4 Best Minneapolis Car Insurance Companies in 2019 • Benzinga - Benzinga

4 Best Minneapolis Car Insurance Companies in 2019 • Benzinga - Benzinga

4 Best Minneapolis Car Insurance Companies in 2019 • Benzinga - Benzinga

Posted: 30 Oct 2019 01:36 PM PDT

Minneapolis is easy on the eyes with its number of lakes, creeks, wetlands and waterfalls all nestled around the mighty Mississippi River.

As you weave through the breathtaking scenery, do you have the right car insurance? Dive into our guide to best car insurance in Minneapolis.

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The Best Car Insurance in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Auto Insurance Overview

Here are some quick details you might find helpful: 

  • Minneapolis has 1.35 vehicles per household.
  • The states minimum car insurance requirements are:
    • Bodily injury liability coverage: 30,000 per person and 60,000 per accident
    • Property damage liability coverage: 10,000 per accident
    • Uninsured motorist coverage: 25,000 per person and 50,000 per accident
    • Underinsured motorist coverage: 25,000 per person 50,000 per accident
    • Personal injury protection coverage: 40,000 per accident
  • Drivers with a clean driving history can expect to pay an average yearly premium of $800 for state minimum insurance.

Minneapolis Auto Insurance Law Explained

All drivers must have car insurance to legally operate a motor vehicle in Minnesota. The following are the states minimum car insurance requirements:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage: Bodily injury liability coverage pays for the medical expenses of anyone you injure during an accident. You must have $30,000 of coverage per person and $60,000 of coverage per accident in Minnesota.
  • Property damage liability coverage: Property damage liability coverage pays compensation for any property owned by someone else that you damage in an accident. The state requires you to have $10,000 of property damage coverage.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage: Uninsured motorist coverage pays you if you get in an accident with someone who does not have insurance. You must carry at least $25,000 coverage per person and $50,000 per accident.
  • Underinsured motorist coverage: Underinsured motorist coverage pays you if you get in an accident with someone who does not have enough insurance to cover your medical expenses. You must carry at least $25,000 coverage per person and $50,000 per accident.
  • Personal injury protection coverage: Personal injury protection pays you, your relatives or any other passenger in your vehicle $40,000 per person per accident for injuries regardless of fault. Half or $20,000 is to be used for medical expenses and the other $20,000 for nonmedical costs, such as work loss.

Minnesota minimum car insurance does not cover damage to your vehicle. To protect your car, you'll want to consider these coverages:

  • Collision coverage: Collision coverage pays compensation for damage done to your vehicle in an accident.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive pays compensation if your vehicle is damaged in a non-accident event. Typical examples are theft, animal or hail.

Minneapolis Traffic Laws You Should Know

It's the responsibility of every driver to understand the local traffic laws. Often the first step to safety and a clean driving record is to know and follow the law.

  • Seatbelt: Minneapolis is subject to a primary seatbelt law, so the driver and every passenger must be buckled up or restrained in a child seat. The driver will be ticketed for all passengers 14 and younger and passengers 15 and older get ticketed directly.
  • Cell phone use: A 2019 state law makes it illegal for drivers to talk on the phone without the use of a hands-free device. Here are the particulars: 
    • Phones can be used for calls, text, listening to music or navigation by voice command or single-touch activation.
    • All other activities are prohibited, including social media, video streaming, gaming or even holding the phone.
    • Teenagers under 18 without a license cannot make or answer calls while driving.
  • Highway Left Lane law: This law took effect in August 2019. Anyone driving slower than the flow of traffic on the highway in the left or passing lane may be ticketed for causing a hazard or endangering others. If other drivers are speeding, navigate to the right lane and let them pass, otherwise you could be ticketed.

Minneapolis Auto Insurance Rates Per Vehicle

The vehicle you drive plays a large part in what you pay for insurance. You can expect to pay more in premiums if the insurance statistics show that your make and model are more likely to be stolen or in an accident.

Here are some fast facts to understand how insurers determine what you pay based on your vehicle:

  • Safety features: Vehicles will have a lower premium with advanced safety features such as a rear-view camera or automatic emergency braking even when compared to the same model without these features.
  • Theft possibility: Some cars are more popular than others and are therefore more likely to be stolen for parts. And it's not just luxury vehicles that are targeted: The most common stolen car in Minnesota is the Honda Civic.
  • Cost to repair: Luxury vehicles and ones that are costly to service have higher rates for insurance. If you have an expensive car, expect to pay more for insurance.

