Missouri Auto Insurance
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Missouri Auto Insurance Requirements
When it comes to auto insurance, the state of Missouri likes to keep things simple. But even though the laws are simple, they still are different than those made by other states.
Minnesota state law
In Minnesota, state law requires that the operator or owner of any vehicles registered in the state must have a liability policy. But that’s not all because something called Uninsured Motorist coverage is also required by the state.
Costs associated with uninsured drivers
The state realizes the problems and costs associated with uninsured drivers and that’s why it is keeping track of drivers and making sure they are carrying the required coverage. Any resident whose coverage lapses can be have their registration and possibly their driver’s license suspended. Although this sounds strict, such a consequence helps lower the rate of unpaid claims and this, in the long term, benefits everyone by keeping auto rates lower.
Liability coverage helps with legal liabilities
Liability coverage helps pay the costs of the legal liabilities you, as the driver, incur as a result of the way you operate your vehicle. Should another person be injured or die in an accident you cause, liability pays that person’s medical expenses, up to the policy limits. State-required minimum amounts are 25/50/10 or $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident/$10,000 property damage per accident. When you opt for only the state required minimums, understand that these may not be sufficient to cover all claims. That’s why each driver should carefully consider higher amounts in light of his or her financial situation.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage
Missouri also requires drivers to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, the minimum amounts of which are $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in the event the at-fault driver does not have auto insurance.
Under-insured Motorist coverage
Under-insured Motorist coverage, also known as UIM, is not required but is good to have. It may help protect you by paying any claims that the at-fault driver’s coverage did not pay because your damages exceeded the at-fault driver’s chosen coverage amounts.
Wise insurance options
Comprehensive and Collision are also wise insurance options since these pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, or by reasons beyond your control including weather and theft.
Missouri Department of Insurance
Learn more about Missouri auto insurance laws by visiting Missouri Department of Insurance at http://insurance.mo.gov/consumer/auto/index.htm or by contacting the office, located in Jefferson City, at 800-726-7390.