Missouri law mandates that all drivers carry auto insurance to provide financial protection against losses resulting from traffic accidents. Understanding these requirements is crucial for every Missouri driver, not just to comply with the law but to ensure adequate protection in the event of an accident. Whether you are a new resident navigating Missouri’s roads for the first time or a long-standing resident reviewing an insurance policy, ensuring full compliance with Missouri’s insurance laws avoids penalties and provides peace of mind on the road.
Drivers are mandated to carry both liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage to ensure financial responsibility in the event of an accident. Liability insurance must cover a minimum of $25,000 for bodily injury per party and for property damages, as well as $50,000 for bodily harm per incident. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage is required with minimum limits of $25,000 for bodily injury per individual and $50,000 for bodily injury per collision. These requirements represent the legal minimums, but drivers often opt for higher limits and additional coverage types for greater protection. Missouri’s comparative fault system and insurance monitoring efforts underscore the importance of maintaining adequate insurance to avoid penalties such as high fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
Missouri’s Insurance Requirements
Understanding Missouri’s auto insurance regulations is essential for safeguarding all drivers on the road. Accidents can lead to substantial financial strain, and proper insurance ensures everyone affected receives fair compensation.
Missouri mandates specific coverages for auto insurance policies to offer this protection. The fundamental coverages include the following:
- Bodily Injury Liability Insurance: This covers expenses like medical bills, rehabilitation, and legal costs if you cause a collision resulting in injuries or death. Missouri’s minimum coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability Insurance: This pays for damage you cause to someone else’s property, including vehicles and buildings, with a minimum requirement of $10,000 per accident in Missouri.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages if you’re hit by a driver without insurance or insufficient coverage. Missouri requires a minimum of $25,000 per individual and $50,000 per incident for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and the same limits apply to underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage.
Including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in policies ensures you’re protected financially, even when the other party lacks adequate insurance.
Consequences of Driving Uninsured in Missouri
For a first-time offense, there’s no suspension of the driver’s license, but the incident will add four points to the driver’s record, incur a $20 reinstatement fee, and necessitate proof of insurance for reinstatement. A second offense escalates the penalties, including a 90-day license suspension, an additional four points on the driver’s record, a $200 reinstatement fee, proof of insurance requirement, and the possibility of up to 15 days in jail. A third offense has more severe repercussions further, with a one-year license suspension, four points added to the driver’s record, a $400 reinstatement fee, a proof of insurance requirement, and again, the possibility of up to 15 days in jail.
Beyond these penalties, driving uninsured in Missouri can lead to significant financial fines – up to $300 for the first offense and as much as $600 for subsequent offenses. License suspension is a common consequence until proof of insurance and payment of a reinstatement fee are submitted.
In certain cases, drivers may need to file an SR-22 form with the Department of Revenue to prove financial responsibility, especially for those deemed high-risk or having committed severe traffic violations, which brings additional costs and administrative efforts. Vehicle impoundment is another potential penalty, requiring proof of insurance and payment of impound fees for vehicle retrieval. Lastly, uninsured drivers often face increased insurance premiums, as insurers view them as high-risk, leading to more expensive rates that can strain finances over time.
Speak With the Car Accident Lawyers of Goza & Honnold
After a car accident with an uninsured driver in Missouri, you may face a complex and challenging legal process, underscoring the importance of understanding the state’s insurance requirements and the protections they afford. If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, consulting the skilled personal injury lawyers of Goza & Honnold, who have focused knowledge of uninsured car accident claims, makes a significant difference. We help you understand your rights, explore all available options for recovery, and ensure that you seek compensation.
For a free consultation, call our office today at (913) 451-3433 or fill out a contact form.