Temporary Car Insurance In Louisiana 2024

Ever find yourself needing car insurance for just a short time, like for a weekend road trip in someone else’s car or a visit home from college? A full-year insurance plan might feel excessive and confusing in these cases. Temporary car insurance is a good solution. It’s not widely offered by U.S. insurers, but there are still options available.

Using my expertise in insurance, I’ll explain why temporary coverage is useful and suggest some Louisiana-specific options. If you’re worried about being uninsured or paying for coverage you don’t need, read on.

What Is Temporary Car Insurance?

Temporary car insurance generally covers vehicles for less than the standard 6 or 12 months. However, these policies are not commonly available in the United States. Drivers needing short-term coverage could consider purchasing a standard six-month policy and canceling it prematurely.

Alternatives To Temporary Car Insurance

There are several alternatives to temporary auto insurance, including:

Buying A Six-Month Louisiana Insurance Policy And Canceling It Early

Car insurance policies usually come in six-month or annual terms from many insurers. Though shorter options are rare, you can get a six-month policy and cancel it as needed.

Rental Car Insurance In Louisiana

Many consider short-term car insurance when renting a car temporarily. Yet, rental companies often provide their own insurance, negating the need for a personal policy. This is recommended as personal auto insurance commonly excludes coverage for loss of use, which can incur high costs.

Non-Owner Car Insurance In Louisiana

If you regularly drive cars that belong to others, non-owner car insurance might be beneficial. This type of insurance covers liability for property damage or injuries caused while driving a borrowed or rented vehicle. It also helps avoid gaps in coverage during car transitions, potentially saving on future insurance premiums.

Louisiana Pay-Per-Mile Insurance

If you own a vehicle that isn’t used often, consider pay-per-mile insurance instead of temporary car insurance. Traditional auto insurance rates are determined by several factors, with driving frequency typically not one of them. Pay-per-mile policies calculate premiums based on mileage, allowing drivers who drive less to save on insurance costs.

Rideshare Car Insurance

Generally, personal auto insurance does not extend to driving for a ride-hailing service. With approximately 1.5 million Uber drivers in the US and more than 2.8 million daily trips from 2019 to 2020, rideshare insurance is critical. Companies such as Uber and Lyft offer coverage for specific ride stages, but personal insurance is applicable only during personal use. To mitigate this issue, drivers should consider integrating rideshare insurance into their regular policies.

Short-Term Auto Insurance Rates In Louisiana – By City

Louisiana experienced multiple car accidents last year, with New Orleans having the highest incidence. Consequently, auto insurance rates in the city are higher than the state average. Conversely, Shreveport, which experienced fewer accidents, boasts some of Louisiana’s lowest insurance rates.

Temporary Car Insurance Rates In Louisiana – By Insurance Company

Temporary Car Insurance Rates In Louisiana- By Policy Length

Based on the information I’ve gathered, AAA’s short-term car insurance rates in Louisiana are the highest, whereas USAA offers the most affordable rates.

Altering Louisiana Car Insurance Temporarily Depending On Your Needs

Confused about what to do if the alternatives to short-term car insurance mentioned earlier aren’t appropriate for your needs? Depending on your reason for needing temporary auto insurance, you might modify your current plan accordingly. If you’re without insurance, you could consider purchasing a six-month policy and tailoring it to match your specific needs. Here are scenarios where adjusting your car insurance policy might be applicable.

You’re An Infrequent Driver

Your need for your own car insurance depends on how frequently you drive. Car insurance providers usually require all licensed household members to be named on the owner’s policy for coverage while driving. Many policies also include a permissive use clause that extends coverage to occasional drivers not listed on the policy. However, regular drivers should consider a non-owner policy for liability protection when using borrowed or rented vehicles.

Your Car Is In Storage

When storing your vehicle for long periods—such as when you own multiple cars for different seasons—you may consider canceling your insurance. However, your vehicle is still vulnerable to risks like fire, theft, or vandalism. Although storage insurance doesn’t exist, you can opt for comprehensive-only coverage or suspend your liability and collision coverage.

Just remember to restore your full policy before getting back on the road. If comprehensive-only isn’t allowed by your insurer, reducing coverage to state minimums could save you money, but this approach might not work well for multi-car policies.

To Allow Someone Else Drive Your Car

If a friend or family member occasionally borrows your car, the permissive use clause in most auto insurance policies allows them to drive it with your permission. However, any licensed driver who lives with you or regularly drives your car will generally need to be included on your policy, regardless of how frequently they drive.

To Add Your Child To Your Policy

When your teenager gets their license, you may hesitate to add them to your insurance policy because of the high cost. Still, it’s smart to list them, even if they won’t drive your car often. Insurers usually expect all licensed drivers in the home to be disclosed, and not doing so could result in a denied claim or canceled policy. If your child won’t be driving at all, you can look into excluding them from the policy.

College Student Away At School

More than 50% of undergrads have a car with them at school. To drive legally, they can either remain on their parent’s car insurance or buy their own. Even if your child won’t have a car at school, it’s smart to keep them on your insurance. If they borrow a friend’s car and have an accident, they could be responsible for expenses beyond the friend’s policy coverage. In Louisiana, drivers are required to have at least 15/30/25 liability insurance, which can be quickly used up.

Additionally, around 1,519 college-aged students die annually due to alcohol-related incidents such as car crashes. Considering the partying that occurs in college, it’s important to maintain insurance for your child to prevent any hesitation in driving a drunk friend home. Keeping them covered under your policy ensures protection if they drive someone else’s car at school, or you could opt for a non-owner policy.

You’re An International Driver

International drivers visiting Louisiana have several car insurance options to consider. Renting a car provides coverage through the rental company for short stays. For longer periods, consider a standard auto policy or non-owner insurance. Cancel the policy upon returning home.

Average Cost Of Short-Term Car Insurance For Good Drivers

Average Cost Of Short-Term Car Insurance For Young Drivers

Average Cost Of Short-Term Car Insurance For Drivers With An Accident