The bill amends and reenacts several provisions related to uninsured motorist coverage in Louisiana, specifically within R.S. 22:1295 and R.S. 22:1296. Key changes include the removal of references to the "commissioner of insurance" in certain contexts, and the introduction of new provisions that clarify the conditions under which uninsured motorist coverage applies. Notably, the bill establishes that if an insured person signs a form rejecting or modifying coverage but does not complete it properly, there will be no uninsured motorist coverage if it is determined that the intent was to reject or modify the coverage. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section (R.S. 22:1295(7)) that allows insured individuals under commercial automobile insurance policies to select uninsured motorist coverage through a specific form, with the presumption that no coverage is selected if the form is not completed.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that uninsured motorist coverage does not apply to injuries sustained while occupying a vehicle not described in the policy, and it clarifies the rights of insurers to recover payments made under the coverage. It also allows for optional arbitration for claims submission, ensuring that this does not limit the insured's right to pursue legal action against the insurer. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the regulations surrounding uninsured motorist coverage while providing clearer guidelines for both insurers and insured individuals.

Statutes affected:
SB499 Original: 22:1295(1), 22:1296(B), 22:1294(B)(4)
SB499 Engrossed: 22:1295(1), 22:1296(B), 22:1294(B)(4)
SB499 Reengrossed: 22:1295(1), 22:1296(B)
SB499 Enrolled: 22:1295(1), 22:1296(B)
SB499 Act 770: 22:1295(1), 22:1296(B)