Being involved in an auto accident injury is dangerous, both physically and financially. If someone else causes the accident, that person and their insurance company should be responsible for the damages to your vehicle and your health. But, what happens when you don’t know who caused the accident or when the person who caused the accident does not have insurance on their vehicle?
What Automobile Coverage Is Required in Louisiana?
The State of Louisiana requires that all drivers maintain minimum liability coverage on their automobiles. Under Louisiana law, you are only required to have liability coverage on your vehicle, with “15/30/25” policy limits.
Thus, you must have $15,000 of bodily injury coverage for injury to one person, $30,000 of bodily injury coverage for injury to multiple people, and $25,000 for property damage. SeeLa. R.S. 32:900(B).
In addition to liability coverage, insurance companies offer many types of optional coverage. Because automobile insurance is so expensive, it may be tempting to purchase the state minimum coverage. However, you may want to consider the following options:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM)
- Medical Payments
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Rental
- Roadside Assistance
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Why Should I Buy Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
While the goal of this law is to prevent uninsured motorists from being on the roads, the Insurance Research Council estimates that the number of uninsured motorists may reach up to 25% in some states. According to the AAA Foundation, at least 11% of automobile accidents reported to police involve at least one driver who flees the scene. Frighteningly, that is more than one out of every ten auto accidents. If you are involved in an auto accident injury with a driver that flees the scene, how will you pay your medical bills and get your car repaired?
What does Uninsured Motorists Coverage Actually Cover?
Uninsured motorist coverage fills that gap, it acts as an insurance policy for the other uninsured driver. Uninsured motorist coverage is an insurance product that most insurance companies offer to automobile insurance customers. The product and its provisions differ from company to company, but generally an uninsured motorist policy will cover you wherever you are.
This means your uninsured motorist policy may protect you whether you are driving your own car, a passenger in your own car or a passenger in another person’s vehicle when you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Some uninsured motorist policies even protect the insured if he is a pedestrian who is hit by an uninsured motorist or a motorist who flees the scene.
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Check Your Automobile Insurance Policy Today
Many drivers don’t know the terms of their own policy, it is important to read your policy thoroughly and ask your agent questions. After an auto accident injury is not the time to learn that your policy will not cover your medical expenses because the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene of the accident. An uninsured motorist policy may cover your medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss wages and vehicle damage.
Uninsured motorist insurance is one of the wisest investments you can make.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
