U.M. Insurance: What It Is and Why You Need It

What is “U.M.” Insurance?

“U.M.” stands for Uninsured Motorist. U.M. Insurance is the part of your auto policy that protects you from uninsured drivers.

Do I need UM Insurance?

YES!

Almost 12% of Louisiana drivers have no car insurance. And most drivers carry only the minimum limits our state requires: $15,000 per person or $30,000 per accident for bodily injuries.

By comparison, just one night in the hospital can generate a bill of tens of thousands of dollars, and surgeries for common auto accident injuries can be astronomically higher than that. If you are involved in an accident with a driver who has only minimum limits—or worse, no insurance at all—you could have to cover those expenses yourself.

Will a UM claim increase my rates?

NO!

It is against Louisiana law for your insurance company to raise your rates or drop your policy because you made a UM claim.

How do I get UM insurance?

By law, your car insurance policy includes UM coverage with the same limits as your injury liability coverage ($15,000 minimum), unless you signed a special form rejecting it. On this form, you can choose to select UM coverage (also called “UMBI”) with lower limits than your liability coverage, UM coverage for your economic losses only (medical bills and lost wages), or none at all.

DO NOT SIGN THIS FORM! The small reduction in premium you will receive by rejecting UM coverage is never worth the risk of being left responsible for the damage caused by an uninsured driver.

CHECK YOUR COVERAGE! Look at your insurance app on your phone or call your agent. If you do not already have UM coverage, get it right away.

What if I am hurt in an accident by an uninsured driver?

At Sartin Riché, we help our clients navigate the complicated legal nature of UM claims. If you are injured in a car accident by a driver without insurance, we will make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION!

YOU PAY NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN OR SETTLE YOUR CASE!