What Type of Insurance Should I Get for a Motorcycle in Louisiana?

With the wind in your face and the open road ahead, nothing can beat the feeling of cruising on a motorcycle. But in Louisiana, where 1,229 injury crashes and 97 rider deaths were reported in 2023, that freedom comes with serious risk. The right insurance is protection that could save your future. It can help with medical bills, damage to your bike, and other expenses if another driver causes a crash.

However, standard auto policies don’t usually apply to motorcycles, so you need a separate plan, even if you already have insurance for a car.

Read on to learn what coverage is required by Louisiana law, which policies offer extra protection, and how a Louisiana motorcycle accident attorney can help you receive a fair payout if you are injured by another driver.

Louisiana Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Louisiana law requires all motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance. This coverage pays for injuries and property damage if you’re found at fault in a crash.

Here are the minimum requirements:

While 15/30/25 coverage meets legal requirements, these amounts may not pay for all the damage or injuries in a serious crash. Many riders choose higher limits to avoid paying out-of-pocket for extra costs.

To get motorcycle insurance, you need proof of a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. This shows you’ve completed the required training and are licensed to ride in Louisiana.

Remember, your basic liability insurance covers others when you’re at fault in a crash, but not you. To protect yourself and your motorcycle, you need to consider the available add-ons.

Additional Motorcycle Insurance Coverage to Consider

Minimum coverage keeps you legal, but it doesn’t offer much protection if you get hurt or your bike is damaged. These supplementary coverage options can help you avoid major out-of-pocket costs and keep you financially secure:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): In 2022, nearly 14% of Louisiana drivers were uninsured. If someone causes a crash and they don’t have insurance (or not enough of it), your own UM/UIM can cover your medical bills and other damages.
• Medical Payments (MedPay): This covers medical costs for you and your passenger, no matter who caused the crash. It can help with emergency care, follow-up visits, or other treatment, up to your coverage limits, while your main claim is still in progress.
• Comprehensive Coverage: This pays for damage not caused by a crash, such as theft, fire, or storm damage. With Louisiana’s high rate of severe storms and hurricane activity, this coverage could save you thousands in unexpected damage.
• Collision Coverage: This covers repairs or replacement of your bike after a crash, no matter who caused it. For example, if you hit another vehicle, a guardrail, or slide out, this coverage helps pay for your own bike.
• Towing and Roadside Assistance: Motorcycles can break down from mechanical issues or after hitting road debris. If you’re stranded, this add-on helps with flat tires, battery trouble, or a tow.
• Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE): If you’ve added aftermarket upgrades or custom parts to your bike, standard coverage may not replace them. This option increases your protection limit.

Explore all policy options with your insurance agent to ensure you have the right protection before hitting the road.

Filing a Claim After a Collision: How to Protect Your Rights

In Louisiana, insurers often try to pay less than they should, especially in motorcycle cases. Riders are sometimes blamed unfairly for assumed speeding or reckless behavior, regardless of what happened.

These steps can help protect your claim and your right to compensation:

• Get checked by a doctor right away, even if you don’t feel injured.
• Take photographs of the damage, the scene, and any visible injuries.
• Request a copy of the police report once it’s available.
• Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and proof of missed work.
• Keep a copy of your motorcycle endorsement or safety course certificate.

Finally, speak with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney. At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we push back against false assumptions, build strong evidence, and explore every coverage option to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Maximize Your Insurance Settlement With Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers

When another driver causes your motorcycle crash, filing an insurance claim can help you recover accident-related losses. Multiple policies, such as your UM coverage or the at-fault driver’s liability, may apply but that doesn’t guarantee fair compensation.

Our team reviews every possible source to help you recover as much as possible. Whether you face hospital bills, lost income, or long-term injuries, we can guide you through your options and fight for the full amount you need to move forward.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your motorcycle accident, insurance coverage, and how we can help you pursue maximum compensation for your losses.

Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.