Short answer: Louisiana's "no pay, no play" law, R.S. 32:866, limits what uninsured drivers and owners can recover after a crash caused by someone else. Effective August 1, 2025, a driver or owner without required liability coverage can't recover the first $100,000 of bodily injury damages or the first $100,000 of property damage. The old thresholds were $15,000 and $25,000.
The law
Louisiana Revised Statutes §32:866 says an owner or operator of a vehicle who fails to maintain the compulsory liability security required by law can't recover a certain amount of damages from another party, even when the other party caused the accident.
Louisiana's 2025 insurance reforms raised that amount sharply. According to the Office of the Governor's summary of the 2025 insurance reforms, the threshold is now $100,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage, effective August 1, 2025.
| Before August 1, 2025 | On or after August 1, 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury not recoverable | First $15,000 | First $100,000 |
| Property damage not recoverable | First $25,000 | First $100,000 |
What it means in practice
If you drive uninsured and someone else causes a crash that injures you, you can't recover the first $100,000 of your injury damages from them. Most injury claims never reach $100,000, so in many cases an uninsured driver recovers nothing for injuries. The same applies to vehicle damage: unless your car damage exceeds $100,000, you generally can't recover it.
Exceptions
The statute lets an uninsured driver or owner recover in full when the at-fault driver:
- is cited for driving while intoxicated (R.S. 14:98) because of the accident and is later convicted;
- intentionally causes the accident;
- flees the scene; or
- is acting in furtherance of a felony at the time of the accident.
Exceptions and how they apply can be technical, so talk with a Louisiana attorney about a specific case.
Louisiana's minimum coverage
The Louisiana Department of Insurance's consumer guide to auto insurance lists the compulsory minimum:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident |
Carrying at least this coverage keeps you outside the no pay, no play penalty.
Why the minimum still isn't much
Louisiana's 15/30 bodily injury minimum is among the lowest in the country. If you cause a serious crash, the injured person can seek damages above your limits from you personally. Louisiana also has a high rate of uninsured drivers, which makes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage valuable. Louisiana insurers must include UM coverage at your liability limits unless you reject it or select lower limits on the state-approved form.
How to protect yourself
- Keep continuous coverage. Even a short lapse could expose you to the $100,000 penalty if a crash happens during the gap.
- Carry more than the minimum. Many drivers choose 100/300/100.
- Keep UM coverage. It pays your injuries when the at-fault driver has no or too little insurance.
- Add comprehensive. Hurricanes and floods damage vehicles, and only comprehensive covers that.
Common scenarios
Your policy lapsed for nonpayment, and a driver runs a red light and hits you. You likely can't recover the first $100,000 of your damages.
You're insured, and an uninsured driver hits you. The no pay, no play law doesn't limit your claim. Your UM coverage may also pay.
The at-fault driver was convicted of DWI. An exception may restore your right to recover, even if you were uninsured.
Key terms
- Compulsory liability security: the minimum insurance Louisiana requires.
- No pay, no play: the rule limiting recovery by uninsured drivers and owners.
- UM coverage: pays your injuries when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
- Lapse: any period without required coverage.
Bottom line
After August 1, 2025, driving uninsured in Louisiana can cost you up to $100,000 of recovery for injuries and another $100,000 for property damage. Keep continuous coverage, buy more than the minimum and keep UM. Compare states in our car insurance minimums by state table.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Louisiana and auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is Louisiana's no pay, no play law?
A law that bars uninsured drivers and owners from recovering a set amount of damages, even when the other driver caused the crash.
How much can't an uninsured driver recover in Louisiana?
Effective August 1, 2025, the first $100,000 of bodily injury damages and the first $100,000 of property damage.
What were the old no pay, no play amounts?
$15,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
What is the minimum car insurance in Louisiana?
15/30/25 liability.
Are there exceptions to no pay, no play?
Yes, such as when the at-fault driver is cited and convicted for DWI, flees the scene, acts intentionally or is committing a felony. Ask a Louisiana attorney about specific cases.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.