Whether you are in Metairie or Monroe, New Orleans or Natchitoches, Louisiana drivers should understand the Louisiana car insurance laws and the requirements to drive legally. Louisiana offers amazing experiences for residents and miles of roads to explore the beautiful state. But to do this, the 3.4 million licensed drivers in Louisiana must carry the proper insurance or face steep penalties.

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Car insurance laws in Louisiana

Like other states,  Louisiana auto insurance laws are in place for all drivers. That doesn’t just apply to the 3.4 million licensed Louisiana drivers but also to anyone driving within that state. Understanding the Louisiana car insurance requirements keeps you from potential driving nightmares. This includes:

  • Drivers are required to show proof of insurance to receive a driver’s license
  • Drivers must be able to show proof of insurance at all times while behind the wheel
  • Drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage, including both bodily injury and property damage

Liability insurance in Louisiana

Louisiana car insurance laws require drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. You will see these limits referred to as 15/30/25. This includes:

  • $15,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 coverage for damage another vehicle or other property

Meeting these minimum requirements will keep you square with the law but may not be enough to protect you from financial issues in the case of an auto accident. The minimum requirements are not enough to fully cover many cars if you are at fault for totaling them and may not be enough to cover medical bills in some accidents. Not only do the coverage limits matter, but liability insurance does not pay for damages or injuries that your car or you sustain. Liability is designed to cover damages and injuries that you cause to others. You may want to consider collision and comprehensive auto insurance coverage to cover your own costs. You may also want to add uninsured motorist coverage.

Is Louisiana a no-fault state?

Louisiana is an at-fault state, which is different in legal terms versus a no-fault state. This means if a driver causes the accident, then they are responsible for payments of damages and medical treatment. The insurance limits would also mean the at-fault driver can be sued for additional payments of damages, injuries, loss of income or other related accident expenses.

Penalties for driving without insurance in Louisiana

Drivers face stiff penalties for not obeying the Louisiana car insurance laws. Louisiana law requires that all registered car owners carry automobile insurance. If you are caught driving without it, a driver is subject to fines from $500 to $1,000.

There are additional penalties for lack of proof of having insurance or if you let your insurance lapse. If you cannot prove you have liability insurance, your driving privileges could be suspended and your vehicle impounded. Your car registration and license plates could be revoked or canceled.

If you are involved in an accident without liability insurance, your driver’s license could be suspended and your registration revoked for up to 180 days. Falsely claiming you have insurance has similar severe consequences.

Lastly, Louisiana is considered a “No Pay, No Play” state. This means if you do not have insurance, you have limits to collecting certain amounts of payments after a car accident, even when it is the other driver’s fault. Without insurance, your limits are capped at:

  • The first $25,000 in property damages
  • The first $15,000 in personal injuries

Additional auto insurance coverage options in Louisiana

Louisiana drivers spend an average of $2,909 per year for full coverage — the highest average in the country, but drivers do not have to sacrifice proper coverage. There are numerous options to customize your policy and provide adequate protection. Louisiana drivers can add:

  • Collision: Collision insurance covers your car if you have damages from a covered accident. This also includes damages from hitting a stationary object. The average cost of collision insurance in Louisiana is $468.87, according to the III.
  • Comprehensive: This is the insurance that covers damage to your car caused by circumstances other than an accident. Common examples of this include theft, fire, vandalism, flooding and other water damage. In Louisiana, the average cost of comprehensive coverage is $231.76 per year, according to III.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured motorist: This provides extra financial protection if you are involved in another accident and the at-fault driver does not carry or have adequate insurance. It pays for necessary medical payments, loss of income and other expenses from the accident you need to recoup.
  • Rental car reimbursement: For added convenience, this inexpensive option reimburses you if your car is in the repair shop due to an accident. Many carriers work directly with a rental car company for direct billing when you have this option.
  • Gap coverage: If you total your new car in an accident, you most likely owe more on the loan or lease than what your car would be valued at from the insurance carrier. This insurance covers the difference so you do not have to pay out of pocket. Many lenders require this insurance for new cars or leases.
  • Roadside assistance: Roadside assistance is another way to make your life a little easier in case your car is inoperable. This assistance provides help if you need towing, getting unstuck, fuel delivery and help with other roadside inconveniences.

Frequently asked questions

    • There are many factors used to determine the best car insurance company in Louisiana, and many of these are personal to you. Look at the company’s financial stability, customer service ratings, rates and discounts to get started. Bankrate has compared several carriers in Louisiana, and found USAA and Geico maintain excellent ratings and competitive rates for drivers in Louisiana.
    • Cheap car insurance is possible, even with Louisiana’s above-average auto insurance rates. Bankrate reviewed several carriers for rate options and found Geico and Southern Farm Bureau to be the least expensive car insurance companies in Louisiana. Geico costs around $450 per year for minimum coverage, while Southern Farm Bureau is the cheapest in the state for full coverage at $1,860.
    • When trying to save on car insurance in Louisiana, it can help to shop between multiple insurers and look for discounts. When shopping around, you can often pull free quotes from insurance companies and compare them to each other. When doing this, it’s essential to specify the same details in each application so that the comparisons are valid. Many insurers offer discounts that can reduce your premiums if you’re eligible. These discounts can range from simple requirements, like switching to digital billing, to more complicated ones, like maintaining a clean driving record.
    • Ultimately, how much auto insurance you purchase is up to you, but some strong arguments favor maintaining more than the minimum coverage. These arguments tend to make two specific points. One is that minimum coverage may not be enough to pay for all the damages and injuries you might cause if you are at fault for an accident. The other is that liability coverage doesn’t cover your own vehicle costs or medical bills, but only covers financial losses you cause to others. Before deciding on a policy, speaking with an insurance expert is always wise.