Updated June 2026
What Is Non-Standard Auto Insurance?
Non-standard auto insurance is not a separate coverage type — it's the risk tier carriers assign to drivers whose violation history, license suspension, lapse in coverage, or credit profile moves them out of the standard underwriting pool. The same liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages apply, but premium pricing reflects elevated risk scoring. In Louisiana, common triggers include DUI conviction, license suspension for unpaid tickets or insurance lapse, three or more moving violations in 36 months, or a coverage gap exceeding 30 days.
- You were convicted of DUI in Louisiana six months ago and your license was suspended for 90 days. After reinstatement, you apply for coverage and every standard carrier declines or quotes rates 180-220% above your pre-conviction premium. A non-standard carrier binds a 15/30/25 liability policy for $215/month — $2,580 annually — and attaches your SR-22 filing the same day. The policy includes the same $30,000 bodily injury per accident limit as a standard policy, but the premium reflects your elevated underwriting tier.
- Your previous policy canceled for non-payment 45 days ago. You need coverage to reinstate your license after a suspension for driving uninsured. Standard carriers either decline your application or require a six-month paid-in-full deposit of $1,800. A non-standard carrier binds coverage with a $420 down payment and monthly installments of $185. The lapse triggered automatic non-standard assignment, but coverage begins immediately and satisfies Louisiana reinstatement requirements.
- You accumulated four speeding tickets and one at-fault accident in 24 months. Your current carrier non-renews your policy at expiration. You shop for replacement coverage and find standard-tier quotes unavailable — every offer comes from a non-standard underwriter at $195-$240/month for liability-only coverage. The policy pays claims identically to standard coverage, but the violation density moved you into the higher-risk pricing pool for the next three years.
Who Needs Non-Standard Auto Insurance?
You're assigned to non-standard coverage automatically if your driving record, license status, or coverage history disqualifies you from standard underwriting. This includes drivers reinstating after suspension, those with DUI convictions in the past three to five years, anyone with a coverage lapse exceeding 30 days, and drivers with three or more violations in 36 months. If standard carriers decline your application or quote premiums above $200/month for liability-only coverage, you're shopping in the non-standard market whether you choose to or not.
If your license is currently suspended or you're required to file SR-22, you'll be assigned non-standard coverage regardless of preference — shop for the lowest premium and fastest SR-22 processing time. If you're comparing quotes after reinstatement, accept non-standard pricing for now and re-shop every 12 months as violations age off your record. Most drivers return to standard rates within three years if they maintain continuous coverage and avoid new violations during that window.
How Much Does Non-Standard Auto Insurance Cost?
Non-standard liability-only policies in Louisiana typically cost $155-$240/month ($1,860-$2,880/year), approximately 140-200% higher than standard-tier rates for identical coverage limits.
- Suspension cause — DUI-related suspensions generate higher premiums than administrative suspensions for unpaid tickets or missed court dates.
- Coverage gap duration — lapses under 30 days may qualify for standard rates with some carriers; gaps over 90 days lock you into non-standard pricing for 12-36 months.
- Violation count and recency — three moving violations in 24 months triggers non-standard assignment; violations older than 36 months typically drop off underwriting review.
- SR-22 filing requirement — adding an SR-22 to a non-standard policy increases premiums 15-25% on top of the base non-standard rate.
- Down payment structure — non-standard carriers require 15-25% of the six-month premium as down payment; standard carriers typically require 10-15%.
- County underwriting — Orleans Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish non-standard rates run 10-18% higher than rural parishes due to claim frequency density.