Whether you are commuting to work in St. Louis or heading out of town to visit friends in eastern Missouri, your car is your ticket to travel throughout the Show Me State. Before you can get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you must be able to prove your financial responsibility. The majority of drivers choose to purchase car insurance, which can provide coverage to yourself as well as other drivers and their passengers if you are involved in an accident. While you can skirt by on the minimum coverage required by law, smart drivers know they need far more protection in the event of a claim. Why is that? Imagine the following scenario:
A Missouri driver decides to save some cash with a bare bones car insurance policy on his used vehicle. One day he accidentally runs a stop sign, crashing into the side of a school bus. His car is totaled, and the bus is severely damaged. The children inside are emotionally distraught, and a few suffer moderate injuries. The driver is sued by the school district and the children’s parents for over $250,000 in damages. Unfortunately, the driver’s insurance will only cover about $50,000 for the children’s injuries and just $10,000 for damages to the bus. The rest of the losses – including those to the driver’s own vehicle – must come out of the driver’s own pocket.
In the above scenario, the driver assumes he is saving money with low premiums on very basic coverage, but it ends up costing far more in the long run. Of course, it is not just accidents that can pose a financial threat. Many events, from major storms to theft and vandalism can threaten the investment you made in your vehicle.
Car Insurance FAQs
How much auto insurance do I need in Missouri?
The Missouri minimum auto insurance requirements are designed to provide a small level of protection in the event you damage someone else’s property, or you cause harm to another person. In Missouri, drivers need a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and $10,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability Coverage. The minimum amount for uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
What is the best deductible?
The best deductible is what you can afford to pay out of pocket when you file an auto insurance claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa. A higher deductible means your accepting a more significant portion of the risk yourself. It is best not to take on more risk than you can afford.
What is “full coverage?”
There is no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is a term that is used to suggest you have chosen protection that goes beyond the minimum coverage required by your State. It typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage, medical payment coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
You can save money on your car insurance by avoiding moving violations, crashes, DUIs, and other incidents. By having a clean driving record, you may also qualify for a safe driver discount. Students may qualify for good student and student-away-at-school discounts. Your vehicle’s anti-theft devices and safety features may also provide more discounts. Paid-in-full, multi-car, and prior carrier discounts are also common.
How long does an auto accident affect my insurance?
A crash won’t impact your car insurance premiums forever. After about three to five years, your rates should recover. Exactly how long this takes will depend on the type of accident as well as the company you are insured with.
Is buying direct cheaper than buying through an agent?
Buying direct is not always cheaper than buying through an agent. You might think that cutting out the middleman would result in cheaper car insurance rates, but when it comes to insurance, this isn’t the case. In fact, an independent agent, one that represents many insurance companies, can often save you money.
What is the best auto insurance company?
The best auto insurance company differs per individual. No insurance company is objectively the best. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best customer service, the broadest coverage, or the lowest rates? Or maybe you have unique coverage or underwriting needs? An agent can help you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the right policy for your situation.
What is the best or cheapest auto insurance rate?
The best or cheapest auto insurance rate can be found by comparison shopping. Compare premiums as well as differences in coverage. An independent insurance agent can help. They can provide options from multiple carriers, along with the expert guidance you need to make a smart choice.
How do I switch to a new auto insurance company?
You can switch to a new auto insurance company at any time, but to avoid overpaying or violating state law, you do need to watch out for a couple of things. car insurance policies are often sold for coverage periods of six months or one year. In some cases, you may be charged a fee if you decide to cancel your insurance policy early. You may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of the premium. You also want to make sure you have continuous coverage to avoid a coverage gap.
Types of Missouri Car Insurance
Here in Missouri, you do not have to accept sub-par insurance protection to save on your premiums. At Mid Rivers Insurance Group, we help area drivers shop and compare rates on coverage from several of the state’s leading providers. We can offer insurance that protects against a wide range of potential losses, including:
Property Damage and Bodily Injury Liability
If you are responsible for an accident, liability helps cover the medical bills, lost wages, and property damages of other drivers and their passengers, as well as injured pedestrians. This coverage is mandatory in Missouri, but the minimum coverage may not be enough to protect you against a lawsuit. We will help evaluate your risk and recommend coverage that will better shield your money and assets after an accident.
Uninsured Motorist Protection
This coverage is also mandatory in Missouri, as it protects you if you are injured by an uninsured driver. However, we may also recommend that some drivers include a similar type of coverage – underinsured motorist protection – which helps fill in gaps for medical expenses if you are injured by a driver who does not have enough insurance to cover your claims.
Collision Insurance
Cars are not cheap, and neither is replacing them. If your vehicle is damaged or completely totaled in a collision, there is peace of mind when you know the losses are covered by your insurance company.
Comprehensive Insurance
There is no need to feel helpless when your vehicle is damaged due to events outside your control. Whether it is broken into at a Cardinals game, stolen from your driveway, or damaged by high winds and hail, comprehensive insurance can pay for your non-accident related claims.
Other Types of Coverage
When it comes to protecting you out on the road, we try to think of everything. Whether you want coverage for towing expenses, reimbursement for temporary transportation needs, or protection for your car’s specialty parts and equipment, we can customize your insurance to meet your needs.
Affordable Missouri Car Insurance Quotes
If you own a car in Missouri, we can provide you with the insurance you need to drive with greater confidence. In addition to shopping around for the most competitive rates, you may be able to further lower your upfront costs by adjusting your deductibles, paying your premiums in full, and insuring multiple vehicles or other assets, such as a home, with the same insurance provider.
For more information or to request your free car insurance quote, contact our St. Peters office today. We look forward to serving you soon.