Auto Insurance Rates by Credit Score

It shocks some customers when they find out it's legal for the car insurance company to use their credit scores to determine the rate. Insurance data has shown that people with higher credit scores are less likely to file claims.

Insurers pursue these customers and offer them the best rates because they believe they'll be safe drivers over the course of the policy. In contrast, drivers with lower credit scores are riskier. You can raise your credit score and save hundreds on your annual premium.

Here's a quick look at how your car insurance rate changes in Minneapolis based on your credit score.

Insurance for Drivers with a Clean Record

Your best bet at getting cheap car insurance is to have an accident-free driving record. Your driving history is among the chief factors that determine your premium. You are much less risky in the eyes of the insurance company with a clean record. Understand and obey your traffic laws, try to match the posted speed limit and wear your seatbelt are ways to avoid costly infractions.

Let's take a glance at sample quotes for drivers with a clean history. We'll compare 3 levels of coverage:

  • State minimum coverage is the minimum that Minnesota allows for you to legally drive. It's your cheapest choice.
  • Standard coverage is the state minimum with collision coverage
  • Full coverage is the state minimum with collision and comprehensive coverage.

Insurance Rates with Driving Infractions

You can expect your insurance to cost more if your record has infractions. The insurance data shows that drivers with infractions are more likely to file claims. But not all violations are weighted equally. Some offenses drop off after a few years while others stay on much longer.

Check out how your insurance premium changes based upon your driving history. We'll see the differences with 3 common infractions:

  • At-fault accident: A collision that you're entirely or partially responsible for.
  • Speed violation: A ticket for driving too fast or slow when compared to the posted speed limit.
  • DUI: A criminal violation of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Minnesota legal limit is 0.08 blood alcohol content. Your premium will be drastically higher if you have a DUI conviction.
Insurance Company At-Fault Accident  Speed Violation  DUI
American Family $956 $1,025 $3,547
State Farm $1,313 $1,148 $3,255
Auto-Owners  $3,658 $3,254 $4,521
Western National $3,395 $2,858 $3,929

Best Auto Insurance Providers in Minneapolis

We've sought the best car insurance companies to help you get the affordable rate you deserve.

1. Best Overall: Westfield

Westfield Insurance is among the top-rated insurers in Minneapolis. Westfield won J.D. Power's highest honor for car insurance satisfaction in the North Central region of the U.S. People like the personal touch of the agent-centered company because they can put a face to the name on their policies. 

Westfield doesn't stop at car insurance. They look to multiply your savings by bundling your insurance products such as homeowners, life or even business. You'll find policies for state minimum coverage, standard coverage or full coverage. Westfield Insurance should top your list in Minneapolis if you're looking to save money while being safe on the road.

2. Cheapest Auto Insurance in Minneapolis: American Family Insurance

American Family offers rates that are lower than its competitors in Minneapolis. The company is affordable for drivers with all credit backgrounds. Better credit scores get higher savings. But we also found low prices for people with less than stellar credit.

You're on your way to the best rate with American family even if you have an infraction or 2 on your driving record. The premium costs were sometimes more than $1,000 cheaper than the competition. Don't forget to bundle in your homeowners or renters policy to stack the savings.

3. Best Coverage for Multiple Autos: State Farm

Does your spouse, roommate or other household member have a vehicle to add to your policy? If so, you'll want to customize your plan so you get the best match of protection and price point.

State Farm gives up to 20% discounts for multiple cars. And the cuts don't stop there. Drivers who are accident-free and good students will also lower your premium.

State Farm also is top-ranked for its customer satisfaction. Many customers are happy to know that it also offers coverage for homeowners or renters. You have even more ways to maximize multi-policy discounts.

4. Best for Military Personnel: USAA

USAA exists to help military service members, veterans and their primary family members. Although you must meet these requirements, the insurer has some of the best rates in Minneapolis.

It has numerous discounted policies tailored to military families. Long-running loyalty, accident-free and defensive driving course discounts are all available for you to earn.

