Opinion ID: 1908070
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage Form Additional Instructions

Text: The Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage Form (hereinafter UM Form) is promulgated as required by law and is to be used with all motor vehicle liability insurance policies delivered or issued for delivery in Louisiana. The following instructions are in addition to those provided in LIRC Bulletin 98-01. . . . .  The policy number should be shown at the lower right-hand corner of the UM Form. In the case where a policy number is not available, the space for the policy number may be left blank or a binder number may be inserted. It is obvious changes were made when LIRC 98-03 is compared to LIRC 98-01. [1] The instruction for inserting the policy number was changed from must be placed to should be shown in the lower right-hand corner. Additionally, insurers were advised that the space for the policy number may be left blank when the policy number is not available. As indicated, the legislature delegated to the Commissioner of Insurance the responsibility to promulgate the UM waiver form. The bulletins provide instructions to insurers for proper completion of the UM form. We should consider these instructions issued by the Commissioner of Insurance regarding the form prepared by the Commissioner of Insurance. Insurers are entitled to rely on these instructions of the Commissioner in this matter. The instructions in the bulletin do not require inclusion of the policy number to ensure validity of the UM waiver form. I would grant the rehearing.