Each state has its own laws regarding car insurance. Louisiana requires each driver to carry minimum liability insurance to protect others if the driver causes a car accident. The current minimum liability insurance requirements in Louisiana require you to purchase $15,000 for bodily injury to one person ($30,000 per accident for injuries to more than one person) and $25,000 for damage to property.
Remember, liability insurance does not protect you if you are involved in an accident. Therefore, you might also want to consider purchasing other types of car insurance, including underinsured motorist (UM) coverage, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), and medical payments coverage.
Purchasing car insurance can be overwhelming. Therefore, when searching for car insurance, there are several things you should keep in mind.
Four Things to Consider When Choosing a Car Insurance Company in Louisiana
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Are there any complaints against the company?
Before giving your business to any company, it is a good idea to check for complaints against the company. You can search online for complaints, check with the Better Business Bureau, and check the complaint index with the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI). You can also check with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for complaints.
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What insurance does the company sell?
If you are searching for a life insurance company, you want a company that specializes in that area. The same thing applies when searching for car insurance. You do not want to purchase car insurance from a company that specializes in health insurance of life insurance. Many insurance companies sell several types of insurance. Just make sure that the company does not focus on one area more than another.
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Compare rates, coverage, and deductibles.
You need to shop around when searching for car insurance. Companies base rates on several factors that are similar from company to company. However, rates and coverages vary from company to company. You want to ensure that you are receiving the coverage you need and a deductible you can afford for the best price.
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Do you have access to an agent?
In some cases, it is helpful to have a local agent who can provide personalized service. Many insurance companies have eliminated local offices to save money, and some of those companies pass those savings to their customers. However, when you are dealing with a representative who might be across the country, you do lose some of the personal services that a local agent can provide.
You need to weigh the cost of car insurance from a national company against the cost of insurance provided by a local company. What is the value of an agent who can provide the personal service you might need in the event of a car accident?
Do You Want More Information?
For more information about purchasing auto insurance in Louisiana, you can refer to the Consumer’s Guide to Auto Insurance provided by the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
New Orleans Car Accident Attorneys
When you are injured in a car accident, you need support from several sources. Our car accident attorneys can provide the legal support you need to file an accident claim. We want to help you hold the person who caused your injuries liable for the damages.
Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm to schedule a free case review. Call our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request your free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.