The laws in the Show Me State require that all operators and owners of motor vehicles must maintain some sort of liability coverage (Financial Responsibility) in order to register an automobile in the state and when renewing license plates. In addition, proof of coverage must be carried in the vehicle at all times. According to the state department of insurance, if a motorist is stopped by a law enforcement officer and proof of a valid policy is requested, inability to show proper documentation will result in the issuance of a traffic ticket.
The reason motorists are required to carry a liability policy is to cover injuries or property damage that may be caused by the policyholder as a result of a traffic accident up to the policy’s limits. Motorists must carry Missouri auto insurance coverage with liability limits of no less than $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $10,000 for property damage. Additionally, policyholders must also carry uninsured motorist coverage in the amount of $25,000 for bodily injury to one person and $50,000 per accident; although these are the state minimum requirements, higher limits can be purchased for an additional premium and in some cases can be worth the cost. Purchasing a policy is the most common way to satisfy liability requirements, but the Department of Revenue will also allow a surety bond, certificate of deposit of money in the amount of $60,000 or a real estate bond to be filed with the department as a substitution.
If an individual is caught operating an automobile without proof of an auto insurance policy the law enforcement officer will issue a ticket and if unable to prove that the vehicle was covered and the driver is convicted of “failing to show proof of insurance,” there are three consequences that can result from the conviction. The court can send the conviction to the Driver License Bureau where four points will be assessed on to a driver’s record, an order of supervision can be entered which the Bureau will then monitor to ensure that coverage is maintained or driving privileges can be suspended.
Although Missourians are required to carry liability coverage and be financially responsible for injuries or damages which they may be at fault for causing, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue thousands of citizens are involved in automobile accidents without maintaining the proper coverage. As a result there are a number of unpaid damages and premiums could raise for all residents who own automobiles. If an accident is involved and the driver is uninsured they will be required to maintain proof of insurance in the form of an SR-22 filing and an identification card from an insurer will not longer be acceptable.
Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/missouri/
