(800) 253-1482Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Missouri
Summary: Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is there for you if another driver doesn’t have coverage, enough coverage, or hits your vehicle and flees the scene. There are several types of coverage available and in Missouri, all drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of protection. You may even be able to stack your coverage for larger payouts after a claim. Getting quotes from multiple carriers will help you stay better protected from drivers who don’t fulfill their financial responsibilities, for less. Estimated Read Time: 4 mins
Missouri requires all drivers to have a minimum amount of uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, however, increasing your limits can be a great way to protect yourself from the unexpected.
While everyone is expected to do the right thing by maintaining their financial responsibility or providing information before leaving the scene of an accident, sadly not everyone does.
As many as 14% to 16% of all drivers in Missouri fail to maintain liability coverage. Below, we’re breaking down how you can protect yourself from picking up the pieces when someone else does the wrong thing.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Missouri?
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re in an accident caused by someone who either doesn’t have auto insurance in Missouri or doesn’t have enough coverage for the losses suffered.
There are multiple forms of UM/UIM coverage that each cover drivers differently, however, each focuses on restoring losses dealing with either bodily injury or property damage:
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) - Coverage for medical bills you and your passenger(s) may have to pay after being hit by a driver without insurance.
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) - Covers damage to your vehicle after being hit by an uninsured driver as well as hit-and-run accidents.
- Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UIMBI) - If you are hit by a driver who does not have enough coverage to handle the medical bills you and your passenger(s) must pay in the aftermath, UIMBI coverage will help you cover these costs.
- Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UIMPD) - Protection that restores your vehicle’s damage if another driver hits you but doesn’t have enough coverage.
Please note that UMPD/UIMPD may require you to pay a deductible, however, UMBI/UIMBI coverage usually does not.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Is Mandatory in Missouri
Missouri requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in UMBI coverage.
Not maintaining liability auto insurance and uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage can result in several legal issues, including a suspension of driving privileges, reinstatement fees, and increased car insurance premiums.
How UM/UIM Covers Drivers
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you’re covered from hit-and-runs, accidents where you’re hit by drivers without auto insurance, and situations when drivers don’t have enough to restore your losses.
To file a UM/UIM coverage claim, you’ll have to pay a deductible to receive a reimbursement.
Once you’ve reported the accident to your insurance carrier, provided the right information, and your carrier has conducted due diligence, simply pay your deductible, and you’ll receive compensation.
How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Do You Need?
While the bare minimum may be the best way to go if you want to save on premiums, it’s also putting you at risk during more severe accidents.
For underinsured drivers, you can still attempt to collect payment, but it’s often a long, complicated, expensive legal process.
You’ll have to take them to court, sue them for damages, and go through the stress of it all.
Hit-and-run situations are even worse because there’s no guarantee that you’ll even find the responsible party. Then, you’ll also have to go through a complex, expensive legal matter.
Furthermore, drivers who fail to maintain coverage are typically irresponsible and may not have the means to restore your losses, even after going through the legal process.
The best thing you can do is assess your risks while choosing an appropriate level of coverage that will protect you from paying large repair bills, legal expenses, and medical costs.
What Is Stacked Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Stacked uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage allows you to combine coverage limits for multiple vehicles.
By doing so, you increase the amount your insurer will pay for a claim.
For example, if you insure two cars with the minimum 25/50 limits, you can double your coverage by stacking to 50/100, and if you have three cars, you can stack to reach 75/150 coverage.
Remember, this is optional and if you want to keep your premiums lower, you don't have to stack your coverage.
Furthermore, while Missouri law allows stacking, some carriers may have anti-stacking clauses in their policies.
You'll need to assess your needs and compare multiple carriers to find the right protection for your needs.
Get a Quote on Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Missouri
Dealing with an uninsured motorist is complicated enough. Your coverage should help streamline the process, help you restore your losses, and do so at an affordable rate.
From staying legal for less to helping you protect against more, Freedom Insurance Group works with many top-rated auto insurance companies in Missouri to deliver personalized coverage while saving you money.
To see how we help the average driver save 40% on UM/UIM coverage, ask an agent today or use our free online auto insurance quote tool for an accurate estimate in just a few clicks.