USAA makes it easy for military members who are deployed all over the world to easily manage their policies. You can log into your USAA account both through the app and online. They also have flexible payment plans and superior customer service to address deployment concerns.

Your Lowest Rate in Minneapolis

Are you pondering how to lower your car insurance? Many people rush to the dealership to buy the car of their dreams and let a hasty decision create a car insurance nightmare. Don't make that mistake.

Your best strategy is to speak to multiple representatives and collect plenty of quotes so you can make the best decision for your family. It may be a smart idea to get a minimum of 5 quotes so you can compare coverages and premiums. When prices are close, the tiebreaker should go to companies that reward long-term relationships and offer high levels of customer satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Q: Should I have just the minimum amount of car insurance required by my state?

It's a good idea to purchase more than the state minimum of any type of insurance. State minimums are set relatively low to keep insurance affordable, but in the case of an accident, you can deplete your minimums quickly with expensive medical and property damage costs. Once your bills extend past the minimums, you'll personally be liable for additional costs and damage. Get the coverage that makes sense for you here.

2) Q: How does my personal credit play a role?

Insurance carriers run credit scores to help determine policy premiums. Your insurance rates will likely be lower if you have an excellent credit score. On the other hand, your insurance rates may be higher if you have a poor credit score. Insurance companies believe credit scores are an indicator of whether you'll make your insurance payments on time and credit scores combined with other data can be predictive of risk. Check out the best companies for all credit scores now. 

3) Q: What kind of discounts are usually available?

The most common discounts available are multi-policy and auto-pay, but every company is different. Other discounts that are widely available are loyalty, good student and anti-theft device discounts. See our top providers with the best discounts and get a unique quote.

*Quotes were obtained using the following profile: base 2015 Toyota Camry, male, 40-years-old. Policies reflect state minimum coverage options. We make every effort to provide the most accurate quotes based on the profile above. Due to the many combined variables involved in insurance quotes, the only way to get an accurate quote is to enter your own information through our partners' secure websites.

4 Best Montana Car Insurance Companies - Benzinga

Posted: 30 Oct 2019 08:06 AM PDT

The Treasure State features curvy, mountainous roads and weather that can change at any moment. Take a look at our recommendations for the best car insurance in Montana so you drive safely among its picturesque scenery.

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Tip: compare 2-3 companies

The Best Car Insurance in Montana

Montana Car Insurance Overview

Here are some quick facts about driving in Montana:

  • You'll find an average of 2 vehicles per household in Montana.
  • The minimum state-required car insurance in Montana includes bodily injury liability coverage at $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $20,000 for property damage liability coverage.
  • You can expect state minimum coverage to cost $1,100 in yearly premiums.

Montana Car Insurance Law Explained

The law requires you to have car insurance to drive in Big Sky Country. To operate a vehicle in the state, you must have:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage: Bodily injury liability coverage pays for any person you injure in an accident. The state requires you to have $25,000 in coverage per person and $50,000 in coverage per accident. 
  • Property damage liability coverage: Property damage liability coverage pays for any property that you damage in an accident. You must have a minimum of $20,000 in coverage per accident.

These 2 coverages do not protect your vehicle. It only covers liability if you injure someone or damage that person's property. Here are some optional coverages to protect your property:

  • Collision coverage: Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle from an accident.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle that is not the result of an accident. A few covered examples are hail damage, animals or theft.

Montana requires you to drive with proof of insurance and the state's electronic system will also verify your active coverage. Montana has a zero-tolerance policy on driving without insurance. The penalties for a citation can be a $500 fine and up to 10 days in jail for the first offense.

Montana Traffic Laws You Should Know

Montana puts the sole responsibility on all drivers to follow and understand local traffic laws. Even new residents or those just visiting the state must know the rules of the road. Keep these traffic violations on your radar so you can avoid tickets:

  • Seat belt: You must ensure that each passenger is buckled in or in a child safety restraint. It is illegal to drive without all passengers buckled up.
  • Cellphones: Most Montana cities have passed laws against texting and talking on cellphones while driving. It's not a statewide law yet, but many of the most populous cities have this ordinance, including Billings, Missoula and Great Falls.
  • Child restraint: A child under the age of 6 who weighs less than 60 pounds must be in a child safety restraint. The restraint must have proper height and weight standards.
  • Studded tires: Studded tires help drivers navigate Montana's icy roads in the winter. These tires are only allowed from October 1 until May 31.

