We handle a lot of auto accidents and car wrecks. It is always a tragedy to see someone hurt with no chance of getting the financial help to make it right. The insurance industry says nearly 1/3 of Louisiana drivers are uninsured. If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, it is something to consider. Usually, it does not add much cost to your policy. If you have a car with payments, your bank or lender will require you to have collision coverage. That protects the vehicle, if you are in a wreck with someone without insurance. It does not protect you.
UM or uninsured motorist coverage applies when the other driver does not have enough insurance to cover the wreck or no insurance at all. People tell us all the time, “If the other driver does not have enough insurance, I’ll just sue!” That does not do much good. If they do not have insurance, it usually means they cannot afford the premium. Getting a judgment against someone with no job and no assets really does little good. Unless they win the lottery or fall into a large inheritance, you cannot do much more with the judgment other than put a frame around it and hang it on a wall.
Another good thing with UM coverage is the insurance company cannot raise your rates for making a claim. Because the wreck was not your fault, under state law, the insurance company is not allowed to drop you or otherwise penalize you for making a claim. If you do not have UM coverage, please at least think about.