Key Takeaways
- Missouri requires minimum UM coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- Attorneys recommend carrying at least $100,000/$300,000 in UM coverage to protect against serious accident costs.
- UM coverage does not cover property damage unless you add optional property damage coverage to your policy.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is optional in Missouri but strongly recommended for full protection.
How Much UM Coverage Do Missouri Drivers Need?
Missouri drivers are required to have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage at a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury. Since medical costs continue to rise, drivers are encouraged to carry UM in higher limits than required by the state to provide full protections in the event of serious accidents caused by uninsured drivers or for hit-and-run accidents.
Every driver in Missouri must have auto insurance coverage in place. State laws also require Uninsured Motorist (UM) as a mandatory part of an insurance policy. The minimum coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, which covers bodily injuries.
While carrying the minimums keeps you out of trouble with the law, it often leaves you vulnerable. Understanding how uninsured motorist claims in missouri: complete guide work is critical because it helps you to see that your UM coverage will only cover your expenses up to the policy limits.
The Bruning Law Firm helps St. Louis car accident victims understand their rights under Missouri personal injury law, and our attorneys advise that UM coverage be set at $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident or higher. Suing an uninsured driver in Missouri is also possible, though having higher coverage for UM provides essential protection to keep from paying out of your own pocket.
Does Missouri Require Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?
Missouri requires Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage though Underinsured Motorist (UIM) is optional. Using UM coverage after a does uninsured motorist coverage cover hit and run accident can help tremendously since the driver may never be located. When another driver causes your accident and they have insurance but only at the minimum state-required coverages, it will likely not be sufficient to cover your damages in a serious crash.
What Is Not Covered by UM Coverage in Missouri?
UM coverage does not cover any accident where you are the one at fault. It usually will not cover injuries if you can't prove there was another vehicle involved in the crash. Additionally, UM does not cover property damage unless you add the optional coverage for it, and it does not cover when another driver causes your accident but is underinsured. It is a good idea to add the optional UIM coverage for underinsured drivers to ensure you're covered for any type of accident.
What Happens if I Don’t Have UM Coverage?
Missouri law requires you to have UM coverage as part of state insurance coverage mandates. If you do not maintain the required coverage, you are at risk for paying for injuries out of your own pocket, and you may face additional penalties that could suspend your vehicle registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between UM and UIM coverage in Missouri?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver's insurance isn't enough to cover your damages. UM is required in Missouri; UIM is optional but recommended.
Can I stack UM coverage across multiple vehicles?
Missouri often allows stacking of UM coverage. If you have multiple vehicles on one policy, you may be able to combine coverage limits to increase your total available protection after an accident with an uninsured driver.
How much UM coverage should I carry?
Our St. Louis car accident lawyer team recommends carrying at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident in UM coverage. Learn more about how much uninsured motorist coverage do i need to make an informed decision.
Contact The Bruning Law Firm
The Bruning Law Firm helps St. Louis car accident victims understand their legal rights and options under Missouri personal injury law, working to help recover maximum compensation from negligent drivers. There is no fee unless we win, so call (314) 735-8100 today to schedule a free consultation with our St. Louis uninsured motorist coverage attorneys.