Louisiana is a state known for many things, including Mardi Gras, the unique architecture, and different styles of music.
That said, the state also has a disturbingly high number of car accidents. These accidents have a range of consequences, from life-altering injuries and severe financial distress to psychological trauma.
But there’s another additional consequence of car accidents. Increased insurance coverages.
The car insurance policy requirements in Louisiana vary based on the insurance company. It helps to do your research before choosing one.
The sections below talk about car insurance laws in Louisiana that every motorist should know.
Liability Coverage In Louisiana
Liability insurance or coverage goes toward paying lost wages, medical bills, and property damage to people injured in an at-fault accident. This insurance law requires minimum liability coverage with 15-30-25 policy limits. It means that drivers must carry:
- $25,000 in property damage liability
- $15,000 in bodily injury liability for one person
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability for each accident
Meeting these requirements will keep you square with the Louisiana state law. Still, the coverage may not be able to keep you from financial issues. Any driver who causes a car accident that results in severe injuries to the other parties involved or significant damages to the car of the other driver, the driver will be held responsible for damages surpassing their policy limits.
Furthermore, liability insurance does not pay to replace or repair your vehicle after a car accident you solely caused. Nor does this coverage pay for losses or damages related to theft, weather-related incidents, or vandalism.
To do so, you must add full coverage to your car’s insurance policy. Full coverage includes comprehensive and collision insurance.
What Are The Louisiana Insurance Laws You Must Know About
A total of 3.4 million licensed drivers in Louisiana must carry a certain amount of car insurance to drive legally. The insurance laws order the following:
- All drivers must show proof of insurance every time they drive.
- Drivers must show proof of insurance so that they can receive a driver’s license.
- Drivers must carry minimum liability coverage. It includes both property damage and bodily coverage.
Louisiana’s Penalties For Driving Your Car Without Proof Of Insurance
You may have to face different penalties when you are caught driving without your insurance. Here’s a quick summary of some of the penalties for driving uninsured:
- Impoundment of your vehicle
- You must pay a fine of $500 – $1,000
- Registration cancelled for 180 days
- Suspension of your driver’s license
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What Is A “No-Pay, No-Play” Law?
This law means that if you are uninsured and involved in a car accident, you cannot collect the initial $25,000 in property damages. Regardless of who’s at fault, you cannot collect the first $15,000 in car injuries.
Q2. What Are Some Other Coverages In Louisiana
Here’s a rundown of some of the most common coverages you’ll find in Louisiana. They include:
- Comprehensive coverage
- Lease/loan payoff
- Collision coverage
- PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
- Roadside assistance coverage
- Rental car reimbursement
- UM/UIM (Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
- Uninsured motorist property damage
- GAP (Guaranteed asset protection)
Q3. Can I Show A Digital Proof Of My Car Insurance In Louisiana?
Yes, you can. If you are involved in a car accident or pulled over, you can show proof of car insurance coverage to a Louisiana police officer with
