Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Seniors in Missouri
Missouri requires this coverage on every policy, and for older drivers it often matters more than the state minimum suggests.
Yes, and Missouri requires it
Missouri law requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage, and most drivers carry it as part of their policy. It pays for your injuries when the other driver caused the crash and has no insurance, or not enough to cover what you're owed.
For a driver 65 or older, this coverage matters for a plain reason. If you're hurt in a crash, recovery often takes longer and costs more, and your own health insurance or Medicare may not cover everything a liability claim would. Uninsured motorist coverage is often the only way to recover those costs when the other driver can't pay.
How much coverage you carry
Missouri sets a minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage, but you can buy more. The minimum was written decades ago and hasn't kept pace with medical costs, so it can run out quickly after a serious injury.
For an older driver, this is worth a second look. A broken hip or a long hospital stay costs more to treat and takes longer to recover from than it might for a younger person, and that gap between the minimum coverage and the real cost falls on you.
Ask your insurer what your current limit is and what it would cost to raise it. Many drivers find the difference in premium is small compared to the difference in protection.
Whether you also carry underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage pays when the other driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist coverage is a separate piece that pays when the other driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your injuries. Missouri treats these as related but distinct coverages, and some policies include one without the other.
This distinction matters because most at-fault drivers do carry some insurance, just often not much. If you only have uninsured coverage, a driver with minimal insurance can still leave you short.
Check your declarations page or ask your agent whether both coverages are on your policy, and what the limit is for each.
Questions people ask about this
Does uninsured motorist coverage cost more for drivers over 65 in Missouri?
It depends on your insurer, since each one weighs age and driving record differently. Some insurers offer discounts for completing an approved driver safety course, which can offset any increase. Ask your insurer directly how they price this coverage for your age group.
Can I use uninsured motorist coverage if I'm a passenger, not the driver?
Yes, uninsured motorist coverage generally follows you as a person, not just the vehicle, so it can apply whether you're driving, a passenger, or even a pedestrian hit by an uninsured driver. The details depend on your specific policy, so ask your insurer how your coverage applies in those situations.
Does my health insurance or Medicare cover injuries from an uninsured driver instead?
Medicare and most health insurance will cover your medical treatment regardless of who caused the crash, but they don't cover lost income, pain and suffering, or other costs a liability claim would. Uninsured motorist coverage fills that gap. Check with Medicare or your health plan about any reimbursement rules that might apply if you later recover money through a claim.
What happens if the uninsured driver who hit me has no assets either?
Your uninsured motorist coverage pays out regardless of whether the other driver has money or assets, since the claim goes through your own insurer rather than through the other driver. This is the main reason the coverage exists. Your insurer may still try to recover costs from the other driver afterward, but that doesn't affect your payout.
Should I drop uninsured motorist coverage if I rarely drive anymore?
Driving less doesn't reduce your risk as a passenger, pedestrian, or in the rare crash that does happen, so dropping this coverage mainly removes protection without much premium savings. Ask your insurer what dropping it would actually save you before deciding, since the reduction is often smaller than people expect.
See how your coverage compares before you decide whether to change it.
Pull out your current policy's declarations page and find your uninsured and underinsured motorist limits. Call your insurer or agent and ask directly whether both coverages are included and what raising the limits would cost. If you've had any health changes or new medical needs, mention that too, since it can affect how much coverage makes sense for you. Compare what you find against quotes from other insurers to see whether you're getting a fair price for the protection you want. Do this before your next renewal, not after a letter arrives telling you the price went up.
