48 states in the U.S. mandate that you are covered by auto insurance the minute you hit the road! Today’s roads are teeming with speeders and other forms of reckless abandon. Driving isn’t dangerous just because of these incidents; we need to protect all drivers on the road. Many people meeting us at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St. Charles still wonder why governing bodies make liability insurance a requirement.
Fender Benders and Beyond: Why Insurance is Your Best Co-Pilot
Driving comes with many risks. You, your passengers, and everyone else on the road can see conditions change in the blink of an eye. Drivers with ALL levels of experience can cause accidents. This simplifies the process for them to be financially responsible for property damages or bodily harm they may cause if found liable. A liability policy is required to drive legally in almost every state.
Where Does Missouri Fall in The Mix?
Car insurance is mandatory in 48 out of the 50 states. In New Hampshire, you do not need car insurance if you can prove you have the assets to cover the injuries and property damage you may cause. If you own or operate a motor vehicle in Missouri, you are legally required to insure the car with coverage for injuries you may bring upon others. This is at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Just The Basics: Navigating Minimum Liability Insurance
Liability car insurance is needed to pay out for any accident. If you suddenly rear-end someone and they have a neck injury, you will need enough insurance to cover their medical expenses. Any vehicle has the potential to cause physical and material damage to others, and drivers must possess the minimum limit of coverage their state imposes. Bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage are the two types that makeup liability insurance. Liability insurance does NOT cover your own bodily injuries if you are in an accident.
What Types of Car Insurance Are Sometimes Mandatory?
Most states require minimum liabilities for auto insurance. Various forms of other car insurance types can be included in the policies needed to render you legal. These include:
- Collision Insurance: Collision coverage takes care of repair costs for your vehicle after you have an accident.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Comprehensive coverage pays for vehicle damages that aren’t related to the initial accident. The policy covers falling objects, fire, floods, animals, and natural disasters. This type of coverage also will pay to replace a vehicle that turns up missing or severely vandalized.
- Medical Payments Coverage: MedPay will cover you and your passengers’ medical expenses after an incident. While MedPay is a useful form of coverage, it doesn’t cover lost wages.
- Personal Injury Protection: PIP pays for medical expenses that you and your passengers incur. This form of coverage also covers funeral expenses and lost wages.
- Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage: UIM/UM will pay for your property damages and medical bills if you are the victim of a hit-and-run. This will also cover you if you get into an accident with someone who is not covered.
No-Fault Zones: States Where Your Insurance Pays First
A no-fault state is where all driving parties have their insurance to take care of their own injuries and car damage. This is beneficial because it provides ample coverage regardless of which party caused the accident. If you are hitting the road in a no-fault state and you cause an accident, your coverage compensates for your injuries. Missouri happens to be an at-fault state and requires drivers to carry a set amount of coverage.
Risky Roads: The High Cost of Skipping Car Insurance
The penalties you can face for driving without car insurance will vary by state, and they often rise for frequent offenders. If you are caught without coverage, you could face heavy fines, lose your license, and even serve jail time. Fines can reach up to $1,000 in many states. Detroit, known as the “Motor City,” can sentence you to a year behind bars for just one offense! SR22, which proves that a motorist’s auto insurance meets the minimum liability requirements of their state, is very expensive as well and is mandated to prove that you are covered after being caught red-handed.
Behind the Wheel of Your Wallet: What Drives Auto Insurance Rates?
In addition to your geographical location, car insurance depends on the provider you choose, the vehicle you drive, and how populated your area is. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when calculating your premiums:
- Age
- Marital status
- Driving record
- Credit score
- Gender listed on license
- Credit score
- Location
Accident Accountability: The Role of Mandatory Insurance
Car insurance is mandatory to legally drive your vehicle in Missouri. This protects you and others from intense damages and injuries that can occur during an accident. Every driver is required to have the minimum amount of car insurance as dictated by state law, but it’s a good idea to reach out to us here at the Alexander Insurance Agency to see if you need any coverage above and beyond the minimums.
Integrity First: Transparent and Honest Policy Guidance
Since our auto insurance customers rely on us to provide accurate information, it’s important to provide the best options out there. We know that rates have risen dramatically over the last year, and we will always make the time to find you the best options for coverage. The road doesn’t have to be a scary place: with us, you’re not just another claim, you’re part of the family. We’re driven by loyalty and powered by trust: contact us today to step up your safety and enjoy massive savings!