(Revised 6/2005)
Educational
Guide to
Automobile
Insurance
Who needs auto insurance?
Suppose you have an auto accident and you hurt or kill someone, damage someone else’s property or
damage your own car. If you are found legally responsible, Missouri’s Motor Vehicle Financial
Responsibility Law requires you to pay for the other person’s injuries and damages. If you can’t pay,
you can lose your driving privileges or even risk a criminal conviction and time in jail.
Most Missourians rely on automobile liability insurance to prove they are financially responsible.
Automobile liability insurance protects you from paying a large amount of money at the time of an
accident if the accident is your fault and protects the victims against their losses. Besides liability and
uninsured motorist insurance, you may also want to consider insuring your car against damages caused
by collision, fire, theft, windstorm or hail.
When deciding to buy automobile insurance, or any other insurance, you should ask:
·
How much of my property can I afford to lose if it is damaged or stolen?
· What property could be damaged or stolen and how much does it cost to replace?
·
If I am sued by someone who suffered injuries because of my carelessness, how would I pay the
legal costs and possible damage awards?
Read this guide carefully to learn how you can protect yourself against these and other risks. Don’t rush
into purchasing insurance coverage. Get all of the facts and think carefully before buying. You and your
family have to live with the consequences of your decision. For more information on insurance
companies you can access our Web site at http://insurance.mo.gov
Selecting an insurance agent/producer
A licensed agent/producer can help you purchase insurance coverage. They can inform you about the
types of policies available and how you can best protect yourself. They should assist you in filing claims
and making sure your claims are settled promptly and fairly. Agents/producers must be licensed by the
Missouri Department of Insuran