Rideshare Insurance Bill Sent to Louisiana Governor

Drivers for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft will have to carry hefty insurance policies, under a bill headed to Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal’s desk.

Rideshare services, or transportation network companies (TNCs), connect contract drivers, who frequently use their personal cars, with passengers through a smartphone app.

These providers have drawn scrutiny in cities around the United States where they operate, often because of safety issues that arise from the lack of regulation.

Under Senate Bill 172 by Sen. Dan “Blade” Morrish, R-Jennings, drivers will be required to carry a $1 million minimum insurance policy when shuttling passengers.

During the pre-trip acceptance period, the bill requires $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person, at least $100,000 for death 25 and bodily injury per incident, and at least $25,000 for property damage.

The insurance requirements take effect Jan. 1.

The proposal won final legislative passage with a unanimous Senate vote on June 6.