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Beth Swanson

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Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

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Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

How much does car insurance cost in Baton Rouge?

The going rate for auto insurance in Baton Rouge is $1,570 for a six-month policy, which is about $262 per month on average. In 2024, our data shows USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in Baton Rouge with rates at $988 for a six-month policy — significantly lower than the city's average cost. USAA insurance isn't available to everyone, but GEICO is another good option with lower-than-average rates. 

Baton Rouge residents pay more than the state average for Louisiana ($1,343 every six months) and significantly more than the national average of $880. Of our customers in Baton Rouge, 39% said they're paying too much for car insurance. If you feel the same way, or if you are looking to understand your coverage better, keep reading to get more information about what fair rates in Baton Rouge look like and how these costs are calculated. 

Car Insurance in Baton Rouge vs. Louisiana Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Baton Rouge Average $1,570
Louisiana Average $1,343

The cheapest car insurance companies in Baton Rouge

1st place medal
1st place: USAA

USAA is the cheapest auto insurance company in Baton Rouge with rates at $165 per month or $988 for a six-month policy. USAA coverage tends to be much less than other carriers but is also limited to military members and their families. Check with USAA to see if you're eligible for coverage.

2nd place medal
2nd place: GEICO

Our second most affordable company is GEICO, which costs $1,244 per six-month policy. That breaks down to about $207 per month. Although more than USAA, a policy with GEICO is still quite a bit less than Baton Rouge's average rate.

3rd place medal
3rd place: Southern Farm Bureau

The third company on our list of money-saving insurers in Baton Rouge is Southern Farm Bureau, with a six-month policy cost of $1,373 ($229 per month on average). 

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Baton Rouge:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Baton Rouge is $1,570 per six-month policy — $262 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Baton Rouge is USAA ($988), but eligibility is limited to military and family members.
  • Baton Rouge ranks as the 39th most expensive city for car insurance in Louisiana.
  • 39% of Zebra customers in Baton Rouge think they're paying too much with their current insurer. 

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Baton Rouge car insurance rates by company

Our 2024 data shows the cheap auto insurance for full coverage in Baton Rouge is USAA at $165 per month. This comes out to about $988 per six-month policy. The second cheapest company is GEICO, with full coverage auto insurance at an average of $207 per month ($1,244 for a six-month policy).

 

Cheapest car insurance companies in Baton Rouge, LA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $988
GEICO $1,244
Southern Farm Bureau $1,373
State Farm $1,378
MetLife $1,590
Progressive $2,293
Allstate $2,431

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around for the best rates


The most efficient way to find cheap coverage that also meets your needs is to compare. Insurance companies aren't all alike, and neither are their rates. But let The Zebra do the hard part — just enter your ZIP code to see rates from companies such as Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and many other top insurers in Baton Rouge.

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Average car insurance in Baton Rouge by rating factor

Insurance companies take many details into consideration when calculating individual rates. These rating factors are typically used by all auto insurance companies, but the weight they put on each factor can vary. For instance, one insurer may focus more on credit score whereas another might place priority on your claims history.

Keep in mind that the best insurance company for you can change throughout your life. Circumstances change, as do your insurance needs, so be sure to shop around for quotes every once in a while to make sure you're saving money and have the right coverage as life evolves. 

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims) is a major factor for how much you'll pay for auto insurance in Baton Rouge. You might be a stellar driver with a clean record on the road, but you might still end up paying more with one particular company than another, just because the price of doing business in Baton Rouge has increased. 

Auto insurance premiums by age in Baton Rouge

Age is a key component when it comes to car insurance rates. Companies use data to determine the risk of a driver, or, how likely they are to get into an accident or make a claim. Compared to other age groups, teen drivers top the list when it comes to accidents. Therefore, teens tend to have the highest insurance premiums to help offset the cost of their claims. Baton Rouge drivers in the teens pay about $3,346 more than drivers in their 20s — this is a difference of 161% and is the biggest gap between any two age groups. 

This can cause some serious sticker shock for parents and their teen drivers, but remember that insurance companies are in the business of risk management. This rate is high, but it will decrease after a few years of driving experience and a safe record behind the wheel.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $2,782
Southern Farm Bureau $3,678
GEICO $3,809
State Farm $4,584
Allstate $5,486
MetLife $6,273
Progressive $12,121
Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s USAA $1,303
30s USAA $1,052
40s USAA $971
50s USAA $928
60s USAA $992
70s USAA $1,019

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Baton Rouge drivers between 20-40 are USAA, GEICO and Southern Farm Bureau.


Most drivers in Baton Rouge fall between the ages of 20 and 40. On average, this age range pays $1,826 every six months, but by going with one of these companies they could be saving up to 33%. 

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Baton Rouge

One of the most important factors behind your car insurance premium is the level of coverage you choose to carry. According to our research, 32% of Baton Rouge drivers have the state minimum coverage. Technically, drivers are only required to have a certain amount of coverage, but carrying the bare minimum can leave you in a position of being underinsured.

Adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (commonly known as "full coverage" when purchased together) will greatly increase your rates, and they also require a deductible. A deductible can actually be a way to save money, though. By raising your deductible you will lower your premium since the two are inversely related.

Insurance companies also offer things like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage that can protect you against drivers who don't have enough coverage. Yes, these will add to your overall rates, but The Zebra still recommends carrying them as an extra layer of financial protection — not to mention peace of mind.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

According to our research, 53% of drivers in Baton Rouge own their vehicles outright. If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, there are most likely insurance requirements from your lender. But if you own your vehicle you might be considering dropping comprehensive or collision insurance to save money. 

The Zebra suggests getting the actual cash value of your vehicle via a resource such as Kelley Blue Book, then deciding if it's worth cutting back your car insurance coverage. A good rule of thumb is if your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, you can probably eliminate your collision coverage. Just keep in mind that you'd be paying out-of-pocket in the event of repairs after a collision-type incident.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Baton Rouge, LA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $324
USAA $363
State Farm $471
Southern Farm Bureau $527
Allstate $690
Progressive $762
MetLife $847
  • Minimum: State liability coverage only
  • Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
  • Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. May include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.

42% of our customers in Baton Rouge opt for the basic level of coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. While we understand state minimum coverage is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. Louisiana's 15/30/25 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $15,000 per person in bodily injury, $30,000 per accident in bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for most standard car accidents, it might not be for bodily injury claims or multi-vehicle accidents.

Learn more about insurance laws in Louisiana.

Baton Rouge car insurance rates by credit score

Credit score is a factor in your insurance rate in most states, and Louisiana is no exception. There are a couple of reasons for this — and it comes down to risk. Research and analysis over the years have shown that drivers with lower credit scores tend to file more claims, engage in risky driving behaviors and have lapses in their insurance coverage. Since bad credit is connected to higher risk, the worse your credit the more you'll pay for car insurance.  

Drivers in Baton Rouge with poor credit (300-579) actually pay 132% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). But 37% of folks behind the wheel in Baton Rouge falls in the credit level of average (580-679). In 2024, USAA is the cheapest option for Baton Rouge drivers for this credit range, with GEICO coming in second.

car insurance in Baton Rouge by credit score
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Baton Rouge, LA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $1,619
USAA $1,716
Southern Farm Bureau $2,594
Allstate $2,923
MetLife $3,775
Progressive $4,436
State Farm $6,271

Zebra Tip: If your credit score has gone up, it's time to shop for insurance!


In Baton Rouge, our data shows drivers with "Fair" credit pay $1,119 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. This is a savings of 37%! If you've been working to raise your credit score, then it might be a great time to shop around for car insurance and see what your hard work can get you for savings. 

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

The most common types of insurance claims are collision-type accidents and at-fault violations. These can drastically increase your rates after an incident. In 2024, an at-fault accident raised the average car insurance rates in Baton Rouge by a difference of $86 to $124 per month. The cheapest insurance company in Baton Rouge after an at-fault accident is USAA, with Southern Farm Bureau close behind.

The best bet to keep your insurance rates affordable is to drive safely and avoid violations. There are some things that just aren't in our control, but do your best to avoid charges such as speeding citations, DUIs or DWIs and reckless driving. Your car insurance rates will likely be impacted by these for three to five years after the incident, and some of the more serious violations can follow you for even longer lengths of time. 

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Baton Rouge, LA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $1,434
Southern Farm Bureau $1,640
State Farm $1,683
GEICO $1,912
MetLife $2,642
Allstate $3,206
Progressive $4,068

Baton Rouge car insurance rates by violation

The table below outlines the increase you can see in your insurance rates after various violations in Baton Rouge.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Baton Rouge, LA
Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,570 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,570 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $1,583 1% $12
One comp claim $1,595 2% $25
Two Med/PIP claims $1,595 2% $25
Two comp claims $1,678 7% $108
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,812 15% $242
Failure to show documents $1,854 18% $284
Driving without lights $1,873 19% $303
Child safety restraint $1,873 19% $303
Driving with expired registration $1,969 25% $398
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,987 26% $416
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,987 26% $416
Speeding in school zone $1,987 26% $416
Driving too slowly $1,987 26% $416
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,987 26% $416
Cell phone violation $2,003 28% $433
Texting while driving $2,003 28% $433
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,003 28% $433
Failure to stop at a red light $2,019 29% $449
Illegal turn $2,019 29% $449
Failure to yield $2,019 29% $449
Improper passing $2,019 29% $449
Following too closely $2,019 29% $449
Passing school bus $2,035 30% $464
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,048 30% $477
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,081 33% $511
Open container $2,101 34% $530
In 65 MPH zone $2,147 37% $577
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,209 41% $639
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,312 47% $742
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,312 47% $742
Reckless driving $2,802 78% $1,232
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,806 79% $1,236
DUI $2,949 88% $1,379
Driving with a suspended license $2,973 89% $1,402
Racing $2,997 91% $1,426
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,011 92% $1,441

Why is car insurance in Baton Rouge so expensive?

