Auto Insurance in Missouri

Under the Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law of the state of Missouri, any person found legally responsible for an accident will have to pay for the injuries and damages it caused, including death. This is why an auto insurance is needed for every licensed driver in the state, to help cover for any eventual costs.

There are several auto insurance products consumers can choose from. One of the factors influencing the selection of suitable insurance product would be having the right insurance agent who will make each potential policyholder understand each feature and terms of the policy. Potential policyholder should also make sure they are dealing with an agent who is duly accredited and licensed by the Missouri Department of Insurance. Beyond selling an insurance policy, a suitable agent would also take the time to evaluate the policy regularly to determine if it still addresses the changing needs and priorities of the policyholder. Another mark of an excellent insurance agent would be his or her willingness to find ways for policyholders to save money without diminishing the benefits gained.

The actual policy document contains several important parts. Information such as the type and cost of the policy are contained in the declarations page, including the coverage period as well as the expiration date. The insuring agreement provides details on the coverage, with the losses and liabilities the policy will cover. On the other hand, information on what is not covered under the policy is contained in the exclusions page. The page containing the conditions will give information on what the policyholder needs to do in case the document itself becomes lost. Any changes in the coverage are found in the endorsements, which are attached to the policy. Should changes to the premium also occur, the insurance company is required to send the policyholder a premium notice stating the reason and percentage of the increase.

An auto insurance policy in Missouri actually provides coverage not only to the policyholder but also his immediate family, relatives, and any non-related persons who are permitted to drive the vehicle. However, a policy may also specifically exclude a member of the household should the policyholder want it to. As long as there are other names insured in the policy, state law mandates that the insurer is prohibited from canceling the policy even if the driver’s license of the policyholder is suspended or revoked.

There are only two instances in which the state allows a policy to be cancelled. One is for nonpayment and the other would be suspension of licenses of all persons named in the policy. The state also prohibits insurers from asking if a potential policyholder has a previous auto insurance that has been cancelled, not renewed, or even entirely refused. However, failure for a potential policyholder to provide proof of previous auto insurance coverage could mean higher than normal premium.

Those who failed to obtain auto insurance from private insurers can get coverage from the Missouri Joint Underwriting Association, which composes all auto insurance providers in the state. It would also pay to know certain eventualities should an insured driver figure in an accident. There are several ways to establish the value of the vehicle, such as using the book value or dealer quotes. Determining the vehicle’s value through the evaluation of similar vehicles in the market is also another option should there be disputes on the actual value of the loss. However, the insurance company is not required to put new parts on a damaged vehicle, it only has to determine costs in restoring the vehicle to its condition prior to the accident. The state also allows insurance companies to recommend a particular repair facility so long as they guarantee the results. In the event of complaints or perceived unfair practices, policyholders can contact the Missouri Department of Insurance for advice and guidance.

We help our Missouri customers in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Independence, Columbia, Lee's Summit, O'Fallon, St. Joseph, St. Charles, St. Peters, MO and other cities in The Show-Me State lower their premiums and save money on all types of insurance. Use the form above to find low cost auto, homeowners, health, medical, life and long term care insurance. Using our Missouri insurance agent and broker network, you can compare rates quickly from the comfort of your home.

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