Missouri Uninsured Motorist Laws

Understanding Missouri Uninsured Motorist laws can be challenging. Uninsured motorist insurance is a type of coverage that comes into play when another driver involved in an accident does not have car insurance. Although the state requires every driver to carry liability insurance, thousands do not have it.

Minimum Uninsured Motorist Coverage

The Missouri Uninsured Motorist Statute requires drivers to maintain some form of uninsured motorist coverage. The minimum amount required is $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 for bodily injury per accident. Vehicle owners must also show proof of liability insurance, with the minimum level of coverage required by state law being:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $10,000 per accident for property

According to a report by the Office of the State Auditor of Missouri, insured drivers lose approximately $90 million dollars every year due to uninsured motorists.

When Uninsured Motorist Coverage Kicks In

Residents in Missouri who have been involved in a motor vehicle accident can file an uninsured motorist claim with their own insurance company when:

1. the insured incurred bodily injuries
2. the injuries occurred as a result of an accident with an underinsured motorist
3. the insured is “legally entitled” to collect from the owner of the underinsured vehicle
4. the limits of all applicable policies [are] exhausted by payment or settlement. (State ex rel. Shelton v. Mummert, 879 S.W.2d 525, 528 (Mo. banc 1994))

There are two types of situations that uninsured motorist coverage will typically cover in Missouri; uninsured at-fault drivers and hit and run accidents. When a driver causes a collision and does not carry car insurance then you have the right to file a claim against your own insurer. Your insurance company may require proof that the at-fault driver was uninsured. Uninsured motorist coverage will also cover accidents when the other driver involved takes off. However, many insurers will attempt to deny your claim or avoid paying.

Important Factors about Uninsured Motorist Coverage

There are certain policy provisions to be aware of:

• If you are at fault: Uninsured motorist coverage will not pay for your injuries if the accident was your fault. It will only provide coverage if the uninsured driver was negligent and was responsible for the accident. Other types of coverage can help with your medical bills even when you are at fault.
• Passengers in non-owned vehicles: if the vehicle you were in when the accident occurred was not owned by you. For example, if a company-owned vehicle is used for business purposes, then many uninsured motorist policies will not cover passenger injuries even though uninsured motorist coverage will typically provide benefits for both you and your passengers.
• Phantom vehicles: if you do not have any evidence that another vehicle was involved in your accident, your uninsured motorist claim will likely be denied.

Get Help with Your Uninsured Motorist Claim

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with an uninsured driver, speak to a highly qualified St. Louis car accident attorney at Goldblatt + Singer. We can help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Call (314) 231-4100 or fill out our online contact form to get your free consultation.