The answer is that Missouri is a state at fault for car accidents. Missouri requires its residents to have a minimum amount of liability coverage in their auto policies. Liability coverage should pay for your medical expenses and related damages if you're injured in an accident caused by another driver. No, Missouri is not a no-fault state when it comes to auto insurance.
Missouri is a “at-fault” or “tort” state, meaning that the person who is at fault for a car accident is responsible for paying for other people's injuries and property damage as a result of the accident. In addition, unlike no-fault states, drivers in Missouri can file lawsuits seeking compensation for even basic medical expenses after an accident. Missouri is an at-fault state in car accident claims, meaning that the driver responsible for causing an accident must pay for damages. Under the state's “pure comparative fault” system, several parties may be at fault, and their degree of liability determines how claims are resolved.
With the fault rule, the driver held responsible for the accident is legally responsible for the resulting damages. These damages include the driver's own losses, as well as any possible injuries or damages suffered by the other driver and their passengers. If the insured person does not agree with the amounts paid by the company, they can choose to seek uncompensated compensation, such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as for pain and suffering. Insurers can investigate an accident and make a decision as to the percentage of fault of all parties involved.
Even if you borrow a friend's car and neither you nor your friend have car insurance, this law will limit your recovery. As an at-fault state, Missouri represents most states in its position that each insurance company pays for damages suffered according to the degree of fault of each party involved. 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. As you can see, when it comes to auto insurance, the state of Missouri isn't one of the states that follows the no-fault rule.
Yes, the driving record of any licensed driver in your household will affect the insurance company's decision to insure your vehicle (s). Even without the accident being forgiven, some insurance companies can give you a pass if it's your first car accident with an impeccable driving record. There are only a limited number of circumstances in which an accident victim can seek compensation from the other driver's insurance company in a no-fault state. First, it must be determined which driver was at fault; then, you can decide whether to file an accident claim with your own insurance company or with the at-fault driver's insurer.
However, keep in mind that with no-fault insurance, you are not allowed to obtain compensation for pain and suffering as part of the claim. If you or the insurer dispute the value based on those sources, the only accurate determination can be made with similar commercially available vehicles. If you're at fault for a car accident, your liability insurance pays for repairs to the other driver's car and will likely cover the doctor's bills if you're injured. However, other optional forms of car insurance are available, such as collision or full risk coverage.
PIP insurance covers your medical expenses and those of your passengers after an accident, no matter who is at fault...
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