Increase in auto insurance requirements becomes law

Starting in 2010, motorists will have to have more vehicle liability insurance and will probably pay more to get it, under a bill that became law Monday. House Bill 1312 by Rep. Erich Ponti, R-Baton Rouge, became law as Act 921 of the recently ended legislative session.

State law now requires drivers to have at least $10,000 of auto liability coverage for property damage and the death or injury of one person; and $20,000 for multiple deaths or injuries. Ponti's bill requires drivers to have at least $25,000 property damage coverage, $15,000 for the injury or death of one person; and $30,000 for the death or injury of more than one person.

It is one of 133 bills Governor Jindal has so far allowed to become law without gubernatorial action.