Louisiana Car Insurance: The New Resident’s Guide to Car Insurance

Moving can be enough of a hassle without having to worry about whether you have the proper car insurance policy. Each state has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to car insurance, and Louisiana is no exception. Information about all of the state’s requirements can be obtained from the Louisiana Department of Insurance in Baton Rouge by calling 1-800-259-5300 or 1-800-259-5301.

As LA is not a no fault state all of its drivers are held responsible for the damage inflicted when they are in an accident for which they are at fault. For this reason all vehicles registered in the state are required to be covered under a liability policy. Liability will pay for damage to the other motorist’s vehicle and person following an accident, and the state minimum extends coverage for up to ten thousand dollars in medical expenses for a single driver, twenty thousand dollars for the combined medical expenses of all the occupants of the car and ten thousand dollars for any property damage resulting from the accident, including vehicular.

Louisiana’s minimum requirements are among the lowest in the United States (as a matter of fact it is strongly recommended that all drivers carry more than the minimum level of coverage), and because of this and the fact that not all states require liability it is recommended that drivers carry an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. All too often in the event of a hit and run or an accident with a driver whose insurance policy is either non-existent or does not extend to the full cost of the damages the driver who does in fact carry insurance is left holding the bag for their medical expenses and any repairs to their vehicle. Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance will take away some of the burden inflicted by the irresponsibility of the other driver.

In addition to uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance it is strongly recommended that all vehicles be covered by LA collision and comprehensive insurance. This addition to their policy will pay for repairs to the vehicle of the insured in the event that they are involved in an accident for which they are deemed responsible. This involves accidents resulting from inclement weather conditions and run-ins with the local wildlife.