Louisiana law requires that all registered owners of an automobile carry liability insurance. You may be subject to fines of $500 to $1,000 for knowingly operating a vehicle without insurance, being involved in an accident without insurance and committing fraud by falsely claiming to have insurance. There are also penalties for lack of proof of insurance or for letting your insurance lapse. Drivers without liability insurance may also have their driving privileges suspended by having their vehicle impounded, their registrations revoked or their license plates cancelled. If you are involved in an accident without liability insurance you may have your driver’s license suspended and registrations revoked for 180 days. Also, if you are caught falsely claiming to have insurance you may have your license revoked for 12 to 18 months. The law known as “No Pay, No Play” prohibits uninsured motorists from collecting the first $25,000 in property damages and the first $15,000 in personal injuries regardless of who causes the accident. This law also includes a provision that may allow you to waive your right to make a legal claim for pain and suffering if you buy economic-only uninsured motorist coverage. *Louisiana Department of Insurance
