Missouri law requires that all drivers and owners of motor vehicles maintain some type of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. Unfortunately, every year thousands of Missourians are involved in car accidents involving drivers who have not maintained the required auto insurance. Nearly every state has some type of car insurance requirement. Many states allow drivers to meet the minimum requirements in a variety of ways, including through a bond, deposits, self-insurance vouchers, or taking out an auto insurance policy.
New Hampshire doesn't require car insurance, but you must show that you can be financially responsible for the damage you cause before you give up a policy, and there are minimum limits if you decide to buy coverage. There are several states, such as Michigan, Minnesota and New Jersey, where drivers must have liability and personal injury protection coverage. However, keep in mind that giving up traditional car insurance is often a much more expensive option in the long term or if you're involved in an accident. If they cause damage in that situation, their insurance policy would be the main coverage, while yours would be the secondary coverage, as long as you can show that you didn't give them permission to use your car.
Collision coverage pays for physical damage to your car as a result of your car's collision with an object, such as a tree or other car. Many additional optional coverages are available, such as rent reimbursement, which pays for a car rental if the car is in the workshop after a covered claim, roadside assistance or towing insurance, and comprehensive glass coverage, which pays for the repair or replacement of broken window glass, with no deductible. In some states, car insurance with minimal coverage also includes PIP and coverage for uninsured drivers, which can help pay for your injuries in a variety of scenarios. As for the types of coverage, a minimum car insurance policy typically includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage, and provides the minimum amount of coverage you should have in that state.
If you're insured and you cause an accident in a friend's car, the main coverage is their insurance, not yours. However, you should confirm with your car insurance company or agent that you are covered in Canada before crossing the border. Because Missouri law requires insurance, you can face multiple penalties if you're caught driving without it, including fines and the suspension of your license and registration. Your liability insurance never covers your own expenses, so you'll need collision insurance, personal injury protection (PIP), or MedPay to avoid paying out of pocket for an accident where you were at fault.
If you don't have insurance and you drive your friend's car, your friend is in trouble for any damage you cause. Full coverage just means that you've added comprehensive and collision protection, which add financial protection in case of damage to your vehicle and are probably necessary if you have a loan or lease. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your car caused by almost every other cause, including fires, adverse weather conditions, vandalism, floods, and theft. In that case, your insurance would only have to take effect to cover gaps in your insurance policy or if your insurance ran out before the damages were fully covered.
By comparing prices, you can pay more than the minimum insurance required without breaking the bank.
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