Louisiana motorcycle insurance
Whether you plan to ride Louisiana’s big cities or along its rivers and swamplands, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the state’s rules of the road and secure a motorcycle insurance policy to help protect yourself and others.
What’s required of all motorcycle riders in Louisiana?
To legally operate a motorcycle in Louisiana, you need to hold the proper endorsement on your driver’s license and pass a road-rule written test and skills test. Be sure to prepare your proof of registration and insurance card beforehand—you’ll need both to take the tests. Here are the legal requirements of motorcyclists in Louisiana:
Helmet: All drivers must wear a helmet with a lining, padding, and a visor.
Eyewear: Unless your bike has a windshield, you must wear goggles, safety glasses, or a face shield.
Handlebars: Your handlebars can’t exceed the height of your shoulders when you’re seated in the saddle.
Mirrors: All motorcycles manufactured after 1972 must have a mirror mounted on the left side.
Passengers: To legally carry passengers, your bike must have designated footrests and a dedicated seat for passengers.
Inspections: You need to have your motorcycle inspected at least once a year by a professional mechanic.
It’s illegal to overtake a vehicle on the same lane, except for a police officer performing their duties. Additionally, it’s illegal to operate your bike between traffic lanes or ride side-by-side with another motorcycle in one lane.
What are the motorcycle insurance requirements in Louisiana?
Each state establishes its own minimum motorcycle insurance requirements. Here are the insurance coverages and limits you’re required to carry in Louisiana:
$15,000 in bodily injury liability for one person in a single accident
$30,000 in bodily injury liability for two or more persons in an accident
$25,000 for property damage liability per accident
Keep in mind, if you carry only the required minimum coverage limits, it may not be enough to cover your expenses following an accident. You could end up paying out of pocket to cover damages, medical fees, and other costs—for yourself and others involved.
Are optional motorcycle insurance coverages available in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana has multiple coverage options that go beyond the state’s minimum requirements, potentially helping you reduce out-of-pocket expenses following a covered accident. Here are a few optional coverages you can add to your policy:
Collision coverage
Collision coverage can help pay for repairs if your motorcycle is damaged in a collision—with another motorcycle, a passenger or commercial vehicle, or even a stationary object like a street sign or mailbox.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive motorcycle insurance coverage can help you pay for repairs or replacement when your motorcycle is damaged by something other than a collision—such as vandalism or theft, fire, and weather events like hailstorms.
Optional/special equipment coverage
If you’ve had any custom modifications made to your motorcycle, this coverage can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing the customized items instead of their factory-standard equivalents.
Still not sure what coverages you need?
Get a motorcycle insurance quote with Dairyland
Insurance quotes are quick and free. You’ll just need to:
Have your bike’s year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) on hand.
Answer some additional questions about your bike (e.g. customizations, where it’s kept, whether you’ve taken a rider safety course, etc.).
Select the coverages you want.
Louisiana car insurance discounts
To help you get the most out of your policy, we offer a range of motorcycle insurance discounts in Louisiana—review the list below and talk with your agent to determine whether you qualify for one or more:
Homeowner
Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) member
Multi-vehicle discount
Loyalty
Rider group
Active military
Transfer
Operator safety course
Does your policy still work for you?
Regularly reviewing your motorcycle insurance could help you save time and money
Sites to see in Louisiana
No Louisiana road trip is complete without a visit to Bourbon Street in New Orleans, one of the country’s most vibrant and eclectic cities. But there’s so much more to this great state, including:
Venice
No, not the one in Italy. Venice, Louisiana, is located at the southeastern tip of the state, where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico. Hop off your motorcycle and take advantage of the city’s charter boats and guide services. And be sure to enjoy some delicious seafood in the area.
Atchafalaya Basin
The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest swamp in the entire United States, even surpassing the Florida Everglades. This basin is teeming with wildlife, fish, and birds—most notably the bald eagle. Along with riding your bike through this natural wonder, you can also camp, hike, paddle, and take a boat tour.
St. Louis Cathedral
Built in 1718, the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans is considered the oldest cathedral in the United States. While it’s undergone several stages of refurbishing and rebuilding over the years, it remains a spectacular landmark that stands tall in the state’s history.
Get a Louisiana motorcycle insurance quote
To prepare for your motorcycle journey through the Pelican State, protect yourself, your bike, and other motorists with a customized insurance policy. Enter your information below, or give us a call at 866-324-7952 to speak with one of our local insurance agents.
