Missouri Auto Insurance: Minimum Coverage Requirements Explained

Missouri has specific requirements for auto insurance coverage, and it is essential for drivers in the state to understand these mandates. The “Proof of Financial Responsibility” law in Missouri requires drivers to have a minimum level of auto insurance to cover damages in the event of a car accident, regardless of fault. This law ensures that motorists have financial protection and can cover the costs of injuries or damages caused to others. Let's delve into the specifics of auto insurance requirements in the state of Missouri.

Bodily injury liability coverage

Missouri law requires all vehicle owners and drivers to maintain liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. The minimum amount of bodily injury liability coverage in Missouri is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This means that if you are found legally responsible for a covered accident, your insurance will cover the expenses associated with the bodily harm sustained by the other parties, up to $25,000 per person and $50,000 in total per accident.

In Missouri, the minimum liability insurance package might be shown as 25/50/25, with BI representing bodily injury liability. This means that the maximum bodily injury liability payment under the policy is $25,000 per person, with a total maximum of $50,000 per incident. It's important to note that you can be sued for damages greater than these minimum amounts, so it may be wise to consider higher limits of coverage.

Property damage liability coverage

Property damage liability insurance covers damage to another person's property caused by a collision with your car. This typically includes damage to another vehicle, but it can also extend to public and private property, such as road signs, bridges, or buildings. It is important to note that this type of insurance only covers damage to the property of others and not to your own property. If you want coverage for damage to your own vehicle, you would need to purchase separate collision insurance or physical damage insurance.

When purchasing property damage liability insurance in Missouri, it is important to understand the limits of your policy. The $25,000 minimum coverage refers to the maximum amount that the insurance company will pay per accident for property damage. If the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property exceeds this amount, you may be held personally responsible for the remaining costs. Therefore, it is generally recommended to consider purchasing higher coverage limits to ensure adequate financial protection.

In addition to property damage liability coverage, Missouri law also requires drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. Bodily injury liability insurance covers your financial responsibility for injuries to others in an accident, with minimum coverage requirements of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Uninsured motorist coverage, with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, protects you and your passengers if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver or are involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Missouri law requires all vehicle owners and drivers to maintain uninsured motorist coverage. This is to protect motorists if they are involved in an accident with someone who does not have the required liability insurance coverage. This coverage is also applicable in hit-and-run accidents. The minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage required by Missouri law is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, it is recommended that you hire a lawyer to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure you receive maximum compensation.

Collision coverage

Missouri law does not require drivers to carry collision insurance. However, collision coverage is an option for drivers who want to protect themselves financially in the event of an accident. This type of insurance covers damage to your car caused by a collision, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. It usually includes a deductible, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company covers the rest of the costs, up to the limits of your policy.

If you have a late-model or expensive car, purchasing collision insurance is a good idea to protect yourself financially in case of damage or theft. Collision coverage is also a requirement for most car loans, as lenders want to protect their investment. They may also require you to have comprehensive insurance, which covers non-collision incidents like theft, fire, or weather damage.

While not mandatory, collision insurance can provide valuable financial protection if you're in an accident. It's important to consider your individual risks and the value of your vehicle when deciding whether to add this coverage to your policy.

Medical coverage

Missouri's Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law mandates that all drivers have auto insurance with a minimum coverage and limits for liability and uninsured motorist insurance. The minimum liability coverage required in Missouri is $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. The law also requires uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.

While Missouri's minimum coverage requirements provide a basic level of protection, they may not be sufficient to cover all medical expenses in the event of a serious accident. As such, it is common for drivers to opt for extended medical coverage or additional insurance options to ensure they are fully protected. One such option is Medical Payments (MED) coverage, which pays your medical bills up to a certain amount, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. MED limits in Missouri typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 per accident, depending on the insurer.

Another form of medical coverage is Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This is similar to the required liability coverage but may offer additional benefits such as lost income due to the accident. While PIP is typically mandatory in no-fault states, it is optional in fault states like Missouri.

In summary, while the minimum auto insurance coverage in Missouri includes some medical protection, it is important to consider your individual needs and opt for additional coverage if required. Medical expenses can quickly escalate, and having adequate insurance can provide financial peace of mind and protection in the event of an accident.

Frequently asked questions