Montana Car Insurance Rates per Vehicle

Many people don't realize that the car you drive can considerably change how much you pay for car insurance. Insurers use statistics to determine how much they'll charge for specific makes and models. Those factors include: 

  • Repair cost: Vehicles that are newer or those that cost more to repair will require higher premiums. You can expect to pay more for a new car even if you're comparing against an older version of the same model.
  • Theft risk: Some cars have higher premiums because they're more likely to be stolen. However, you can receive bonuses or discounts for adding equipment like anti-theft devices.
  • Safety features: You can save on your premiums when your vehicle has advanced safety features such as a rearview camera, blind-spot detection or automatic emergency braking.

Do you own an expensive vehicle? An excellent strategy to offset some added cost is to keep a spotless driving record, stay on top of scheduled maintenance and install anti-theft equipment.

Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score

Insurance companies can legally use your credit score to determine your price. The data proves that you're less likely to file a claim if you have a higher credit score. In contrast, you're more likely to file a claim if you have a low score. Here are just a few ways to raise your credit score: You can budget, pay down debt and avoid high credit utilization.

Here's a quick summary of how your credit score can alter what you pay.

Credit Score Cheapest Provider Rate for State Minimum Coverage
Poor 300–579 Allstate $2,009
Fair 580–669 GEICO $1,872
Good 670–739 AAA $1,553
Excellent 740+ State Farm $1,073

Insurance for Drivers with a Clean Record

Keeping a clean driving record is the best way to get cheap car insurance, particularly if you haven't had an accident or traffic violation in several years.

The insurance company will try to keep you as a customer by giving its best rates. Drive defensively, observe traffic laws and avoid distractions — these are all helpful habits that keep you safe and save you money.

Your premiums will change depending on what coverage you choose.

  • State minimum coverage is what Montana requires for you to legally drive on the road. It's your cheapest choice.
  • Standard coverage is the state minimum coverage with collision coverage.
  • Full coverage is the state minimum coverage with collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. 
Insurance Company State Minimum Insurance Standard Coverage Full Coverage
Acuity $1,085 $1,200 $2,326
Liberty Mutual $1,264 $1,523 $2,020
Nationwide $955 $1,786 $2,097
Electric Auto $985 $1,725 $2,222
Farmers $1,169 $1,611 $2,043

Insurance Rates with Driving Infractions

You'll have a tough time finding affordable insurance if there are infractions on your driving record. You'll be considered a riskier driver if you have accidents and traffic violations in your history, which means you're more likely to file future claims. The insurer offsets this risk by charging you a higher premium.

Not all infractions are the same. Minor violations will fall off your record, while serious offenses can be on your record for 5 or more years.

Here's how 3 different driving infractions change your premium:

  • At-fault accident: An at-fault accident is one where you're entirely or partially responsible.
  • Speed violations: A speed violation results in driving too fast or too slow compared to the posted speed limit. Montana law enforcement and highway patrol can ticket you for either offense.
  • DUI: A DUI involves driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It's a criminal offense in Montana to drive while intoxicated. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration in Montana is .08. A DUI can significantly increase your car insurance rate.
Insurance Company At-Fault Accident  Speed Violation  DUI
MetLife $3,011 $1,366 $6,786
Root $3,230 $1,755 $4,801
Travelers $3,171 $1,723 $5,486
State Farm $3,431 $1,323 $6,186
Progressive $3,133 $1,489 $5,045

Best Car Insurance Providers in Montana

Here are 4 of the best car insurance companies in Montana. These companies should be at the top of your list if you need to make a switch.

1. Best Overall: AAA

AAA has some of the highest levels of satisfaction in Montana. It topped our review with 5-star ratings for availability, policy offerings and price.

AAA offers a host of discounts that fit the finances of almost any family size. Multi-policy, new car and smart driver are popular discounts. AAA members also enjoy discounts at many restaurants, hotels and other establishments.

You'll find competitive pricing whether you choose the state minimum protection or full coverage. You'll even find discounts for good students and distant students alongside helpful defensive driving courses. Add in homeowners or life insurance to increase your savings as you opt for a top-rated insurance provider in the Treasure State.

