Louisiana State Minimum Car Insurance & Requirements
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From the streets of New Orleans to the roads of Baton Rouge and the scenic bayous throughout the state, make sure you have the auto coverage you need. Direct Auto Insurance can help make getting covered easier with cheap car insurance options in Louisiana, a low upfront payment, and flexible payment options that work with your schedule and budget. Get a free quote today and use this guide to learn which coverages Louisiana requires, and which options offer additional protection.
Louisiana Car Insurance Laws
Do you have to have car insurance in Louisiana?
Louisiana law requires registered vehicle owners to maintain financial responsibility, which can be satisfied by purchasing an auto insurance policy. Louisiana’s minimum liability limits are 15/30/25, with each number representing thousands of dollars, as shown below under Louisiana Minimum Car Insurance Requirements.
Louisiana Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Wondering what your insurance policy needs to make sure you’re complying with Louisiana’s laws? Here’s a quick breakdown by coverage type.
|
Coverages |
Is It Required by Law? |
|
Bodily injury liability coverage provides financial protection if you cause an accident that injures another person. It helps pay for their medical expenses and your legal defense services (if necessary). |
Yes. $15,000 limit per person/$30,000 limit per accident. |
|
Property damage liability coverage helps pay to repair or replace other people’s property that is damaged in an accident you cause. It typically involves damage to another vehicle, but it could help pay to repair a house, fence, mailbox, and more. |
Yes. $25,000 limit per accident. |
|
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if an at-fault driver has no insurance (UM), doesn’t have enough insurance (UIM), or, in certain cases, can’t be identified after certain hit-and-run accidents. |
Not required but included in policies by default unless rejected in writing. |
|
Medical payments coverage helps pay for your medical and related expenses stemming from an accident, regardless of fault. |
Not required. |
|
Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you collide with another car, tree, guardrail, or another object. |
Not required.1 |
|
Comprehensive coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by something other than a collision, like fire, floodwaters, falling branches, vandalism, or contact with an animal. |
Not required.1 |
IMPORTANT NOTE: While liability-only coverage ensures you meet Louisiana’s insurance laws, it generally does not provide protection for your own injuries or damage to your own vehicle. You would need to add additional coverage, like UM/UIM, comprehensive and collision, to protect yourself and your vehicle more fully.
1Your lender may require these coverages if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Are there additional coverage options?
For added peace of mind, Direct Auto offers optional coverages, services, and protection plans for Louisiana drivers:
Louisiana Proof of Financial Responsibility and Penalties
What if I don't meet Louisiana’s minimum car insurance requirements?
If you're caught driving without insurance in Louisiana, you could be subject to serious consequences.
Vehicle owners without insurance may see their car impounded, the revocation of their registration, or suspension of license plates. If you are involved in a traffic collision while failing to meet insurance requirements, your license and registration could be suspended for 180 days, according to the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
Louisiana is also a “No Pay, No Play” state. An uninsured driver may be limited in their ability to recover damages after an accident, even if another driver was at fault. Additional exceptions and conditions may apply under Louisiana law.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in Louisiana
Driving with a suspended license in Louisiana may result in fines, jail time, and an extension of your license suspension. The severity of the penalties may depend on the reason for the suspension and whether you have previous violations. Repeat offenses typically carry more serious consequences.
SR-22 Insurance in Louisiana
Some high-risk drivers may be required to keep an SR-22 insurance (also known as a certificate of financial responsibility) on file with the state to verify they maintain the minimum auto insurance coverage required by Louisiana law. An SR-22 requirement may result from certain driving violations or other situations that require proof of financial responsibility. Examples may include:
- Failing to maintain required liability coverage
- Certain DUI/DWI-related offenses
- Other serious driving violations
If you need an SR-22 filed or have questions about maintaining the required coverage, Direct Auto can help. We specialize in helping Louisiana drivers find affordable car insurance coverage, regardless of their driving history. Call us today for a free quote.
Cheap Car Insurance in Louisiana
Whether you have a clean driving record or need high-risk auto insurance, Direct Auto offers affordable coverage options for Louisiana drivers. No matter your driving history, we’re committed to helping you find quality coverage that fits your budget.
Rates may depend on factors like your coverage, vehicle, driving habits, location, driving record, and credit history (where permitted by law).
Ready to save? Get a Louisiana car insurance quote from Direct Auto today. Call, click, or stop by a local store to find affordable coverage.
Louisiana Regional Auto Insurance
Wherever you live in Louisiana, Direct Auto can help you find car insurance coverage that fits your needs.
Baton Rouge Auto Insurance
Lafayette Auto Insurance
Metairie Auto Insurance
New Orleans Auto Insurance
Shreveport Auto Insurance
Other Louisiana Auto Insurance Resources
*Cost and down payments will vary based on coverages and pay plan selected, state requirements, and how you buy. A lower down payment does not equal premium savings. Additional fees may apply.
**Roadside Assistance is not insurance and is administered through Nation Safe Drivers, Boca Raton, FL. Not all benefits available in all states.
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