All 50 U.S. states require drivers to carry auto insurance, but the level of required coverage varies from state to state. While the minimum coverage amounts are designed to assure that all drivers have some protection from the unexpected costs of an accident, it is recommended that you purchase more than the minimum coverage.

Minimum Required Insurance Coverage in Missouri

BIL (Bodily Injury Liability): Covers injuries/deaths in the other vehicle

• Minimum of $25,000 for one person
• Minimum of $50,000 total for the other driver and all passengers

PDL (Property Damage Liability): Covers damage to the other driver’s vehicle or property, and any public or private property surrounding the accident scene

• Minimum of $10,000 for all damages

UMC (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage): Covers injuries to yourself and your passengers if you are involved in an accident caused by an uninsured or inadequately insured driver

• Minimum of $25,000 per person
• Minimum of $50,000 per accident

About Liability Insurance

Liability insurance covers injuries and damages in the other vehicle if you cause an accident. It does not, however, cover your injuries or property damages. Additionally, in the event of an accident where the expenses exceed your maximum coverage, you will be personally responsible for the remaining costs. For this reason, it is recommended that you increase your liability benefit limits to the maximum amounts you can afford.

In order to be protected from having to pay out of pocket for damages to your vehicle if you are at fault for an accident, you must purchase additional coverage (described below).

Other Recommended (but not Required) Coverage for Missouri Drivers

• Collision Coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle or property, and any surrounding property in the event that you cause an accident
• PIP (Personal Injury Protection): Covers injuries to yourself and your passengers if you cause an accident
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle from factors other than a traffic accident, including fire, flood, vandalism, theft, and collision with an animal

If you have a loan, lease, or lien on your vehicle, you may be required to carry more than the state-mandated insurance coverage. You should check with your lender, leaser, or lien-holder to determine whether you need to purchase additional insurance coverage.

About Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection (PIP) pays for injuries to yourself and your passengers in an accident that is determined to be your fault. This plan’s benefits may also be covered by your health insurance plan, but the difference between the two types of insurance is that your health plan covers only those individuals listed specifically on your insurance policy, whereas a PIP plan covers anyone riding in your car. Even if you think you have adequate coverage for accidents through your health insurance provider, it may still be advisable to purchase a PIP plan. If you frequently carpool or have non-familial passengers in your car, a PIP plan is the only coverage that will protect you from assuming out-of-pocket expenses for injuries to your passengers.

State-Issued Proof of Insurance

All Missouri drivers are required to carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times. If you are involved in a traffic accident or traffic stop, you will be asked to provide proof of insurance. If you cannot provide valid proof of insurance, you will be subject to suspension of your driver’s license for up to 1 year and a reinstatement fee of $20-400 depending on consecutive offenses. If your license is suspended, you are not permitted to drive any vehicle. You will have to provide proof of insurance in order to have your driving privileges restored.

Determining Fault after an Accident

If you are involved in an accident, you should contact the police immediately. Law enforcement officers will gather a complete account of the incident, including statements from all drivers, passengers, and available witnesses, and other circumstances of the accident scene. This information will be used to determine who was at fault for the accident. You should never admit fault after an accident; instead, wait for the police and your insurance company to gather all required information and make a judgment about who was at fault.

Missouri follows the tort system of auto insurance, meaning that whoever is at fault for an accident is responsible for all injuries and property damages. If you are in an accident caused by another driver, his/her insurance will cover your injuries and the damage to your property. If the expenses exceed the maximum benefits of that driver’s insurance, you are entitled to seek damages in court.