Does a DWI raise car insurance rates in Louisiana?

Louisiana car insurance averages $2,883 with a clean driving record. However, average car insurance rates after a DWI increase to $4,445, which is $1,562 more.

Car insurance companies charge much higher rates if you are proven to be a risky driver. If you have multiple DWIs, average rates dramatically increase to $5,909.

How much does a DWI raise your insurance in Louisiana?

The cheapest insurer after a DWI is Southern Farm Bureau, with rates averaging $2,684. The next cheapest insurer is Progressive a difference of $755 from Southern Farm Bureau. State Farm has the third-most affordable car insurance rates with a DWI.

Driving under the influence is not only dangerous but also costly. You'll deal with massive fines and higher car insurance premiums for several years. Each insurer evaluates a DWI differently and sets its own rates, so it's important to compare quotes from multiple companies.

This table displays average car insurance rates for a driver with a DWI in Louisiana.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordsAnnual premium after a DUIAnnual premium after multiple DUIs
Southern Farm Bureau$2,121$2,684$3,153
Progressive$3,065$3,439$4,701
State Farm$3,570$3,794$3,794
Safeway Insurance$3,191$4,207$4,207
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)$3,473$4,719$6,887
GEICO$2,983$6,385$8,093
Farmers$3,002$7,270$11,850
USAA$1,973$3,177$4,115

PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in Louisiana?

If you're convicted of a DUI in Louisiana, consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, car insurance rates will increase, and the DWI will stay on your record for life.

If someone gets a DWI in your car, does it go on your insurance?

Typically, the insurance follows the car, not the driver, so your car insurance won't increase since the DWI won't be on your driving record.

However, your rates may increase if your vehicle is involved in an accident due to a DWI. Additionally, your car can be declared a crime scene after an accident, so you won't have access to your vehicle until the police are ready.

How long does a DWI affect your insurance in Louisiana?

Even though a DWI may remain on your driving record for life, it won't affect your insurance rates forever. In Louisiana, a DWI impacts car insurance and stays on your record for life. Your premiums should begin to decrease after a few years of keeping a clean driving record without further violations.

PEOPLE ASK:

Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DUI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DUI, especially if you have multiple convictions. However, if you already have car insurance, your insurer will likely continue your coverage. Since insurance rates will increase after a DUI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates.

How much does a DWI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers pay higher insurance rates than mature drivers since they lack experience behind the wheel. While a DWI increases rates significantly, younger driver's car insurance rates skyrocket after a conviction. The average cost of car insurance for a teen with a DWI is $5,338.

Below are the cheapest insurers after a DWI for each age group:

  • For teens: Southern Farm Bureau has the most affordable rate at $5,338.
  • For young adults: Southern Farm Bureau offers the lowest-priced coverage for young adults at $3,606.
  • For adults: Southern Farm Bureau provides the best rate, averaging $2,684.
  • For seniors: Southern Farm Bureau delivers the cheapest average rate at $3,032.

This table illustrates how a DWI affects car insurance rates across different age groups.

CompanyAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Southern Farm Bureau$3,967$5,338$1,37135%
State Farm$9,125$9,845$7208%
Safeway Insurance$8,340$11,263$2,92335%
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA)$10,378$16,010$5,63254%
GEICO$10,627$20,575$9,94894%
Farmers$10,815$27,046$16,231150%
USAA$4,188$7,096$2,90869%

How much does a DWI raise your insurance in your city?

The most affordable city in Louisiana for car insurance after a DWI is Ruston, while the most expensive is Alexandria, with an average premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. of $5,000. Where you live affects your insurance costs even without a DWI. Drivers in areas with higher traffic or higher rates of vehicle theft pay more because their cars face a greater risk. A DWI then pushes those already high rates even higher.

This table shows average DWI car insurance rates by city. Compare rates in large cities to rural areas to see how your location impacts rates.

CityAnnual premium for clean recordAnnual premium after a DUIDollar increase% Increase
Alexandria$3,256$5,000$1,74454%
Atlanta$2,597$4,002$1,40554%
Baton Rouge$3,166$4,846$1,68053%
Bogalusa$2,980$4,583$1,60354%
Leesville$2,521$4,048$1,52761%
New Orleans$2,949$4,544$1,59554%
Port Allen$2,975$4,554$1,57953%
Ruston$2,480$3,801$1,32153%
Scott$3,040$4,657$1,61753%
Sikes$2,605$4,017$1,41254%

How to get car insurance after a DWI in Louisiana

Insurers will label you as a high-risk driver after a DWI, but that doesn't mean you can't get car insurance. Finding the best fit after a DWI conviction may require a little work.

If you have car insurance and get a DWI, your insurer will probably continue to offer coverage. However, your rates will increase on renewal.

If you need car insurance after a DWI or want the lowest available rates, be sure to compare multiple companies. Request quotes from various insurers to identify the most affordable choice in Louisiana, since each company determines its own rates after a DWI.

Louisiana DWI insurance requirements and penalties

A DWI in Louisiana requires you to follow certain rules for high-risk drivers. In Louisiana, you are required to obtain an SR-22. An SR-22 is a document your insurer files with the state to prove you carry at least the minimum level of car insurance required by law. The SR-22 itself doesn't raise your rates, but the violation that triggered the requirement does.

A DWI can result in fines, a suspended driver's license, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time. Repeat offenses come with even tougher consequences. You may also be responsible for attorney costs, towing expenses, and impound fees.

The table below outlines Louisiana DWI laws and penalties for first and repeat offenses.

Increased penalty for high BAC0.2
Administrative license suspension after a first offense12 months
Limited driving privileges during suspensionYes (with the exception of a 2nd conviction having a 0.2 BAC, then eligible only after 45 days of suspension has expired)
Ignition interlocksMandatory for all convictions
Open container lawsNo
Repeat offender lawsNo

*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a DWI does your insurance go down?

A DWI affects car insurance rates for at least three years, although the timeframe varies by state. In some states, like California, a DWI can impact your premiums for as long as 10 years.

In Louisiana, drivers can expect higher car insurance rates after a DWI and expect it to stay on their record for life.

Tips to save money after a DWI

A DWI will cost you thousands of dollars in fines, fees, and increased car insurance rates. Fortunately, there are ways to get lower rates after a DWI.

Ways Louisiana drivers can save on car insurance after a DWI include:

We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Additional rate data is drawn based on:

  • One and two DWI convictions
  • Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

Louisiana DWI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a DWI?

Depending on the state, a DWI can remain on your driving record for up to 10 years. In most cases, a DWI affects car insurance rates for only three to five years.

Will my insurance drop me after a DWI in Louisiana?

Most insurers will not cancel your policy after a single DWI, but your rates will rise sharply. However, multiple DWIs may lead your insurer to deny coverage. The higher the risk you present, the harder it becomes to secure car insurance.

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