Louisiana Motorists Grapple with Surge in Auto Insurance Rates

Louisiana Motorists Face Rising Auto Insurance Rates

Published : Feb. 14, 2024 at 6:54 PM CST | Updated : Feb. 14, 2024 at 10:26 PM CST

Motorists in Louisiana are experiencing a dramatic increase in auto insurance premiums, with the head of a local insurance company attributing the rise to various factors, including driving habits and insurance landscape.

Rising Premiums Statewide

Wayne Watley, of Watley Insurance Group, reported to local news services that auto insurance rates have been rising across Louisiana, particularly impacting those with already tight budgets. “It’s a challenge because we’re not one of the richest states, but we have some of the highest premiums,” Watley mentioned.

Root of The Issue

Watley suggests that multiple factors go into determining the state’s relatively high auto insurance premiums. One factor he singles out is the large percentage of uninsured drivers on Louisiana roads. “Almost 15% of people in this state are driving without insurance,” Watley stated, “Our poor roads don’t help either, adding to the wear and tear on vehicles.”

Consumer Reaction

One Louisiana resident, Jacqueline Blake, expressed her frustration at the rate hikes. “It’s pretty much across the board whether they’ve had increases because me and my husband have different insurance companies, and both of us had increases in our rates,” Blake shared.

Advice For Motorists

Despite the rapid increases, Watley advises not to sacrifice coverage due to expense. He recommends speaking with an insurance agent who can provide quotes from many carriers and inquire about possible discounts. “Always ask about discounts. There’s a lot of discounts you may not know about. If you set up your insurance early, you actually can get a discount with a lot of companies. If you bundle your auto and home, you can get discounts. If you’re in the military, there’s a lot of discounts,” he emphasized.

Additionally, Watley shed light on the benefits of customer loyalty. “The longer you have been with an insurance company, the better rates you can get,” he added.

As Louisiana motorists grapple with the reality of escalating auto insurance costs, insurance agencies and consumers alike are being encouraged to be proactive in seeking solutions to this pressing issue.

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