For a UV filter, an expensive one should not noticeably degrade your image. Some cheap ones may. You could test your lens with and without a filter by photographing the want ads in the paper or a test pattern. You may see a color cast if your test target is white. Some will use a UV filter to protect the lens, but that is debatable for impact. I do not use a UV filter for impact protection, but always have the lens hood on, and also the cap when changing locations. I could see using one in a misty waterfall environment or blowing sand for example, or for fingerprints, as I'd rather wipe down a filter than the front lens element.
With any filter, there is the added chance of getting unwanted flare when shooting towards the sun or other light source.
I bought a very cheap ND filter at Best Buy when I was first starting and wanted a slower shutter speed for a creek. I found the filter gave a terrible color cast. Buy top of the line filters.
Some UV and CPL filter tests:
https://www.lenstip.com/113.1-article-UV_filters_test.htmlhttps://www.lenstip.com/139.1-article-Polarizing_filters_test_2015.html