If you’re in a car accident in Louisiana, your auto insurance can help you pay for damages, depending on what types of coverage you have. All drivers in the state must have liability insurance, which compensates the other party if you’re at fault. However, you can purchase extra coverages for your own damages after a crash, like car repairs or medical expenses.
Details of your current plan can be found on your auto insurance declaration page. This summary document outlines your policy, including coverage types, limits, deductibles, discounts, and endorsements.
Knowing your coverage options and how to read the declaration page can help you understand your coverages and protect you when an accident happens.
Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Louisiana
Louisiana is an at-fault state, meaning you can seek compensation from the driver who caused the car accident. The state requires drivers to have liability insurance to cover some of the damages to the injured party, which includes:
- $15,000 per person (bodily injury)
- $30,000 per accident (bodily injury to more than one person)
- $25,000 for property damage
If you don’t have these coverages, you could lose out on potential compensation after an injury accident under the no pay, no play law. This rule prevents uninsured motorists from collecting the first $25,000 in property damages and the first $15,000 in personal injuries, no matter who is at fault in the accident.
Why You Should Have More than the Minimum Requirements
While meeting the state’s minimum requirements keeps you compliant with the law, it may not provide adequate financial support in a serious accident. Extra coverages can provide additional protection:
Insurance Type | What It Covers |
Medical Payments (Med Pay) | Covers medical expenses up to the policy’s dollar limits following the accident, and includes funeral expenses in case of fatal injuries. It applies regardless of who is at fault and covers you, your family, and other passengers in your car. |
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | Pays benefits if you’re hit by someone without enough insurance to fully cover your injuries or property damage. It also covers bodily injury for you or your passengers in accidents caused by others, including hit-and-run incidents. |
Comprehensive | Covers specified damages to your automobile not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. It helps ensure you’re protected against financial losses from a wide range of incidents, subject to any exclusions or limitations described in your policy. |
Collision | Pays for damages to your car resulting from an accident, whether you were at fault or not. After you pay the deductible applied, it covers the cost of vehicle repairs so you can get back on the road. |
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (Economic Only) | Similar to uninsured motorist coverage, but it only covers actual costs of injuries, not including pain and suffering. Under this policy, you may have to waive your right to sue for pain and suffering damages altogether. |
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (Property Damage Only) | Covers repairs to your vehicle if hit by an uninsured driver. |
Towing and Labor | Pays for towing and labor costs when your car is disabled, typically up to a dollar limit per tow. It might not be available for older cars. |
Understanding Your Current Policy
Understanding your current auto insurance policy helps ensure you’re fully protected in case of an accident. To familiarize yourself with the details of your coverage and how it applies in various situations, look at your insurance declaration page for the following:
- Check the Policy Period: This section shows the dates your insurance coverage is active, which is crucial for maintaining continuous protection. Look at the top of your declaration page for the start and end dates to know when you’re covered and your policy’s renewal date.
- Verify Personal Information: Verify your name, address, and vehicle details for accuracy—report discrepancies to your insurer to ensure smooth communication and claim handling.
- Review Coverage Types: Check the coverages or policy limits section to see the types of insurance you have and their financial limits. This helps you know what your policy covers and the maximum amount it pays, ensuring your insurance matches your needs.
- Deductibles: Look for information on your required deductibles for specific coverages. This is the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. Reviewing your deductible requirements helps you know what you might be responsible for paying after a collision.
- Discounts and Endorsements: Search for this section to identify adjustments to your standard policy, such as premium reductions or coverage modifications. This helps you understand customizations to your policy, showing cost-saving opportunities and altered coverage details, like roadside assistance or safe driver discounts.
Consult an Attorney After a Vehicle Collision
If you’re in a car accident, understanding your insurance coverage and filing a claim can feel overwhelming. Our knowledgeable Louisiana car crash lawyers at Dudley DeBosier can help you review your insurance declaration page and seek compensation based on your policy.
We have locations throughout Louisiana and have helped many clients protect their rights and get the financial support needed after a collision. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.