Understand the policy
How the coverage pieces fit together
An Auto policy can contain required and optional coverages. Each coverage answers a different question, and limits, deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements shape how the policy works.
Liability coverage
Liability coverage addresses your legal responsibility for bodily injury or property damage covered by the policy. Missouri currently requires minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Uninsured and underinsured motorists
Missouri currently requires uninsured-motorist bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Underinsured-motorist coverage is a separate option that may be available when an at-fault driver does not have enough insurance for a covered loss.
Collision and comprehensive
Collision generally addresses covered damage to your vehicle from a collision. Comprehensive generally addresses covered damage from events such as theft, hail, fire, flood, vandalism, or contact with an animal.
Medical-related options
Medical Payments coverage may help with covered medical expenses for you and passengers, subject to the policy. Ask how available medical-related options coordinate with the rest of the policy.
Rental and roadside options
Rental reimbursement and towing or roadside assistance may be available as optional coverages. Availability, triggers, limits, and service arrangements depend on the policy and insurer.
Limits and deductibles
A limit is the maximum amount a coverage may pay under its terms. A deductible is an amount the insured may be responsible for before certain coverage pays. Changing either can affect both protection and cost.
"Full coverage" is not a standardized policy. Ask which specific coverages, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements are included rather than relying on the phrase alone.
Read the Missouri Auto Insurance Requirements guide for a focused explanation of required and optional coverage.