When you are in an automobile collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be able to make a claim for UM. All Louisiana automobile policies come with UM coverage equal to the policy’s BI liability limits, unless UM is properly rejected in writing. Thus, if you do not remember signing and initialing a form rejecting UM coverage, you likely carry coverage on your car insurance.
There are several ways to check whether you have UM coverage:
- Call the agent that sold you car insurance. Typically, agents are happy to talk to you. Often the insurance card that you carry has your agent’s name and phone number listed. Your insurance agent will tell you whether you have UM.
- Make a claim on your insurance. You can call your car insurance carrier and make a claim for damages, including property damage if you carry collision coverage. Your insurance carrier will be quick to tell you what coverage you purchased and did not purchase. Most insurance companies allow you to make a claim online as well as by phone. Once a claim is made, a claim number and insurance adjuster will be assigned. The assigned adjuster will be able to tell you whether you have UM.
- Look at paperwork sent to you when you purchased or renewed your policy. Insurance policies are either emailed or mailed to you when you first purchase coverage. The first several pages will include an “Explanation of Benefits” section or a “Declarations Page.” Whether you are covered with UM will be listed. Also, paperwork is mailed or emailed to you each time you renew your policy. The renewal paperwork will explain what changes to your coverage have occurred, including whether you carry UM.
- Look at the insurance card you carry in your wallet or purse. The “Louisiana Auto Insurance Identification Card” is proof of insurance. You are required to carry it when you are driving. Some cards describe what coverage is carried on a policy. If the front of the card has a “U” listed on it, you may have UM. The back of the card will likely indicate that “U” stands for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you installed your insurance company’s mobile app instead, consult your phone’s app. The app will indicate the insurance benefits that you purchased.
If you have suffered injury from an accident and have questions about UM coverage, contact Law Office of Donald D’Aunoy Jr., LLC today for a FREE consultation: 1000 Veterans Blvd #203, Metairie, LA 70005, Phone: 504-508-6414. Speak directly with an attorney. Attorney Donald D’Aunoy Jr. offers FREE house calls to personal injury clients throughout southeast Louisiana, including Algiers, Amite, Avondale, Belle Chasse, Bogalusa, Boutte, Chalmette, Covington, Cut Off, Destrehan, Edgard, Franklinton, Galliano, Gretna, Hammond, Harahan, Harvey, Houma, Jefferson, Kenner, Laplace, Lacombe, Larose, Luling, Lutcher, Madisonville, Mandeville, Marrero, Marrero, Morgan City, Montegut, New Orleans, Norco, Patterson, Pearl River, Ponchatoula, Prairieville, Raceland, River Ridge, Slidell, St. Rose, Thibodaux, Tickfaw, Westwego. Mr. D’Aunoy is well reviewed on sites such as Avvo and Facebook.
