What Happens If the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance in Missouri?
Quick answer: If an uninsured driver hits you in Missouri, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage usually pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Missouri requires UM limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, so your own policy steps in when the at-fault driver carries no insurance.
A car accident is stressful enough without discovering the other driver has no insurance. Sadly, this happens more often than you might think. When the person who caused your crash can’t pay for the damage they caused, you may worry about who will cover your medical bills and vehicle repairs.
The good news? Missouri law offers protections for drivers in exactly this situation. Labovitz Law Firm explains how Uninsured Motorist coverage works, what steps to take after a no insurance car accident, and when it makes sense to call an attorney. By the end, you’ll know how to protect yourself financially if you’re hit by a driver with no car insurance.
How Common Is the Uninsured Driver Problem in Missouri?
Uninsured drivers are a real risk on Missouri roads. According to the Insurance Research Council, about 15.4% of Missouri drivers were uninsured in 2023 — higher than the national average of roughly 14%.
When one of these drivers causes a crash, the financial burden can fall on the victim. That’s why understanding your own coverage matters so much.
What Missouri Laws and Coverage Requirements Apply?
Missouri has specific rules designed to protect drivers from uninsured motorists. Knowing these rules helps you understand what your policy should cover.
Uninsured Motorist coverage is your primary protection after a crash with an uninsured driver. It pays for your bodily injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Because Missouri requires this coverage on every auto policy, most drivers already have it—often without realizing it.
Missouri law requires drivers to carry UM limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 379.203). Your own insurance covers your injuries up to these limits. If your damages are more serious, you may need additional coverage or other legal options to recover the full amount.
What Happens If an Uninsured Driver Hits You?
If you’re the victim of a crash caused by an uninsured driver, your own policy does most of the heavy lifting. Here’s how the costs break down.
Your UM coverage steps in to pay for bodily injuries up to your policy limits. This includes medical bills and lost wages from time off work. Filing a UM claim feels much like filing any other insurance claim — except you’re dealing with your own insurer rather than the other driver’s.
What Covers Vehicle Damage After a No Insurance Car Accident?
UM coverage handles your injuries, but it usually doesn’t cover vehicle repairs. For that, you have a couple of options:
- Collision coverage: If you carry this optional coverage, it pays for vehicle repairs minus your deductible.
- Suing the at-fault driver: Without collision coverage, you can sue the driver directly. Be aware that collecting payment can be difficult if they have limited funds.
Choose collision coverage if avoiding out-of-pocket repair costs matters more to you than saving on monthly premiums.
What Steps Should You Take After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?
Acting quickly after a crash protects both your safety and your claim.
Always file a police report at the scene. This creates an official record verifying that the other driver lacks insurance. Insurers rely on this document, and it strengthens your UM claim significantly.
What Information Should You Gather at the Scene?
Collect as much detail as you safely can, including:
- The other driver’s name, contact, and license plate number
- Photos of the vehicles, damage, and accident scene
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
When Should You Notify Your Insurance Company?
Notify your insurance company promptly. Most policies require timely reporting, and delays can complicate or even jeopardize your claim. Give them the facts and the police report number as soon as possible.
When Should You Contact an Attorney?
Some claims are straightforward. Others get complicated fast — especially when your damages exceed your coverage limits.
A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through a tricky UM claim, deal with your insurer, and handle a lawsuit against an uninsured driver if needed. This is especially helpful when liability is disputed, or your insurer pushes back.
An attorney can identify every source of compensation available to you and fight for the full amount you deserve. If you’ve been hurt by a driver with no car insurance in Missouri, Labovitz Law Firm can review your case and help you pursue the recovery you’re owed. Contact Labovitz Law Firm today for help.
Protecting Yourself on Missouri Roads
A crash with an uninsured driver doesn’t have to leave you stranded financially. Missouri’s required UM coverage offers strong protection, and adding collision coverage fills the gap for vehicle repairs. Take the right steps after a crash — file a police report, gather evidence, and notify your insurer — to keep your claim on solid ground.
If you’re dealing with a no insurance car accident in Missouri, don’t navigate it alone. Reach out to Labovitz Law Firm for trusted guidance and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Happens If I Don’t Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Missouri requires UM coverage on all auto policies, so you likely have it. If a coverage gap leaves you exposed, you can sue the at-fault driver directly, though collecting payment may be difficult if they lack funds.
2. Will My Insurance Rates Go Up If I File a UM Claim?
Because you weren’t at fault, many insurers won’t raise your rates for a UM claim. Policies vary, so it’s worth confirming with your provider.
3. Does UM Coverage Pay for Vehicle Repairs?
No. UM coverage pays for bodily injuries, not property damage. You’ll need collision coverage — or a lawsuit against the at-fault driver — to cover vehicle repairs.
4. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Missouri?
Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 10 years from the date of the accident. In Missouri, an uninsured motorist claim is actually a breach of contract claim. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120). Even so, it’s best to act quickly while evidence is fresh.
5. Can I Sue a Driver Who Has No Car Insurance?
Yes. You can file a lawsuit against an uninsured at-fault driver. Keep in mind that recovering money can be hard if the driver has limited income or assets.
