Cheap Car Insurance in Monroe, LA

Located in northern Louisiana, Monroe is one of the state’s most well-rounded destinations. One of its most notable tourist destinations is the stunning Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a 5,300-acre powerhouse home to indigenous bird species, nature trails, bottomland hardwood forests, and all the best deep swamp land has to offer.

Some of Monroe’s most popular attractions include the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, and the Masur Museum of Art.

Do not think of driving in Monroe without an auto insurance policy. Keep reading to learn more about car insurance in Louisiana, including average rates, penalties for driving without insurance in Louisiana, and how you can save a few dollars off your next monthly bill.

Monroe drivers pay an average monthly rate of $190 for full coverage, which is significantly higher than the national average of $140. According to the Insurance information Institute, Louisiana was the most expensive state for auto insurance (2019), followed by Michigan, New York, the District of Columbia, and Florida.

The state-required minimum liability averages $72, much more than the national average of $47.

Why is Auto Insurance So Expensive in Louisiana?

Louisiana drivers pay higher premiums than most states and there are several reasons why. For one, natural disasters in the form of devastating hurricanes are almost routine in this coastal state. Anytime the possibility of destruction to property is higher, insurers will raise their rates to help pay for claims.

Louisiana drivers are also court-happy. Personal injury lawsuits are higher there than in many states. This also has a tendency to raise rates for everyone.

Finally, uninsured drivers are numerous. Claims from wrecks caused by these drivers raises auto insurance rates higher.

How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Monroe?

In 2019, there were seven road traffic accidents in Monroe involving nine vehicles and 14 people, including four pedestrians.

How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Monroe, Louisiana?

Monroe’s Public Works Department is committed to maintaining all the roads and traffic infrastructure through its Street Division. Its Street Division is responsible for more than 300 miles of city streets and asphalt/concrete repairs, sewer systems, storm drainage, and improved traffic flow with continual projects throughout the city.

To drive legally in the state of Louisiana, you must carry the following minimum liability limits:

Expect heavy penalties for driving without insurance in Louisiana.

First-time offenders will be on the hook for a $100 reinstatement and $10 administration fee on top of a suspended registration and driver’s license until proof of insurance is provided. Second offenses bump the reinstatement fee to $250, and third/subsequent offenses bump it further to $500.

Anyone caught driving without insurance may be required to file an SR-22 certificate, which can raise your rates exponentially.

You must purchase a new policy or face state fines if your insurance lapses. For example, lapsed insurance up to 30 days will assess a $125 penalty versus $275 for 31-90 days and $525 for 91 days or longer.

Remember, all Louisiana drivers must carry minimum liability limits of $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability per accident.

In Monroe, auto insurance applies different underwriting criteria to determine your rate, including:

Louisiana officials passed legislation in 2011 known as the No Pay, No Play law. Other states are following suit. This law is intended to discourage people from driving without insurance.

According to this law, if you cause an accident and you do not have car insurance, you can be held personally liable for injuries and damage you cause. But even more important is that if even if you are in an accident that is not your fault, if you are driving without insurance, you will be seriously limited in what you can recover from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

So, in a nutshell, if you choose to drive without insurance in Louisiana and you get into an accident that is not your fault, you may not be able to collect for injuries and damages.