Car Insurance in Missouri

Missouri Car Insurance

Missouri law requires that every driver have a reliable method of paying for the costs of damage or injury to another driver after a car accident.

Most drivers choose to fulfill this requirement by purchasing the minimum required liability car insurance.

Read below to learn more about Missouri car insurance laws, policy considerations, and insurance violations.

Car Insurance Requirements in Missouri

Liability Coverage

All Missouri drivers are required to purchase and maintain the following minimum amounts of liability coverage:

• $25,000 for bodily injury, per person.
• $50,000 for total bodily injury (when multiple people are injured).
• $10,000 for total property damage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Missouri also requires drivers to hold uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury at the same minimums as those listed for liability coverage.

You are not required to have uninsured motorist coverage for property damage.

Alternative Ways to Comply

While holding car insurance is the most common method for complying with Missouri’s car insurance laws, you can also meet the legal requirements by submitting one of the following to the Department of Revenue (DOR):

• Proof of financial responsibility for damages you might cause in an accident. The following items are accepted by the DOR as proof:
  • Surety bond.
  • Real estate bond.
  • Cash deposit (or deposit of negotiable securities, such as stocks, bonds, etc.).
• Certificate of self-insurance.
  • This option is only available to businesses and religious organizations.

Optional Car Insurance

Accidents can be extremely costly, and you might find that the minimum car insurance limits Missouri requires don’t adequately cover the damages. The following types ofoptional coverage will afford you additional protection:

• Comprehensive – Helps cover costs of damage to your vehicle that result from an event that is not an accident, such as severe weather or fire.
• Collision – Pays for damages to your vehicle after a collision with another car or object.
• Medical payments – Will help you pay your accident-related medical bills.
• Rental car reimbursement.
• Emergency roadside assistance.

Proof of Insurance

You must be able to show proof of Missouri car insurance when:

• Registering your vehicle.
• Renewing your plates.

In addition, you must always have proof of insurance in your vehicle.

Penalties for Failure to Show Proof

You may be asked for your proof of insurance during a traffic stop or after an accident; if you cannot show it, you (and the vehicle owner, if different) are subject to a ticket.

The officer will also notify the DOR that you were driving without insurance.

NOTE: At any time, the DOR may request that you show proof of insurance. If you cannot show it, your license will be suspended.

Insurance Violations in Missouri

Driving uninsured is illegal. If you are stopped by an officer and can’t show proof of car insurance, you are subject to a ticket (see above).

However, you are also subject to the following additional penalties:

• Assessment of 4 points on your Missouri driving record.
  • NOTE: Your license is suspended when you reach 8 points in 18 months.
• Issuance of an order of supervision.
  • This means your insurance status will be monitored by the Driver License Bureau to ensure you are maintaining the minimum MO car insurance coverage amounts.
• Suspension of your driver’s license.

License Suspensions

Failing to purchase or maintain the minimum amounts of car insurance in Missouri can have serious consequences. Your driver’s license can be suspended for up to 1 year, depending on how many suspensions you’ve had.

After an insurance-related suspension, you can only reinstate your license by:

• Showing proof of insurance.
  • You must file this proof with the DOR and maintain it for a full 3 years from the effective end date of your suspension.
  • If you fail to maintain your car insurance, your license and/or plates will be suspended again.
  • If an accident was involved, you’ll have to file an SR-22 (see below).
• Paying the applicable fee.
  • Fees range from $20 to $400, based on the number of suspensions.

SR-22

If you’re in an accident and your driver’s license is subsequently suspended for not having insurance at the time, the same reinstatement requirements will apply (see above); however, instead of showing an insurance card as proof of insurance, you will need to file an SR-22.

An SR-22 is not insurance, but rather a form certifying that you will hold the required insurance for a specific time period. In this case, you would need to hold the SR-22 for 3 years.

Insurance Policy Cancellations

If you’ve held your insurance policy for at least 60 days, you are guaranteed that your insurance company won’t cancel your policy for at least 1 year, EXCEPT if:

• Your license has been suspended.
  • Note: Your policy cannot be canceled for this reason if multiple people are insured on the policy.
• You haven’t paid your premium.

