Louisiana requires everyone to purchase automobile liability insurance for the cars they own.  This auto insurance pays for the damages caused by you if you are at fault for causing an accident.  However, you can purchase optional coverage called Uninsured Motorist Coverage, or UM, that will protect you if you are involved in an accident that is not your fault. 

This coverage is inexpensive and covers your damages if the person who hit you has no insurance or not enough insurance.  In Louisiana it is estimated that up to one-third of drivers do not have insurance.  The majority of people who do purchase insurance only have minimum coverage of $15,000.  With medical costs skyrocketing, this could leave little to no money left to cover your other loses.  Therefore, this coverage is a must.

Uninsured motorist coverage covers things such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  Use of this coverage does not affect your rates and is often needed to make you whole following an accident.  In fact, under Louisiana law, a UM claim cannot be used as the basis for increasing your insurance premium.

People often waive this coverage without even knowing they have done so.  Your UM coverage cannot exceed your liability coverage.  So consider carrying at least $25,000 in liability and UM under your policy.  Ask your agent if you have this coverage, and if not, add it to your policy.  Its an easy way to protect yourself from the consequences of an accident.