Live in Louisiana? If so, you should know that to legally drive on state roads and freeways, you must be able to provide proof of insurance if/when you are pulled over by an officer of the law, no matter what the reason. If you do not provide this proof of insurance, you may face fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Ironically, you may also have a difficult time finding cheap car insurance in future, since many companies will see your past actions as a risk factor.

Liability Insurance

All Louisiana drivers must purchase the state minimum amount of liability coverage in the amount of 15/30/25. This ratio equals to $15K in bodily injury liability for one driver, $30K in bodily injury liability for more than one driver, and $25K in property damage. While purchasing the state minimum amount of liability will allow you to drive legally, please be advised that these numbers only represent the bare minimum amount of liability insurance needed. Because car accidents can be extremely expensive, you should strongly consider purchasing more than the minimum amount required.

Louisiana Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Louisiana drivers are not required by law to purchase Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage; however, this type of insurance covers any damage that may be done to your car if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver—therefore, it is extremely wise to carry it. If you think you can afford to go without this coverage, remember this: you can only control your own actions on the road. You cannot control the actions of others. And with so many uninsured drivers in Louisiana, you may be left paying for damages if you are involved in an accident.

No Fault vs. Tort State

Louisiana drivers are not required to carry no-fault insurance. As a tort state, the law mandates that if a driver is at fault, he/she must pay for the other driver’s medical expenses and/or any damages done to their vehicle. The other driver may also pursue money for lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. If you do not have insurance, the other driver may sue you in a court of law.

If you plan on driving in Louisiana, you must purchase car insurance. How much you buy is up to you, but you need to have at least the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage in order to drive legally. Ideally, you should also purchase UM/UIM coverage as well. If you are looking for cheap car insurance rates, you should consider comparing quotes from different companies before purchasing a policy.