The Consequences of Driving Without Insurance in Missouri

As with most states, Missouri drivers are required to purchase a minimum amount ofliability insurance in order to meet the legal requirements of that state. Drivers must be able to present proof of that insurance, usually an insurance card, to law enforcement officers when requested to do so.

Even if a car is registered, but never driven, motorists in Missouri must obtain the liability insurance to maintain their legal standing. In fact, Missouri car insurance laws give authorities permission to ticket both the driver and the owner of the vehicle if proper proof of insurance is not submitted when requested.

What else is there to know about Missouri insurance?

The Missouri Department of Insurance has implemented severe penalties for drivers who fail to obtain enough car insurance. Even if the vehicle is insured, failure to provide proof of insurance could lead to a four point traffic convention, an order of supervision by the courts to monitor whether the car is insured, or even an order to suspend the driver’s license. Eight points in an 18 month period is all it takes for a Missouri driver to lose their driving privileges in this state.

If, for some reason, a driver manages to get their license suspended for not having adequate auto insurance, the first offense is minor. First suspension drivers in Missouri will need to provide proof of car insurance and a $20 reinstatement fee to regain their driving privileges.

If it happens again, it could be a 90 day waiting period and up to $200 with proof of insurance to be able to drive again.

Third time offenders have to wait a whole year and pay $400, plus provide proof of car insurance, before they will be allowed to operate another vehicle in Missouri. After a suspension, drivers will need to file, and keep updated, auto insurance records for three years with the state’s Department of Revenue to get their license from being suspended again.

How does Missouri handled uninsured drivers?

Missouri does not mess around with uninsured drivers. Car insurance companies in this state are required to give the Driver License Bureau regular reports on the drivers and vehicles they insure. This is matched with the registered drivers in the state to locate registered vehicles who are not insured.

Drivers who cause an accident, and are determined to be at fault, and cannot pay for the damages because of a lack of insurance may also have their license plates or driver’s license suspended. Uninsured motorists will have to wait a full twelve months before their plates or license will be reinstated. If the driver has not settled the accident claims sufficiently at the end of that year, they will not be able to have their driving rights returned until it is done.

In Summary

Missouri may seem like a state that takes auto insurance too seriously, but this is to the benefit of all drivers. A major reason whyuninsured motorist coverage exists is because an uninsured driver could cause you both physical and financial harm.

A person driving without insurance could become a hazard, so it makes sense that your insurance company would want to prevent anything bad from happening. Living in a state that takes it just as seriously is just as comforting.

Check what your current provider offers, and make sure that you have state minimum requirements so that you’re in accordance with Missouri laws. That way you won’t have to worry about being in violation of state laws while you’re on the road.