If your policy will be canceled, you are legally entitled to 30 days written notice.

Missouri Automobile Insurance Plan

In some situations, you might be denied car insurance. This typically happens when you have a history of multiple claims or a poor driving record – both of which raise the insurance company’s risk of insuring you.

If you are denied car insurance in Missouri, you’ll be sent a written explanation, which will include details on how to apply for insurance through the Missouri Automobile Insurance Plan.

This plan provides coverage to those drivers who are unable to obtain coverage on the standard market. Premiums tend to be much higher when using this avenue, so be sure to exhaust your options with private companies before applying.

Questions and Concerns

Auto insurance can be hard to navigate. For this reason, the Missouri Department of Insurance’s Division of Consumer Affairs has provided a hotline for consumers.

You can call (800) 726-7390 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays to get information and/or discuss issues and concerns.

Filing a Complaint

If you are unable to resolve a matter with your insurance company and need the Department’s help, you can file a complaint:

• Online.
• By mail or fax. Download and complete the Consumer Complaint Form.
  • Mail to the address on the form.
    OR
  • Fax to (573) 526-4898.

Determining Your MO Car Insurance Rates

When comparison-shopping for car insurance in Missouri, remember that many factors will affect your premium. However, the amount of weight certain factors are given will likely vary by provider.

Insurance companies typically use the following to set your rates:

• Your car’s:
  • Age.
  • Make.
  • Model.
• Your age.
• Your gender.
• Your credit history.
• The primary location where the vehicle is parked.
• How the vehicle is used.
• Your driving record.
• Your deductibles.
  • Higher deductibles mean lower premiums.
• How much coverage you purchase.

Auto Insurance Discounts

Discounts can be a great way to save money on car insurance. When shopping around, make sure you ask about any discounts that might apply to you. Common discounts provided by car insurance companies include:

• Multiple-policy.
• Multi-car.
• Paid-in-full.
• Transfer (switching providers).
• Automatic payment.
• Good student.
• Homeowners.

While discounts can help you get a cheaper auto insurance quote, the absolute best way to save money when you buy car insurance in Missouri is to drive safely, avoid accidents, and keep a clean driving record.

Most Stolen Cars in Missouri

Owning a car that is often targeted for theft may increase your car insurance rates.

The following is a list of the most stolen cars in Missouri for 2013, according to www.nicb.org:

1. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size).
2. Ford Pickup (Full Size).
3. Dodge Caravan.
4. Dodge Pickup (Full Size).
5. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee.
6. Chevrolet Impala.
7. Honda Accord.
8. Pontiac Grand Prix.
9. Ford Taurus.
10. GMC Pickup. 

Continue Reading…

Car Insurance in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Car Insurance

Pennsylvania car insurance laws ensure that residents have both Medical Benefits (or no-fault) coverage and Liability coverage. These requirements serve to fully protect PA drivers in case of an accident.

Learn more about PA auto insurance requirements, options, programs, and discounts.

Car Insurance Requirements

Pennsylvania law requires that all PA drivers hold BOTH:

• Medical Benefits (no-fault) coverage.
• Liability car insurance.

Medical Benefits

Pennsylvania is a no-fault state.

Your car insurance carrier will help pay for medical bills incurred by you or your passenger(s) after a car accident, regardless of which driver was determined “at fault.”

The minimum Medical Benefits coverage you must have in your car insurance policy is $5,000.

Limited or Full Tort

The main goal of no-fault insurance is to reduce the number of civil suits resulting from car accidents. When you purchase your insurance, you have two tort options:

• Option 1: Limited right to sue.
• Option 2: Full tort right to sue.

The limited tort option allows you to sue for all medical costs resulting from a car accident. This option comes with a cheaper premium, but will limit your right to sue for pain and suffering. Essentially, you can only sue for your medical costs unless the injury is very severe.

The full tort option gives you an unrestricted right to sue for BOTH:

• Medical costs.
• Pain and suffering.

This option will raise the price of your premium.

Liability Coverage

While Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, you are still required to purchase liability insurance.

