Insurance laws vary from state to state, but every state requires some type of car insurance or proof of financial responsibility in order to operate a motor vehicle. Both Missouri and Illinois law requires that all motor vehicle drivers and owners maintain some type of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage.
The minimum level of coverage required by Missouri state law is:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property
The minimum level of coverage required by Illinois state law is:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $20,000 per accident for property
The car accident lawyers at Burger Law know the ins and outs of insurance laws in both states. If you have been in an auto accident and are unsure about the parameters of the insurance laws, we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online.
Under Missouri Revised Statute § 303.160, there are three ways to meet the state’s requirements of the insurance law. For each type of insurance, you will receive an insurance identification card that must be kept in the vehicle at all times. You must have one of the following in effect on each motor vehicle you own or operate:
- A motor vehicle liability insurance policy that meets the minimum liability insurance limits of “25/50/25.”
- Proof of financial responsibility filed with the Missouri Department of Revenue
- A certificate of self-insurance – for a company or religious organization – issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue
If your driving privilege and/or license plates are suspended for not having insurance, the following suspension periods will apply:
- 1st suspension = 0 days, $20 reinstatement fee
- 2nd suspension in two years = 90 days, $200 reinstatement fee
- 3rd and subsequent suspension = 1 year, $400 reinstatement fee
In Illinois, under 625 ILCS 5/7-601 the penalty for driving without insurance is a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 and a license suspension of up to 3 months with a $100 reinstatement fee.