Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Louisiana
Home of Louisiana Tech University, Ruston is a small Louisiana city with a bustling atmosphere and a charming downtown culture. With a population of around 22,000, it offers plenty of amenities and conveniences, including being ideally situated on Interstate 20 in the northern part of the state.
This location places Ruston on a major travel route for travelers and commuters, with easy access to larger cities like Shreveport to the east and Monroe to the west. Car insurance is an essential part of life in Ruston for residents who rely on their vehicle to get to class, work, or a game to cheer on the Bulldogs.
In Ruston and the rest of Louisiana, drivers are required by law to maintain a minimum level of liability coverage. Failing to carry the correct insurance could lead to fines, a suspended license, and even jail time. However, there are affordable car insurance options. Learn more about car insurance in Ruston, including average rates and how to save money.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Ruston, LA?
Drivers in Ruston pay an average of $172 per month for full coverage and about $39 per month for the state minimum liability coverage. Auto insurance rates will vary based on your circumstances, including your age, driving record, and vehicle type.
However, these rates are lower than those found in Louisiana’s larger cities. The average Louisiana driver pays around $333 a month for full coverage and $86 for minimum coverage. The average car insurance rate in Louisiana is higher than the national average. Nationally, drivers pay around $224 for full coverage and $67 per month for minimum coverage.
That means Ruston drivers enjoy competitive rates compared to both other Louisiana drivers and the rest of the nation, especially for full coverage auto insurance.
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What Does It Mean If Louisiana Is At-Fault?
Louisiana is considered an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means the driver responsible for causing the accident is also financially responsible for paying damages. Other states operate on a no-fault policy. In these states, each driver must cover their own medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident.
Because Louisiana is an at-fault state, proving who caused the accident matters because it will determine who pays and how much. If you are found to be at fault for a crash, then your liability insurance will cover the other party’s property damage and medical expenses (up to your policy limits).
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Louisiana
Ruston car insurance rates tend to be lower than those of other cities in Louisiana. That’s great news for drivers who want to save on auto insurance. For a comparison of monthly premiums paid in other cities around Louisiana, check out the chart below:
City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Ruston | $172 | $39 |
New Orleans | $322 | $83 |
Shreveport | $203 | $53 |
Lafayette | $236 | $70 |
Monroe | $217 | $60 |
Affordable Ruston Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
Location plays a role in the cost of your car insurance. Rates can vary from zip code to zip code, depending on traffic volume, crime rates, and other statistics. Here’s a look at the average car insurance costs by zip codes in and around Ruston:
Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
71272 | $172 | $39 |
71245 | $175 | $39 |
71270 | $173 | $38 |
71275 | $172 | $38 |
71235 | $174 | $37 |
71227 | $177 | $39 |
71225 | $208 | $55 |
71268 | $171 | $36 |
71234 | $187 | $41 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Ruston
While other factors will play a part, your age is one of the biggest influences on your car insurance rates. Younger drivers, especially teenagers, pay the most for car insurance. This is due to their lack of experience behind the wheel and the fact that they are statistically more likely to get into an accident.
The good news is that your insurance rates should drop significantly as you age and will continue declining until around retirement.
Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Teenagers | $980 | $245 |
20s | $362 | $90 |
30s | $172 | $39 |
40s | $160 | $36 |
50s | $154 | $34 |
60s | $152 | $34 |
70s | $165 | $39 |
*These rates are estimates based on a male, age 30, with 100/300/100 full coverage or the lowest legal coverage allowed by Louisiana. Your rates will vary depending on your age, gender, and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.
Driving Conditions in Ruston
Despite its location on I-20 and being home to a bustling college community, Ruston drivers enjoy relatively easy commutes. There is a moderate amount of traffic most days, but the city’s main roads can get busy during rush hour and when there are big events at Louisiana Tech. The weather has a major impact on local driving conditions, with wet roads and reduced visibility during spring and summer rainstorms.
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Ruston?
Ruston experiences relatively few fatal accidents compared to larger Louisiana cities. On average, there are about two or three fatal crashes per year, with July being the most dangerous month for drivers.
Between 2009 and 2023, October was the safest month for driving in Ruston, with only one fatality in 2011. Accidents are often caused by distracted or impaired driving, which may happen more frequently around significant events and holidays.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Ruston?
Ruston’s road infrastructure is generally well-maintained. The city was recently granted $8 million to improve the Tarbutton Road I-20 interchange, improving traffic flow and access in anticipation of development in the local area.
Drivers may find rural roads less well-maintained, with potholes or other issues. But bridges and overpasses in the region are generally in good condition.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Ruston
If you live in Ruston and drive a vehicle, the state of Louisiana requires you to carry a certain amount of liability insurance. The current requirements for minimum insurance include:
- Bodily injury liability: $15,000 per person
- Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
This 15/30/25 coverage means that if you are involved in an accident and are found at fault, you can help cover the medical and repair costs for the other people involved. Remember, though, these are the limits. If you owe more than the limit, you may be responsible for paying those costs out of pocket. That’s why minimum coverage may not offer the best financial protection.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Ruston, Louisiana?
Some people might think it’s cheaper to drive without auto insurance, but this is illegal and has severe consequences. Getting caught driving without insurance in Ruston can result in penalties, including:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Impoundment of your vehicle
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Reinstatement fees
- Mandatory filing of an SR-22 (proof of insurance)
- Possible jail time for repeat violations
In the long run, paying for auto insurance is cheaper and safer. You can avoid these penalties by maintaining an active car insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
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Factors Allowed in Ruston Car Insurance Rates
When you shop for car insurance in Ruston, you’ll notice that every insurer offers a slightly different price. That’s because insurers will use a variety of factors to calculate your premium, and each company has its own formula.
To determine your premium, they may use factors such as:
- Age
- Driving history
- Zip code
- Vehicle make and model
- Coverage level
- Deductible amount
- Credit score
Because each insurer weighs these factors differently, you should compare quotes to find the best deal based on your circumstances.
Insurance That Helps You Prepare for the Future
Car insurance is about more than meeting a legal requirement set by the state. It’s there to protect you from unexpected expenses and legal liabilities. A good auto insurance policy helps ensure you don’t have to pay for the full financial burden of a car accident out of your own pocket, whether you hit a deer on a country road or make a careless mistake on a highway.
Adding optional coverage like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist protection can give you added peace of mind when you get behind the wheel.
What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Ruston, LA?
Ruston drivers can take advantage of multiple discount opportunities to lower the cost of their monthly insurance payments. Insurers often reward things like safe driving, good credit, and positive lifestyle factors with discounts, so always ask about potential discounts when shopping for insurance.
Common discounts include:
Many insurers allow you to combine these discounts to maximize your savings.
Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Ruston Today!
Finding affordable car insurance doesn’t have to be a hassle, whether you are a student at Louisiana Tech or a long-time Ruston resident. Freeway Insurance offers competitive rates and flexible coverage options to protect you and your vehicle with a policy that works for you.
When you are ready to buy affordable car insurance in Ruston, let’s talk. You can get a quote online, visit one of our nearby offices, or call us at (800)777-5620 to speak with an agent. We’ll make it easy to compare coverage options and find the best plan for your budget.