SR-22 Insurance in Louisiana
Louisiana requires SR-22 insurance for 1 to 2 years after qualifying offenses. You must carry at least $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage coverage. Common triggers include dui/dwi conviction, driving without insurance, at-fault accident without insurance. Louisiana has relatively low minimum BI coverage (15/30) but higher PD ($25,000).
Last updated:
Overview
In Louisiana, an SR-22 car insurance certificate is often mandatory for drivers with DUIs, who drove without insurance, got into an accident without insurance, or failed to pay for damages in an accident, as well as other violations.
Key Facts
Minimum Coverage Requirements
What Triggers SR-22 Requirement
- DUI/DWI conviction
- Driving without insurance
- At-fault accident without insurance
- License suspension
Cost
How to File
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Call your current auto insurance company and request an SR-22 filing. Not all insurers offer SR-22 — if yours doesn't, you'll need to find a new provider. Compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate.
Purchase Required Coverage
Ensure your policy meets Louisiana's minimum requirements: $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage.
Insurer Files SR-22 with the State
Your insurance company electronically files the SR-22 certificate with the Louisiana DMV/motor vehicle agency. This usually takes 1-3 business days. You'll receive a confirmation copy.
Apply for License Reinstatement
Once the SR-22 is on file, complete your license reinstatement process including paying the reinstatement fee and any outstanding fines or court costs.
Maintain Continuous Coverage for 1 to 2 years
Keep your SR-22 insurance active for the full required period of 1 to 2 years without any lapses. Set up autopay to avoid missed payments. If your policy lapses, your insurer will notify the state and your license may be re-suspended.
What Happens If Coverage Lapses
If your SR-22 insurance lapses in Louisiana, your insurer is required to notify the state DMV by filing an SR-26 form. This will likely result in immediate license suspension, potential fines, and a restart of the full SR-22 filing period (1 to 2 years). Avoid any gaps in coverage by setting up automatic payments.
Important Notes
Louisiana has relatively low minimum BI coverage (15/30) but higher PD ($25,000).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Louisiana?
- In Louisiana, you typically need to maintain SR-22 insurance for 1 to 2 years. The clock starts from the date your SR-22 is filed with the state. Any lapse in coverage may reset this timeline.
- How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Louisiana?
- The SR-22 filing fee itself is typically $15-$50. However, the real cost is the insurance premium increase — expect to pay $300-$800+ more per year than standard rates. Total additional cost over the filing period is typically $1,000-$3,000+. Shop around and compare quotes to find the best rate.
- What triggers SR-22 requirement in Louisiana?
- Common triggers include: DUI/DWI conviction, Driving without insurance, At-fault accident without insurance, License suspension. The specific requirement depends on the offense and may be determined by the court or DMV.
- What happens if my SR-22 lapses in Louisiana?
- If your SR-22 policy lapses, your insurance company is required to notify the Louisiana DMV. Your license will likely be re-suspended, and you may need to restart the entire SR-22 filing period from the beginning. You could also face additional fines and penalties.
- What are Louisiana's minimum coverage requirements for SR-22?
- Louisiana requires minimum coverage of $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
Video Guides
Take Action — Direct Links
- Louisiana DMV — License Reinstatement
Official information about license reinstatement requirements in Louisiana, including SR-22 filing instructions.
- Louisiana Minimum Insurance Requirements
Insurance Information Institute — Louisiana minimum coverage: $15,000/$30,000/$25,000.
- Compare SR-22 Insurance Quotes
Compare SR-22 insurance quotes from multiple providers to find the best rate.
More for Louisiana
Suspension periods, IID requirements, penalties, and step-by-step reinstatement process.
Reinstatement fees, restricted license options, IID requirements, and timeline.
Related Guides
Related Resources on This Site
More for your state
- HousingSecond chance apartments in New Orleans, LA
- ExpungementLouisiana expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Louisiana
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Louisiana
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Louisiana
- ProbationProbation & parole in Louisiana
- License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in Louisiana
- Documents & IDID & documents in Louisiana
Helpful guides
- Phone & InternetFree government phone (Lifeline program)
- UtilitiesShutoff / disconnection protection
- HealthPrescription discount programs
- ProbationMisdemeanor probation guide