2. Cheapest Car Insurance in Montana: GEICO

GEICO features some of the most affordable premiums for car insurance in Montana. The company provides policies for homes, RVs, motorcycles and even businesses. There are plenty of ways to get your multi-policy discount.

You'll want to take advantage of the good driver discount, which applies if you've had 5 years of accident-free driving. Your teenagers can get a good student discount. Federal employees and members of the military will also receive discounts with GEICO — it seems like there's a different discount for every customer! You're sure to find at least one that'll save you money over the course of your policy.

3. Best Coverage for Multiple Cars: State Farm

State Farm is a familiar brand to many households and is a smart choice for those with multiple cars in Montana. State Farm can offer a 20% discount on a premium for those with more than 1 vehicle.

You can qualify for dozens of different discounts with State Farm — including being accident-free over the last 3 years. Teenage drivers can even get driver training and good student discounts.

Owning more than 1 car can cause your premiums to double. You may try to balance how to lower your car insurance rates without compromising coverage to protect your vehicles and family. State Farm allows you to set the coverage on each car so you're satisfied with the protection and price point.

 4. Best for Military Personnel: USAA

J.D. Power consistently ranks USAA as a top insurance company. USAA provides policies to service members and their immediate family members nationwide.

USAA understands military families and allows you to adapt your payment plan to a fixed income or changes for deployment. Overseas customers can also manage policies through the app or online. Multi-policy discounts are available when you choose homeowners or life insurance with USAA.

Your Lowest Rate in Montana 

Wondering how to lower your car insurance? The best strategy to get the deal that's right for you is to invest in the time to research quotes and compare options.

Many people spend months selecting a dream car and only a few minutes deciding on insurance to purchase. One of the most effective ways to find the best rate involves speaking with more than one representative. Make sure you're getting every discount your family qualifies for. You can also periodically check the competition to make sure your current provider is still giving you affordable coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Q: Should I have just the minimum amount of car insurance required by my state?

It's a good idea to purchase more than the state minimum of any type of insurance. State minimums are set relatively low to keep insurance affordable, but in the case of an accident, you can deplete your minimums quickly with expensive medical and property damage costs. Once your bills extend past the minimums, you'll personally be liable for additional costs and damage. Get the coverage that makes sense for you here.

2) Q: How does my personal credit play a role?

Insurance carriers run credit scores to help determine policy premiums. Your insurance rates will likely be lower if you have an excellent credit score. On the other hand, your insurance rates may be higher if you have a poor credit score. Insurance companies believe credit scores are an indicator of whether you'll make your insurance payments on time and credit scores combined with other data can be predictive of risk. Check out the best companies for all credit scores now.

3) Q: How do I bundle my car insurance with another policy, and should I?

An agent can help you bundle your car insurance with another policy. You can get a discount on your premium by bundling your home and auto together, for example. Check out the top providers here.

*Quotes were obtained using the following profile: base 2015 Toyota Camry, male, 40-years-old. Policies reflect state minimum coverage options. We make every effort to provide the most accurate quotes based on the profile above. Due to the many combined variables involved in insurance quotes, the only way to get an accurate quote is to enter your own information through our partners' secure websites.

4 Best New Orleans Car Insurance Companies - Benzinga

Posted: 30 Oct 2019 12:28 PM PDT

Do you live and drive in the Big Easy? Finding affordable auto insurance in Louisiana doesn't have to be a major puzzle. Check out Benzinga's guide to car insurance in New Orleans.

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Tip: compare 2-3 companies

The Best Car Insurance in New Orleans

New Orleans Car Insurance Overview

Here are a few fast facts about driving in New Orleans:

  • The average New Orleans household has 1.26 vehicles.
  • The state minimum car insurance requirements are $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, with $25,000 property damage liability coverage.
  • The average state minimum insurance payment with a clean driving history is around $1,200 per year.

New Orleans Car Insurance Law Explained

New Orleans and the state of Louisiana require all vehicle operators to have car insurance. You must have the following coverage to legally drive a vehicle:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage: Bodily injury liability pays for the expenses of other people that you injure in an accident. You're required to have at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
  • Property damage liability coverage: Property damage liability coverage pays for your damage to other people's property during an accident. You're required to have $25,000 per accident.

