7/15/08-A new law will require drivers to carry more liability insurance.
Existing state law requires automobile policyholders to have at least $10,000 for damage to the property of others. They also are required to carry $20,000 coverage for injury or death to more than one person in any one wreck and $10,000 coverage for injury or death to one person.
Previously HB1312, the new law increases the minimum requirements to $15,000 for property damage, $30,000 for everyone killed or injured, and up to $25,000 for each person injured or killed. It became law without the signature of Gov. Bobby Jindal.
The increases will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2010. The changes will be implemented upon renewal of policies after that date.

6/23/08-A bill on its way to Gov. Bobby Jindal’s desk would require drivers to carry more liability insurance.
State law now requires automobile policyholders to have at least $10,000 for damage to the property of others. They also are required to carry $20,000 coverage for injury or death to more than one person in any one wreck and $10,000 coverage for injury or death to one person.
The House voted 84-6 to concur with Senate amendments to a bill – HB1312 – that would increase the minimum requirements to $15,000 for property damage, $30,000 for everyone killed or injured, and up to $25,000 for each person injured or killed.
The increases would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2010. The changes would be implemented upon renewal of policies after that date.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

6/18/08-The Senate voted 33-2 to approve a bill that would require drivers to carry more liability insurance. A change made to the bill in committee would mandate less insurance than previously sought.
State law now requires automobile policyholders to have at least $10,000 for damage to the property of others. They also are required to carry $20,000 coverage for injury or death to more than one person in any one wreck and $10,000 coverage for injury or death to one person.
Sponsored by Rep. Erich Ponti, R-Baton Rouge, HB1312 would increase the minimum requirements to $15,000 for property damage, $30,000 for everyone killed or injured, and up to $25,000 for each person injured or killed.
The increases would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2010. The changes would be implemented upon renewal of policies after that date.
The original bill called for raising the limits to $25,000 for one injury or death and property damage and $50,000 for multiple fatalities or injuries.

6/9/08-The Senate Insurance Committee voted to approve an amended version of a bill that would require drivers to carry more liability insurance.
State law now requires automobile policyholders to have at least $10,000 for damage to the property of others. They also are required to carry $20,000 coverage for injury or death to more than one person in any one wreck and $10,000 coverage for injury or death to one person.
Sponsored by Rep. Erich Ponti, R-Baton Rouge, HB1312 would increase the minimum requirements to $25,000 for property damage, $30,000 for everyone killed or injured, and up to $15,000 for each person injured.
The increases would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2010. The changes would be implemented upon renewal of policies after that date.
The bill awaits consideration on the Senate floor. If approved there, it would move back to the House to sign off on changes before advancing to Gov. Bobby Jindal’s desk.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

5/30/08-A bill in the Senate Insurance Committee would require drivers to carry more liability insurance. The House already approved it.
State law now requires automobile policyholders to have at least $10,000 for damage to the property of others. They also are required to carry $20,000 coverage for injury or death to more than one person in any one wreck and $10,000 coverage for injury or death to one person.
Sponsored by Rep. Erich Ponti, R-Baton Rouge, HB1312 would increase the minimum requirements to $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 for everyone killed or injured, and up to $25,000 for each person injured.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

5/23/08-The House voted 57-35 to approve a bill that would require drivers to carry more liability insurance. It now moves to the Senate.
State law now requires automobile policyholders to have at least $10,000 for damage to the property of others. They also are required to carry $20,000 coverage for injury or death to more than one person in any one wreck and $10,000 coverage for injury or death to one person.
Sponsored by Rep. Erich Ponti, R-Baton Rouge, HB1312 would increase the minimum requirements to $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 for everyone killed or injured, and up to $25,000 for each person injured.
The measure is in the Senate Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

5/13/08-The House Insurance Committee voted 6-2 to approve a bill that would require drivers to carry more liability insurance.
State law now requires automobile policyholders to have at least $10,000 for the property damage of others. They also are required to carry $20,000 coverage for injury or death to more than one person in any one wreck and $10,000 coverage for injury or death to one person.
Sponsored by Rep. Erich Ponti, R-Baton Rouge, HB1312 would increase the minimum requirements to $25,000 for the property damage of others, $50,000 for everyone killed or injured and up to $25,000 for each person injured.
The bill now moves to the full House.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.
A similar bill – HB1291 – is in the House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee.