Louisiana's New "No Pay, No Play" Law and Your Car Accident Claim in Bossier City
By | Joseph A. Gregorio, A Professional Law Firm |
Accidents Involving Insured and Uninsured Motorists: What Every Driver Needs to Know
Louisiana law, like most states, requires drivers to carry motor vehicle liability insurance. This compulsory liability security ensures that if a person causes an accident, there is coverage to pay for the other party's bodily injury and property damage expenses. When a driver is insured, their insurance company covers these costs up to the policy limits.
However, when a driver is uninsured, they may be responsible for paying all accident-related expenses out of pocket. Because these costs can be extremely high, the insured driver's company often must cover their customer's expenses but may struggle to get reimbursed from the uninsured driver. This ultimately drives up premiums for everyone.
Even when Louisiana's No Pay, No Play law limits an uninsured driver’s financial recovery, insurance issues can get complicated fast. You may still have options through your own policy or a coverage dispute. Learn more about understanding complex Louisiana insurance claims and bad faith cases here: https://www.bossiercitylawyer.com/personal-injury/insurance-claims-bad-faith/
What is the Louisiana No Pay, No Play Law (La. R.S. 32:866)?
Commonly known as the "no pay, no play" law, this statute severely limits an uninsured driver's ability to pursue a personal injury claim against an at-fault driver's insurance company after a collision.
The 2025 Amendment: Louisiana amended the compulsory vehicle security statute La. R.S. 32:866, effective August 1, 2025, to combat the cost of high insurance premiums. This updated No Pay, No Play law establishes that if a driver does not have the required liability insurance, they generally cannot recover the first $100,000 of bodily injury damages and the first $100,000 of property damage. This means the uninsured driver is responsible for covering up to those amounts on their own.
If you were hurt in a crash and you’re unsure how Louisiana’s No Pay, No Play law affects your claim, our experienced Bossier City car accident attorneys can explain your options and protect your rights. For immediate guidance, visit our dedicated page on car accident claims or call us today for a free consultation: https://www.bossiercitylawyer.com/personal-injury/car-accidents/
Crucially, to meet the stipulations of this law and avoid the recovery limitations, a driver only needs to maintain the state-required minimum liability insurance. As long as the driver has this coverage before an accident, they can pursue a full claim against the at-fault driver.
Are There Exceptions to the No Pay, No Play Law?
Yes, there are critical exceptions to the No Pay, No Play law. Under the following circumstances, an uninsured accident victim can file a claim for full recovery without the $100,000 limitation:
- The at-fault driver was intoxicated (cited for R.S. 14:98 and subsequently convicted or pleads nolo contendere).
- The at-fault driver fled the scene (hit-and-run accident).
- The at-fault driver caused the accident on purpose (intentional act).
- The at-fault driver was in furtherance of the commission of a felony at the time of the accident.
- The uninsured vehicle was legally parked at the time of the collision.
- The claimant is a passenger in the uninsured vehicle (and is not the owner of the vehicle).
One key exception applies if the at-fault driver was impaired or acting recklessly at the time of the crash. Cases involving unsafe driving often require deeper investigation. See how we handle Louisiana drowsy driving accident claims: https://www.bossiercitylawyer.com/personal-injury/car-accidents/drowsy-driving-accidents/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Uninsured Motorist Claims
Does Louisiana’s No Pay, No Play law apply even if I wasn’t at fault?
Yes. The limitation applies regardless of fault. If you were uninsured at the time of the crash, you generally cannot recover the first $100,000 in bodily injury damages and the first $100,000 in property damages unless an exception applies.
What if my insurance lapsed right before the accident?
Even a short lapse can trigger No Pay, No Play. The key issue is whether coverage was active and bound before the collision occurred. Coverage purchased or reinstated after the accident usually does not remove the bar, as clearly stated in the law (LSA-R.S. 32:866 G).
Can the other driver’s insurance company automatically deny my claim under this law?
Not automatically. The at-fault party must raise No Pay, No Play as an affirmative defense. In some situations, insurers may misapply the statute or fail to investigate an exception, so it’s important to get legal advice before accepting a denial.
We Fight to Protect Your Rights After a Bossier City Car Accident
With over 30 years of experience, our Bossier City Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Joseph A. Gregorio understands the complexities surrounding the No Pay, No Play law and how it impacts uninsured motorist claims for accident victims in Louisiana. At Joseph A. Gregorio, A Professional Law Firm, we can provide you with superior legal guidance for your case and work toward getting favorable compensation for you, even in difficult situations. We also work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means you will not pay legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Read what our clients have to say: https://www.bossiercitylawyer.com/testimonials/
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver in Bossier City, LA, and need help navigating the complexities of uninsured motorist law, don't wait. Call Joseph A. Gregorio, A Professional Law Firm at (318) 719-7515 to discuss your case today, or fill out our secure online contact form to reach our team: https://www.bossiercitylawyer.com/contact-us/.