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Louisiana Auto Insurance for First-Time Drivers

Louisiana requires 15/30/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Louisiana at a Glance

15/30/25

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

Minimum learner's permit age, 50 supervised driving hours

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

State Requirements

Louisiana operates under a tort-based liability system, meaning the at-fault driver is financially responsible for damages in an accident. All drivers must carry proof of insurance and may be required to file an FR-19 form with the Louisiana Department of Insurance after certain violations or lapses.

Bodily Injury Liability

Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees when you injure someone in an at-fault accident. First-time drivers should consider 50/100 or higher limits to avoid personal liability exposure.

Property Damage Liability

Pays for damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property in an at-fault accident. Louisiana law requires you to carry this coverage at all times or face license suspension.

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury

Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Louisiana law requires insurers to offer this coverage at limits matching your liability policy, and you must sign a rejection form to decline it.

Medical Payments Coverage

Optional coverage that pays your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident, up to your policy limit. Louisiana does not require this coverage, but it provides immediate payment for medical expenses without waiting for fault determination.

Cost Overview

$382/mo

Typical monthly rate in Louisiana, new drivers

Rate data: Insurify, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

Coverage selections: Adding comprehensive and collision coverage to a minimum liability policy typically doubles the premium, but provides the only protection for your own vehicle damage.

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Rules for new drivers

Night driving

11pm-5am

Passengers

time-of-day based (no passengers under 21 during restricted hours unless a 21+ is present)

Source: IIHS and state DMV records, verified July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FR-19 form in Louisiana?

An FR-19 is a certificate of insurance your insurer files electronically with the Louisiana Department of Insurance proving you carry at least minimum required coverage. Louisiana requires FR-19 filing after certain violations including DUI, at-fault accidents while uninsured, license suspension for insurance-related reasons, or accumulating excessive points. The FR-19 requirement typically lasts three years, and any lapse in coverage during this period restarts the clock.

Coverage Types

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is the foundation of every auto policy — it pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. This is the only coverage legally required in Louisiana, and it's the one coverage you cannot drive without legally.

Full Coverage

Full coverage combines liability insurance with comprehensive and collision coverage that protects your own vehicle from damage regardless of fault. This is required by lenders and lease companies, and provides complete protection for both your liability exposure and your vehicle investment.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after non-collision events including theft, vandalism, weather damage, flooding, falling objects, and animal strikes. You pay a deductible (typically $500 or $1,000), and your insurer covers the remaining cost up to your vehicle's actual cash value.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage repairs or replaces your vehicle after crashes with other vehicles or objects, regardless of who was at fault. This is the only coverage that protects your car in accidents you cause yourself.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage pays your medical bills and lost wages when you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your injuries. This coverage steps in where the at-fault driver's liability insurance should have, protecting you from personal financial loss.

SR-22 Insurance

An SR-22 is not a type of insurance but a certificate your insurer files with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles proving you carry at least minimum required coverage. Louisiana requires an SR-22 filing after certain violations including DUI, driving without insurance, or excessive points.