Auto insurance is a necessity for families living in Lake Charles, LA, especially when you have children of various driving ages. As a husband and wife raising a family in this bustling city, we understand the importance of having the right coverage to protect our loved ones and our vehicles. With four vehicles in our household, each serving a different purpose, we have had to carefully consider the types of coverage needed and the monthly payments associated with each.
Our family consists of myself, my wife, and our three children, all at different stages of driving. Our oldest son, Jake, is 18 years old and has his own car, a 2016 Toyota Corolla. Our daughter, Sarah, is 16 years old and just got her learner’s permit, so she will soon be added to our policy. Our youngest son, Michael, is 14 years old and will be getting his permit in a couple of years. With each child reaching driving age, our insurance needs continue to evolve.
Our four vehicles include a 2016 Toyota Corolla, a 2015 Ford Explorer, a 2014 Honda Civic, and a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado. Each vehicle serves a different purpose, from daily commuting to family road trips and hauling equipment for work. As such, we have tailored our insurance coverage to fit the specific needs of each vehicle.
For our 2016 Toyota Corolla, we have opted for full coverage insurance with a $500 deductible. This comprehensive coverage includes protection against theft, vandalism, and accidents, ensuring that our son Jake is covered in any situation. The monthly payment for this vehicle is $150.
Our 2015 Ford Explorer is used for family road trips and weekend outings. We have chosen to add roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement to our policy to provide additional peace of mind while on the road. The monthly payment for this vehicle is $200.
The 2014 Honda Civic is our daughter Sarah’s future car once she obtains her driver’s license. While she is still learning to drive, we have added her to our policy as a permitted driver. Once she is fully licensed, we will reassess our coverage and adjust accordingly. The monthly payment for this vehicle is $100.
Finally, our 2018 Chevrolet Silverado is primarily used for work purposes, hauling equipment and supplies for my job. We have opted for liability coverage on this vehicle to protect against any damages or injuries that may occur while on the job. The monthly payment for this vehicle is $120.
Despite our best efforts to maintain a clean driving record, our family has experienced a few driving infractions over the years that have resulted in increased insurance rates. Some of the most common infractions include speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUI convictions. Each of these infractions can have a significant impact on your insurance rates, often resulting in a 20-30% increase in premiums.
For example, when our son Jake received a speeding ticket last year, our insurance rates increased by 25%. Similarly, when my wife was involved in a minor fender bender, our rates went up by 20%. These infractions serve as a reminder of the importance of safe driving and the consequences of reckless behavior on the road.
When it comes to auto insurance in Lake Charles, LA, there are several common questions that families may have when shopping for coverage. Here are 12 frequently asked questions about auto insurance in our area, along with the answers:
1. What types of coverage are required in Lake Charles, LA?
In Louisiana, drivers are required to carry liability insurance, which covers the cost of damages and injuries to others in an accident that you are deemed responsible for.
2. What is the minimum liability coverage required in Louisiana?
The minimum liability coverage required in Louisiana is 15/30/25, which means $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage.
3. What additional coverage options are available in Lake Charles, LA?
In addition to liability coverage, drivers in Lake Charles can choose to add collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments coverage to their policy.
4. How can I lower my auto insurance rates in Lake Charles, LA?
There are several ways to lower your auto insurance rates in Lake Charles, including bundling your policies, maintaining a clean driving record, and taking advantage of discounts offered by your insurance provider.
5. Are there any discounts available for families with teen drivers?
Many insurance providers offer discounts for families with teen drivers, such as good student discounts, driver training discounts, and multi-car discounts.
6. What factors are considered when determining auto insurance rates in Lake Charles, LA?
Auto insurance rates in Lake Charles are determined based on several factors, including your driving record, age, gender, credit score, and the type of vehicle you drive.
7. Is it necessary to add my teen driver to my policy?
Yes, it is necessary to add your teen driver to your policy once they obtain their driver’s license. Failing to do so can result in penalties and fines.
8. Can I remove my teen driver from my policy once they go off to college?
If your teen driver is attending college out of state and does not have a vehicle with them, you may be able to remove them from your policy to save on insurance costs.
9. What is the average cost of auto insurance in Lake Charles, LA?
The average cost of auto insurance in Lake Charles varies depending on several factors, but the average annual premium is around $1,200.
10. Are there any specific laws or regulations regarding auto insurance in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, drivers are required to carry proof of insurance at all times and must provide it upon request by law enforcement officers.
11. Can I purchase auto insurance online in Lake Charles, LA?
Yes, many insurance providers in Lake Charles offer the option to purchase auto insurance online, making it easy and convenient to get coverage.
12. What should I do if I am involved in an accident in Lake Charles, LA?
If you are involved in an accident in Lake Charles, it is important to exchange information with the other driver, take photos of the scene, and report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible.
As a husband and wife raising children of various driving ages in Lake Charles, LA, we understand the importance of having the right auto insurance coverage to protect our family and our vehicles. By carefully selecting the types of coverage needed for each vehicle, maintaining a clean driving record, and staying informed about the local laws and regulations regarding auto insurance, we can ensure that our family is protected on the road.