Understanding Missouri Car Insurance Claim Laws and Procedures

Missouri car insurance claim laws can be complex, but understanding the basics can make a big difference in the event of an accident. In Missouri, you're required to report any accidents that result in property damage or injury to the police and your insurance provider.

Missouri law requires you to cooperate with your insurance company's investigation, which may involve providing a written statement, answering questions, and allowing your insurer to inspect your vehicle. This is a crucial step in processing your claim.

The Missouri Department of Insurance regulates the insurance industry, ensuring that companies operate fairly and in compliance with state laws. Your insurance provider must also follow Missouri's prompt payment of claims law, which requires them to settle valid claims within a certain timeframe.

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If you're involved in a car accident in Missouri, understanding the state's car insurance claim laws is crucial. The state's "No Pay, No Play" law limits the amount of damages you can claim if you don't have auto insurance.

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The law only applies to drivers, not passengers, so if you're riding in a vehicle with an uninsured driver, you can make a claim for pain and suffering. Additionally, the law doesn't apply if the driver became uninsured within the last six months prior to the crash.

If you're involved in a car accident, Missouri requires drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage. This includes liability insurance with a minimum of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.

Here are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Missouri:

Missouri also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage with a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury per person and $50,000 in bodily injury per accident. This coverage helps cover injuries you or your passengers sustain in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist.

The law only allows uninsured motorists to make claims for "economic damages", such as medical bills and lost wages, while prohibiting claims for "non-economic damages", commonly referred to as pain and suffering.

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You have the right to recover compensation in one of three ways: filing a claim with your own auto insurer, filing a claim directly with the at-fault driver's auto insurer, or filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

To file a claim with your own auto insurer, you need collision coverage and your insurer will pursue a subrogation claim against the at-fault party's insurance company for reimbursement of the benefits they already paid you.

If the accident involves an uninsured motorist, you may still file an accident report even if the damage is under $500, as the bureau will only be able to take action under Section 303.041, RSMo.

You have 5 years to file a car accident injury and property damage claim in Missouri.

Here are the options for filing a car accident claim in Missouri:

If the accident involves an uninsured motorist, you must fill out the Missouri Driver License Bureau's Motor Vehicle Accident Report within 12 months.

Insurance companies licensed to provide personal automobile insurance in Missouri are required to supply the Driver License Bureau with insurance information on drivers and vehicles principally garaged in Missouri that they insure.

Insurance companies must update their file before the 7th working day of each month. This information is then used to determine the insurance status of Missouri motor vehicle owners and operators.

Insurance companies have specific responsibilities when it comes to providing information to the state. They are required to supply the Driver License Bureau with insurance information on drivers and vehicles principally garaged in Missouri that they insure.

Insurance companies must update their file before the 7th working day of each month. This is a crucial deadline to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Insurance companies are responsible for maintaining accurate records and updating them in a timely manner. This helps the state to determine the insurance status of Missouri motor vehicle owners and operators.

Failure to comply with these requirements can result in penalties for the insurance companies.

Hiring an attorney can be a crucial step in resolving a car accident claim. Your insurance provider may not be able to address all your needs or concerns.

If you're unhappy with your settlement, consider hiring a local personal injury attorney with experience in car accident claims. They can help you navigate the process and ensure your rights are protected.

In many cases, your insurance provider will be able to negotiate with the other party's provider to settle your claim, but if you have sustained injuries not addressed in the claim filed by your insurance provider, an attorney can be a valuable resource.

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In a car accident settlement, the guilty party is responsible for covering various costs.

Repairs or replacement parts for your vehicle are typically included in the settlement. This can range from minor repairs to replacing the vehicle entirely.

Medical expenses for injuries caused by the accident are also covered. This can include medical bills and any lost income due to missing work.

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Physical pain and suffering are also considered in the settlement. This can be a significant factor in determining the overall value of the settlement.

Some cases may result in a larger settlement to cover the cost of medical bills and lost income. This is often the case in more severe automobile collisions that cause injuries.

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In Missouri, it's crucial to carry automobile liability insurance to drive a motor vehicle.

If you're pulled over and asked to show proof of insurance, you must provide it to the law enforcement official, or you may receive a traffic ticket.

Three things can happen if you fail to show proof of insurance: the court will send the conviction to the Driver License Bureau, the court may enter an order of supervision, or the court may suspend your driver's license.

If your driver's license is suspended, you'll be notified by the Driver License Bureau.

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You can lose your driving privilege in Missouri if you accumulate eight points within an 18-month period.

Here are the possible consequences of failing to show proof of insurance:

It's essential to keep proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times to avoid any issues.

If your driver's license and/or license plates are suspended for not having insurance, you'll receive a Notice of Suspension. The notice will include the reason for suspension, effective date of suspension, and the procedure to request a hearing.

The Director of Revenue will mail the notice if they determine that the operator or owner of a motor vehicle involved in an accident has not maintained liability insurance. This is based on Section 303.041, RSMo.

If you receive a Notice of Suspension, it's essential to understand the suspension periods that apply. For a second suspension, you'll be suspended for 90 days.

To reinstate your driver's license and/or license plates after a second suspension, you'll need to provide proof of liability insurance and pay a $200 reinstatement fee. Mail the required documents to the address listed on the suspension notice.

Here's a breakdown of the reinstatement fees for each suspension level:

Note that for a third or subsequent suspension, the reinstatement fee is higher, and you'll need to provide proof of liability insurance and pay the $400 fee.