Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage will protect you (and your passengers) if an at-fault driver has no
insurance. Under Missouri law, you must meet the following criteria to receive UM benefits under your policy:
Most of us understand the need to carry liability insurance on our automobiles. If we cause an accident that results in injuries or property damage to others, our liability coverage will compensate the other party for their losses. Without this insurance, we would need to pay the victims out of our pocket, a significant expense that most people cannot afford.
Although virtually every state requires vehicle owners to carry liability car insurance, not all drivers follow the law. In Missouri, for example, approximately 14 percent of drivers do not have auto insurance of any kind! So, what happens if you incur an injury in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance? This is where uninsured motorist coverage can come to your rescue.
Missouri law mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of $25,000 of UM coverage per person and $50,000 per incident. In other words, if your UM policy limits are 25/50, the most you could receive in benefits from one accident is $25,000, while the total amount you and your passengers could recover would be $50,000. Of course, you can elect to carry higher limits for an additional premium. (Note: You cannot purchase uninsured motorist property damage insurance in Missouri, so there are no UM benefits to pay for repairing your vehicle.)
If you insure more than one vehicle on your policy, you can increase your UM coverage is by “stacking” your limits. For example, if you insure two autos and your UM limits are 25/50, stacking would double your coverage to 50/100. If you have three vehicles on your policy, your total UM overage would be 75/150. You can also choose to waive stacking if you don’t wish to pay the extra premium for the coverage.
Suppose you’re in an accident where the at-fault driver carries liability
insurance — but not enough to cover all your expenses. You can purchase underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance that
will fill the gap. Unlike UM protection, UIM is not mandatory in Missouri.
Auto insurance can be confusing. If you live in or near Missouri towns such as Union or St. Clair, the knowledgeable, caring professionals at David Pope Insurance Services, LLC can explain UM insurance in plain language and help you explore your coverage options. Contact us to request a free quote today for uninsured motorist coverage in Missouri & the Midwest.