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Louisiana Minimum Car Insurance and Penalties for Driving Without It
The short answer
Louisiana requires liability insurance of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage (15/30/25).
Louisiana at a glance
| Minimum liability | $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage (15/30/25) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | No other coverage is required besides liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is included by default, but you can reject it, choose lower limits or choose economic-only coverage in writing. |
| First offense for driving uninsured | Knowingly driving without insurance, or letting someone drive your uninsured vehicle, carries a fine of $500 to $1,000. If you cannot show proof of insurance when asked, the vehicle is impounded, the plate is removed, and the registration is revoked if proof is not shown within 60 days. After an accident without insurance, the registration is revoked and driving privileges suspended for 180 days, or for 12 months with a $1,000 to $10,000 fine and 40 to 200 hours of community service if there was death, injury or property damage over $500. |
| Repeat offense | State law sets no separate higher penalty for repeat offenses, but the registration reinstatement fee after an impoundment rises to $250 for a second offense and $500 for later offenses. |
| Fee to restore after a lapse | The OMV charges lapse fees by days without insurance: $125 for 2 to 30 days, $275 for 31 to 90 days, and $525 for 91 days or more, capped at $850 plus a $25 administrative fee per cancellation when paid the same day ($250 cap at age 65 or older). Reinstating an impounded vehicle's registration costs $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second and $500 for later offenses, plus a $10 fee. |
Penalties depend on the court and your record; your citation or notice decides what applies to you.
FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires liability insurance of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage (15/30/25).
What happens if you drive without insurance in Louisiana?
Knowingly driving without insurance, or letting someone drive your uninsured vehicle, carries a fine of $500 to $1,000. If you cannot show proof of insurance when asked, the vehicle is impounded, the plate is removed, and the registration is revoked if proof is not shown within 60 days. After an accident without insurance, the registration is revoked and driving privileges suspended for 180 days, or for 12 months with a $1,000 to $10,000 fine and 40 to 200 hours of community service if there was death, injury or property damage over $500.