Both the states of Missouri and Kansas require motor vehicle drivers to have car insurance if they plan on operating motor vehicles in the state. Regardless of whether you recently purchased your first vehicle or are upgrading what you drive, insurance coverage is vital.
Kansas and Missouri both only require motorists to carry basic types of car insurance, though additional coverage can be acquired to give you additional protection, particularly if you end up in a crash with a motorist who lacks adequate insurance.
Motorists in Kansas and Missouri must carry certain minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person. These legal minimums include bodily injury as well as property damage liability insurance. Bodily injury liability addresses medical costs as well as other expenses faced by people involved in car crashes who are held financially liable. Bodily injury liability will also pay a negligent driver’s legal fees if a person is sued.
Understanding Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is typically written as three separate numbers – e.g. $25/$50/$25. The first number addresses the maximum insurance coverage per person involved in the crash. The second number addresses the total amount that the insurance company pays out per accident. If a person is involved in a wreck with multiple individuals and their expenses are greater than their policy limits, a person can be held responsible for any subsequent damages. The last number is property damage and addresses any damage caused to another person’s property if an accident occurs that was not that person’s fault. This damage can include the other motorist’s vehicle or stationary objects that were impacted in a crash. Absent an insurance company’s bad faith in handling a claim, a motorist’s policy only pays up to the limit that is purchased. This way, if additional damage exists, a person might be held liable for the resulting damage.
The Role of Deductibles
In addition to policy limits, one of the most challenging elements involved with motor vehicle insurance is deductibles, particularly for motorists who have never been involved in crashes. Similar to other types of insurance, a motor vehicle insurance provider requires a person to pay a certain amount of out-of-pocket coverage before coverage applies. The higher the deductible that a person pays, the lower the premium or the amount that a person pays for insurance. Choosing whether to utilize higher deductibles for a lower premium or whether the opposite is a more suitable arrangement can be a complex decision.
Limits of Insurance Coverage: Obtain the Assistance of an Experienced Accident Attorney
Selecting the appropriate insurance policy from the correct provider has the potential to be one of the most difficult parts of vehicle ownership. While you might not need the best motor vehicle insurance possible, having a policy that at the very least includes collision and underinsured as well as uninsured motorist coverage can prove advantageous. Regardless of how much insurance you have or how carefully you drive, the risk of accidents always exists. If you have been impacted by an accident and someone else is responsible, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact House Law LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Tags: auto insurance, car insurance, insurance
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