Paying for car insurance means that you have coverage if you get into a crash, or at least that’s what most people think. Differences in insurance programs from state to state and a general misunderstanding of how auto policies differ from other kinds of coverage can leave people confused about what kind of claim they can actually make.
Louisiana, like most states, only mandates liability coverage for registered vehicles. Drivers only needed to carry enough insurance to protect themselves from claims made by other drivers if they cause a crash. What kind of coverage can the average driver expect after a crash in Louisiana?
Coverage depends on fault and the policy of each driver
Louisiana requires liability coverage. However, drivers can buy broader protection in their policies. The necessary coverage includes $25,000 worth of property damage coverage when someone causes a crash.
They also need to carry bodily injury coverage in case they hurt someone physically. The minimum level of medical protection is $15,000 for a collision involving only one injured person or $30,000 coverage when two or more people suffer injuries.
When the other driver is responsible for the crash, you are dependent on their coverage for your costs. However, they might not have an active insurance policy because they let their coverage lapse.
When does your own policy protect you?
Generally speaking, your insurance policy only comes into play in crashes where you are responsible. However, if you paid for uninsured and underinsured driver coverage, you can make a claim against your own policy when another driver without enough insurance causes a crash.
Knowing what coverage you have the right to access is the first step toward getting compensation after a crash in Louisiana.
