Hardship License After DUI
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Louisiana Hardship License After DUI

Louisiana requires SR-22 filing for 3 years after a DUI conviction, with 15/30/25 minimum liability limits — $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage. Hardship licenses are available to DUI offenders after a mandatory suspension period, typically with ignition interlock device installation required.

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Non-Standard Auto · SR-22 · Senior · Teen Drivers

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Updated May 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Louisiana

Louisiana operates under a tort-based fault system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages in an accident. The state requires proof of financial responsibility at all times, enforced through random verification checks by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. After a DUI conviction, Louisiana mandates SR-22 filing for three years from the conviction date, not the filing date — missing even one day of continuous coverage resets the entire three-year clock.

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$15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
Bodily Injury Liability
Pays medical bills, lost wages, and legal costs when you injure someone in an at-fault accident. Louisiana's 15/30 minimum is among the lowest in the nation — one hospitalized injury can exceed $15,000 in hours. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles suspends driving privileges immediately if bodily injury liability lapses during the SR-22 filing period, requiring reinstatement fees and proof of continuous coverage before restoration.
$25,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability
Covers damage you cause to another vehicle, fence, building, or other property in an at-fault accident. The average new vehicle price now exceeds $48,000 — Louisiana's $25,000 minimum leaves you personally liable for the difference if you total a newer car. Post-DUI drivers must maintain this coverage without lapse throughout the entire SR-22 filing period or face immediate suspension and a filing period restart.
Continuous filing for 3 years
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
An SR-22 is not insurance — it is a certificate your insurance carrier files electronically with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles proving you carry at least state minimum liability coverage. DUI offenders must maintain SR-22 filing for three full years from the conviction date. If your carrier cancels your policy or you let coverage lapse for any reason, Louisiana receives an SR-26 cancellation notice within 24 hours and suspends your license immediately, requiring a new SR-22 filing and full three-year period restart.
Must be offered; rejection required in writing
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury
Pays your medical bills and lost wages if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Louisiana has one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the country — approximately 11.7% of drivers operate without insurance. Carriers must offer uninsured motorist coverage equal to your liability limits; you can reject it only by signing a written rejection form at policy inception — verbal rejection does not count and the coverage is automatically included if the form is missing.
Required for hardship license eligibility
Ignition Interlock Device Coverage
Louisiana requires ignition interlock device installation for all DUI offenders seeking hardship driving privileges, even first-time offenders. The device prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath. Installation costs $75–$150, with monthly monitoring fees of $60–$90 throughout the restricted license period. Some carriers exclude coverage for vehicles equipped with IIDs or charge higher premiums — confirm IID compatibility before purchasing a policy.
State-Mandated Minimum Coverage · Louisiana

Louisiana Minimum Coverage

CoverageMinimum
Bodily Injury (per person)$15,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)$30,000
Property Damage$25,000

License Reinstatement Fee$60

Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your Louisiana quote.

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How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Louisiana?

Louisiana SR-22 insurance costs significantly more than standard auto insurance due to the high-risk classification applied after a DUI conviction. Rates vary by parish, with Orleans Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish commanding the highest premiums due to accident frequency and theft rates.

What Affects Your Rate

  • DUI conviction increases rates 80% to 150% on average in Louisiana, with the steepest increases in the first year after conviction.
  • SR-22 filing fee ranges from $25 to $50 as a one-time charge in Louisiana, separate from the premium increase caused by the DUI.
  • Ignition interlock device costs add $75–$150 for installation and $60–$90 per month for monitoring, required for all hardship license holders in Louisiana.
  • Parish location affects rates — Orleans Parish drivers pay 30% to 50% more than drivers in rural parishes like Concordia or Tensas due to accident and theft rates.
  • Vehicle type matters — insuring a newer financed vehicle requiring comprehensive and collision coverage can double the total cost compared to liability-only coverage on an older vehicle.
  • Age and gender create rate variations — male drivers under 25 with a DUI conviction face the highest rates, often exceeding $500 per month for minimum coverage.
Minimum Coverage
$180–$280/mo
State minimum 15/30/25 liability plus SR-22 filing. Leaves you exposed to personal liability in any serious accident.
Standard Coverage
$240–$380/mo
50/100/50 liability limits, uninsured motorist coverage, and SR-22 filing. Covers most accidents without personal exposure.
Full Coverage
$320–$520/mo
100/300/100 liability, uninsured motorist, collision, comprehensive, and SR-22 filing. Protects your vehicle and maximizes liability protection.

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Coverage Types

SR-22 Insurance

Certificate filed by your carrier proving continuous minimum liability coverage to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Required for three years after DUI conviction.

Non-Owner SR-22

Liability coverage and SR-22 filing for drivers who do not own a vehicle. Covers you when driving borrowed or rented vehicles.

Ignition Interlock Insurance

Coverage for vehicles equipped with court-ordered ignition interlock devices. Some carriers exclude IID-equipped vehicles or surcharge the premium.

High-Risk Auto Insurance

Policies written by non-standard carriers specializing in high-risk drivers. Typically required when standard carriers decline coverage after DUI conviction.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Pays your medical bills and lost wages if you're hit by a driver with no insurance. Must be offered by every carrier in Louisiana.

Find Your City in Louisiana

St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, New Orleans at night with American flag and historic buildings illuminated

New Orleans

urban
Steel truss bridge over river at sunset with barge passing underneath and city skyline in background

Baton Rouge

urban
Shreveport, Louisiana cityscape and street view

Shreveport

urban
Stone memorial bench in peaceful park setting surrounded by green trees and grass

Metairie

suburban
City skyline with tall buildings viewed across water with green grass in foreground on clear day

Lafayette

suburban
Aerial view of sandy beach at sunset with forest on one side and ocean on the other

Lake Charles

urban
Peaceful river scene at sunset with pink sky and green trees reflected in calm water

Kenner

suburban
City skyline with tall buildings viewed across water from grassy waterfront area on clear day

Monroe

urban

Frequently Asked Questions

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