Be aware that neither of these coverages offer any protection for your injuries or vehicle as the driver. You can protect your property by adding both comprehensive and collision coverage to your policy.

  • Collision coverage: Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle after an accident.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle that is not the result of a collision. Theft, hail and vandalism are typical examples that would all be covered.

Both collision and comprehensive coverage require you to pay a deductible. A deductible is the set amount you pay to fix your car, and the insurance company covers the rest. Typical deductibles can range anywhere from $500 to $1,000.  

Choosing a higher deductible can lower your overall premium, and higher deductibles save you money on your monthly premium. However, be prepared to come up with the money out of pocket in case of an accident.

Speaking of significant expenses, you always want to make sure you have proof of insurance in New Orleans. If law enforcement catches you driving without insurance, you could be charged a hefty fine, even as a first offense. A "no insurance" ticket requires a court appearance in New Orleans.

New Orleans Traffic Laws You Should Know

Searching for cheap car insurance in New Orleans? You'll want to keep a clean driving record. These 5 laws should help you stay safe and avoid a citation, accident or injury.

  • Cellphones: Drivers under 17 may not call, text or use a cellphone at all while driving in New Orleans. No driver should text while driving. Adults are free to make calls and use the phone for navigation, listening to music and other functions.
  • Headphones: It's against the law to use headphones, headsets or any other listening device other than a hearing aid when you drive in New Orleans.
  • Turn signal usage: You're required to use your turn signals when changing lanes. You can be ticketed for failure to signal.

New Orleans Car Insurance Rates per Vehicle

The car you drive can affect your car insurance payment. Insurance companies have figured out the chances of each make and model being stolen or damaged from an accident, and they adjust your premiums based on that data.

Are you driving an expensive vehicle? It will cost the insurance company more to compensate you for your car if it is damaged or stolen — therefore, your payment will increase.

The insurer also factors in your vehicle safety features. Cars get a lower rate when they have advanced safety features such as automatic high beams, pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking.

In contrast, owners can expect to pay more when their vehicles lack basic safety features such as airbags. You may also lower your cost and get an added discount by installing an antitheft device.

The most popular vehicle in New Orleans is the affordable Nissan Altima. This vehicle is among the most inexpensive to insure because of its advanced safety features and mid-range price, compared to other cars in the same style.

Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score

People are often surprised to find out that it's legal for insurance companies to change your premium based on your credit score. Insurance statistics reveal that drivers with higher credit scores make fewer claims and are less likely to be involved in an accident. In contrast, drivers who have lower scores are more likely to file claims.

As you can see, your credit score can affect your car insurance costs. One strategy to lower your insurance rate is to raise your credit score. You can reduce debt, pay bills on time and lower your credit utilization to see your credit score go up.

Insurance for Drivers with a Clean Record

Have you been in a car accident in the past few years? If so, insurance companies will charge you more because of it. Insurers see you as a lower risk when you have a clean driving record. Most insurance providers grant you a discount if you keep a clean record before and during the length of your policy.

Here's a quick summary of 3 different choices for coverage:

  • State minimum insurance is only the minimum coverage for legal driving in Louisiana.
  • Standard coverage insurance is the state minimum coverage with collision coverage.
  • Full coverage insurance is the state minimum coverage with collision coverage and comprehensive coverage.
Insurance Company State Minimum Insurance Standard Coverage Full Coverage
Progressive $943 $2,145 $3,302
State Farm $1,043 $1,256 $1,345
Southern Farm Bureau $1,067 $3,084 $3,157
Allstate $2,454 $3,260 $3,458
GEICO $1,587 $1,687 $1,897

Insurance Rates with Driving Infractions

You'll pay more for insurance if you have driving infractions — some violations change your premium more than others.

Here are 3 common driving infractions that could affect your premiums.

