3 Types of Insurance All Missouri Residents Need in the Event of a Car Crash

Missouri state law mandates that all drivers must carry liability insurance, which provides coverage when a driver causes a car accident that results in bodily injury or property damage to another party. In other words, liability insurance covers the "other guy": it is a necessary investment required by law. However, in addition, all Missouri residents also need uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage provides protection in the event the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance to pay all damages.

Missouri Required Liability Coverage

While Missouri law requires each and every driver to have liability coverage, the minimum required is only $25,000. When you consider the medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering that often accompany a serious car crash, you'll find that $25,000 doesn't go a long way.

When you purchase car insurance, consult with your insurance agent to determine the appropriate insurance limits for you: in all likelihood, those limits will be considerably higher than $25,000. Most people benefit from purchasing personal catastrophic liability insurance which is also known as umbrella liability insurance.

Umbrella liability insurance raises your home owner's liability insurance and your car liability insurance to the purchased coverage amount. Depending on the policy, $1 million in coverage can cost only about $150 per year. It's a very good investment.

Missouri Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If you are injured and/or your car is damaged by a hit and run driver who remains unidentified, or by a driver who has no insurance, your own Missouri uninsured motorist coverage (commonly called UM coverage) will contribute to your medical bills and property damage. This coverage is mandatory throughout the state: just like liability insurance, you're required to carry at least $25,000. To utilize this coverage, you would make a claim against your own insurance company.

Missouri Underinsured Coverage

If you are injured and/or your car is damaged by someone with insurance, but the insurance is inadequate to pay the damages, your own Missouri underinsured coverage (commonly called UIM coverage) will contribute to your medical bills and property damage. However, unlike uninsured motorist coverage, there is no state mandate on this form of insurance. Be sure to review your policy to confirm the limits on your UIM coverage.