Why You Should Have Uninsured Motorist Insurance

Most people are not familiar enough with “Uninsured Motorist” insurance coverage and why they should have it; yet after liability, it’s the most important coverage you can buy. It’s the only insurance that protects you if you’re injured by another person carrying insufficient insurance–or no insurance at all. All too often, our clients tell us they have “full coverage,” but they have no idea their coverage provides only the minimum coverage the State says you must have. That requirement does not include “Uninsured Motorist” insurance.
If you are hit by a driver who does not have any insurance, he is “uninsured.” If he has insurance, but not enough to pay for your damages, he is “under insured.”
Many times, Louisiana’s minimum liability limits of $15,000 won’t cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life from injuries caused by an automobile accident. All too often, our clients are in serious accidents, and we have no way to recover their full damages. The person causing the damage typically can afford only minimum insurance in the first place. That person is usually unable to pay for judgment against them and will typically file for bankruptcy. In this situation, you want to have “Uninsured Motorist” coverage to cover the costs and expenses from being injured and get fully compensated for your losses.
Every time you take out a new policy, you are asked to select or reject “Uninsured Motorist” coverage. Typically, your insurance agent fails to adequately explain the selection or rejection of “Uninsured Motorist” insurance and coaxes you into rejecting it. If your agent doesn’t strongly recommend you selecting it,  we suggest you find a new agent!  Compared to liability coverage, “Uninsured Motorist” coverage is cheap, and is a must have. There are estimates that up to 20% of all cars on the road in Louisiana have no insurance at all. Almost as bad is the fact that the vast majority of those who areinsured carry only minimum coverage limits.
If you are in an accident with one of these motorists, the lack of adequate coverage could have serious consequences for you and your family.   Don’t settle your automobile accident case before discussing with Gouner Law Office what is required to make a uninsured or underinsured motorist claim.

May we help you with a legal situation? To schedule a private consultation, call the Gouner Law Office at 225-293-6200 or toll free 800-404-1921You can also fill out our contact form.

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