums. You could be looking at nearly double what you’re paying now or more. For example, Progressive charges a 41% annual increase, or $1,260 monthly, for those who drive without insurance in the state.
What happens if you’re in an accident without insurance in Louisiana?
Being involved in an accident without insurance in Louisiana can have lasting impacts on your finances, driving record and other drivers or passengers.
Louisiana’s “No Pay, No Play” law also ensures that you don’t receive the state’s minimum injury or property damage coverages, meaning you’re on the hook for all accident causes, despite fault. Additional penalties include:
- License suspension for at least a year, if not more
- Paying for all injuries, damages and legal costs out of pocket
- Filing an SR-22, denoting you’re a risky driver
You may also receive moving violations based on the circumstances of the accident, such as running a red light or engaging in reckless driving. These can increase your penalties, fees and serious legal consequences.
How age and gender affect insurance penalties in Louisiana
Carriers often assess driver risk based on personal factors and driving history. In Louisiana, car insurance companies can consider a driver’s age and gender when determining their premiums.
For young drivers, primarily those aged 18 to 25, penalty premiums for driving without insurance in Louisiana are at an all-time high, averaging $10,000 per year.
Young male drivers pay more than $1K more annually than young female drivers. Driver data shows that young males have the most accidents and violations due to more risky driving behaviors, including DUI, speeding and reckless driving. Discover how other age groups fare when penalized for driving without insurance in Louisiana.
| Age | Male driver with bad credit | Female driver with bad credit |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | $10,135 | $8,848 |
| 25 | $4,106 | $3,994 |
| 40 | $3,553 | $3,579 |
| 65 | $3,456 | $3,458 |
How do you get cheap car insurance when you’re uninsured in Louisiana?
While Louisiana doesn’t offer an affordable low-income state insurance program like some other states, there are car insurance providers that provide state minimum coverages for a reasonable average annual rate. Safeway Insurance is one of those, with average yearly rates starting at $3,244, or $270 monthly.
Louisiana drivers can also find affordable car insurance by price shopping, asking about discounts, decreasing their driving time and maintaining coverage to avoid coverage lapses.
| State | Louisiana |
| Cheapest Company | Safeway Insurance |
| Annual rates | $3,244 |
| Six-months rates | $1,622 |
| Monthly rates | $270 |
Louisiana car insurance laws — know before you drive
Driving without insurance in Louisiana is illegal. It can lead to various penalties, including hundreds to thousands in fines and fees, license suspension, vehicle impoundment and filing an SR-22, identifying you as a high-risk driver. Suppose you’re involved in an accident in Louisiana while driving without insurance. In that case, you’ll also face the state’s “No Pay, No Play” law, where you relinquish your rights to the minimum coverages for bodily injury and damages.
Short-term savings now could likely lead to years of long-lasting consequences to your driving record, bank account and future premiums. In the long run, exploring affordable coverage options is more cost-effective than possibly driving without insurance in Louisiana.
Frequently ask questions
Can someone drive an insured car if uninsured in Louisiana?
The only instance where someone can drive an insured car if they’re uninsured in Louisiana is if they have permission from the insured driver. This is considered permissive use. The driver must be licensed, and you may need to include permitted drivers in your policy for coverage to apply should law enforcement pull them over.
Can my license be suspended for driving without car insurance in Louisiana?
Yes. If you’re pulled over and driving without car insurance in Louisiana, your penalties will likely include license suspension. Your license will remain suspended until you’ve had a chance to get car insurance coverage, provide proof to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and pay reinstatement fees.
If you’ve received a first offense for driving without insurance and this is a second offense, you may face having your license suspended for up to 180 days and additional fees to reinstate it.
How long can you drive without insurance after buying a car in Louisiana?
As a driver in Louisiana, you must have continuous car insurance and carry proof of it in the vehicle at all times. Car insurance is also required to register the vehicle, although you have a 30-day grace period after purchase to complete the registration.
Can you go to jail for not having car insurance in Louisiana?
No. You won’t go to jail for driving without car insurance in Louisiana; however, you could face jail time for other infractions while driving without insurance. This could include driving while under the influence and without insurance, being involved in a serious accident, producing falsified insurance documents or reckless driving incidents.
Is driving without insurance a moving violation in Louisiana?
Driving without insurance in Louisiana is not a moving violation but a serious offense. Moving violations are illegal driving actions, such as speeding, failure to stop or texting and driving. Driving without insurance constitutes a paperwork violation and breaches the law regarding driving requirements.
Resources and methodology
Sources
- Consumer Federation of America. “Penalties of driving without auto insurance by state.” Accessed August 2025.
- Drive Safely. “Why are car insurance rates for teenage guys higher?” Accessed August 2025.
- Glenn Armentor Law Corporation. “Understanding Louisiana’s ‘”No Pay, No Play”’ Law: why auto insurance is essential.” Accessed August 2025.
- Louisiana Department of Insurance. “Auto Insurance.” Accessed August 2025.
- Louisiana Department of Education. “Consumer’s guide to auto insurance.” Accessed August 2025.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to report average auto insurance rates for a Honda Accord LX for every state. We calculated rates using data for up to six large carriers (Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, Nationwide, Progressive and State Farm).
Averages are based on insurance for a married 40-year-old who commutes 12 miles to work each day, with policy limits of 100/300/100 ($100,000 for injury liability for one person, $300,000 for all injuries and $100,000 for property damage in an accident) and $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. The rate includes uninsured motorist coverage. Your rate depends on personal factors and your vehicle.
Read the detailed methodology for more information.
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