Liability coverage helps cover the costs of any victims’ injuries and damages that result from a car accident that you caused.

The following minimums apply:

• Bodily Injury Liability:
  • $15,000 per person, per accident.
  • $30,000 total per accident.
• Property Damage: $5,000 per accident.

Some car insurance carriers offer a single limit of $35,000; this covers the entire liability requirement.

Proof of Insurance

PA requires you to have proof of insurance with you while driving.

Proofs of insurance must be shown during traffic stops and may be requested when you register your car.

In Pennsylvania, acceptable forms of proof of insurance include:

• An insurance ID card issued to you by your insurance carrier.
• A copy of the declaration page from your policy.
• An insurance binder.
• A signed letter from your insurance company on their official letterhead.
• A copy of your Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan application.

Insurance Violations

If the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) finds that you have driven your car without the required amount of insurance, or if you are pulled over for a traffic violation and have no car insurance, you may face the following consequences:

• A minimum fine of $300.
• 3-month suspension of your driver’s license and registration.
  • Once your suspensions are over, you will have to pay the followingrestoration fees:
    • Vehicle registration: $88.
    • Driver’s license: $88.
• Impoundment of your car.

If your car’s registration is suspended, NOBODY can legally drive it.

Optional PA Auto Coverage Types

purchase structured settlements
firm law mesothelioma
car accident lawyers los angeles
mesothelioma attorneys
structured settlement company
auto accident lawyer san francisco
mesotheolima
los angeles motorcycle accident lawyer
mesothelioma attorney florida
broward county dui lawyer
state of california car insurance
selling a structured settlement
best accident attorneys
accident attorney san bernardino
mesothelioma ct

When purchasing insurance, you’ll be given the option to buy higher limits on your medical benefits and liability coverage. You may also choose to buy the followingoptional types of auto insurance coverage:

• Collision – This will help pay for accident-related damage to your car.
• Comprehensive – This coverage type helps pay for damage to your car that resulted from an incident not involving a car collision (e.g., vandalism).
• Uninsured – This coverage type helps pay your medical bills should you get into an accident with an uninsured driver.
• Underinsured – This coverage will pay your medical expenses up to your limits that exceed the insurance coverage limits of a driver who caused an accident with you (the “at-fault” driver).
• Rental car reimbursement.
• Towing.
• Funeral.

NOTE: Collision and comprehensive coverage policies are not required by Pennsylvania law. However, if your car is being financed or leased, the bank or finance company will require you to purchase these coverages.

Stacking Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage

If you have uninsured/underinsured coverage on multiple cars, you may have the option of stacking these policies. This would increase your coverage per accident bymultiplying your uninsured/underinsured limits by the number of cars you have under your insurance plan.

While this option will increase the price of your premium, it does greatly increase your coverage limits.

Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan

Because car insurance is required in Pennsylvania, all licensed drivers areguaranteed access to auto insurance coverage.

However, note that individual car insurance companies do have the right to deny you coverage if they feel you are a high-risk driver.

If you are having a difficult time finding car insurance due to your high-risk driver status, you can purchase your insurance through the Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan.

All PA car insurance companies are required to accept applicants through the plan.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Assigned Risk Plan, call:

• (401) 946-2800.
• (800) 477-6146 (toll-free).

Determining Your Auto Insurance Rates in PA

When shopping for car insurance, several factors go into determining the rates you see on your car insurance quotes. These factors include:

• The limits of your coverage.
• Any optional coverage you purchased.
• Your deductible (the amount of your coverage you are responsible for paying).
  • The higher your deductible is, the lower your premium will be.
• Your car’s make, model, and year.
• Your driving record.
• Your credit history.

Pennsylvania auto insurance companies are NOT allowed to use the following to determine your rates:

• Age.
• Race.
• Religion.
• Nationality or ethnic group.
• Marital status.
• Job.
• Size of family.
• Place of residence.

Pennsylvania Insurance Discounts

It is always smart to ask your car insurance company about discounts when shopping for insurance.

Most Pennsylvania car insurance companies offer discounts for the following:

• Multiple policies.
• Multiple cars.
• Safety features (airbags).
• Paid-in-full status.
• Good driver status.
• Good student status.

