Dash Cams & Insurance: New Law To Reduce Premiums

New Louisiana Law Requires Insurance Discounts for Trucks with Dash Cams

Policy Starts in 2026 to Help Improve Safety and Lower Insurance Costs

A new Louisiana law is offering truck operators a way to save money while promoting safer roads. House Bill 549, passed during the 2025 Regular Session, requires insurance companies to offer liability premium discounts. These discounts apply to commercial trucks equipped with dash cams and telematics systems. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2026. It applies to any commercial vehicle insurance policy issued or renewed on or after that date.

Insurance Discounts Now Tied to Dash Cams

The new law requires insurers to lower liability premiums. These are the parts of a policy that cover injuries and property damage. To qualify, trucks must have dash cams with at least 1080p resolution. They must also have a telematics system that monitors driving behavior. This includes data like speed, braking, and mileage.

The amount of the discount depends on the insurer’s data. They can use past claims, loss history, or other factors to set the rate. The law does not require discounts for other policy types, such as collision or comprehensive coverage.

How Truck Owners Can Qualify for Discounts for Dash Cams

To get the insurance discount, the dash cam and telematics system must be installed and working at the time the policy starts or renews. These devices must also be compatible and meet technical standards set by the state’s insurance commissioner.

Truck owners must keep the systems running during the full policy period. Insurers can ask for proof of use. This might include a report from the telematics system or a certificate from an installer. If the systems stop working or are removed, the discount will be removed at the next renewal. However, once the systems are back in place and verified, the discount can return.

Dash Cam Compliance Must Be Verified Annually

Each year, insurers must check that the dash cams and telematics systems are still active. This can be done with a yearly data report or a signed affidavit from the truck owner.

Insurance companies also have to report certain numbers to the state by March 1 each year. These reports must include how many trucks received the discount, how much money was saved, and any changes in claims linked to dash cam and telematics use.

Starting in 2027, the insurance commissioner will compile this information. A summary of the findings will be sent by June 1 to both the House and Senate insurance committees.

Rules for Use of Dash Cams and Penalties for Noncompliance

The state insurance commissioner will issue rules to make sure the new law works as planned. These rules will cover how dash cams and telematics systems should work. They will also explain how insurance companies must verify use. In some cases, a company may be allowed to skip the discount if their data shows no benefit from using the systems.

If an insurer ignores the law on purpose, they could face penalties under Louisiana’s current insurance rules.

Dash Cam Rules Take Effect January 2026

This new law takes effect on January 1, 2026. From that point forward, all commercial vehicle insurance policies in Louisiana must meet these requirements when issued or renewed.

The goal is to encourage safer driving and reduce fraudulent claims. It also offers a financial incentive for truckers and fleet operators to install dash cams and telematics systems. By using this technology, truck owners could save money and reduce their risk on the road.