Auto insurance can feel pricey in Baton Rouge for various reasons, even with a stellar driving history. One key factor is the cost of living in certain locations. Baton Rouge isn't a cheap city to live in, and this is also true for businesses that operate in the city. Insurance companies have to charge more to cover their costs in expensive locations, which are then passed on to you, the consumer. 

But there are other reasons why Baton Rouge car insurance can feel expensive. We've outlined some of the key reasons why the cost varies from place to place, regardless of your driving history. 

location
Location

Although we mentioned that auto insurance in cities can be pricey, it also comes down to specific locations within that city. For example, insurance for a vehicle in one Baton Rouge ZIP code may be significantly more expensive than in another across town. 

But why is this the case? Like so many other things in the insurance industry, it comes down to risk. In an area that experiences more crime, uninsured motorists or theft, your vehicle is at a higher risk for loss. Thus, car insurance in these areas will be more expensive.  Someone who lives (and parks their car) in a safer neighborhood in the city will likely pay less, simply due to the decreased risk of the area.

Expensive Baton Rouge ZIP codes: 70805, 70812, 70807, 70814, 70815

Cheap Baton Rouge ZIP codes: 70808, 70820, 70803, 70809, 70810

weather
Weather

Louisiana's location on the Gulf of Mexico can make for some volatile weather in the state. Baton Rouge ranked as a top city for storm surge risk in 2021, and damage from hurricanes and other similar weather-related damage can greatly impact insurance companies in areas prone to Mother Nature's extremes.[1]

One common risk for people in Louisiana is flooding. Flood damage to a vehicle is covered under your comprehensive coverage, but not everyone chooses to carry this coverage. If you have a newer, or very nice, vehicle, we recommend carrying comprehensive coverage as part of your policy. It's also great to have peace of mind in Baton Rouge, regardless of your vehicle, if you're concerned about potential damage from flooding. 

Drivers
Number of drivers

Baton Rouge, the second-most populated city in the state next to New Orleans, has no shortage of cars on the roads — this, naturally, leads to accidents and violations. When an area experiences more claims, insurance companies typically pass along increased costs to other drivers in the way of higher premiums. 

Also, uninsured drivers pose a serious risk on the roads of Baton Rouge — about 33% of people behind the wheel aren't insured, which means that if you're hit by one of them you could end up paying for damages yourself. 

Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured property damage coverage and comprehensive coverage


Uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD) can be a great addition to your coverage if you live in an area with a high rate of uninsured drivers. It will be there to help if your car, or you, are damaged by a driver lacking sufficient insurance coverage. UMPD coverage is usually cheaper than collision coverage, often has a lower deductible, and filing a claim also tends to have less of a long-term effect on your rates compared to a collision claim. 

It's also worth considering carrying comprehensive coverage, even if your vehicle is paid off, due to weather risks in Baton Rouge. Damage caused by weather-related events is covered under comprehensive coverage, so if you're concerned about flooding, hurricanes or other weather-related damage then this could be a great addition to your policy.


Bundling insurance policies in Baton Rouge

It seems like car insurance is continually increasing — but don't worry, there are still plenty of ways you can save! One of the best ways is to combine your policies with one insurance company. If you carry renters or homeowners, ask about discounts that may be available by combining this with your auto insurance. You could potentially save 10% by bundling home and car insurance.

If your car and home policies are separate, it's worth a few minutes to reach out to your agent and see if you can save some money. If you're in the market for a new insurance company, then it's a fantastic time to ask about bundling discounts as you shop around for rates. The companies below tend to have some of the best rates when it comes to bundling your home and auto coverage. 

bundling home and auto insurance in Baton Rouge
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Baton Rouge
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $947
State Farm $1,178
GEICO $1,182
Southern Farm Bureau $1,224
MetLife $1,451
Progressive $2,038
Allstate $2,186

There are factors that go into determining your car insurance premium that are both within, and outside, your immediate control. We suggest shopping around to compare auto insurance quotes from multiple companies to make sure you're getting the most affordable rate. It's important to have the coverage levels you need to feel comfortable behind the wheel, while also not breaking the bank or compromising customer service.

Don't forget to look into rate changes after significant life events or financial changes, such as improving your credit or celebrating a milestone birthday. It's also important to remember that some insurance companies are just more expensive than others, so don't be afraid to do your research and switch if the time feels right.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

The average for a six-month auto insurance policy in Baton Rouge is $1,570, which breaks down to $262 per month. This is more expensive than both the national average and the Louisiana state average.

USAA is the carrier with the cheapest rates in Baton Rouge, coming in at an average of $988 per six-month policy.

Teenagers in Baton Rouge pay about $5,000 for a six-month policy or around $900 per month. Teen drivers will pay quite a bit for their own policy, so we recommend that young drivers be added to a policy with a parent or guardian to help bring down these costs.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.