Uninsured Motorist Coverage-What Is It?

Uninsured Motorist Coverage-What Is It?

What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Insurance coverage can be complicated.  In the context of automobile insurance there are many coverage options…..liability, comprehensive, collision, medical payments, towing and uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage (UM Coverage).  Many insureds are either not aware of these options or, if aware, do not fully understand what is covered.  Louisiana has compulsory insurance laws that require  insurance on vehicles, currently only $15,000/$30,000 in bodily injury coverage.  Although required, the statutory limits required are typically inadequate when significant injuries are sustained.  Moreover, the vast majority of Louisiana drivers only maintain the minimal liability limits aforementioned while an alarming number of drivers do not have any insurance at all .  Consequently, the likelihood of getting involved in an accident with a driver with only minimal insurance or no insurance is great!

UM coverage is coverage that one can acquire to protect themselves in the likely event of an accident with an under or uninsured driver.  In other words, UM coverage is available in the event of little or no coverage available to the at fault driver.  What most insureds do not know is that UM coverage is automatically included when obtaining a policy, unless specifically rejected in writing.  A word of caution, be very careful when obtaining insurance coverage as often times insurance companies and/or agents seek to have unsuspecting and uninformed insureds reject UM coverage without ever alerting the insured of the potential catastrophic result of doing so.

Cle’ Simon

For more than 75 years the Simon family has carried on a family tradition of restoring lives in local communities and throughout the stat of Louisiana. At Simon Law Offices, I have proudly embraced this tradition and strive every day to continue the legacy. Simon Law Offices are Cajun Strong and restoring lives throughout Louisiana, one client at a time.

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