Do I automatically have UM coverage in Louisiana?

Yes, unless you rejected it. La. R.S. 22:1295 requires UM/UIM coverage on every auto liability policy at the same limits as your liability coverage, unless you signed a valid written rejection on the form prescribed by the Commissioner of Insurance.

What if the insurer says I waived UM but cannot show the form?

Then you likely still have it. A UM rejection is only effective if it meets the statute's strict requirements. When the insurer cannot produce a properly completed and signed waiver, courts read UM coverage into the policy at the liability limits.

Louisiana Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Louisiana requires insurers to include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on every auto policy unless you reject it in writing on a state-approved form. UM coverage pays your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. A valid waiver must be signed; if the insurer cannot produce a proper waiver, UM coverage is read into the policy at the liability limits.

Last reviewed: June 5, 2026 Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers

When the driver who hurt you has no insurance or too little, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is what makes you whole. Louisiana builds it into every policy by default.

Coverage is automatic unless validly rejected

La. R.S. 22:1295 requires every auto liability policy to include UM/UIM coverage equal to the liability limits — unless the insured rejects it (or selects lower limits) in writing, on the form prescribed by the Commissioner of Insurance.

A defective waiver means coverage exists

Louisiana courts hold insurers to the letter of the waiver requirements. If the rejection form is missing a required element or the insurer cannot produce a properly signed copy, the rejection fails and UM coverage is read into the policy at the liability limits.

Why it matters

UM/UIM is often the difference between a small policy and a recovery that fits the injury. Checking whether your waiver was valid is one of the first things a Louisiana injury lawyer does after a serious crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I automatically have UM coverage in Louisiana?: Yes, unless you rejected it. La. R.S. 22:1295 requires UM/UIM coverage on every auto liability policy at the same limits as your liability coverage, unless you signed a valid written rejection on the form prescribed by the Commissioner of Insurance.
What if the insurer says I waived UM but cannot show the form?: Then you likely still have it. A UM rejection is only effective if it meets the statute's strict requirements. When the insurer cannot produce a properly completed and signed waiver, courts read UM coverage into the policy at the liability limits.

Sources

La. R.S. 22:1295 — uninsured motorist coverage