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Louisiana Auto Insurance Requirements & Rates

Louisiana requires 15/30/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Louisiana at a Glance

15/30/25

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

State Requirements

Louisiana operates under a tort liability system, meaning at-fault drivers are financially responsible for damages they cause and can be sued beyond policy limits. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance and file an FR-19 certificate through their insurer. Louisiana law allows victims to pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver's insurer or file lawsuits for excess damages, per Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 32.

Bodily Injury Liability

Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering when you injure others in an at-fault accident.

Property Damage Liability

Pays for damage to vehicles, buildings, fences, and other property you damage in an at-fault crash. Coastal Louisiana drivers face additional exposure from weather-related multi-vehicle pileups on I-10 and I-12, where property damage claims can quickly escalate.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury

Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or inadequate coverage to pay your medical bills and lost income. Insurers must offer UM/UIM at the same limits as your liability coverage unless you specifically reject it on form R-1003.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage

Covers vehicle repair costs when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient property damage limits. This protection is particularly valuable in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where hit-and-run incidents and uninsured driver encounters are more frequent in dense urban traffic.

Medical Payments Coverage

MedPay fills the gap while you wait for liability claims to settle and covers expenses not billed through health insurance, such as copays and deductibles. It is particularly useful for Louisiana drivers without robust health coverage or who frequently transport passengers.

Cost Overview

about $146/mo

Average car insurance spending in Louisiana

Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Louisiana a no-fault insurance state?

No, Louisiana is a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver is legally responsible for damages they cause. Injured parties can file claims directly against the at-fault driver's liability insurance or sue for damages exceeding policy limits. This makes carrying higher liability coverage essential, as Louisiana law allows plaintiffs to pursue personal assets like homes, savings, and wages through court judgments.

Coverage Types

Liability Insurance

Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. Louisiana's tort system allows injured parties to sue for damages exceeding your policy limits, making higher liability coverage critical for protecting savings, home equity, and wages from legal judgments.

Full Coverage

Combines comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage to protect both your vehicle and your financial liability. Full coverage is essential for financed or leased vehicles and recommended for drivers who cannot afford to replace their car out of pocket.

Comprehensive Coverage

Pays for damage to your vehicle from non-collision events including theft, vandalism, flooding, hail, falling objects, and animal strikes. Deductibles typically range from $250 to $1,000.

Collision Coverage

Covers repair or replacement costs when your vehicle is damaged in a crash with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. Required by lenders on financed vehicles.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Pays your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Louisiana requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage, though policyholders can reject it in writing.

SR-22 Insurance

Not a separate coverage type but a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer to prove continuous coverage after serious violations. Required for DUI convictions, multiple at-fault accidents, driving without insurance, and license reinstatement.

Lake Charles

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Kenner

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Monroe