By the Law Firm of Brandt & Sherman

For riders in Louisiana, motorcycling is more than just transportation. But along with the thrill of riding comes the responsibility of carrying the right insurance. Louisiana motorcycle insurance laws require all motorcycle riders to have minimum liability coverage, but in many cases that coverage alone isn’t enough to protect you. Understanding what the law requires and what additional options are available can help protect both your health and your financial security.

Louisiana’s Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

State law requires every motorcyclist to carry liability insurance that includes:

• $15,000 for bodily injury per person
• $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

This coverage applies if you cause an accident that injures others or damages property. What it does not cover are your own injuries or damage to your motorcycle. Given the cost of medical care and repairs, these minimum limits are often not enough.

Penalties for Riding Without Motorcycle Insurance in Louisiana

Carrying the right insurance isn’t just recommended, it’s required by law. If you are caught riding without proof of insurance in Louisiana, you could face:

• Fines starting at several hundred dollars
• Suspension of your license and registration until coverage is restored
• Impoundment of your motorcycle in some cases
• A requirement to file an SR-22 certificate, which proves you carry insurance and often results in much higher premiums

These penalties are designed to make sure every rider on the road has basic protection. Riding uninsured not only puts your finances at risk after a crash, it also creates long-term costs that can make insurance more expensive in the future.

Louisiana Motorcycle Insurance Proof Requirements

Louisiana law also requires that you be able to show proof of insurance at all times while riding. This proof can be carried in paper form or shown electronically on your phone. If you cannot provide proof when asked, you could receive a citation even if you do have active insurance.

Additional Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Options in Louisiana

Because motorcyclists face a higher risk of injury in an accident, many riders choose to increase their coverage or add extra protections. The following options go beyond Louisiana’s minimum requirements and can provide valuable protection.

• Collision Coverage
  Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your motorcycle if you are in a crash, no matter who is at fault. This can make a big difference if your bike is heavily damaged or totaled. Motorcycles often cost thousands to repair, and without collision coverage you could be stuck paying those expenses yourself.
• Comprehensive Coverage
  Comprehensive coverage protects your motorcycle from non-accident damage. This includes theft, fire, vandalism, and storm damage. Because motorcycles are more vulnerable to theft and weather than cars, comprehensive coverage is one of the most common add-ons Louisiana riders choose.
• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
  Unfortunately, many Louisiana drivers carry little or no insurance. If you are hit by one of these drivers, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps pay your medical bills and repair costs. Without this coverage, you may have no way to recover damages if the at-fault driver cannot pay.
• Medical Payments Coverage
  Medical payments coverage, sometimes called MedPay, helps with hospital bills, ambulance fees, and other medical costs after an accident. It applies no matter who caused the crash. Since motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries, having medical payments coverage can help keep you from falling into debt while waiting for a claim to resolve.

These policies provide peace of mind and can prevent financial hardship after a serious accident. A single hospital stay after a serious motorcycle accident in Louisiana can exceed $50,000, not including surgery, rehabilitation, or lost wages. Riders often realize the importance of additional coverage when they begin navigating insurance claims after an injury.

How Motorcycle Insurance Affects Accident Claims in Louisiana

Our Lafayette motorcycle accident attorneys see firsthand how coverage affects claims. Riders with only the minimum required limits are often left with unpaid bills and limited recovery options. Extra protection not only helps cover expenses, it can also strengthen your claim when dealing with insurance companies. Our attorneys handle many different types of claims, and in every case, the level of coverage plays a key role in recovery.

If you are trying to prove fault in a motorcycle accident, coverage details can play a critical role in the outcome of your case.

Talk to a Louisiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you have questions about your coverage or have been injured in a crash, we can help. At Brandt & Sherman, we’ve been fighting insurance companies for over 50 years. We’ll review your policy, explain your rights, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Insurance laws can be confusing, and it’s not always clear what protection you really have until an accident happens. Our team is here to make sure you’re protected both legally and financially, so you can focus on recovery while we handle the fight with the insurance companies. Injured in a motorcycle accident? Get a free consultation today. Absolutely no fees until we win. Our Lafayette motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to help you understand your insurance coverage and fight for the settlement you deserve.