Missouri has a financial responsibility law that requires every driver to maintain a minimum of $25,000 in liability insurance as well as $25,000/$50,000 in uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage is not optional it is mandatory.  If you have liability insurance, you have uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage is car insurance that you buy on your own car and pay premiums to an insurance company that you selected.  If you are in an accident that is the fault of another person who failed to have insurance on the vehicle that they were driving at the time of the accident that person is uninsured and your insurance will pay for your injuries and damages. Damages could include loss of wages,  medical care and property damage.

How much coverage you would have would depend on how much coverage you purchased from your insurance agent.

If you are hit by another driver that leaves the scene of the accident, a hit and run, your uninsured motorist coverage from your own insurance coverage will pay you damages.

The damages you are entitled to are calculated the same as if the person who was responsible for the accident had liability insurance, therefore, it is a very good idea to have a personal injury attorney help you make a claim for uninsured motorist to make sure you receive fair compensation.

It is important to note that making a claim against your own uninsured motorist’s coverage doesn’t affect your future insurance premiums like an at-fault accident would.

RS Law recommends that you have adequate uninsured motorist coverage and consider purchasing amounts well over the minimum of $25,000.  Unfortunately, your uninsured motorist coverage cannot be increased after an accident and apply to the accident.  You will only have the limits available at the time of the accident to compensate you for your injuries and associated damages.

RS Law has experience working with uninsured motorist insurance companies and if you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver contact us to discuss what your options may be.