All of the above discounts will help lower your rates, but the best way to ensure affordable coverage is to drive safely and obey all traffic laws.

Most Stolen Cars in Pennsylvania 

If you own a car that is highly targeted by thieves, you may have to pay higher car insurance rates.

The following is a list of the most stolen cars in Pennsylvania for 2013, according to www.nicb.org:

1. Honda Accord.
2. Honda Civic.
3. Ford Pickup (Full Size).
4. Toyota Camry.
5. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee.
6. Dodge Caravan.
7. Chevrolet Impala.
8. Nissan Altima.
9. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size).
10. Ford Explorer. 

Continue Reading…

Car Insurance in Maryland

Maryland Car Insurance

When registering your car in Maryland, your car insurance ID card will not be accepted as proof of insurance. Instead, your car insurance carrier will provide you with a Maryland Insurance Certification that you must sign and submit along with your registration.

Read more to learn about MD car insurance laws, programs, rates, and discounts.

Car Insurance Requirements in MD

In order to comply with Maryland car insurance laws, you must purchase all of the following:

• Liability coverage.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
• Injury protection (PIP or no-fault) coverage.

Liability Coverage

Liability car insurance helps pay for damages or bodily injury resulting from a car accident for which you are at fault.

Your liability insurance must have the following minimums:

• $30,000 for bodily injury, per person.
• $60,000 for total bodily injury, per accident.
• $15,000 for property damage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

While car insurance is required in Maryland, many drivers remain uninsured. Also, some insured drivers do not have adequate coverage to help pay for costs associated with car accidents.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps pay for your injuries and property damage when involved in a car accident caused by these drivers.

Maryland’s required uninsured/underinsured coverage minimums equal those of liability coverage (see above).

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Maryland also requires you to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP), also called no-fault car insurance.

PIP coverage will help pay for your medical costs after a car accident, regardlessof who is at fault for the accident. Once you have reached your PIP’s limits, your health insurance may be able to cover additional costs.

If you are involved in a car accident caused by another driver, that driver’s liability insurance is responsible for your medical costs even after your PIP goes into effect.

Since it is usually faster to file a claim under your own PIP, you can pay back your own PIP once your claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance is processed.

The minimum limit for PIP in Maryland is $2,500.

Optional Car Insurance Coverage

In addition to the required car insurance coverages in Maryland, most auto insurance companies offer optional coverage types, including:

• Collision – Helps pay for accident-related damages to your car.
• Comprehensive – Helps pay for non-accident related damages to your car.
• Towing and labor.
• Rental car.

NOTE: While Maryland law does not require it, you may be required to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage as part of a loan or lease agreement. If you neglect to purchase required coverage, it might be purchased for you (see below).

Forced-Placed Insurance

If your car is being financed and you fail to purchase collision and comprehensive coverages as per your loan agreement requirements, your lender may purchase these coverage types and charge you for them.

This is called forced-placed insurance, and it can be considerably more expensivethan shopping for and purchasing car insurance on your own.

Proof of Maryland Insurance

The MVA only accepts Maryland Insurance Certification forms as proof of insurance. They will not accept an insurance card or other insurance documents.

When registering your car with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), youmust submit a signed Maryland Insurance Certification (FR-19) acknowledging that you will maintain at least the minimum Maryland car insurance requirements.

The FR-19 can only be obtained through your insurance company and:

• Is valid for 30 days.
• Is free.
• Can be faxed or e-mailed to the MVA by your insurance company.

You cannot submit a photocopy of your FR-19 to the MVA.

Insurance Violations & Penalties

The MVA monitors car insurance status electronically with Maryland car insurance companies.

Your insurance carrier is required to report any cancellations or lapses in coverage to the MVA.

When the MVA is notified of any changes in your car insurance status, they will send you a request for your Maryland Insurance Certification (FR-19).

If you are found driving without insurance, you face the following penalties:

• Suspension of your:
  • Plates.
  • Registration.
• $150 fine for the first 30 days of not having car insurance.
  • $7 fine for each additional day.
• Suspended privileges to register or renew any car until your violations are cleared.
• $30 registration restoration fee once your insurance violations have been cleared.

