John W. Redmann | May 13, 2025 | Car Accidents
Car insurance is a legal requirement for drivers in Louisiana, but many do not understand what their policies cover or what happens after an accident. If you have been involved in a crash, understanding Louisiana car insurance can help you protect your rights.
Louisiana Is a Fault-Based State
Louisiana follows a fault-based system for car accident claims. This means the driver who causes the accident is legally responsible for any resulting injuries or property damage. The at-fault party’s insurance company may pay for damages such as:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Vehicle damage or loss
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Sometimes, drivers are uninsured or underinsured. This may require you to pursue a claim through your own policy or file a lawsuit for additional compensation.
Louisiana’s Minimum Insurance Requirements
All drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, sometimes referred to as 15/30/25 coverage, under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:900. This requires drivers to have coverage that provides at least:
- $15,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $30,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident if multiple people are hurt
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
These minimums may be enough for minor accidents, but often fall far short in serious collisions. It is recommended that drivers purchase higher limits or additional coverage to protect themselves.
Optional but Recommended Coverages in Louisiana
Louisiana drivers can purchase several optional types of coverage in addition to mandatory liability insurance. These can make a significant difference after a crash:
1. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
Louisiana insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage unless the policyholder rejects it in writing. This coverage helps if you are injured by a driver who:
- Has no insurance at all
- Carries only the minimum coverage, which does not fully cover your damages
- Flees the scene in a hit-and-run accident
UM/UIM is strongly recommended and may be your only recourse if the other driver lacks sufficient coverage.
2. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Medical payment coverage, commonly called MedPay, helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused your accident. It can pay for:
- Emergency treatment and hospitalization
- Surgery and diagnostic tests
- Follow-up care and physical therapy
This is especially helpful if you are waiting for a liability claim or lawsuit to resolve.
3. Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
In addition to liability and medical coverage, many drivers protect their vehicles with collision and comprehensive insurance. These coverages provide peace of mind by covering damage to your car under a wider range of circumstances. For example:
- Collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle after a crash, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision losses such as theft, fire, vandalism, or damage from natural disasters.
These coverages are especially valuable for newer or financed vehicles and may be required by lenders.
Louisiana’s “No Pay, No Play” Law
Louisiana has a “No Pay, No Play” law under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:866. This limits the damages uninsured drivers can recover after an accident, even if they were not at fault. Specifically, an uninsured driver cannot recover:
- The first $15,000 in bodily injury damages
- The first $25,000 in property damages
This law is intended to encourage compliance with insurance laws, but it can have serious consequences for injured parties who fail to carry valid insurance.
Insurance Affects Louisiana Car Accident Claims
Insurance policies play a critical role in car accident claims. They are typically the primary source of compensation after an accident. An insurer may investigate your crash, evaluate your damages, and pay your claim or dispute liability. However, insurance companies are for-profit businesses and may:
- Minimize the value of your claim
- Delay payment
- Argue that you were partially or fully at fault
- Use statements you make against you
- Engage in bad faith
An experienced personal injury lawyer can bring a lot of value to your claim. They can help protect your rights, negotiate with insurers, and pursue full compensation through settlement or litigation when necessary.
Contact the Metairie Car Accident Lawyers of The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC for Help Today
Understanding Louisiana car insurance is important to protect yourself and your family in an accident. Carrying the right types and amounts of coverage can provide financial security and legal leverage during a claim. If you have been involved in a crash or are facing a dispute with an insurer, do not try to navigate the system alone. The experienced Metairie car accident lawyers can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today.
If you were injured in an accident in Metairie or Gretna, Louisiana, and need legal help, contact our car accident attorneys at The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, to schedule a free case review today.
We serve Jefferson Parish County and Louisiana’s surrounding Areas
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Metairie, LA Office
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Metairie, LA, 70002
(504) 500-5000
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