  • At-fault accident: An at-fault accident is an accident where you're full or partially responsible.
  • Speed violation: A speed violation occurs when you drive too far above or below the posted speed limit. Excessive speeding can cause insurance rates to significantly increase.
  • DUI: A DUI means you've driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It's a criminal offense and one of the most severe violations you can have on your record. Your car insurance rate will drastically increase if you have a DUI conviction. A blood alcohol content of 0.08 or above is illegal when you drive in Louisiana.
Insurance Company At-Fault Accident  Speed Violation  DUI
Southern Farm Bureau $3,322 $2,015 $6,245
State Farm $4,363 $3,254 $6,875
Allstate $5,121 $3,445 $7,851
Progressive $1,854 $1,598 $3,587
GEICO $3,395 $2,858 $3,929

Best Car Insurance Providers in New Orleans

Here's your chance to look at the best car insurance companies in New Orleans. These options should be at the top of your list if you're making a switch.

1. Best Overall: State Farm

State Farm consistently ranks among insurers — it has the highest customer satisfaction in New Orleans. The company gives you a suite of discounts for family and finances. You can opt for an accident-free discount, a good driving discount and a vehicle safety discount and more.

You can even cut costs and avoid a high premium if you have a poor driving record. State Farm offers a discount once you've completed a defensive driving course. Obeying traffic laws and avoiding accidents for 3 years will also lower your rate.

State Farm offers deep discounts and affordable insurance plans, whether you're looking for state minimum, standard or full coverages.

2. Cheapest Car Insurance in New Orleans: Southern Farm Bureau

Thinking about how to lower your car insurance? It might be time to go with Southern Farm Bureau. The company offers competitive pricing with some of the best rates across the board in our New Orleans review.

We found affordable rates and plans for drivers with a credit score of 580 or higher. Even people with less-than-stellar credit can find a low price.

Southern Farm Bureau stacks on the savings with plenty of discount options. You can even save up to 30% on your total premium when you check your driving with the Driveology plugin. 

3. Best Coverage for Multiple Cars: GEICO

Do you have more than one car? GEICO lets you save up to 25% on your car insurance policy with the multi-vehicle discount.

Multiple-car families should do their best to get coverage that fits all vehicles and drivers. Maybe your household has a senior or teenage driver who needs extra coverage. GEICO will let you select what's best for each driver or vehicle.

GEICO offers some of the most aggressive discounts in New Orleans. You can get a multi-policy discount for adding your motorcycle, recreational vehicle or boat. The company also provides savings for federal employees, good students and members of the military.

4. Best for Military Personnel: USAA

USAA offers auto and home insurance policies to members of the military and their immediate families. Service members and veterans can get some of the best discounts in New Orleans.

USAA prides itself on superior customer service and plans that tailor to the needs of service families. You can customize your policy and payments to coordinate with a deployment or your military income.

These options also help you if you're on a fixed income. You can also bundle in life insurance or homeowners insurance to save even more with USAA.

Get the Best Insurance in the Big Easy

How do you get the lowest possible car insurance rate for your family? Your best strategy involves taking plenty of time to make a reliable comparison. Most people do far more research on the car they buy than the insurance they get to protect it. Often, last-minute searches cause people to overpay for coverage when a better rate is available.

Investing a little more upfront time might save you some significant cash. You should do your best to get more than 1 quote and speak to several agents. Ask how you and your family can qualify for more discounts. And remember, checking the competition for better pricing never hurts, even if you've already locked in on an insurance provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Q: How does my personal credit play a role?

Insurance carriers run credit scores to help determine policy premiums. Your insurance rates will likely be lower if you have an excellent credit score. On the other hand, your insurance rates may be higher if you have a poor credit score. Insurance companies believe credit scores are an indicator of whether you'll make your insurance payments on time and credit scores combined with other data can be predictive of risk. Check out the best companies for all credit scores now.

2) Q: What kind of discounts are usually available?

The most common discounts available are multi-policy and auto-pay, but every company is different. Other discounts that are widely available are loyalty, good student and anti-theft device discounts. See our top providers with the best discounts and get a unique quote.

3) Q: By law, what types of car insurance do I have to have?

(almost all — not NH) All states require you to carry liability insurance on your vehicle. Your state may require additional auto insurance coverage. Limits are expressed: Amount for injuries per person/amount for injuries total per accident/amount for property damage per accident.

*Quotes were obtained using the following profile: base 2015 Toyota Camry, male, 40-years-old. Policies reflect state minimum coverage options. We make every effort to provide the most accurate quotes based on the profile above. Due to the many combined variables involved in insurance quotes, the only way to get an accurate quote is to enter your own information through our partners' secure websites.
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