Three New Louisiana Laws That Actually Matter (Here’s Why)
From the desk of a guy who’s seen too many people get burned by fine print.
Act 406 (SB 34): Shady Repair Estimates Just Got Riskier
I’ve seen it too many times. Someone files a claim after a fender bender or a storm, and the contractor or body shop submits an estimate to the insurance company. Then, all of a sudden, that estimate changes once the claim is approved. And it’s not always for a good reason.
This new law makes that kind of behavior a criminal act. If someone tries to alter a submitted repair estimate without properly notifying the insurer, the customer, and the repair facility, it’s now considered insurance fraud in Louisiana.
That protects you. It means you're less likely to get dragged into a situation where someone tries to overbill your carrier or sneak something into your file. It also helps keep premiums from creeping up across the board because of inflated or bogus claims.
If you’ve ever worried that your roofer or body shop might be playing games with your claim, this law gives you some peace of mind.
Act 465 (SB 61): Insurance Companies Can’t Punish You for Bad Credit Without Notice
Here’s the truth. Life happens. You go through a divorce, get hit with medical bills, or deal with job loss. That doesn’t mean you’re a bad insurance risk. But for years, credit scores have quietly affected what people pay for auto and home insurance.
This law brings some fairness into the process. It requires insurance companies to:
- Tell you if your credit score impacted your rate
- Give you a chance to challenge or explain that score, especially if it dropped due to something out of your control
- Be transparent about where they’re getting their credit data and how it’s being used
This one hits close to home for me. Running a business, raising a family, navigating life—it’s not always a straight line. I know what it’s like to be judged by a number instead of a person. This law won’t fix everything, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Act 24 (SB 11): Left Lane is for Passing, Not Cruising
If you’ve ever driven behind someone doing 62 in the left lane of I-49, you know exactly why this matters.
Louisiana now allows law enforcement to fine drivers who stay in the left lane without actively passing another vehicle. It’s not about being a traffic cop. It’s about safety, road flow, and reducing accidents.
Rear-end collisions, road rage, and unnecessary lane changes all go down when people treat the left lane like what it is—a passing lane. And fewer wrecks mean fewer claims. Which, yes, can help keep your rates stable over time.
This one’s just common sense. I’m glad we finally have some teeth behind it.
Why This Stuff Matters
I’m not a lawyer. I’m just a guy who owns an insurance agency, raises a family, and drives the same roads you do. These laws might not make the news, but they can make a difference in your premiums, your protection, and your peace of mind.
Whether it’s a shady estimate, a surprise surcharge based on your credit, or a highway headache, it all hits closer to home than most people realize. And that’s where I come in. I help regular folks sort through this stuff every day. No pressure. No nonsense.
Let’s Talk
If you’re not sure how these laws might affect your insurance—or if you just want to make sure you’re not overpaying for something you don’t understand—reach out.
Text me at 318-378-5361
Or send a message here
I’ll walk you through it like I would for my own family.
About Wayne Watley
Agency Principal, Watley Insurance Group
Based in Shreveport, serving Louisiana, Texas, and the surrounding states.
“We don’t just quote—we protect your people, your paycheck, and your peace of mind.”
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