If you are caught providing a false proof of insurance, you face:

• 1 year of imprisonment.
• A $1000 fine.

Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund

While car insurance is mandatory in Maryland, drivers with poor driving records may have difficulty finding a car insurance company willing to provide coverage.

If you cannot find car insurance through the open market, you can apply for car insurance through the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF).

The Maryland legislature created the MAIF to help provide high-risk drivers with car insurance coverage. All funding comes from the premiums paid to the MAIF. No state money goes towards the MAIF.

Visit the MAIF website for more information on applying for high-risk car insurance.

Consumer Support

Because insurance can be complex, the Maryland Insurance Administration offers consumer support to help with various car insurance issues that may arise, including:

• Resolving an insurance dispute.
• Reporting insurance fraud.

Resolving Disputes

Maryland offers two avenues to assist with disputes you may have with your insurance company:

• Rapid response.
• Written complaint.

Rapid Response Program

The Rapid Response Program is meant to assist with claims as quickly as possiblewithout requiring you to file an official complaint. For more information, call one of the following numbers:

• (410) 468-2340.
• (800) 492-6116.

Written Complaints

To submit an official written complaint, you can:

• File online at the Maryland Insurance Administration website.
• Download a property and casualty complaint form and mail it to:
  Maryland Insurance Administration
  Attn: Consumer Complaint Investigation – Property/ Casualty
  200 Saint Paul Place, Suite 2700
  Baltimore, MD 21202
• Fax a property and casualty complaint form to (410) 468-2334 or (410) 468-2307.

You may also submit a written letter to the address above. Be sure to include:

• Your:
  • Name.
  • Address.
  • Daytime and evening phone numbers.
• Insurance information:
  • Company name.
  • Policy number.
• Name of any other insurance company involved in the complaint.
• A detailed explanation of the issue.
• Copies of any relevant documents.

Car Insurance Fraud

Car insurance companies spend a large sum of money dealing with insurance fraud. Those costs get passed down to you through increases in your premium.

Car insurance fraud often involves:

• Staging car accidents.
• Falsifying or exaggerating:
  • Injuries.
  • Property damage.

To help fight car insurance fraud and help keep premiums low, you can report suspected fraud to the Maryland Insurance Administration by:

• Calling (800) 846-4069.
• Completing a property and casualty complaint and submitting it:
  • By fax: (410) 347-5350.
  • By mail:
    Maryland Insurance Administration
    200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700
    Baltimore, MD 21202

The MIA allows you to report insurance fraud anonymously.

The MIA provides a complete Consumer Guide to Insurance Fraud for anyone looking for more detailed information on this topic.

Determining Your MD Car Insurance Rates

Several factors go into determining the cost of your car insurance premium in Maryland.

When shopping for auto insurance, remember that most Maryland car insurance companies will factor in the following to determine your rates:

• Your car’s:
  • Make.
  • Model.
  • Year.
• Driving record.
• Gender.
• Age.
• Marital status.
• Credit history.
• Deductibles.
  • Your out-of-pocket expenses towards a claim.
  • The higher your deductible, the lower your premium.

MD Insurance Discounts

Taking advantage of discounts is a great way to save on car insurance. When comparing car insurance quotes, ask about any discounts you can apply towards your premium.

Most Maryland car insurance companies offer the following discounts:

• Multi-car discount.
• Homeowner’s discount.
• Good student discount.
• Safety device discount.
• Anti-theft device discount.

While discounts can help you obtain low car insurance rates, the best way to save on car insurance is to maintain a good driving record that reflects safe and violation-free driving.

Most Stolen Cars in Maryland

If your car is highly targeted for theft, you may face higher car insurance rates.

The following is a list of Maryland's most stolen cars in 2013, according to www.nicb.org:

1. Dodge Caravan.
2. Honda Accord.
3. Toyota Camry.
4. Honda Civic.
5. Ford Pickup (Full Size).
6. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee.
7. Nissan Altima.
8. Toyota Corolla.
9. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size).
10. Chrysler Town & Country. 

Continue Reading…