Many Missouri drivers think that their auto insurance will cover any cost in the event they get into a car accident.
While it’s true that these policies are mandatory in Missouri to protect you, it does not mean it’s not without its limits. One important thing to consider is this: do you have sufficient coverage?
What Does This Mean?
In Missouri, the bare minimum auto insurance coverage is:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident
- $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
- $10,000 property damage liability
If you have only the minimum coverage, it means that as long as your expenses are within the policy’s limit, your insurance will cover your costs. However, this coverage may not be enough to cover all of your costs.
For instance, if you drive an expensive vehicle, the costs of repairs are likely to exceed $10,000 if the damage is extensive. High-end cars usually come with very expensive pieces that may need to be changed, and in this case, you should consider changing your policy.
The Minimum May Not Be Enough When There’s an Uninsured Motorist
Your auto insurance can also come in very handy when the other driver is uninsured, or when you are the victim of a hit and run. Under normal circumstances, if the car accident is not your fault, you can file a car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Legally, they are required to cover the costs of your medical bills and car repairs if they are the ones that created it in the first place.
But when the driver has no insurance or flees the scene, then you have to rely on your own policy to cover these costs which, again, may not be enough if the damage resulted are extensive.
What Happens If Your Policy Isn’t Enough?
For bodily injury, you could fall back on your health insurance and cover some of your treatments, but that also depends on what type of policy you have. Though health coverage does not exclude injuries created by car accidents (like it does in the case of work-related injuries), some procedures you may need could be excluded from the policy.
For property damage, however, unless you have other insurance policies specifically for them, it’s likely you’ll cover the costs of repairs out of your own pocket.
It’s really important to look both at your auto insurance and health insurance policy and see exactly what they cover, and what their limitations are. If you feel you’re not fully protected, you should consider changing your policy.
Involved in a St. Louis Car Accident? Speak With an Attorney!
Have you been involved in a car accident? If you are the victim, then legally you can ask for compensation from the other driver. Reach out to a St. Louis car accident lawyer to see what your best legal options are.