HLS 20RS-689 ORIGINAL
2020 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 492
BY REPRESENTATIVE MCFARLAND
INSURANCE/AUTOMOBILE: Provides relative to the reduction of commercial
automobile insurance rates under certain circumstances
1 AN ACT
2To enact R.S. 22:1457.1, relative to commercial motor vehicle insurance; to provide for rate
3 reductions in certain circumstances; to provide for certain equipment on commercial
4 motor vehicles; to provide for defensive driving training; to provide for liability
5 limitations; and to provide for related matters.
6Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
7 Section 1. R.S. 22:1457.1 is hereby enacted to read as follows:
8 ยง1457.1. Discounts; rate reductions; commercial automobile insurance
9 A. A rate reduction of thirty-five percent shall be authorized by the
10 commissioner upon application of a rate filing by the carrier of commercial motor
11 vehicle liability and physical damage insurance where the insured and principal
12 operator, regardless of age, produces the following:
13 (1) Certification from the National Safety Council or its registered
14 cooperating agencies evidencing the successful completion of the National Safety
15 Council Defensive Driving Course or certification of successful completion of a
16 defensive driving course approved and certified by the Department of Public Safety
17 and Corrections. Should the automobile be used by multiple drivers, the rate
18 reduction shall not be authorized on that automobile unless all those who drive the
19 automobile complete such a course successfully.
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 20RS-689 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 492
1 (2) Evidence that the insured vehicle is equipped with driver feedback and
2 video safety monitoring equipment and mounted immediately behind, slightly above
3 or slightly below the rearview mirror or on the dashboard of the insured vehicle in
4 a way as to not obstruct or reduce the driver's clear view through the front windshield
5 or front side mirrors.
6 (3) Evidence that the insured vehicle is equipped with a global positioning
7 system or navigation system that is capable of recording vehicle data such as speed
8 and location.
9 B. Insured and insurers of commercial motor vehicle liability and damage
10 insurance who comply with Subsection A of this Section shall be subject to a liability
11 limitation where the total amount recoverable for all damages for personal injury by
12 one person, including all claims and derivative claims, exclusive of property
13 damages, medical and related benefits and loss of earnings, and loss of future
14 earnings, shall not exceed five hundred thousand dollars plus interest and costs,
15 regardless of the number of suits filed or claims made for the personal injury to that
16 person.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 492 Original 2020 Regular Session McFarland
Abstract: Provides for mandatory rate reduction for commercial automobile insurance
carriers who complete defensive driving courses and install cameras and other
equipment. Provides for a $500,000 damage limitation.
Proposed law provides a 35% rate reduction for commercial automobile insurance carriers
where the insured and principal operator complete a defensive driving course, install
dashboard or windshield cameras, and install global positioning and navigation systems.
Proposed law provides a $500,000 damage limitation for insurers and insureds who comply
with these provisions.
(Adds R.S. 22:1457.1)
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.