Driving in the Big Easy? You’d Better Be Insured.
Ah … New Orleans, home to fine cuisine, jazz, and incredible architecture. Just the name makes you think of strolling through the French Quarter on a beautiful sunny day and then lingering at iconic night spots long into the evening hours — that is, unless you have to drive there.
The history of New Orleans also means that its charming streets are narrow, its winding roads often have rough pavement, and many of them are only one way (with little to no parking). When you think about the fact that much of New Orleans was built before cars were invented, that explains a lot. New Orleans is also known for its high percentage of uninsured drivers.
Yes, if you live or drive in New Orleans, you’d better have car insurance. Let’s look at a few of the situations where this is important. Whether you already have car insurance and are looking for a better rate or are currently uninsured and unsure where to turn for judgment-free, knowledgeable help, your insurance agent can help.
In Case of an Accident in New Orleans
In case you have an accident that is your fault, you will need car insurance. Liability insurance coverage includes two parts: property damage (the damage to the other person’s car) and bodily injury (any medical costs that result for anyone in the other vehicle as a result of the accident).
Without liability insurance, you can end up having to pay every red cent of this (which can go into the thousands in the blink of an eye) yourself. Collision insurance covers damage to your car that is not caused by someone else. Collision insurance is optional unless you are still making payments on your car. It is typically required if you still have a lease or loan against your car so that your creditor would not be out the car’s value in case of an accident. Liability insurance is required by law.
Louisiana law sets forth the following amounts as the minimum allowed for auto insurance liability coverage:
- $15,000 coverage for bodily injury to any one person
- $30,000 coverage for total bodily injury for all people per accident
- $25,000 coverage for property damage (i.e., damage to a vehicle)
This state-required minimum coverage is often referred to as a “15/30/25 Policy.”
Protection from Uninsured Drivers in New Orleans
One of the advantages of having car insurance is that it protects you from uninsured drivers. For example, if another car rear-ends your car, it is typically their fault. If no one is hurt and they are fully insured, the two of you are just dealing with an inconvenience. But what if they don’t have insurance? You don’t want to be stuck with a car that won’t run because someone else hit you and they weren’t insured.
By having liability insurance on your vehicle in the state of Louisiana, you automatically purchase uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage equals the amount of liability protection you can buy unless you request a lower limit. Also, if you do not wish to purchase uninsured motorist coverage, you must opt-out in writing.
Did we mention that there are many uninsured drivers in New Orleans? This can provide you with peace of mind when you are out on the road practicing your defensive driving skills and hoping that it will be enough to keep you safe.
Did Someone Say Flooding?
Good insurance agencies have stayed committed to New Orleans and Louisiana residents through thick and thin and thick again. In the days following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, some insurance agencies waived fees, modified payment plans, and prevented cancellation and expiration of coverages for policyholders well before any requirement from regulators.
Make sure to talk to an insurance advisor who knows New Orleans well when you are looking for auto insurance coverage. Check that your insurance agency has locations throughout New Orleans, Louisiana, and Alabama.
Getting Pulled Over
Don’t you hate getting pulled over? Even if you haven’t done anything wrong, there is that unpleasant feeling in the pit of your stomach. And if you don’t have car insurance, unfortunately, you have more reasons to worry. Whether it’s for a broken taillight, going a bit too fast, or for any other reason, you’ll need to provide your valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
At best, not having insurance will cost you more money in tickets and penalties. At worst, you could find yourself with your car towed, too. Protect yourself by having car insurance. We’ve worked with thousands of drivers looking for cheap car insurance, needing a good deal, and who may have a less than perfect driving record. If you are already insured, we may be able to get you a better deal. And if you are going without insurance right now in New Orleans, we can help you to get back on the road with the peace of mind you deserve to have.
Going to the DMV
Yes, just a simple trip to the DMV requires proof of car insurance. If you are getting your driver’s license renewed or getting your car registered, or renewing registration, you will have to show proof of insurance. If your car insurance coverage lapses or expires, your license will be automatically flagged with the state. Louisiana can also fine you for lack of coverage. No one likes going to the DMV, but once you have car insurance, all you will have to worry about is scheduling time off from work or school, finding childcare if necessary, and then dealing with those ridiculously long lines.
If you are looking for cheap car insurance in New Orleans, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, or any other Louisiana or Alabama location, visit us for a quick quote online, stop by one of our convenient locations or give us a call at 800-420-3712.