Kenny Habetz Injury Law | August 10, 2025 | Louisiana Law
Louisiana is known for having some of the most distinctive laws in the country. One such statute is the state’s “No Pay, No Play” law, which limits the ability of uninsured drivers to recover damages after an accident.
If you are injured in a crash in Louisiana and do not have the required auto insurance, this law could significantly reduce the amount you can claim, even if the other driver was at fault. Here is what you need to know.
What Are the Basics of the “No Pay, No Play” Law?
Louisiana’s “No Pay, No Play” law, found in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:866, limits how much you can recover after a car accident if you do not have the required auto insurance, even if the other driver was at fault.
You must have at least the state’s minimum liability coverage in the following amounts to avoid being considered uninsured or underinsured:
- $15,000 for bodily injury per person
- $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Failing to carry this minimum coverage can significantly limit your ability to recover damages under Louisiana’s “No Pay, No Play” law, even when the other driver is responsible for the accident.
What if You Don’t Meet Minimum Insurance Requirements?
If you do not meet Louisiana’s minimum insurance requirements, state law says you cannot recover:
- The first $15,000 of bodily injury damages per person
- The first $25,000 of property damage
Skipping out on insurance might seem like a way to save money, but it can cost you far more in the long run. Even a small accident could leave you paying thousands of dollars out of pocket, which you will be unable to get back because of this law.
Why Did Louisiana Adopt the “No Pay, No Play” Law?
The “No Pay, No Play” law was enacted to reduce the number of uninsured and underinsured motorists on Louisiana roads. Uninsured drivers increase costs for everyone, forcing insured drivers to pay higher premiums to cover the risk.
The state reasons that if you choose not to purchase the required insurance, you should not be able to fully benefit from another driver’s insurance coverage after a crash.
How Does the “No Pay, No Play” Work in Real Life?
The law applies to most motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana, whether they involve cars, trucks, or motorcycles. The key factor is whether the injured party was operating a motor vehicle at the time of the crash without the required insurance.
For example:
- Another driver rear-ends you, causing you to incur $18,000 in medical bills, and you have no insurance. Under the law, you can only recover $3,000 for your medical expenses.
- You collide head-on with another vehicle, sustain $40,000 in property damage, and do not carry insurance. You would only be able to recover $15,000 for your vehicle repairs.
The rule applies regardless of fault, meaning even if you were not responsible for the crash, you still face this penalty.
Exceptions to the “No Pay, No Play” Law
The “No Pay, No Play” is broad, but there are several important exceptions where an uninsured driver can still recover full damages. These exceptions include situations where:
- The other driver is intoxicated and convicted of driving under the influence.
- The other driver intentionally caused the crash.
- The other driver fled the scene.
- The injured person was a passenger in the uninsured vehicle and did not own it.
- The injured driver was operating a parked vehicle that was legally stopped at the time of the accident.
These exceptions may not reduce your recovery, even if you lacked insurance at the time of the crash. Speak with a Lafayette car accident lawyer to determine if any apply in your case.
Steps To Take if You Are Involved in a Crash
It is important to protect your rights if you have been in an accident in Louisiana and do not have insurance. Quick action can help ensure that you do not lose more compensation than necessary.
Steps you should take include:
- Document the scene with photos and videos of damage, injuries, and road conditions.
- Get witness information to support your version of events.
- Seek medical care immediately and keep all treatment records.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer to determine whether an exception to “No Pay, No Play” applies.
Even if you are subject to the law’s restrictions, a lawyer can help you pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries and losses.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for Help
Louisiana’s “No Pay, No Play” law is a powerful reminder of the importance of carrying the state’s required auto insurance. If you have already been in a crash and are concerned about how “No Pay, No Play” might affect your claim, consulting an experienced Lafayette personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
For a free consultation, reach out to Kenny Habetz Injury Law today.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana car accident lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 399-9000
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883
