Louisiana law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability car insurance to operate a vehicle legally. As an at-fault state, Louisiana holds the driver who causes an accident responsible for all resulting damages. Below is a complete overview of Louisiana’s car insurance rules, updated for 2025.
Quick Checklist for Louisiana Drivers:
- ✔️ Carry at least 15/30/25 liability coverage
- ✔️ Keep proof of insurance in your vehicle or on your phone
- ✔️ Avoid lapses — your registration can be suspended
- ✔️ Consider adding uninsured motorist and collision coverage
Louisiana’s Auto Liability Insurance Rules
Louisiana requires drivers to carry the following minimum coverage:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident
This is commonly referred to as “15/30/25” coverage.
What Are Additional Insurance Options?
To better protect yourself and your vehicle, consider these optional add-ons:
- ✔️ Collision and Comprehensive Insurance
- ✔️ Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
- ✔️ Medical Payments (MedPay)
- ✔️ Rental Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance
If your vehicle is leased or financed, full coverage is typically required by the lender.
What If I Drive Without Insurance In Louisiana?
Louisiana enforces strict penalties for uninsured drivers. If you’re caught without valid insurance, you may face:
- ❌ Fines and license suspension
- ❌ Registration suspension and vehicle impoundment
- ❌ SR-22 requirement for high-risk insurance
Repeat offenses may lead to higher fines and longer suspensions.
What Insurance Verification Is Available In Louisiana?
Louisiana uses an electronic insurance verification system to ensure all registered vehicles have active insurance. This system can automatically detect coverage lapses—even if your vehicle isn’t driven—and trigger registration suspension.
Drivers must also carry physical or electronic proof of insurance and present it when requested by law enforcement or during vehicle registration.
Digital proof of insurance on your smartphone is accepted by Louisiana authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Car Insurance
Is car insurance mandatory in Louisiana?
Yes. All Louisiana drivers must carry at least 15/30/25 liability coverage to legally operate a vehicle.
What happens if I let my insurance lapse in Louisiana?
Your vehicle registration may be suspended automatically through the state’s verification system, even if your car isn’t being driven.
What does 15/30/25 liability coverage mean?
It means your policy covers up to $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 total for all injuries in a crash, and $25,000 for property damage.
Can I show proof of insurance on my phone in Louisiana?
Yes. Digital insurance cards on your mobile device are accepted during traffic stops and registration processes.
Does Louisiana offer uninsured motorist coverage?
Yes, and it’s highly recommended. However, you can reject UM coverage in writing if you choose not to carry it.
Want to compare Louisiana’s requirements to neighboring states? See:
Texas,
Arkansas,
Mississippi, and
Oklahoma.